KATAOW: Trouble in Las Vistas

-Chapter 1: Foreigner-

(This is a flash back to 'Fiddle Sticks'! How did you end up getting caught by Scarlemagne? And where? Unfortunately, it's the day Ratland is sabotaged...)

Kipo- Age of the Wonder Beasts

Location: Las Vistas – Ratland

(Season 2)

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"Welcome to Ratland!"

That survivor wasn't joking as you drank in the sight of the lit amusement park flaring against the evening sky. Not even being there for two minutes, and you already felt it was totally worth bargain you had made; your vintage bomber jacket for a single can of spray cheese. CHEESE out of all things. You honestly thought you were being pranked at first, although they did twist your arm against your better judgment several times.

You have had stranger situations involving humans though. Or mutes. Some beneficial. Other not so much. There was no doubt you had encountered friendlies along your journey but that was far in-between. Life on the surface was cutthroat after all. Survival of the fittest. But upon seeing Ratland for the first time, you experienced a sense of harmony as if everything was finally at peace. Something you had wished since you woke up from your burrow.

You were from the North, or in the past, the northern part of the United States. Minnesota to be exact. Roughly two hundred years ago, your family was chosen to be part of the N.A.P. (National Siesta Project) that specialized in hibernation pods prior to the Great Mutant Outbreak. Of course, your memory is still foggy as to what happened the days leading up to to it. But perhaps it was for the best considering that was the last time you saw your parents.

Shaking that lost thought from your mind as your hair danced against the gentle breeze, you begin to stroll around as your jaw remained unhinged at the lively sight beckoning you. From the smell of fresh food, the delightful screams of patrons enjoying the rides and each other company to the entertainment, you could spend an entire week here and not get exhausted by its charm. That saying the person preferred the company of silence and peace over crowed areas. Again, life was different from what you had known prior. A lot did happen in two hundred years, and you had to forget everything you thought you knew to survive and adapt.

Taking some cotton candy or something like it from a nearby stall, you glance over just in time to watch a few skunk-mute-bikers scooting by on their rigs, no doubt heading for the next thrill seeker of a ride. Instinctively you held your breath as they had passed by, your attention dragging over to the carnival games. From Ball and Bucket Toss, Balloon Darts, Crossbow Target Shoot, to Basketball. But really, you really wanted to try your hand at the Balloon Darts. Striding over, a young Mink Blazed Rat grins happily to you as he provides you ten colorful variant darts.

"Good day to you, friend! My name is Rool and welcome to Darts and Pops! Wanna try and test your aim? You might just earn something ostentatious!"

A small laugh escaped your lips as you picked up red tipped dart from the cluster, hovering it up to your cheek in thought. "I feel kind of lucky at the moment." You sneered as you eyed a pink balloon near edge of the board. Leading with two subtle jerks, the dart left your fingertips on the third as you thrusted it forward.

WHACK.

".... Oh, so close but so far!"

You snatched up a jade dart. "Business has been good, I take it." You inquired, eyeing the pink balloon before giving a toss.

WHACK.

Rool sighed rested his chin in the palm of his hand, eyeing your performance with a hum. "...You can say that." He confirmed as his dusk eyes shifted from you to the board. "...You're not from around here, are you?"

With a shrewd nod, you make another toss. "Did my accent give it away?"

WHACK.

The rat mute shakes his head before narrowing his brow as he looked past you. "Nah, I noticed your bag with all the logos and stuff-

SQUUAAAAAK.

Rool's expression gravely dropped. Noticing this, you turn to look at what he was looking at. An erupt of screams from all over the park exploded as a hand seizes your arm as you were hoisted over the counter and land on the ground next to Rool with a thud. That is when you unexpectedly hear the intercom overhead.

"Attention Ratland patrons: Please remain calm and find the nearest exit." Amy began as she spoke over the fearful shrieks of their panicked customers before lowering her voice into a whisper. "Especially if you're a human. Thank you! Merci beaucoup."

Your eyes widen on Rool who remains his harden grip on you. He tugs you on you to follow out the back of the stall. "This way!"

He didn't have to say that twice as you scrambled after him, rounding about the furnishings as you left the safety of the Dart and Pops and into the alleys.

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(Rool is such a precious boi.  I named him that because I once had two adorable cuties; Rool and Louie.  May they rest in peace.)