*Warning! Mentions of broken bones!*

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*OJ's P.O.V*

Mepad was standing in front of me.

Knife and them were right. He was alive. And if that was true, then that means.....

Taco was also still out there somewhere.

He basically just confirmed it! But, her and Balloon in danger?

"Mepad. What do you mean 'in danger'?", I asked in slight concerned. 

"They are at the beach Mr. Juice. What do you think?", he says.

'Was that sarcasim? Did he use sarcasim on me?', I questioned.

I didn't know he could be sarcastic like that. Wait. I'm getting off topic! They were in trouble!

"What kind of danger Mepad? If it's anything, I'm sure Taco could handle herself.", I asked.

"Danger as in they both could be incredibly lucky to live with numerous scars. Or they could die in tragedy.", he states.

Die!?

Was it that bad? Or was he lying? Was he under the influence of Taco?

"Mepad. Are you lying to us? Are you under the influence of Taco?", I asked with caution.

His expression looked normal, and his tone felt like his. But you never know. He could be faking it!

"I am not lying Mr. Juice. Why would I lie about potential lives being at stake?", he asked.

That is very true. But at the same time, he could still be lying to us. Taco could've set him up while she stole things from us!

"Sorry Mepad. Since knowing about Taco and how you and Balloon were with her. We can't trust you until we know you aren't hacked.", I say.

He looked a little shocked, but he nodded his head. I suppose he understood why we couldn't just trust him yet.

"I'll get TestTube to run some tests on you just to make sure you aren't corrupted by Taco.", I explain.

"Alright Mr. Juice.", he agrees.

I smile as I walk out of the kitchen. Paper stays behind to keep Mepad company. I walk out of the hotel and begin going towards TestTube's lab.

I really hope Mepad is on our side. 

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*TestTube's P.O.V*

I was drinking a nice cup of coffee. 

It's a nice energy boost after pulling an all nighter. I've finally gotten my mojo back after being in my funk about Balloon.

Of course I'm still worried for him! More so then ever ever since learning about how both he and Mepad are in the hands of Taco.

After learning about Taco and everything she's done not to just the season 1 cast, but to others here. I felt terrible for them who got duped by her. And Mic confessed that she worked with her to gain something.

But it ended up failing. She quit the show because of the fact that Taco was going to far. She even told me that Taco was the one who killed me!

I was very slow to forgive Mic, but I eventually did. It's been a little slow, but were slowly becoming friends. And boy, did I take her for granted.

Sure sometimes we fight, but friends do that sometimes. I should know, Fan and I had a fight sometime before he got kidnapped.

But, that's what made us stronger. That's why we work so well together. We each can spot things the other probably can't.

That's why I love Fan. He's so quirky and kind. He might think he's not anything special, but he is. In my eyes, he's way better than I ever will be.

He's not the most social guy, but I'm not either. Most of my life I've been anti-social, OJ being my only friend. But ever since I met him, I've been more open!

I've made friends with my team members and now we're the best of friends! And I grew closer with Fan as a result. Now we're dating, and it's the best thing that's ever happened to me!

Wait. Focus TestTube! I'm in the middle of somthing right now! I can't get distracted by Fan and his adorble rambles.

I'm currently working on some coding for [SPECIAL PROJECT CANNOT BE REVEALED]. It's going rather smoothly! I'm really proud of this coding that I'm doing!

This is going to be worth it. Once the coding is done, me and Fan will work on the body some more. I reckon another 2 weeks before this coding is all done.

This was going to take some time, but it's going to be so worth it! This is by far the most ambitious project I've worked on. But it's also my favorite project I've ever done!

I continue to write the coding when- *knock* *knock*. Oh? Somebody is at the vending machine!

I quickly save the coding and exit the program. I put up a random tab on my laptop. I bring out a random experiment so it looked like I was working on it.

I walk up to the lever and pull it. The hatch opens and in comes....

OJ?

Huh. Would've thought it would have been someone like Fan or Lightbulb. Why was OJ here?

"OJ? What are you doing here cuz?", I asked.

"Ah. Hey 'Tube. I need your assitance. You're good with electronics right?", he asked.

"Um. Yea. Why do you ask?", I questioned.

"Well. You know how Knife and them said that Mepad and Balloon were with Taco?", he asked.

"Yea. I remember.", I say with vemon in my mouth.

"Well... Mepad is here.", he says.

Mepad!? He was here!? Oh golly!!!

"He is!? Why?", I asked.

"Well. He claims that Taco and Balloon are in trouble. But... you know.", he explained.

"Ah. I think I understand.", I mutter.

Mepad could be faking it. He could be under Taco's influence. Is Taco capable of hacking? We have no clue!

"So. Can you help out?", he asked.

"Of course OJ! We don't need a hacked Mepad trying to trick us.", I say.

He nods as we both head up to the surface. Whatever Taco potentially did to Mepad, I'll figure it out. Hopefully, we can have Mepad back.

I couldn't shake the thought of the other two being in danger however. I do hope they are okay.

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*Mepad's P.O.V*

I was still in the kitchen with Paper. We were having a small chat.

I wasn't paying much attention however. Balloon and Taco being in danger was still on my mind.

I was so worried about them, despite not being able to feel emotions. I do hope they are okay. I just want them to be safe from the bear.

"Mepad?", I hear Paper ask out.

I snap back into reality as Paper called out my name. I suppose I was too deep into my thoughts, but I have a reason to be.

"Yes Paper?", I asked.

"Um. Are you okay? You looked pretty deep in thought there.", he asked me.

"Ah. I am okay. Just worried about Balloon and Taco.", I respond while petting Ash.

Ash was sleeping in my arms. He was nuzzled up against my chest as I stroked him softly. He looked very peaceful, for a situation this dire.

"That's a cute bunny Mepad.", Paper commented.

"Thank you. His name is Ash.", I respond.

"Ash? What a cute name! Who named him?", he asked.

"Balloon did. They were the one who found Ash.", I say.

"That's nice. Wait... 'they'? Why did you use that pronoun for Balloon?", he pryed.

Ah. I forgot. Balloon probably never told these guys that he's genderfluid. He only came out about a few months ago. 

"Well. Balloon felt like a 'they' today.", I say.

"They do? Huh. Well. Okay! I can respect that.", he appreciates.

I smile, knowing Balloon has another supporter. We continue to talk for a bit before Paper asks another question.

"Is Balloon happy?", he asked.

"Huh?", I questioned.

"Are they happy? I want to know if they were happier without us.", he asks again frowning.

Oh. I suppose since they are worried, they would question if Balloon was happier. Balloon was hated here. But now that they are gone, they all suddenly care about Balloon.

I would feel like complete garbage knowing that people only cared when we were gone. Paper had a reason to ask this, he was the 'therapist' of the group here.

"Balloon.... Balloon is happy. Sure, he misses you all here. But he's happy being with me and Taco.", I truthfully explain.

"They are? Huh... Well, I'm glad they are.", he says.

"I'm glad you care about them. Maybe one day he'll come back on their terms.", I explained.

He doesn't say anything after that. He smiles at me, a glint of hope shimmering in his eyes. 

I hear footsteps coming closer. I look to the enterance of the kitchen and see OJ walking over with TestTube.

"Hello OJ. TestTube.", I greet.

"Oh. Hello Mepad. You aren't calling us by proper names?", OJ questioned.

"No. I realize I don't have to. We are not on the show, so it's fine to call you by your first name.", I explain.

"I guess that makes sense. Also. Hello Mepad! I'm glad you're okay!", TesTube agrees.

I smile as she walks closer to me. 

"Hmm. From inital glance, you seem to be fine! Oh. What a cute bunny.", she says.

"Oh! I didn't even notice the bunny!", OJ exclaims.

"Yes. he is very cute. His name is Ash.", I comment.

"Very cute name. Whose rabbit is this anyways?", TestTube asked.

"Oh. Balloon and Taco's. Balloon found him, but they both take care him him.", I explain.

"Wait. Taco takes care of a cute bunny? Seriously?", OJ asked in disbelief.

"Yes. Is that hard to believe?", I asked.

"Well. Kinda. She's just really bad news. Why are you with her anyways?", Paper asked.

"Why? Well. For starters. She gave me a place to stay. She let me have that free will. So, I chose to stay with them.", I protest.

"Why would you choose stay with her!? She's dangerous!", OJ exclaims.

"I stayed because the two of them needed help. They have years of hate, guilt, and backlash on their shoulders. They need that emotional support so they don't continue to look down on themselves.", I explained.

They all looked shocked, and then full of guilt. They understood what I meant for Balloon. They were hated for years, had to endure hurt for years.

Taco, essentially was the same way. She endured years of guilt and hate as well. That's why I stayed, so I could make them feel like they belonged.

"Well. Regardless of that reasoning. Let's head to my lab. Just going to run a few tests on you. In case Taco somehow hacked you.", TestTube explained.

"I am not hacked. I can tell you that now. But if you insist. I just need somebody to pet sit Ash.", I agree.

"I can pet sit him.", Paper says.

"Alright. Here you go Paper. Before we go TestTube. Let me grab some of his stuff.", I say.

"Oh. Alright!", she exclaims.

I hand Ash to Paper and teleport back to our cave. Once there at the cave, I head to Ash's little corner and grab a bag of pellet food and a few toys.

I put them in a small bag and teleport back to the hotel. I give the bag to Paper as I pet Ash's head.

"There are pellets in there along with some toys. If he wants a carrot, give him a small piece. He hasn't had a carrot in a minute.", I explain.

"Oh. Okay Mepad! He'll be in good hands!", Paper exclaims.

"Thank you. Oh. There should some potty pads in there as well. For when he needs to use the restroom.", I tell him.

"Got it. Ash is in good hands.", Paper claims.

I nod and begin to follow TestTube. She leads me a into the show grounds into an open area. There stood a lone vending machine. Weird.

"TestTube. Why is there a vending machine in the middle of nowhere?", I asked.

"Ah. Well. This is where my lab is.", she explained.

It was? But, I don't see a lab. Was it hidden? That's when she input a sequence of code and a hatch opens on the side.

"Huh?", I asked puzzled.

"That hatch will send us to my lab. Follow.", she stated.

Not having much of a choice, I followed her into the hatch. We go down some sort of chute/slide until we reach the bottom.

Once down there, I get up and look around the lab. Oh wow. This was something very impressive.

"Very nice lab TestTube.", I complimented.

"Thank you Mepad! Now. I have a special room for doing testing. Follow me.", she says.

I follow her and am led into a room. This must be the testing room. Huh, simple yet sturdy.

"Alright. I will be right back. I need to grab some things so I can make sure you aren't hacked.", she says.

"Okay TestTube.", I replied.

She then exits the room leaving me alone. I sit paitently while I wait for her to come back.

While waiting, my mind wanders back to the situation with Balloon and Taco. I can feel the pit in my stomach grow.

I'm very worried about them. My mind feels like it's going a million miles per minute. Millions of thoughts and possible senarios playing in my mind.

I hope they're okay out there.

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*Taco's P.O.V*

Running.

We were still running from that damn bear.

I looked back at Balloon to see if they were okay.

They had this panicked look on their face still. I could also tell that they were getting tired. We can't keep running forever.

We need a way to get rid of the bear. And now! I scan the area to see what we could use to our advantage.

All there was were trees! Maybe we can climb them and try to tree hop?? It's worth a try!

"Balloon! Can you climb a tree!?", I asked.

"Um. Kinda! Why?", they shouts back.

"Good! I might have an idea! Follow me!", I say.

"Okay! I trust you!", they agree.

I make my way to the nearest tree in our path and start to climb it. Balloon follows suit as they soon climb the tree.

I make it high enough to where the branches won't break and where Balloon can still catch up. Balloon makes it up as the mama bear claws at the tree.

"Holy... *panting* My legs feel like jelly!", Balloon breathes.

"Yea. *panting* We can't stop now tho!", I exclaim.

As soon as I say that, the bear begins to climb the tree. Balloon looks down and panics.

"Oh shit! What now!?", they exclaim.

"We jump to the other tree!", I yell.

I jump to another tree as I yell. I look back to give Balloon a bit of confidence. They look terrified, but they soon jump.

They make it as I pull them up. The bear sees this and also reaches out to the other tree. Oh shit!

"We need to keep moving!", I yell.

Balloon nods as we continue to tree hop. This does take more energy from us, but it should drain the bear's energy as well.

We keep at this for another 30 minutes. I was slowly loosing my energy and I could sense that Balloon was too. How does this bear have so much energy!?

We need to keep going! We have to make the bear tired! I need to think of another way to-

*SNAP* 

"AH!", I yell.

A branch snapped from underneath me. I could feel myself falling to the forest ground beneath me.

After what felt like hours, I felt my body crash to the floor. *CRACK* I felt something crack from underneath me. I'm not sure what though.

"TACO!", I hear Balloon shout in panic.

They jump down from the tree we were on a minute ago. I think I heard another crack from them. I heard them grunt in pain, but shook it off.

"Taco! Are you okay!?", they asked worrily.

"Y-yea. I'm okay. Just fell.", I reply.

I slowly get up from the ground. I was doing fine when I felt a sudden pain in my arm.

"Gah!", I cry.

I shielded my arm in pain as I grunt. Balloon looks at me in pure shock and panic.

"Taco! What happened!?", they asked.

"Ngh- I-I think I broke my arm!", I shout.

"Oh god!!! That's not good!", they exclaimed.

"*ROAR!*"

Oh shit! The bear! No time to complain about a broken arm! 

"Run!", I shout.

Balloon nods as we continue to run again. This is getting really tiring! We need to fight her off! But how!?

Wait! TestTube's taser! I can go grab it from her lab!

I just need to lead the bear somewhat close to the area where she has it. I can't get too close however! Just in case she's in the lab and she can hear the bear.

How far is that vending machine from here? Shit! Where's a map when you need one!

We just need to keep running for now! I'm sure we can find our way through the forest.

"Balloon! We need to keep going! I have an idea!", I shout to them.

"Okay! But I'm getting tired! Even without the bags!", they shout back.

I almost forgot we dropped the bags. They were slowing us down. Hopefully we can come back for them later!

"Don't worry! We just need to get close to TestTube's lab!", I explain.

"TestTube's lab!? Why!?", they asked.

"I'm going to sneak in to get something! Hopefully it can help fight off the bear!", I hope.

"Alright! I trust you Taco!", they say.

We run for another 30 minutes when I spot some familiar areas! We have to be a little close now!

Just when things were looking up, something just has to happen!

"AAH!", I hear Balloon shout.

I turn around and see them trip over a big rock. I quickly rush back to them to make sure they were okay.

"Balloon! Are you okay!?", I asked in panic.

"Ngh-.... I'm okay! But I think I twisted my foot!", they confesses.

Shit! That's not good! They can't run on a twisted foot! And I can't run from a bear while carrying them! What do I-

"Leave me!", they suddenly exclaimed.

"What?", I asked in shocked.

"Just leave me! Go get whatever you needed from the lab!", they explained.

They just want me to leave them vulnerable like that!? Are they fucking crazy!?

"Are you nuts!? You'll get hurt! I'm not going to just fucking leave you Balloon!!", I exclaimed.

I can't leave them! The bear is still hot on our trail! I don't wanna leave them! I can't!

"Taco! It's okay! I'll be fine! Just go!", they shout.

I could feel tears forming in my eyes. This felt like the cliff situation all over again. That was a year ago! I almost lost them then, I'm not about to loose them again!

"Balloon! I can't! I don't want to loose you!! You're the only one who has ever gave me another chance!", I choke.

"Taco! I'm going to be fine! I'm not going to die! Just go! I'm only going to slow you down!", they explain again.

I didn't say anything much after that. I wipe my tears and stand up. I turn around to run again.

I look back at them and see them slowly crawling to a safe location. I look back in front of me so I don't trip. I kept running towards a direction that should lead me to that lab.

I couldn't help but get the feeling that....... Things are going to get worse......

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*End of Chapter 34*

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Wooo!!

Another chapter done!

AND~

The return of a cliffhanger!

(Is it considered a cliffhanger? Oh well)

I'm so glad you guys are liking my story!

It makes me so happy to see you all liking my silly writing.

What's going to happen to them!?

Find out next week!!

>:D