Trapped in Time

Chapter 5: The Call

Glenn ponders for a moment before deciding to speak about Robbie's past. "You see," he begins, "Robbie used to live in a town called 'Play Town.' Don't let the name fool you, it was surprisingly very, very lazy. Rarely anything happened there," he speaks. Sportacus crosses his arms and begins to listen closely. "A festival was supposed to take place and good ol' Number 8 shows up, right? Most of the kids really liked him and listened to his every word, blah blah..." Ipro smacks Glenn's arm playfully. "Except for Robbie. He didn't like going outside, nor did he enjoy playing with the other kids," he says, pondering for a few more seconds.

"This is where Penny comes into play. They were like two peas in a pod. Robbie didn't like how Number 8 was, therefore refusing to listen to anything he said. The "hero" didn't appreciate that. At all. So the kid was deemed a villain."

Sportacus raises an eyebrow in inquiry. "And..?" he asks, urging Glenn to continue.

"Robbie's a fae. Number 8 wanted to punish that kid so bad... he made Robbie live with him and he treated the poor guy like a prisoner. His old friends turned against him due to the mighty "hero."" Glenn spits.

"It took a long time for Penny to leave Robbie's side. And when she did, little dude was devastated. No surprise, honestly. I still think that chick was a gold digger - she was always asking for money and coins, and- you get the point." Glenn bites his lip in thought. "If we help him resolve his past trauma... maybe it'd help with the flashbacks. I mean, my little cous has the same issue as me- always running away from our problems." Ipro rolls his eyes and nods.

"Wait, Robbie is your cousin?" Sportacus questions.

"Duh, I told you all about him! Remember me and Number 9's wedding? Wait, I might've left that part out. Anyway, he didn't come. I respect his choice, though... putting his mental health first for the first time. My proud older cous moment." Glenn finalizes.

Sportacus ponders as Glenn continues to lecture, talking about how he was the one to teach Robbie how to make machines and sew clothing.

Number 9 notices this, cutting Glenn off. "We know, Glenni boo. You really like talking about your cousin. Right now we need to help the poor guy."

Sportacus agrees. "But how?"

Glenn thinks. "We could make a machine to wipe his memories, but that would make him forget all about me and that's not good." Number 9 slaps Glenn in the back of the head, "We are NOT wiping anyone's memories. That is IMMORAL and I don't think that it'd help him!" he responds.

Sportacus finally pipes up, "Maybe we should address the most recent problem - like Penny."

Glenn nods quickly at this before adding, "We could kidnap her. And bring her here to talk to him, of course." Number 9 gasps audibly, "We are NOT kidnap-" Sportacus cuts him off, "That's a great idea! Well, except for the whole kidnapping part. We could ask her."

Number 9 looks extremely relieved that Sportacus does not plan to kidnap anyone. The blue elf cuts into the conversation once more, "Kidnapping is Plan C!" Number 9 sighs loudly and shakes his head in disbelief. "No kidnapping!" he responds. Glenn pouts, "What's Plan B then?"

"We pay her." Sportacus adds in, thinking that he sounds smart.

The older elf holds his breath for a brief moment. "You're learning too much from Glenni boo." Glenn smirks, "You're welcome. I don't teach for free." He winks.

Sportacus catches on, "Isn't Number 9 paying you?" Glenn responds happily, "He's sleeping with me." Sportacus crosses his arms once more, "Well isn't that the same thing in your eyes?"

The mentor gasps, hitting Sportacus playfully. "SPORTACUS!"

The athletic blue elf snickers, "What? I'm not a child." Glenn contains his laughter, "I thought you were too pure to even think such things, Old Sport."

Sportacus pouts, "I'm starting to think that you both see me as a kid." Number 9 and Glenn quickly speak at the same time, "We do." Sportacus sucks in his breath and holds it for a moment before proceeding to speak. "I'll worry about that later. Anyway... how do we contact Penny?" Number 9 grins, "I can call her!" 

The younger elf replies, "Then call her!" Glenn claps his hands together, "So sassy today. I like it." Number 9 speaks up, "His boyfriend is in trouble. Maybe that's why."

Sportacus gasps loudly, "He is NOT my boyfriend!" His cheeks flush red - almost the color of the apples that he consumes. Number 9 ignores this statement, calling Penny.

"Hey, Penny, can I ask a favor?" Number 9 questions the girl. "Of course you can. After all, you help Play Town so much!" she chirps in return. "Yeah... well, can you come to Lazy Town for a week or so?" he continues the conversation. "Why?" she immediately responds, "This town has a problem. I think you could help. I'd rather not talk about it over the phone. It's really important, Penny. Please come as soon as you can." he finishes before hanging up.

Glenn scoffs, "I hate that little gold digger." Number 9 feels like he's scolding a young child. "Hey, play nice." Glenn responds almost too quick, "Those are two things that you know I do not do." Sportacus doesn't care to listen to them bicker any longer. His mind is full of racing thoughts. "Well, I'm going to get some rest before Penny arrives. Don't ruin the guest room again."

Glenn smiles, "No promises!" Sportacus gags in response.

Number 9 smacks Glenn on the head, "You nasty little-" he cuts himself off. "He doesn't want to hear it."