C.C.'s Adventures in Twisted Wonderland

Chapter 3-4-7: Table Manners

***Deserted Island - Bungalow***

C.C. POV:

We arrive back at the Bungalow, I still have Stitch on my back. "That was underwhelming." I hear Jack say. "I was more afraid stray beam fire or magic would hit the house." I hear Riddle state. "Hey, guys! Guess who's back!" Grim exclaims while approaching the group with us. "Ah, Grim, C.C., and Yuu. I see Stitch with you as well. Are you done repairing the spaceship?" Riddle asks. "We used all the parts we gathered! Still ain't enough, though. So we were helpin' Floyd's team catch a buncha fish 'til a bit ago. Now Ace is off gettin' fruit. Ahh, I can taste that fancy dinner now... *slurp*" Grim says happily.

"Ace is alone? You didn't go with him?" Riddle questions while Stitch is deflated on my back. "Stitch isn't doing too hot..." Bubba says while lifting Stitch off my back and setting him down. "He isn't? Oh dear, that's terrible!" Appa exclaims in worry. "We just finished fixing up the bungalow. He can rest in the shade." Jack states. "It's fixed? Ooh, wow! The back is good as new!" Grim exclaims. "Lilia even installed a draw bar-a locking mechanism. That should keep out any unwelcome company." Riddle states. "Isn't it genius?" Jack asks. "I'm still gonna stay up all night, probably find some to fight anyway." I reply before sitting down by Stitch.

"Here, Stitch. Have some coconut juice. I made it nice and cold with magic." Appa says while handing Stitch coconut water. "Yaaaay!" Stitch exclaims happily before drinking the coconut water. "Mrah? No fair lettin' Stitch have it all to himself! I want some coconut juice too!" Grim exclaims. "I thought you might say that. Wait a moment and I'll give this one my own special twist..." Appa replies. "Nah, I want some now. Give it to me straight! *glug, glug* Ahh, that's good stuff!" Grim exclaims after drinking his coconut water. "Looks like Stitch is doing better already." Appa observes happily.

"Stitch, you've got a coconut juice mustache. ...Hey! Don't just lick it off! What appalling table manners. I'll wipe it off for you—now put your tongue back in your mouth." Riddle orders, Stitch just licks his mustache off, earning a unamused look from Riddle. "Kickin' back at a fancy bungalow, sippin' a cold drink... If I could just take a nap in the shade, it'd be perfect!"Grim exclaims. "Hmm, napping in the shade... That gives me an idea! What if we made a hammock? That would be just the thing to make this feel like a proper tropical vacation! Who knows how long we'll have to live here? We might as well make the most of it! We could string a hammock up under those trees, then have a little side table for drinks... Yes, I can see it now. Why stop with the bungalow? Let's make the whole vicinity into a gorgeous, sparkling resort!" Appa exclaims happily.

"Vacation? Resort? We don't have time for such whimsical indulgences! Now that we have a basic shelter, we should focus on gathering parts for the spaceship so we can return to school as quickly as possible." Riddle states. "I'm with Riddle. We can't afford to relax and take it easy. I'm sure the guys back at school are worried about us..." Jack says. "We could stand to relax a little." Bubba says while I nod in agreement. I don't need rest, but they do. "Yuu's right. Riddle, Jack. Remember that proper rest is important in its own right." Appa says in agreement.

"Where's your sense of urgency, Lilia? Malleus, Silver, Sebek... All of Diasomnia must be worried sick about you right now. Don't you think it's imperative that we put the fears of those who care about us to rest as soon as humanly possible?" Riddle asks. "...I trust them." Appa states. "What's that got to do with anything?" Riddle asks. "I trust they'd know that wherever I am, I'm doing quite well for myself and having a good time. They're all aware that I wouldn't let most things trouble me in the slightest. After all, they know me so well, we're practically family." Appa states. "Ohana?" Stitch asks after looking at Appa in surprise.

"Hm? What is it, Stitch? Do you have a family out there too?" Appa asks while Stitch nods in response. 'Oh yeah, Lilo and her family, they took him in' "I see, I see! That's wonderful to hear. I feel much better knowing you're not all alone. It's wonderful to have people you trust and love, and who trust and love you in return, no matter how far apart you may be." Appa states happily while Stitch smiles and nods. "Sure, but I don't think any of that makes it more okay to goof around..." Riddle mutters.

"I'm not saying to take it completely easy. My point is that being on edge all the time will exhaust you mentally. Rest to your fullest, then work to your fullest. That's the secret to successful survival! I can assure you I'm an authority on the subject. So will you trust me?" Appa asks. "Well, when you put it that way... You've definitely come through for us already. Considering the attitude you've shown so far, I think it's safe to give you the benefit of the doubt here." Jack states. "I hate to admit it, but my survivalist knowledge is...scant. In light of your familiarity with this field, it seems prudent to defer to your opinion." Riddle admits. "Mmhm. I'm glad you're willing to listen to your elders. Good boys, both of you! All right, let's get to work!" Appa exclaims happily.