Escape From Tickle Tower

33

“Okay. Then we'll just need to figure out our method of attack for each round.” Rachel said as she heard Alice's explanation. 

“It comes down to who our opponents are. Too bad we haven't heard anything yet.” Perrine said. 

“Just be careful. Some may just try to fight. Others may try to only tickle. It really does depend on the opponent.” Alice said as she took a look at Rachel who was smiling innocently at her companion. “And don't try to humiliate us when we see each other.” 

“I would never!” Rachel said with fake offense. “But it would still be fun to tickle you two in an official match.” She let out a mischievous smile. 

“I'd much rather not have our worst spots exposed.” Alice said as she crossed her arms in front of her. 

It was then that the three of them heard a loud speaker turn on. They quickly covered their ears with their hands while turning their heads to the source of their audio torture. “The participants of the next tournament are ready! If you're looking for the list of participants, then please refer to the bulletin board. Would Johnathan and Rusca please enter the arena.” It said before cutting. A few seconds after the announcement ended, the three women slowly lowered their hands. 

“Isn't that pretty quick. They already have the first match only a couple hours after we signed up.” Alice said as she turned to the other two. 

“Maybe they expect all their participants to be ready at a moment's notice? Still, I want to know the rest of the participants. You think we can check the bulletin board?” Perrine said softly. 

“You sure you don't want to check out the match?” Alice asked nervously. 

“I mean you can if you want. But, I think knowing who our opponents are would be better. At least to me.” Rachel said as she turned to Perrine and began to lead the way. Alice turned her head to a nearby door that led to the stands before sighing. She followed behind them, walking towards the bulletin board while others watched them pass by. 

When they got to the bulletin board, they each read the names of their opponents one by one. “Rusca, Johnathan, Turno, Isoma.” Rachel read out before her eyes lit up. She gasped and jumped in glee as she read the last name. “LEA!” She screamed out excitedly, forcing the other two to cover their ears. 

“You know her?” Perrine asked while slowly uncovering her ears. 

“Yes! I used to tickle her a ton when we were younger. She left about five years ago. She must've ended up here.” Rachel explained happily. 

“I'm sure you'll have fun. Now who's the other two?” Alice said as she turned the other two. 

“No idea who the rest of them are, but we'll need to be prepared to deal with any of them.” Rachel responded. 

“Not Rusca. I'm sure their opponent won’t let them win that easily.” Alice responded as she read the names to herself again. “I don't know either Isoma, nor Turno.” 

“I may know Turno.” Perrine said softly as she looked up to them. Alice and Rachel immediately turned to her with a questioning look. “He was in my classes before I was held back. He did enjoy tickling me a lot, but it resulted in me being held back.” Perrine explained softly as she looked down at the ground shyly. 

“Sorry that happened.” Rachel said softly. “But now, you have a way to counter any tickle attack!” She said, trying to cheer her friend up. 

Perrine looked up at Rachel, smiling as she did so. “Yeah!” She said happily while holding her hands together. It was then that the speaker turned on again. They all covered their ears as they heard that the first match ended with Johnathan's victory. “That was quick.” Perrine commented before they heard that Rachel and Isoma should enter the arena.