Hime led the group, trying to find a safe place to meet up with the rest of their group. She stopped when she saw Francis waiting at a door.
“Oh? You are back so soon?” he asked.
“The exit has been burned down…and the monster might be coming soon, it’s best we go somewhere safe,” Hime explained.
Francis nodded, “Alright. Sounds like a plan to me~”
Francis joined their group and followed. They ran into Mocha next. Hime explained to her what had happened. She nodded and listened patiently.
“Burned down?! That…that really bites… I guess we’ll have to try another exit.
Jenny and Kiki were just up ahead when I last saw them, so we should meet up with them,” she said.
Hime ushered everyone into the small room and shut the door behind her. She leaned up against it for safe keeping. She scanned the room. Good. Mocha was right. Jenny and Kiki were there. Danni explained to Jenny and Kiki all that had occurred.
“Seriously?! Burned down?!” Kiki cried, “And I thought we could finally get out…”
“Wow…So…We’re all here in this tiny room. Rather cramped, isn’t it? If only we had checkers!” Jenny joked.
Danni groaned and hit her head with her palm.
Hime sat down and sighed in relief.
“Thank God! Thank God! I was worried…that…for a minute there…We almost lost Dino…What a relief…”
“Even though we found each other…The situation has not improved!” Dino cried,
“We’re still locked up here and that monster is going to find us any minute.”
“Don’t be such a Debbie Downer, Dino! Someone will notice we are gone and come looking for us.” Danni cheered, “I’m sure at the very least Luna will come looking for us.”
Hime blinked and stood up, her eyebrows furrowed together, “How odd…It’s as if…I am forgetting something…”
“Besides…We still need to fix time.” Kiki said, “I am sure there are more clocks we can break. And when we do that we can escape.”
“It is our best plan…Though it would be nice to rest to regain our strength back…”Dante said, “We are tired…Not just from fighting, but from running. That can take a toll on us, even those of us who are immortal need a rest.”
Hime felt as if Dante was also addressing her.
“Maybe…escaping is impossible. And now…We’re probably going to be eaten one by one, Danni. At least…That is what I would do if I were that…THING…” Dino tsked, crossing his arms.
Chero closed her eyes, as if hiding tears.
“That’s right…Dino said that then Danni and I got mad at him…” Hime thought.
“That’s enough!” Kiki shouted, “There are many ways out of this mansion. We just need one. Both of you need to calm down.”
“Sorry…” they both said.
“What is it I am forgetting?!” Hime rubbed her temples, searching her brain for an answer, “Remember! I have to remember if I don’t…”
Dino sighed, “Danni…I’m sorry. And thank you, Dante…for what you did for me back there. This time I intend to make it up to you. I will not be a burden next time.”
“Regret again…”
"Dino. But, Dino…It’s ok!” Chero said.
“No. If I can’t protect my friends and family when I have the chance…Then all of my training with Reborn has gone to waste…At the very least I should not be a burden. I should be able to protect you.”
Dino smiled at Chero, “I’m sorry to you, amore. You have been so strong and I really appreciate it…”
“What…? Oh. Um…Thanks…” Chero said, quietly.
“I think we will be able to get out! Il va bien se passer!” Francis encouraged.
“Please…Please, if you get out, just keep running. No matter what don’t look back! Don’t forget about me, don’t blame me, don’t cry, and time-” Chero cried, tears forming in her eyes.
“Chero, you’re shaking…” Mocha said.
“Time…? After that line…”Hime thought.
Hime eyes went wide as realization dawned on her.
“CHERO!!” Hime cried.
The door burst open, the monster stood behind Chero.
Jenny gasped, and Kiki jumped.
“CHERO!” Hime screamed.
Chero stood in front of the monster with tears rolling down her cheeks, “It was scary…But…But. It was fun.”
She smiled a little.
“CHEROOO!!” Dino shouted.
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AND end of chapter. KUFUFU! I LEAVE YOU WITH A CLIFF HANGER. I have the next chapter written...I just don't have time to post it before I go has nommies with my best friend Tessa. SOOO...When I get back...you may have more.
