Escape From Tickle Tower

4

"So what's on the next floor?" Rachel asked as they began to walk down the spiraling staircase.

"A big city. Bigger than what we've previously been to. You could say it's the whole floor." Alice explained as they began to see the sea of lights that was the third floor. Multiple tall buildings stretched as far as the eye could see, making it impossible for the two to see the ground.

"It's so.....different." Rachel said as she slowly descended the spiral staircase. "It's so bright even though its so dark out."

"Funny enough, I never saw those lights turn on. It's like we're in a state of endless night here." Alice explained as they reached the end of the stairs. "I could really use a place to rest though."

"You sure you don't wanna explore just a little bit?" Rachel whined as she took a quick glance around. She noticed multiple different people wearing sweaters with pants and sneakers. Some people had their faces covered while others chose not to. The new change in attire made it easy to spot those from another floor.

Alice sighed in defeat as she looked at her. "Fine. If only because the place I want to rest at is through the market district." She said as she began to walk down the street.

Rachel followed her, watching as multiple people passed by. Her eyes drifted up to the buildings, astonished by how little of the ceiling she could see through them.

Once they reached the market district, she noticed multiple different kinds of stores. Her eyes drifted to the shops with cakes and baked goods in them. "I'll be back!" She yelled to Alice.

Alice took a moment to realize what she meant. However, by the time she turned around, the redhead was already gone. "Rachel! RACHEL! WHERE ARE YOU?!" She yelled out into the crowd. A few seconds passed before she down the street, pushing everyone out of the way. "RACHEL!" She yelled out as she reaches the staircase again.

"You called?" She heard a familiar voice say behind her. Alice turned around to see Rachel happily stuffing her face with a roll.

"W-where the hell did you go?!" Alice asked in frustration.

"I went to get some food! I was very hungry. Here, I got one for you too." Rachel said happily as she held up a second roll with her right hand. Alice took the roll before hugging Rachel. "What's this?" Alice asked as she held her roll high up, attempting to save it.

"Don't go running off again." Alice said softly as slowly backed off.

Rachel blinked confusedly at Alice. "What brought this along?" She asked.

"N-nothing. Just forget it." Alice said as she took a bite out of her roll.

"THIEF!" The two of them heard an older woman say.

"Sounds like trouble." Alice said as she quickly finished the rest of her roll.

"You wanna help?" Rachel asked as she took another bite out of her roll.

"Why not? We're here. I can easily handle a thief if need be." Alice responded as she turned to where the voice was coming from. She walked a couple steps before seeing an older woman panting heavily. "What happened?" Alice asked the older woman.

"Someone stole my rolls." The older woman said between deep breaths.

Without any hesitation, Rachel walked up to the older woman. "I said I'll do something for you later." She said. Alice immediately turned to Rachel, glaring at her. "What? It's what we do at our village."

"I don't care what you do in your village. You have to pay here! And it looks like you don't have any money!" The older woman yelled.

"How much does it come out to? I'll pay for it." Alice said, attempting to get the woman to calm down.