C.C.'s Adventures in Twisted Wonderland

Chapter 3-2-5: What Was That?

***Deserted Island - Waterfall***

C.C. POV:

"*huff* Boiling water with magic takes some serious work. Azul, are you sure we haven't boiled enough yet?" Ace asks breathlessly while I watch in amusement. "Positive, considering how many people we'll be providing for. We'll need another three pots' worth at the very least." Azul states. "Seriously?! Now that we know where this place is, can't people go fetch their own water? C'mon, Azul. We've been working hard at this. We can take a little break, right? It's so nice and cool by the waterfall! And I bet you the other guys are taking breaks right about now too. Pretty please?" Ace begs.

"Heh, don't even try to tempt me. Do I look like the procrastinating type?" Azul snaps back. "Tch. Should've known better...Oh well, guess I'd better bang the rest of this chore out and..." Ace starts. "Hm? What was that?" Azul asks. "Stitch is strong." Stitch states. I look over at him to see him carrying big pile of fruits. "Oh, hey Stitch. You're carrying something big there... Ooh, is that what I think it is?!" Ace exclaims in happiness. "Fruit!" Ace and Azul exclaim in unusion. "Bananas, coconuts, pineapples, mangos... They smell superb, and they all look ready to eat." Azul says happily.

"Khee hee hee, we picked a lot more than that." Appa says happily from behind Stitch. "Lilia, how did you find all this fruit?!" Ace asks in surprise. "Khee hee hee. A combination of knowledge, experience, and an elder's instincts. Call it the fruits of old age. Give me a moment, and I'll cut up some of the freshest ones for you." Appa says joyfully while cutting open some of the fruits. "That's what I'm talkin' about! Once I chow down on some juicy fruit, I can get back to this grind for a little longer!" Ace exclaims happily.

"I suppose you get your break after all, Ace." Azul says. "Whatever, Azul. You've been eyeing that fruit too, don't lie." Ace snaps back. "All right, all done. Eat up, and don't forget to share." Appa says as he finishes cutting up the fruits. "*munch* Whoa, this mango's sweet! It's practically melting in my mouth!" Ace exclaims as he takes a bite from his mango. Stitch smiles widely as he eats some of the fruits. "The flavors so rich, it's hard to believe it's wild fruit. You'd have to pay at least a hundred thaumarks for something like this in a store!" Azul exclaims in amazement.

"What healthy appetites you have. All right, I'll cut up some pineapple next. Have some bananas while you wait. Oh, there's also coconut juice. Don't worry about straws—we've made some out of wood." Appa says happily while cutting up some other fruits. "Wow, you've got everything covered! I lucked out big time getting on the same team as you, Lilia!" Ace exclaims happily while Stitch smiles again. "Mmhm. Eat up and drink up! You're a growing boy. Now that you've had a palate-cleanser to drink, try this next." Appa says while they drink the coconut water. Stitch hands Appa a golden fruit then goes back to eating.

"What's that? I've never seen it before. It's all gold and shiny..." Ace asks. "Curious, isn't it? I've only seen it once before myself, when journeying through the tropics a very long time ago. They're highly nutritious, and the locals were eagerly devouring them." Appa says. "Well, I'm delighted to have the chance to dine on such a sought-after superfruit. I'll try one. *munch* HRK!" Azul chokes after taking a bite of the weird fruit. "AZUL?!" Ace screams in shock as Azul falls to the ground and Stitch backs up in surprise. "Ugh... Blech!" Azul says before passing out. "Shame. He shouldn't have eaten that." I say nonchalantly.

"Azul...? AZUUUL! He passed out as soon as he bit into that fruit!" Ace exclaims. Stitch looks around before running off into the forest, probably to find the other group. "Come, now. Don't spit it out. You have to eat up if you want to grow. Eat up, I say! This fruit provides excellent nourishment. Turn your nose up at it if you want, but you'll never grow big and strong being picky. Sure, it tastes pungent and tart, but it's well worth it for all the vitamins and minerals!" Appa exclaims. "R-really...? So you've eaten it before, then?" Ace asks skeptically.

"Nope. I've had it offered to me, but I declined since I was told it was a valuable commodity." Appa replies. "Ahh, I get you. Makes sense...Hahaha. Azul's got a sensitive enough palate to identify water by taste, so I can only imagine what this must've done to him..." Ace mumbles. "There's no telling how long we'll have to live in this harsh environment. You should eat some as well, Ace." Appa says. I look around and see more of Gantu's robots coming. "Wait, me?! Uhh... I think I feel a little stomachache coming on, so...AH! Look! Gantu's robots! Heads-up, Lilia! Robots! We'd better fight 'em right now!" Ace exclaims while we all get ready for the fight.