Survival Mode

Chapter Twenty

"Do as I ask - or you know what the inevitable consequences are!"

Tominnow let out a loud, defeated sigh. "Okay... But under one condition - you leave this family alone."

The man standing before Tominnow chuckled darkly and shook his head. "I am terribly afraid I can't Tominnow... This zombie apocalypse happened because of them. And they will pay...I can assure you."

"You are a sick, twisted man. How could you punish the innocent? How could you force me in to leading these innocent people in to your trap? How could you - curse your own daughter?" If looks could kill - the man standing before Tominnow would be dead.

But he still chuckled despite Tominnow's death glare. "How could I - curse you? I have told you several times before exactly why I cursed you my dearest."

"You murdered my mother in the process! I never even met her..."

"Well I suppose that is a bummer for you then."

Tominnow glared up at her father. "One day - you will regret all you have done. Now that I agreed to do as you say could you leave? And...leave them alone for now?"

An exasperated sigh left her father's mouth. "Okay fine. I will leave them alone - but as you said - just for now. I will see you soon enough my darling Tominnow."

"Okay...see you..."

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And now it was the next morning - and Tominnow stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying the night before...she had a limited amount of time until she had to do as her father had commanded the night before. That idiotic man...how dare he threaten her like that... But Tominnow knew she had no other choice.

She ran her fingers through her vibrant red hair and sniffed quietly. How could she do this? Tunip - was the only one who understood. Even if he didn't contain powers himself. But he still encouraged Tominnow. She covered her face in her hands and let out a sigh. There was no going back now.

After she washed away the redness in her eyes Tominnow exited the bathroom and was immediately greeted by none other - Tunip himself. He smiled at her and gave her a genuine wave. "Good morning Tominnow!" He suddenly took hold of her arm and whispered in her ear - "my birthday is tomorrow."

This made Tominnow want to wail loudly. Though she smiled happily. "That is absolutely terrific Tunip! I will be sure to have your special surprise prepared by the time you wake up." Seeing Tunip's joyous face...she couldn't conceal it. She quickly waved to Tunip and raced down the hall to her bedroom. She slammed the door shut and began to sob. This was going to be a long day...

Meanwhile -- Peso was inside the kitchen preparing breakfast. He nearly let out a shriek when he felt some one abruptly tap his shoulder. He turned and saw Kwazii - standing there with a smile. "Good morning," he greeted him with - "you wouldn't mind if we spoke for a minute would you?"

"No not at all." Peso followed Kwazii out of the kitchen and in to the living room. The two sat down beside each other on the couch. There was about a moment of almost awkward silence...then Peso cleared his throat and said - "So...what is it you wish to discuss?"

Kwazii stared in to Peso's deep brown eyes. For a second Peso thought he had done some thing wrong... Until Kwazii spoke up in a quiet whisper - "If I remember you...you should remember me. And I wanted to make a suggestion to you before it is too late to make a move."

"Make a move?" Peso was confused by this. "Too late?" Some times Kwazii could be the most bewildering person living in this dire world. He would make a terrific pirate - if they existed. "Of course I remember you from the past Kwazii but what do you mean by when you say 'before it is too late to make a move'? If you are implying I could -" Peso paused. He looked at Kwazii for a moment who was smirking. "Oh God no. You don't mean -"

There was a chuckle from Kwazii which interrupted Peso. Peso still yet looked horrified. Then it was that Kwazii spoke to Peso in a whisper once again - "Of course that's what I mean. Peso you have to impress Kate! The two of you have been avoiding each other since your encounter in the hallway a week ago. It seems obvious Dashi is attempting to play matchmaker for the both of you... Now it is time for you to step up to the plate."

Peso shook his head continuously at Kwazii. "You are terribly mistaken Kwazii. I could never impress Kate... not after what I did to the two of you. She absolutely hates me. I don't know if you still hate me but -"

Kwazii quickly interrupted Peso once again - "I do not hate you Peso. I never did. The moment I saw Damien that day six years ago... I was extremely angry with you... I remember thinking to myself, 'not only have you been flirting with my sister - but now returning me to my abusing owner!' But seeing your face after Damien shoved us in the car...I could tell you had no clue...and I forgave you. Kate hasn't though. And she is going to leave me again if you don't make a move." Peso looked to the side shamefully. If only he could think of some way to impress his past lover...

The day slowly went by. Peso had preoccupied himself with caring for Doctor Wilson so he could keep his distance from both Kate and Kwazii, Tominnow had been in her room nearly the entire day plotting out how she would do as her father asked, Dashi was busy with the duty of being Burkland's leader, Shellington and Tweak were God knows where... But back with Tominnow.

She slowly sauntered through the halls of the mansion. It was slowly becoming evening and soon enough the group would set out. She peered around the corner in to the living room and saw Tunip - just who she needed. Tominnow let out a sigh and attempted her best to with hold her tears. She then entered the living room and immediately sat beside Tunip.

He smiled at her as he began to say - "Tominnow! I have been searching for you all day where have you -" He paused and his smile faded in to a frown. Tominnow had her hand to his forehead, prepared to take away the most precious thing Tunip had treasured the past couple days - memories of Tominnow's magic. He looked at her with tears in his eyes. "You - you promised..."

A tear escaped through Tominnow's eye. Coming around the corner was a tall figure. When they saw the two they quickly turned the corner and watched secretly. Tominnow let out a sigh. "Tunip...I am so sorry...but my father threatened to kill you and the others if I don't take your memories of my magic." The figure in the corner nearly gasped.

Tominnow was prepared to take Tunip's memories. She closed her eyes and nearly began to say the words until Tunip interrupted her - "Wait Tominnow...before you take my memories - tell me who your father is. And what you were going to surprise me with...please."

She opened her eyes. Tears were quickly escaping through Tominnow's eyes. She let out a sigh as she said to Tunip - "I was going to sing the song your mother used to sing to you... I know Shellington lied to others about the true identity of your parents. But don't worry - that's our little secret. And as for my father...he's a terrific man. Though challenging -"

Tunip interrupted her with a wave of his hand. "I never asked for adjectives describing your father. I asked for what his name was."

A sigh left Tominnow's mouth. "Carter... His name is Carter Mason." With that being said Tominnow quickly spoke her words - "powers great...powers limited...take the memories of Tunip Bjorgman of my powers, the promise for a birthday surprise, me knowing the true identity of his parents, and the name of my father which I have told him of." There was a moment of silence - then Tunip collapsed in to Tominnow's arms.

The figure standing in the corner wanted to run to the two - but instead they raced up the stairs and to the bedroom belonging to Dashi. They pounded on the door until she opened it. Dashi stood there staring in to the alert handsome blue eyes of Shellington Bjorgman - "Shellington? What's wrong?"

He panted as he spoke - "Tominnow...she and my brother were down stairs speaking in the living room. They were talking about Tunip's birthday tomorrow and how I - I lied to every one! But I will discuss that later. Then she told him who her father was - it was Carter. Doctor Carter Mason - the man who works for your father. He threatened to kill us! And worst of all - she took the memories from Tunip of her pew pew magic stuff!" Dashi's head pounded. Shellington noticed her growing dizzy. "Dashi? You okay?" He questioned her.

Suddenly she collapsed in to his arms. Her eyes were wide and she was panting. In Dashi's perspective she could see Tominnow and her sitting in her bedroom - and Tominnow was telling Dashi about her powers. And then Dashi couldn't remember a thing about them when Tominnow raised her hand to her forehead. Dashi let out a gasp when the image disappeared and looked up in to Shellington's eyes. "I...remember..."