Crowned

Arc 3, Chapter 70: The Darkness Within.

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The four slowly walked into the hotel. Soldiers were rushing about... Wounded being tended to...? And many were going through files and searching the hotel. Mepad stood confusedly, not recognizing anyone here. Dough nervously twiddled his thumbs, absentmindedly spiralling into panic. Many other men stopped and looked over to the two objects brought to them, asking many questions and bringing their weapons out in case. Dough immediately became alarmed and it his hands up, while Mepad just narrowed his gaze wearily.

"That's the one that was on the beast!" A Soldier pointed out, which made Dough flinch as a finger was pointed in his face.

"What...? What beast...?" He questioned, trying to think back to what they could be referring to... Was it that dragon that Lightbulb brought in??? "I—..." He couldn't find the words to explain himself.

Mepad took a bold step in front of Dough. "Now, I do not believe that this is the same object you are searching for." Mepad insisted. They did not stop their bickering and discussion on the matter. Mepad couldn't actually tell if they paid much attention to what he SAID rather than what he DID. He grumbled to himself. "I would appreciate if you were to listen. As, I do not know what has happened here...But I do know we are no threat to you." Mepad informed slightly louder.

"As of now you both are a risk to public safety, and otherwise in possession in supernatural ability." One informed in a low agitated voice.

Mepad blinked and shifted to concern again. "We can assure you that we mean no harm... I understand that you may be required to take action and likely detain us due to whatever situation you are in... However all I request is you do so peacefully? Please...?" He muttered.

Some of the soldiers step back and talk into their radios. Some others talk amongst themselves.

Dough nervously lowered his hands a few inches, keeping them next to his head. "What do we do...? Run...?" He whispered
to Mepad, trying to seem inconspicuous.

"What? No. We stay and follow direction. We have nothing to hide." He replied, looking forwards as the men pondered what their next course of action should be.

"I doubt they'll—like, decide something that's in our best interest...!" Dough grumbled in a hushed voice, his face scrunching up into slight panic and anger.

"Perhaps not, but, It is better than being clueless or harmed..." Mepad eyes dropped sadly, worried. He didn't want Dough to die a second time. Though he was skeptical of his situation, he didn't want Dough to be harmed.

The Soldiers eventually quit their banter and turned to the two objects. One of them grumbled something to themself, and pointed the some of the others to go. He sighed and walked over to the two of them. "Follow me." He then directed them to the roof.

"Whats going on?" Dough narrowed his gaze skeptically, dropping hands. Looking past Mepad to the soldier.

He looked back briefly, before opening the door to the roof pad for them. "My orders are to take you to the mainland for diagnostics and testing. We will determine if you share qualities with those that are supernatural, and if not, question and... Keep you in a secluded location." His voice low and serious.

Mepad nodded.

Dough bit his lip nervously, "What if we... Do have the 'Abilities'? Uh— hypothetically?" He smiled, knowing he sounded suspicious.

The Soldier remained silent.

"Right..." Dough huffed, nervously tapping his fingers together. Knowing whatever that would follow potential discovery couldn't be good.