Alternate Battle for Dream Island

ABFDIA 24c: Rise

Dream Island was looking a lot more empty and miserable than it already was; and Pen was *just* there.

Even though they'd barely ever set foot in it (or *never*, in Gelatin's case), being in this place once again brought forth all sorts of memories. This was the place that they Battled so hard for, the place they threw *everything* away just for a shot of seeing it with their own two eyes. They'd all get what they wanted in the end, to some degree, but at what cost? They were only able to enjoy all the sights and wonders for a little under 2.763 seconds, before Golf Ball *allegedly* caused yet more trouble, rest and recuperation had to be delayed for yet another distant day, and they had to start yet *another* Battle for Dream Island. Well, the others anyway; for these unlucky ones in particular, they'd be taken out of the action as soon as it got going, forced to go on an adventure that was somehow even more miserable, somehow more insanity-inducing. Firey and the others had to walk for days and weeks in a desperate search for *any* sort of answer, Pen was isolated and left all on his own, and Gelatin... was probably doing something else. It was all varied, depending on the person, but they all shared one thing in common: they were the *absolute* last thing any one of them wanted to do with their life. They had fought for the privilege of relaxing on that island, and that was all they wanted; or, at the very least, the ability to lay down somewhere without anyone bothering them.

But no. Of course not. Life has already thrown them so many curveballs, made things horrific and difficult for *this* long. What incentive was there to stop? To lessen the burden by even just a little bit? It's not as if the cosmos was an actual living entity that actually cared about their needs and wants. It didn't care whatsoever what they deemed to be unfair, or ridiculous, or *torturous*. The universe just... does what it wants.

And it wants to do this, whether or not they want it or not.

Firey and Teardrop kept their eyes peeled, looking for any sort of detail that might give them any sort of resolution, any conclusion. When they were forcibly driven out of Dream Island, it was the site of quite a storm, quite the commotion. And yet, despite how hectic and chaotic it seemed to be in their half-remembered memories, there didn't seem to be a single trace of it. Not a single shred of evidence. Like it never happened at all.

But it *did* happen, of course.

Did it?

The group stayed close to each other, unsure of what would happen to them if they ever split up, if they got lost. Signs pointed to them being the only ones around, but that's how they got you. You get lulled into a false sense of security, you think you're gonna be just fine, then *boom*, there's another several dozen or so chapters in this story that has far, *far* outstayed its welcome.

"...A whole square mile of paradise." Gelatin mumbled to himself, having found himself with nobody to talk to; everyone else was lost in their thoughts, being completely and fully surrounded by this place their lives have revolved around for so long. He'd continue recounting the Announcer's initial spiel as he took in the sights. Everything *sure* was there, alright. Even the restaurants he was so concerned about. "...I'm gonna be honest: I'm not impressed." He'd continue. "I mean, it's a whole *island*; that's a remarkable thing to have regardless. But..." He'd scoff. "I dunno, maybe that speaker box hyped it a bit too much. Oversold it. I was expecting... a little bit more."

"Well, it's *mine*, at the very least." Pen turned to interject. "Supposed to be, anyway." He had more to say, but the foodstuff would be completely distracted upon seeing *the* winner of the Battle for Dream Island. "Pen! It's you! Such an *incredible* honor." He'd quickly move to shake his hand, which would be a whole awkward affair. "Uh... Okay." The writing utensil nodded out of politeness. "Nice to meet you too." "...Sorry about that." Firey chimed in. "*This* is Gelatin, someone we bumped into along our journey." "Yeah, I figured." The capped one then returned to looking for *any* clues, any at all.