User blog:Cartoonprincess/Somnium: Chapter 4 The Fate of an Extraordinary Friendship

'This chapter is dedicated to One Singular Sensation. Even though a parade-like scene was already planned for the story, I added your line to this chapter to acknowledge your love of parades. You're welcome. ;)'

' NOTE : This chapter was surprisingly ''hard for me to write. You see, even though I have imagined us meeting several times and in several different ways, this was not one of the ways I previously imagined. The reason it is a week late is because last weekend was kind of a rough weekend and I even considered discontinuing the story because of it. However, writing this chapter made me feel a lot better and now I couldn't be more proud of how it turned out. ^_^ (I highly reccomend you go back and read the previous 3 chapters, if oyu haven't yet. Otherwise, you will miss out on important foreshadowing for later.) Damn, I talk a lot. Just ignore this and read the chapter. xP'''

Chapter 4: The Fate of an Extraordinary Friendship



           Melodious sounds of nature echoed through the cottage and beckoned Isabel out of bed early, the next morning. She promptly dashed for the door. Once outside, she noticed her purple bike, leaning next to a tree. Suddenly, she was glad her father had forced her to learn how to ride, the previous year. Isabel hopped on and slowly pedaled through the dirt trail that went through the entirety of the park.

           As she rode, she took a deep breath and basked in the beauty of her paradise. It was a portrait of the perfect spring day. The sun was rising and shined through the green leaves of the tall trees. She passed by various cartoon characters that greeted her along the way.

           “Hey, Izzy!” They said.

           “Hey, guys!” She waved cheerfully from her bike.



           Isabel smiled. She was beginning to get used to the idea of living in her fantasy world. The way she saw it, to go back to her real life was to dive back into a sea of people that got on her nerves; that she couldn’t relate to and didn’t fit in with; that most of the time didn’t seem to notice or care about her. Meanwhile, in her fantasy world, she could live out her daydreams and be free of distractions and responsibilities. Plus, it’s not like she would ever be lonely, because she would always be in the company of her beloved Cartoon Pals. Now, Isabel was in a place where everything was exactly the way she wanted it to be and nothing could ever go wrong.

           “What are you doing..?” A stern, shrill voice stopped Isabel in her tracks. It was Sydney, of course.

           Isabel cringed slightly, “Riding my bike…”

           “Riding your—have you even had breakfast, yet!?”

           “No…” Isabel replied in an annoyed tone.

           “Well, sheesh; it’s the most important meal of the day, Izzy! Here, come with me, you’ve gotta try the breakfast bar…”

           “N-Honestly, I’m okay here…”

           “BREAKFAST BAR!” Sydney insisted.

           Isabel rolled her eyes and slumped on her handle bars, “Ugh, Sydney…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Hey, listen, I’m not going to be around much longer, I just thought we could spend whatever time I have left together!” Sydney was becoming emotionally aggravated.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Isabel groaned and squinted her eyes, “A guilt-trip!? Really!? This is how you encourage me to spend time with you!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Well…considering it’s kind of your fault I’m dying…” Sydney mumbled.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Oh, come on! How was I supposed to know that would happen!? How was I supposed to know any of this would happen…?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Sydney was growing inpatient, “…BREAKFAST BAR!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Oh, come on Sydney…wait, Sydney no! Don’t grab my arm, again! Come on, Sydney please…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           On that note, she then dragged Isabel to the infamous breakfast bar, leaving the bike to plop itself on the dirt road.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           It didn’t end up being a very long walk. They both strolled nonchalantly into a charming eating establishment; similar to a diner. Inside, several of Isabel’s Cartoon Pals were already eating and socializing. Loud, catchy music played.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “We’ll have 2 strawberry shakes, please.” Sydney casually ordered as she sat on the stool. Mac nodded from behind the counter.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Well, what if I didn’t want a shake!?” Isabel asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Oh, trust me, you want these shakes…” Sydney reassured her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Suddenly, Mac from Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends appeared with the two pink shakes; complete with loads of whipped cream and a cherry on top.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Thanks, Mac!” Sydney winked and clicked her tongue.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Isabel was a tad freaked out by her surroundings. Nevertheless, she rolled with it.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Izzy, come on! You’ve gotta check out the buffet!” Sydney said with a smile.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Reluctantly, Isabel followed her; happy that she wasn’t being dragged. She quickly cheered up when she saw the astonishing array of breakfast foods being offered. There seemed to be an unlimited amount of waffles, pancakes, French toast, omelets, eggs, bacon, her favorite breads, fruits, berries and cereals, as well as fresh milk and orange juice. To the side was a delicious variety of syrups, butters, jams, chocolate chips and of course, more whipped cream. There was even cinnamon and brown sugar.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Isabel needed a minute to take it all in. Her eyes widened in delight as she grabbed a plate and took one of everything.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">As she finished attacking her waffle with whipped cream, she was once again interrupted by an obnoxious, shrill voice.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“IZZY! HURRY UP! IT’S ALMOST 10AM!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel grimaced and looked over to see Sydney grinning and sipping her milkshake. Of course, she looked all adorable and innocent; she was created to be impossible to hate, no matter how annoying she got.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“As if time would matter in a place like this…” Isabel mumbled as she tried to carry all her plates back to the stool.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Once Isabel sat down, Sydney prompted to make an announcement, “Alright, people, y’all have had your breakfast; time to GET OUT! My girl Izzy and I need some alone time…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">In an instant, everyone filed out. The music died down.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel blinked in shock, “Wow, you act like you run the place…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney shrugged, “I might as well, I’m the character that means the most to you, anyway…or at least I used to be…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">There was an awkward pause as Sydney rubbed the rim of her empty milkshake glass. Isabel bit her lip in guilt.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney chuckled as she spoke again, “You know, I was acting so peppy and cheerful yesterday, for some reason…I was acting like Lilly…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“…Is she still alive?” Isabel asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney smirked, “Psh, no! She’s long gone,” She sighed sadly, “along with the rest of ‘em…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“They were your best friends…” Isabel recalled.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney sighed again, “Yeah…you created the perfect clan; Lilly, Roger, Jessie, Cassie, Jared and me…along with the few others you didn’t create.”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Right, right…” Isabel nodded as she thought back to the glory days when she used to constantly come up with stories and situations for these characters.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney continued to reminisce, “Man, I miss when this place was at its peak…back when you were 12, and then again when you were 15…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Yeah…” Isabel solemnly remembered how easily inspired she was back then…and how much happier she was. “I know my company doesn’t make up for you losing your best friend…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Meh, you’ll do,” Sydney said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">There was another long pause as Isabel began to casually play with her milkshake straw.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“…Sydney, is there something wrong with me?” She asked finally.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney chuckled lightly, “…What?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I mean, all my life, I’ve felt like something’s been a little off about me; not quite normal. This thing I do; running around creating characters and plotlines and acting them out….that’s odd, right?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney appeared to be a little confused and thrown off by the question Isabel was posing, “Um…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I think I might have a mental disorder…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney finished sucking the last of her milkshake, “You know, it’s funny you should mention that. Most people think that those who have mental disorders have a hard time distinguishing reality from fantasy, but what’s really happening is that reality and fantasy are mixing and the rest of the world can’t see the fantasy part leaking out…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Wow. That must be so hard for them…” Isabel said softly with a touch of guilt.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“It is,” Sydney nodded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel pondered on this for a moment then smiled and said, “…but you’re going all textbook on me, again…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">They both shared a brief chuckle.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“It’s not just mental, though,” Isabel continued, “it’s emotional, too. Sometimes I just scare myself with my mood swings; I mean, lately, my life has just been a huge series of highs and lows, and my emotions have been all over the place, and I don’t know if it’s just ‘cuz I’m a teen or if I’m possibly bipolar or maybe just depressed…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Sydney interrupted, “Now, now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, here…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Isabel went on, “and it’s not just mental and emotional; it’s also social. Whenever I’m around people, I always freeze up, and the stuff that comes out of my mouth is always stupid and incoherent. I’m so socially awkward, and I’m terribly quiet; always afraid to speak my mind…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Sydney listened intently.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           After a concise moment of thought, Isabel said, “…I wasn’t like you; I wasn’t all aggressive and assertive. I mean, I couldn’t just drag someone away if I didn’t like them…but I guess that’s why I created you and made you my alter-ego; so I could pretend to be all bold, sassy and confident in my mind…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           At that, Sydney smiled with an emotional twinkle in her eye, “How ‘bout one for the road, Mac?” Her voice broke faintly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Mac slid a bottle of Dr. Pepper to Isabel.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Oh, thanks!” Isabel said. She opened the bottle and sweet soda goodness sizzled to the top. “…but ever since I found the wiki, all of that changed…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “Ugh, here we go, again…” Sydney rolled her eyes and walked away.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           “…for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel like a loser and I actually felt like I belonged somewhere. All my insecurities went away and I could finally speak my mind. They didn’t make me feel like anything was wrong with me…” Isabel sighed sadly, “but that was my past life…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Suddenly, Isabel realized that Sydney had left. “…Wow, she demands that I spend time with her and then she abandons me…unbelievable! …And now I’m talking to myself! Heh! Mac, there is something wrong with me!” She looked over at Mac who stared timidly back at her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Isabel then decided to get the heck out of the breakfast bar. She opted to look for her bike and perhaps begin riding again, as she was merrily doing before she was so rudely interrupted.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%;">           Little did she know that there were other living, breathing individuals that were simultaneously lurking around in her fantasy world. Outside the cottage, one by one, they began to appear.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">One of the first to pop up was a tall, bald, young man who looked to be in about his early 20’s. He also happened to be a user on the iCarly wiki named SlappyWiggins, or Slappy to his friends. Completely unaware of how he ended up in a park, he became very cautious and wary of his surroundings.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Strolling down the dirt trail was an equally confused, blonde, teenaged girl who looked about 14. This lovely young lady happened to be DoubleCross♥ on the iCarly wiki, but everyone called her xx.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Though Slappy knew xx from the wiki, he did not know what she looked like, which was the case for most of the users unless they had voluntarily shown themselves through a picture or video chat. Therefore, he did not recognize her. However, upon seeing another life form, Slappy was quick to approach her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Hey…um, do you happen to know where I am or how I got here..?” he asked her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I haven’t the slightest idea…” she responded in a concerned British accent. Another teenaged girl, this one darker-haired and around 15, came walking from behind. It was the infamously feisty user from the wiki, PurpleJerk.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Slappy looked over, “Um, hey, do you know where we are or how we got here..?” he asked again.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The girl responded in a Czech accent, “Psh! How should I know!? The last thing I remember was going to bed and the next thing I knew; when I woke up, I wound up here…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The blond and the bald man both nodded. “Yeah, that happened to me, too...” Slappy said. “Same!” chirped the blonde.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Meanwhile, on the other side of the park, the confusion was even more evident. Yet another young, dark-haired, teenaged girl was wandering sternly and exhaustedly throughout the setting. This strong, determined female was Alica123; an administrator, bureaucrat, and well-loved user on the iCarly wiki, who went by Alica. Finally, she put her hands on her hips and heaved a great sigh. “Where am I…?” she asked herself.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“You tell me!” another British accent yelled loudly from behind a tree. This girl had light brown hair and looked slightly frazzled and out of it. It was Magicboots, who went by Becky. She was one of Alica’s dearest friends, though they had been growing apart as of late.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Alica looked curiously back at her, vaguely recognizing her face but not able to remember where she knew it from. “…Hi,” she said softly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Becky stifled a chuckle, “You sound funny…where are you from?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Alica narrowed her eyes in slight annoyance, “Austria…” she responded quietly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">In that instant, Becky’s eyes widened, “…Really?” she said in sizeable disbelief. She chortled, “Well, I don’t think you’re in Austria, anymore!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Alica rolled her eyes, “Yeah, obviously…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Becky anxiously bit her lip, “You know, I actually have a friend from Austria…you may know her…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The dark-haired girl blinked meekly, “Yeah, I happen to have a friend from England, as well…a couple, as a matter of fact…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The light brown-haired girl smirked, “Well, lucky you!” She held out her hand, “The name’s Becky, by the way…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">All of a sudden, Alica’s face became possessed with shock, “B-Becky..?” she stuttered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Becky smiled, “Yeah, what’s your name!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Suddenly overcome with emotion, she choked out, “I’m…Alica…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">They both began to hyperventilate as their eyes twinkled in silent elation.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">As all this was happening, Isabel was still frantically searching for her bike. She was becoming increasingly impatient and frustrated, “Ugh, I feel like I’ve been walking in circles!” she said hopelessly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Ditto!” a deep voice uttered from behind her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel was startled and slowly turned around to see who it was. It was a large man with long, curly black hair going down to his shoulders. It was Mak23686; another highly respected user and bureaucrat on the wiki. He went by Mak.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Upon seeing him, Isabel tilted her head in both suspicion and fascination, “Do I know you..? You seem kind of…familiar…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Um…I don’t think so,” Mak responded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“H-How did you get here..?” Isabel asked timidly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I wish I knew…” he responded forlornly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Feeling remorseful for the poor man, Isabel decided to abandon her distrust and open her arms to him in kindness.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Well…what’s your name..?” she asked with a friendly smile.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Before Mak could respond, they were randomly interrupted by blood-curdling screams of excitement.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“ALICA!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“BECKY!” “ALICA!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“BECKY!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">It was Alica and Becky. Thrilled to have finally met each other, they shrieked at the top of their lungs as they ran side by side down the trail.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Everything suddenly dawned on Isabel at that moment. She abruptly spit the Dr. Pepper she was drinking all over Mak’s face, as her heart began to race, “…Oh, my god…” she said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“…Wait…Alica? Becky!?” Mak couldn’t believe his eyes. He ran wildly into the crowd.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Lured by the screaming, everyone else instigated to come out. They all murmured the names of the two screaming users under their breath in a bout of sudden awareness and keen interest.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Slappy was particularly intrigued and came out from hiding in the bushes, “…Alica, is that you..?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Slappy…?” Alica was taken aback with astonishment.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Hey, Booty!” a user named a Reasonable Seddier sunnily greeted Becky.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">She blushed, “…Reason!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The situation was becoming progressively apparent, as other users started to come out and identify one another. Many beloved and well-known users on the wiki started to yelp each other’s names out in astounded amazement.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Tash!?” a user named Candycoateddoom exclaimed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Candy!?” a user named Tash1 shouted back in exhilaration.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Tash!? Candy!? No way…” a user named Itzxlucy let out an overjoyed squeal.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel, who was still stiff with an overwhelming, paralyzing shock, suddenly snapped out of her dreamy daze, “Oh, my god…” her voice cracked. She ran screaming down the hill in absolute ecstasy.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Taking full advantage of the fact that she was hot now, Isabel took the liberty of letting her hair flow in the wind as she made her way to her incredible destination. There was a brief moment of stunned silence before everything clicked and all the users recognized her. The rest was a bit of a blur.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“TOON!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“SEAPEE!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“CARTOON!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“TOONY!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“CP!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“PRINCESS!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Every other second one of Isabel’s many internet nicknames came blasting through her eardrums. It took a while for her to realize that she was being smushed and attacked by an army of adoring wiki buddies.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">When she was finally able to get everyone off of her, she attempted to calm herself down. However, the repose didn’t last for long…

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“LOONY!” a euphoric Churchpants hollered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“CHOOCHOO!” Isabel’s head exploded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“LOONY!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“CHOOCHOO!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“LOONY!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“CHOOCHOO!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">They continued to yell out each other’s names as they ran over to hug each other. Churchpants was one of Isabel’s very first and closest friends on the wiki.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“CHUNT!” a user named Seddiafoeva exclaimed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“SEDDIA!” Churchpants shrieked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Hello, Cpants; Cprincess!” a user named MaryanHPotterFan98 sweetly saluted.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“MARYAN!” Churchpants yelled.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Hi, guys!” a user named Rosaliethebrave said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“ROSALIE!” Churchpants yelled again.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">This went on for a couple hours, as various users continued to recognize and explode with excitement over each other’s presence.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Finally, as all the jubilation started to die down, Isabel made her way down to the edge of the park.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Hey, did you forget about me, Toon?” Slappy said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Slappy!” Isabel emotionally ran to embrace him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The hug was a bit shorter than imagined.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Hey, Toon!” a shy voice said from behind.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“TASH!” Isabel freaked out and ran over to greet and hug him. Once again, however, the hug was cut short.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“TASH!” Lucy scolded as she and Candy motioned for him to come with them. As they walked off, Slappy shook his head in disgust at Isabel.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“What!?” Isabel asked innocently. Slappy continued to shake his head.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">All of a sudden, an exquisite silhouette appeared in the horizon. Isabel squinted her eyes and as soon as she could barely make out the face, she became totally enraptured.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“TUUUUUUUUBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAA!!!!” She jumped for joy and ran urgently towards her unparalleled best friend forever on the wiki, Samlovesham.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“CAAAAAAARRRRRRRRTOOOOOONNN!!!!” She eagerly responded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The moment their bodies integrated in a tender squeeze, they both burst into tears. This had been long overdue.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“OMG! It’s NHB!” a user named TaraBridgette acknowledged her New Hampshire Buddy.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Yes, it sure is…” a depraved user named DryYoshi agreed as he got uncomfortably closer. Tara winced slightly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel was still tightly hugging Samlovesham, when suddenly Sydney approached the scene.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel let go of Samlovesham, “Oh, hey Sydney! You’ll never believe what happened while you were gone!” she grinned widely.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney brusquely dropped her things, “What the—what are they doing here!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel smirked, “I don’t know, they’re all just here…” she answered simply.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney scowled, “Uh huh, you’re coming with me!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Oh…no, wait, Sydney, not the dragging, again, please…people are watching…ughhh…” Isabel whined incoherently as Sydney dragged her all the way across the park and into the cottage.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Do you know who that was…?” Alica asked Mak.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“No clue…” he responded. Samlovesham looked anxiously at him.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> Sydney slammed the cottage door, furiously. “What is going on, here!?” she demanded.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“How am I supposed to know!!??” Isabel asked helplessly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney let out a quick, heated moan, “Ugh, god damnit Izzy, I’m already dying, are you trying to give me a heart attack!!??”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel had a desperate, clueless look on her face, “I don’t understand. What’s the problem? It’s just my wiki buddies…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney briefly staggered in dread and distress, “…Wait…these are your…” she gagged, “online friends…?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“…Yeah…” Isabel hesitantly replied.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">At that, Sydney’s eyes widened in terror. She frantically began to pace back and forth, “Oh, no….oh, no….oh, god no…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel panicked, “…What!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“How did they get here!? ...Were you thinking about them!?” Sydney stopped pacing and bellowed in alarm.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel fell silent and twiddled her thumbs, “My thoughts may have wandered to them, last night…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney groaned, “Oh, Izzy…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I MISSED THEM!” Isabel angrily tried to defend herself.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“You do realize that they’re now stuck here with you, right!?” Sydney crossed her arms with an irritated expression.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Great…so this is my fault…again,” Isabel sighed despondently.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Actually…I don’t think you did this…but I don’t know who else could possibly be responsible…” Sydney stated.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“But I still don’t see what the big deal is; it’s so great and amazing that they’re here. I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time…” Isabel said dejectedly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney took a deep breath and tried to regain her composure before attempting to explain, “The thing is, you’re potentially putting them in grave danger by keeping them here…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“WHAT!? DANGER!!??” Isabel became hysterical.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Izzy, it’s okay…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“No, it’s not okay; I can’t let anything bad happen to them! I’d never forgive myself!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Why do you care so much!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“…Wh-What do you mean why do I care!? They’re my wiki buddies; they mean the world to me…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney was stern, “You barely know them…

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel lightly scoffed and chuckled softly, “No one knows them better than I do…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Listen to me Izzy, you guys aren’t alone here; there’s someone out there who could potentially be after you and could try to take over…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Y-You’re talking about that thing that you were talking about, before! That thing you refuse to tell me about!” Isabel was in frenzy.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I just don’t want to lay too much on you at once!” Sydney was fuming.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel groaned in irritation, “Are you always going to be the bearer of bad news!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Hey, don’t blame me;” Sydney said dispassionately, “you created me…” She filed her nails, indifferently.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">In that instant, Isabel just lost it and became infuriated. She mercilessly went at her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Meanwhile, everyone was beginning to crowd around the cottage, wondering what all the noise and fuss was about. As they got closer to the door and the livid grunts and screeches became clearer, there was a concentrated sense of concern and confusion amongst the users.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Alica, what the hell is going on in there!?” Slappy asked irately.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“How should I know!?” Alica responded frenetically.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I hope everything’s okay…” Samlovesham worried deeply for her friend.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">In the cottage, all of the stress and strain was becoming even more powerful. “Sydney, I can’t just keep them here! Unlike me, they actually have lives to get back to…” Isabel was very tense.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Too bad! You know how you said these people mean the world to you? Well, Jared, Lilly, Roger, Jessie and Cassie meant the world to me! And I had no control over what happened to them. Your friends just might meet the same fate…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel fell silent again as a tremendous fear built up inside of her.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Outside, Slappy was growing uneasy, “That’s it. I can’t just wait out here and let this continue. I’m going in!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Slappy, no!” Reason begged, “Don’t break up the catfight!” he grinned.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The apprehension and bewilderment outside was nothing compared to the brewing tension inside. “…You know what!?” Isabel suddenly became conscious of something, “I think you did this!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“…Excuse me!?” Sydney was appalled.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I was peacefully riding my bike this morning, and you stop me in the middle of my tracks, just to get me distracted with this ‘breakfast bar’, and then while I’m stuffing my face with a waffle, talking about my feelings and other personal stuff, you quietly creep away and bring them all here as some kind of sick ploy to play with my emotions! It all makes sense, now…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney was speechless for a second and then said, “Well…I am supremely sickened and insulted that you would think I would do something like that…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel interrupted him, “…and then you try to pin it all on me and make me look like the bad guy…you know I’m seriously beginning to question whether or not you’re on my side…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“You know, it really hurts to think that you don’t trust your own creation…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Oh, please, who’s to say you’re even the real Sydney…? For all I know, I could be in a coma and this is all just an illusion!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sydney ignored her creator’s nonsensical rambling, “Izzy, listen to me when I tell you that I had absolutely nothing to do with this…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“So, it had to be me…” Isabel said grimly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">All of a sudden, they both heard a knock on the door. Various voices asked what was going on.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Well, regardless of how this happened, you’ve got to go tell them the situation…” Sydney said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“No! They’re going to be pissed at me and they’ll give me all kinds of crap for ruining their lives...they’ll hate me for it…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Fine, go play ‘Miss Popular’, but sooner or later you’re going to have to tell them what’s going on and I suggest now…” Sydney said crossly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“FINE!” Isabel bellowed an edgy, panic-stricken laughter that turned into frightened whimpering.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">As soon as she got out of the cottage, everyone rapidly spread apart and tried to act casual and unsuspecting.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Toon, you’re back!” Slappy said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Loony!” Churchpants said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Seapee!” Becky said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">They all smiled in relief.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Yeah, yeah, it’s me, Cartoonprincess; the one who uses all those annoying bolds and italics, infamous for her blogs and online relationships…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">No one really knew what to say to that, so they all just stared blankly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“…You guys should come inside, I need to tell you something…” she said in a depressed tone.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Following her orders, everyone filed inside. Once she knew everyone was inside and accounted for, she slowly closed the door behind her, carefully considering how she would explain this.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Okay, so here’s the thing: You’re all kind of being held captive in my mind, right now…who wants some apple crumb pie!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Wait…what!?” Samlovesham asked as her eyes widened. Looks of perplexity and puzzlement filled the room.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“What do you mean…?” Mak asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Look, for reasons and circumstances that are way too complicated to get into right now, I ended up here in my fantasy world, and now, for whatever reason…you guys are stuck here, too…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Wait, so this whole place, it’s your fantasy world…?” Slappy asked in surprise.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel nodded as she awkwardly looked down at her feet, “…Yeah,”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Seems legi-” a logical and somewhat sarcastic user named Ar0n65 began to utter his famous catchphrase.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“IT’S NOT!” Isabel interrupted him. “Anyway, I’m not finished…the worst part is that I have no idea how to get out of here…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Alarm and unease shook up the cottage.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Toon, that’s crazy!” Tash said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I KNOW IT’S CRAZY!” Isabel cleared her throat. “…I mean, I’m trying really hard to remain calm, here…” she laughed fretfully.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“It’s not working,” Ar0n said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I KNOW!” she responded in annoyance and frustration.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The worry and anguish continued to fill the air as Isabel frantically wondered how she would handle this.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Um, look guys, I know it seems bad, but…I know, you see, somehow the world will change for me and be so wonderful…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Really? That’s the best you got!?” a user named Tencents asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Um…” Isabel was having a breakdown from all the stress.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Then, without warning, Sydney slammed a door open, possessed with anger, with a strawberry shake in her right hand, her speech vaguely slurred, “ENOUGH!” she said.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Seriously, I can get you all a big slice of pie, right now…” Isabel offered nervously.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I am putting an end to this, now!” Sydney continued.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Sydney, are those shakes alcoholic..?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Ha-ha, no, I was just trying to make a dramatic entrance…I mean, I’m still mad at you…” Sydney glared.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“…Who’s your friend..?” a user named BritanaKlaine asked in a creeped out voice.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> “Oh, we’re not friends; not anymore. We’ve grown very apart…” Sydney explained.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">A deafening, uncomfortable silence didn’t stop Sydney from ranting, “Ever since you joined the wiki, you’ve forgotten all about me; you’ve stopped creating stories about me and my friends and developing our characters…you’ve abandoned us. Now, it’s all just wiki-this, wiki-that and it’s quite literally taken over your fantasy world…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Sydney, that’s not fair! The wiki had nothing to do with that! I just simply outgrew your character; you’re 15, I’m almost 18. Obviously, my creativity for you was at its peak when I was your age, and even then, I was already starting to run dry of ideas…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Oh, please! That’s such a lame excuse! You know you could have made me older if you wanted to! What fueled your creativity was innocence; and your innocence died on November 2nd, 2010!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“This is so awkward…” Seddia whispered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“I know…” Churchpants whispered back.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Well, whatever! So what if that’s what happened!? It was time for me to start a new chapter in my life; I needed to move on!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Move on!? Do you realize how much these people have messed with your head!? You used to be a normal kid until one day, out of nowhere, you started feeling all these unhealthy emotions and attachments, and suddenly, you’re stumbling down the road towards addiction…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“What are you talking about!? I’ve never been normal! In fact, hanging out with these guys is the closest I’ve ever felt to normality…and I refuse to keep fighting about this in front of them! What’s done is done, anyway…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Toon, who is this person..?” Lucy asked in bewilderment.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Oh, it clearly doesn’t matter, anymore!” Sydney snapped as she stomped off angrily.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“…A sick figment of my disturbed, demented, diseased imagination…” Isabel responded regretfully.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Well, what’s going to happen to us, now…?” Alica asked fearfully.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“There’s really no telling…” Mak darkly disclosed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“You guys…I’m FREAKING OUT!” A user named Holy Chiz wigged out.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Come on, guys! Let’s be positive!” A hyper, optimistic user named SpencerFanGirl suggested.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">At that, everyone groaned.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Wait…maybe SFG has a point; I mean, at least we’re all together…” Candy affirmed.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Everyone nodded in agreement.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">At that moment, something clicked within Isabel, “Together…together…of course!”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">She stood up, “You guys, we have all been given an incredible opportunity by being stuck here! I know right now the things seem bleak, but we have all been through so much together, and I know we can make it through this, too! I have the utmost faith in us! Individually, we might all be ordinary people, but when we come together, we become something extraordinary! Over the course of our time spent on the wiki, we have all formed unbreakable bonds that nothing and no one can tear apart! And from a more personal standpoint, you guys took me in and instantly made me feel at home…from that moment on, we became a family, and I can’t imagine being in this crazy, amazing place without you guys! So….wake up the members of my nation, it’s your time to be! There’s no chance unless you take one, and the time to see the brighter side of every situation; some things are meant to be, so give me your best and leave the rest to me!” Isabel smiled and winked as she finished her extremely corny pep talk.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Tears welled up in the eyes of the users as they all gathered together for a massive group hug.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“So…wait, are we having pie or not!?” Slappy asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel chuckled and rolled her eyes, “Sydney, poof them some pie…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“On it,” Sydney said flatly with a scowl on her face as she snapped her fingers.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Whoa! Magical powers!” Churchpants said in enchantment.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">As they all sat around savoring their pie, all was content.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Okay, there’s one important question we need to get out of the way….who’s procreating with who!?” Yoshi announced.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Ha-ha, yeah!” said Reason. They both high-fived each other.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Who’s procreating with whom,” Ar0n corrected.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“No one’s procreating with anyone!” Isabel yelled as she stabbed her pie with a fork.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Well, what are we going to do in our spare time..?” Tash asked as he raised an eyebrow.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel smiled giddily, “Well, there is something I’ve always wanted to do with you guys…”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“A parade!?” a user named One Singular Sensation asked ecstatically

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“...Sort of,” Isabel replied with a grin.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">All of a sudden, the sun came back up and the Latin song Oye by July Mateo started playing. A scene then played out where all the wiki buddies were seated, waiting in various parts of the park. Isabel skipped to the music as she took each of her wiki buddies one by one by the hand and they started to skip behind her. Pretty soon, the entire wiki was following her all over the park. Isabel could not have been more delighted.

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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">When the song finished, everyone excitedly scattered.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Are we going to be dancing a lot, around here…?” Ar0n asked hesitantly.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">“Um…yeah, you might want to get used to that…” Isabel sheepishly replied. Exhausted from the day’s events, the bright, young wikians were ready to crash.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Where are we going to sleep…?” xx asked.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Oh, there’s plenty of room inside the cottage; it doubles as a hotel…” Sydney stated.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Isabel’s face dropped in shock, “…Hotel!? Why didn’t you tell me!?”

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“Oh, I’m sorry; I would’ve shown you around, but apparently you didn’t want to hang out with me!” Sydney replied in a snarky fashion.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Getting fed up with Sydney’s attitude, Isabel put her hand on her hip and narrowed her eyes.

<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">They both were the last to get inside; unaware that someone else was watching over them. A female hand gently spinned the pedals of Isabel’s missing bike as she laughed softly and sinisterly.

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