Escape From Tickle Tower

6

The small lights guided the three as they walked towards the staircase. "Are you going to join us?" Alice asked Zac. 

"I know it's peaceful down the next two floors, but I don't know if I'll be of any help beyond that." Zac explained as they walked down the streets. As they did, the three of them saw the staircase leading down into the ground again. "It would probably be best if I stay here." 

"Cmon! Come with us! It'll be fun. Plus if anything happens, I'm sure Alice will protect you." Rachel as she made her way to the stairs. 

"She's got a point." Alice began to say softly as she walked up to Zac. "If anything happens to you, I'll be there to protect you. I promise." She said as wrapped an arm around him, holding him close. 

The young man couldn't help but smile as he leaned in closer to the muscular woman. "Thanks. I'll do my best so that you won't have to worry as much about me." He said as the two of them followed behind Rachel. 

The three of them walked down the staircase, only accompanied by lights built into the walls. As they walked, Rachel smiled. "So what kind of floor are we going to next?" 

"A training floor. My family will greet us and help us to the center. It'll do you wonders to train with us." Alice explained as they managed to get out of the confined staircase, looking at a forest village that covered the whole floor. Multiple wooden buildings could be seen as they walked. It seemed the lights were a bright yellow, slowly dimming as time went on. "Seems to be lunch time. Perfect, we can get something to eat before training." She continued. 

The three of them descended the stairs until they reached the base of them. Once they did, they were met by a couple guards. They took one look at the group, smiling when they saw Alice. "Alice. It's great to see you back!" One of them said with a smile on his face. 

"Where's the chieftain?" Alice asked as she got to the front of the group. 

"He's currently eating with everyone else. Let us escort you and the other two there." The same guard as before said. Alice nodded with a smile, following behind the man as they walked through the camp. 

As they walked, Rachel and Zac took in the sights of the armory. A small Blacksmith was found with weapons and armor being made for everyone. There were multiple Dummies made out of hay for people to practice on. Some places had table restraints and even sand patches to spar on. Rachel bounced excitedly as they walked up to multiple wooden tables that were surrounded by people. All of them were eating and talking, weapons at their sides. Most of them wore leather armor that covered necessary spots. Mostly their feet, armpits, stomach, etc. Any sensitive spot that may be under attack. Once they were close enough, the guard pointed to the chieftain before returning to his post. 

"HEY! CHIEFTAIN!" Alice yelled out before running off towards the center table. Everyone turned around, including the bald, older man that the guard pointed to earlier. Rachel and Zac followed behind their older companion, not wanting to lose her in the sea of people. As the three of them made it to the center table, they noticed the bald man standing over them. His gaze almost froze Rachel and Zac in place as he looked over them. Alice was the only one to walk up to him, her chest puffed out. "Been a bit." 

"I take it you couldn't handle the upper floors?" The chieftain said in a rough, growly voice. His muscular arms were crossed as he stared down at the woman. His leather armor had multiple dents and scratches on it. 

"Actually, I'm here to help the other woman with me. She wants to see the first floor. Figured I'd do that much for her." Alice explained as much as she could, basically lying through her teeth.