———

"Why...?"

———

The leaves swayed calmly in the branches overhead. The wind was light and cool on Paper's copper skin. Paper sighed softly and glared ahead, the trees now beginning to get less thick and lead out of the forest. Fries was chatting with tree, but soon fell behind to keep watch from the back. Tree kept moving forwards keeping an eye on his surroundings. His cape swayed in the wind.

Balloon fidgeted, his hands lay beneath the cloak keeping a firm grip on his wings that were tired from being held in such a position for a prolonged duration of time. Balloon walked next to Paper, leaning on him to hide the markings on his face.

Paper let him do so and kept walking forwards. The silence was making him crazy... He cleared his throat and stepped closer to Tree. "Excuse me?" Paper called.

Tree perked and turned his head. "Yes?" He asked in a casual tone. Glaring back at Paper as he continued walking.

"So uh, what were you guys doing down here if the city is so far away?" Paper pointed in the direction they were headed in.

Tree chickened and turned back to face ahead with a smile. "We have business down south, trading and such. We gotta make money somehow!" He laughed.

Paper nodded, "Oh! Trading..." He muttered that last part. The object's attire and general behaviours seemed like that of the old times. Medieval times at that. Strange...

"I could ask the same about you, however. What are you doing so far south?" Tree questioned, crossing his arms as he strolled through now taller grass.

"Ah... Uh..." Paper struggled to come up with some sort of excuse that didn't involve falling from the sky through a strange gateway.

"Camping." Balloon cut in, which made Paper flinch, "We came here to camp is all." He echoed, "We got a bit lost on our way back..." He frowned, a lie, but a necessary one. At least for now.

Paper nodded in agreement, "Yeah, we went camping, and lost our way." Paper chuckled, and slowed down to better match Balloon's pace. He gave Balloon a thankful look, and turned back to Tree.

Tree gave a slight nod, "Camping, eh? Bold of you to go here of all places..." He crossed his arms and thought for a moment.

He sighed, and just remained silent for a moment.

Balloon looked at the surroundings and thought they were quite calming. The blades of grass were swept down by the wind like little waves. He smiled to himself and continued forwards, a nice distraction from what happened earlier.

"So, What's your occupation?" Tree asked, adjusting his cloak. He was attempting to make small talk to pass the time, it was less awkward that way.

Paper flinched and quickly came up with a lie, "Ah! I'm a journalist...! Heh..." He rubbed the back of where his neck would be if he had one.

Tree gave a nod and looked back at Fries for a moment. Before turning back forwards. "The canyon is about an hour ahead, when we get there the trip may be a bit rough from that point on." Tree informed to the other two.

"Right." Paper nodded. He then looked down at Balloon, who seemed distracted, though Paper noticed the lack of eye contact and clear anxiety in the boy's eyes. He tapped him on the shoulder.

Balloon flinched and looked up at Paper, giving a confused expression.

Paper worriedly studies his face now that it was facing him before whispering, "Are you alright? You seem on edge..." Paper kept a hand on the younger boy's shoulder.

"It's just...—" Balloon quickly thought of what reason he wanted to put out there, "—I don't really want it to come down to... Y'know..." Balloon whispered, his lack of preparation for the half-lie made his face clearly lack sincerity.

Paper noticed this and narrowed his gaze giving a 'stop lying' father like look to Balloon. Which made Balloon recoil and sigh shakily.

"I just... These people... This whole situation seems a lot like..." He bit his lip, not wanting to continue. "I-I just don't like this." He frowned.

Paper's gaze softened and he pulled Balloon closer. "It's going to be okay. We're going to do this together. Besides, they're leading us somewhere safe. Maybe the others will be there, yeah?" He smiled.

Balloon sighed and gave a nervous nod. He trusted Paper. His arms and wings were exhausted, but he had to push through. He would stay strong.

"So, why did you leave if you were unfinished? You could be severely damaged." Tree pointed out, pointing at Paper's open chest cavity, also eyeing the strange markings. "You seem kinda strange..."

Paper shook his head, "I don't know... U-uh... I guess it was impulsive?" Paper shrugged and worriedly blinked glancing between Fries an Tree.

Tree chuckled, "Bloody hell, quite the risky impulse, eh?" He pointed out, looking back at the man behind him.

Paper giggled to hid his nervousness, "I was always told I was a wild one! Hahah!" He smiled, then crossing his arms. "Should've probably uh... Waited a little while. But we're lucky to have found you!" He smiled thankfully.

"Don't mention it, say, if you're a gadget, why do you have a young boy like him? What's his race?" Tree raised a brow as he looked back at Paper still.

Paper froze, they kept mentioning gadget, were they races?! What races were there here?! He had no idea...! He glanced between Balloon and himself trying to come up with a falsehood and fast. "I-I found him as a baby!" He quickly spilt, lies were difficult to form on the spot. "I personally have no clue!" He shrugged, avoiding eye contact.

Fries sped up from behind, glaring at the surrounding forest wearily.

Tree narrowed his eyes in thought, and let out a sigh. "Poor thing, I wonder where his actual parents are? Maybe the shadows got to em..." Tree shrugged dismissively.

Balloon frowned, and kept close to Paper.

Paper mouthed the words 'sorry' but continued forwards. A nervous breath was barely able to be kept in tow as he stopped himself from shaking. His wavering confidence was draining on him fast. "This place is quite beautiful..." Paper muttered, loud enough for Tree to hear.

Tree lightened up at the comment and gave a nod. "You're just noticing?" He questioned.

"I uh..." Paper bit his lip...

"I'm just kidding with you! Yeah... The wilderness is quite the breathtaking view, huh? It is such a shame we can't go out here as often..." Tree frowned, looking at the colourful mushrooms and trees. Flowers swayed in the light breeze, which made him reminiscent of simpler times.

"You can't? Why not?" Paper asked with a worried frown. Balloon was equally as curious as he held his wings closer from beneath the cloak.

Tree crossed his arms, "The old Crowned, The gods of this world, and many others. They've long since perished. The wilderness, weather, and wildlife all have been out of control since. The divine, she is the only one left." Tree explained as he continued further.

Paper could've sworn he's heard or read something like this before... Or something like this. "Oh..." he whispered, feeling bad, and also interested. It may help them navigate the world if they understood it better. Clearly this wasn't theirs after all.

"Did they naturally die...?" Balloon asked, calling out from next to Paper, feeling Paper's head turn to him and then back to Tree.

"No, no. Crowned can't naturally die." Tree informed, feeling grass beneath their feet slowly turn into dust and gravel, he avoided sharp rocks.

"Really?" Paper perked, astounded.

"Mh." He gave a nod after making a sound of acknowledgment. "They don't age much at all. Immortality in a sense." Tree conveyed, talking with also one of his hands.

Paper hummed in acknowledgment. If they didn't die naturally, then what killed them? Balloon was wondering the same. Something felt off, like he knew as to why this happened. Regardless, he knew he shouldn't push any further about this topic. It seemed like common knowledge, and he didn't want to be confronted about it. "I'm sorry for bringing it up at all..." He frowned apologetically.

"No, no. You were curious. I understand." He chuckled light heartedly, and then cracked his knuckles, the canyon appearing on the horizon, it was rather high. He hoped they wouldn't have to climb it. He messed with his copper hands and glared at Fries who was staring.

Fries flinched upon Paper looking back at him. "Yes?" He asked in a critical tone, he seemed a bit startled.

"O-Oh! Nothing. Sorry!" He smiled nervously and turned his head back. To Tree who stopped near a nice clutter of tree cover and rock face. He observed the surroundings and then gave a firm nod. "Fries, Code 311316." He chimed, and grabbed supples from his cloak.

Fries nodded, and removed some of the supplies he himself was carrying from his cardboard body. He began to set up camp.

Paper stepped towards Tree, "Is there anything we can do to help?" He asked with kind eyes, folding his hands out in-front of him.

Tree perked, and nodded. "Yeah, could you help me with over here? The tent won't put itself up." Tree joked, and waved Paper over. Who strolled over and helped with hammering posts into the ground.

Balloon sat on one of the patches of grass. He wished he could help, but if he tries, his wings would surely give out. And fall from the cloak. He needed a moment to relax. Though, he felt bad. Balloon leaned back against a small shrub.

Fries finished his portion, and dusted his hands off. He blinked and turned to Balloon. "You okay, kid?" He asked, walking over with a face which was slightly concerned.

Balloon remained silent. Paper wasn't nearby, and he still didn't trust these strangers much. He nervously tried to not keep eye contact. Even if they weren't strangers, which they were, but regardless he didn't know what to even say...

Fries sighed, and sat down next to Balloon. The grass pressed down beneath him. "You can talk to me, you know." Fries tried to account to the fact Balloon could just be shy. "I don't bite." He reached to put a hand on Balloon's shoulder.

Balloon flinched away, "please don't touch me..." He whispered. Trust was not something he was generous with when it came to strangers.

Fries's eyes narrowed, he seemed troubled. "Are you okay? Are you hurt under that cloak?" He asked, reaching over, seemingly curious about something.

"N-no!" He panicked, his body jolting away once again. His glare of fear and aggression as he stared at Fries.

The man flinched putting his hands up. "I just want to help..." he grumbled, a bit hurt by this kid's aggression. And disappointed by something...

Balloon's gaze was harsh, and angry. "I said don't touch me..." He spat, angry by someone pushing his boundaries. Any trust fading fast, if not gone already.

Fries gave a subtle nod. "Right, I'm sorry." He sighed, looking at Tree and Paper who were still setting up the tent over yonder. They seemed pretty efficient, Fries could definitely admire the hustle.

Balloon looked up as well, wishing Paper was nearby. But, he understood the work was necessary. He glanced at Fries every now and again too. His gaze then softened once more. "I'm sorry for snapping..." He whispered.

Fries perked from the young boy's voice. And looked at him without turning his head. "It's fine, I pushed you. Not the other way around." He said softly, as if he was talking to a little boy.

Balloon scowled, "I'm not six..." He muttered bitterly. A bit insulted. But then sighed and let up. "—But thanks." He smiled softly, before it wavered once more.

"You seem troubled." Fries spoke suddenly, making Balloon's anxiety skyrocket. Fries noticed and quickly added; "N-not saying you have to elaborate..." He huffed. "If you don't want to, anyway."

Balloon hummed in acknowledgment, but didn't elaborate. But appreciating his right to stay silent if he wished to.

Fries could tell for the most part why Balloon was being so quiet, and kept to himself. "You don't trust us, do ya?" He said in a more sympathetic tone. Trying to be understanding of the kid's view.

Balloon didn't say anything and continued to stare off forwards. Fries was right, but he didn't want to hurt his feelings. Even if he didn't know him.

Fries nodded in understanding. Knowing what the silence insinuated. "Understandable. I mean, you were just lost in the woods, and now you're stuck with a buncha' people you don't know. Heh... I'd be pretty freaked too." He smirked and looked off aside.

Balloon remained silent.

Fries felt a bit of guilt pull at him, he bit his lip and looked down at Balloon again. "But, I'll uh... Keep an eye out for you." Fries smiled, before it faded, "even if you don't trust me." He hoped for a response.

The boy gave a small nod. "Thank you..." he smiled a small bit.

Paper dusted his hands off. "That should be good!" He smiled, looking over at Tree who seemed a bit frustrated. Paper flinched at his harsh face and approached. "You okay?"

"Eugh... Yes... It's just—Eraser is much better at this than me." Tree crossed his arms and tapped his elbow with his index finger.

"Hm, yeah... I—I uh... Wouldn't know though. Sorry..." Paper frowned, and hugged himself.

Tree uncrossed his arms and waved it off. "No, no. Don't put yourself down about it. It's whatever..." Tree huffed, "Guess you guys will get your camping trip after all! Eh?" He joked.

Paper laughed nervously. "I guess!" He smiled at Tree. The silence returning as he glared across the way. Seeing Balloon talk with Fries. Paper sighed and thought of a topic to speak on. "Hey! Uh, the code stuff, what does it mean?" Paper asked, raising an interested brow.

Tree perked, and chuckled. "Oh, it's just easier to communicate with people using the code stuff. We just say the numbers and they understand the message." Tree explained, moving his hand in a circular motion as he spoke.

"So the one you just used would be?" He sat down near the front of the tent. And waited for an answer.

"Oh, it means to set up camp. "3-1-13-16" Tree said slower. "I didn't personally come up with it, that was my friend." He said with a small smile.

"Which one? Eraser? Or Fries?" Paper asked in an interested voice, listening to Tree explain.

"Oh! No, not them. We have more of us back at camp— my friend, her name is Pillow. She came up with it." Tree chuckled, "She can be a bit intense, but sweet at times."

"Aw, I'm glad to hear!" Paper folded his hands in his lap. He thought of a new thing to speak about, "Do you lot usually come down here to trade often? Or...?"

"Well, on occasion. When we're running low on money. We will make a few trips and look for some extra... Resources. Codes come in handy for that too!" Tree smiled with friendly eyes.

Paper nodded. "Right! Of course."

Tree felt his stomach growl, and sighed. "Urgh... I'm going to go look for SOMETHING to eat... Eraser is taking a while." Tree muttered, as he stood up. "I'm sure there's something over here." Tree crouched down near the bags.

Paper giggled and shook his head. He thought about things. Maybe he could start using similar codes with OJ and the others. When they found each other at least! It could come in handy... If Paper could figure out how the worked at least. Shouldn't be too hard now that he knew they were codes.

"3...1...13..16..." He muttered to himself, thinking hard. They weren't separated, the last two. "I wonder..." He took a hand out...

3... C

1... A

13... M

16... P

Paper perked, he figured it out. It was a cipher! He laughed and folded his hands in his lap. It wasn't the most creative cipher, but definitely functional. He smiled to himself, and thought about how he could use it. He then froze at a thought. And sat up straight...

Balloon fiddled with his thumbs, and stared down at the grass bellow him. Fries was being quite nice to him. Fries leaned back against the best as well, his gaze narrowing. Not wanting the silence to remain.

"You like camping?" He asked kindly, tapping his hand against his elevated knee.

"Kinda..." Balloon replied, shaking his hand as to say 'so-so' not quite sure on how to think of it. His gaze unsure, which made Fries chuckle.

"Did your dad drag you along?" He asked jokingly, wanting to elbow Balloon, but not wanting to make him uncomfortable again.

Balloon giggled, and tilted his head to the side-kind of shrugging in a way. "Ehh... More or less I dragged him along." He said now smiling slightly, which made Fries feel accomplished for getting him to open up a bit.

"I see...!" He laughed, but was cut off as Paper walked forwards, and crouched near Balloon. "Eh? Done setting up tent already?" Fries asked.

Paper gave a dismissive nod. "Yeah, I just gotta make sure Balloon's okay! He has some pretty bad pollen allergies! Give me a moment with him, yeah?" Paper smiled kindly.

"But I—..." Paper nudged him, and gave him a scowl.

Fries stood, and raised his hands up, "yeah, sure. I'll be over with tree then." He responded, waving goodbye as the sun slowly began to fade behind the canyon.

Paper smiled, which quickly faded as he looked down at Balloon. "Are you alright?" He asked, checking him over.

"Paper! What the hell?!" He spoke up, "I don't have any allergies! Well... Cats— but there aren't any—"

"Balloon... I think we should go..." Paper muttered, a bit frantic as he thought about what Tree had said, he rubbed Balloon, shoulders and helped him stand. "Come o—...!"

Paper, was hit harshly over the back of the head with a bat. He yelped, not being knocked out the first time. A fuffy girl stood over top, and swung the bat over her shoulder. "Aw... Shame that didn't knock him out the first time!" She chimed, before spinning the bat towards the other hand.

Paper grasped at his bleeding head and sat up with a groan. "Wh— H—?!" He was stepped on, and Pillow bashed his head again, this time knocking him out cold. She then leaned on the bat triumphantly.

Balloon screamed, and scrambled up from the bush, he was quickly grabbed from behind in a chokehold. He grasped at the arm around his neck, and thrashed around. His hands glowing and and flickering as he attempted to remove the person from behind him, but they only managed to glow a small bit, before he lost any and all fight in him. And passed out from the lack of blood reaching his brain.

Eraser dropped the kid on the ground and dusted his hands off. "Sorry kid..." he muttered...

Tree grumbled and narrowed his eyes as a yellow and purple figure approached with the others. He then strolled up to Eraser arms crossed. "Took you long enough..." he said in a remorseful tone. "I was starting to like them..."

"Oh hush! It's all in the job you know." Pillow elbowed Tree, and handed him the bat. "I'll go grab the the rope and wagons!" She chimed and skipped away.

Tree sighed.

Fries stood off to the side. He felt bad... really bad... That poor kid and his father- They didn't deserve this. He also... Felt like there was something bigger going on here. . .

He wondered if this was the right choice?

It wasn't.

———