As Sproutmole Mike introduced each contestant, the dreamworld friends couldn't hide their surprise and amusement. Dreamworld Kel stifled a laugh, whispering to Dreamworld Aubrey, "Looks like Sweetheart's standards are quite unique."
Dreamworld Mari giggled softly, finding the situation rather amusing. "I guess she has a type," she remarked to Dreamworld Hero, who chuckled in response.
Omori glanced at the stage with a hint of intrigue, finding the whole spectacle quite entertaining in its absurdity. Beside him, Dreamworld Basil couldn't help but grin at the comical display unfolding before them.
However , something made them gasp as before Sweetheart could speak one of the spotlight items of the stage SMASH at the 3rd and 2nd Sprout Mole contestants that made Sweetheart casually huff "Ohh what's up now? Ohh very well…maybe bad luck prove they are not good enough suitors so…shall we delay for now dear Sproutmole Saint? Hohohoho I shall return fans since it seems this show has a bit of change of its routine.."
The sudden disruption and Sweetheart's casual reaction left the dreamworld friends in a mix of shock and curiosity. Dreamworld Aubrey leaned forward slightly, her eyes widening. "That's unexpected," she murmured.
Dreamworld Kel raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the turn of events. "Looks like this show just got interesting," he commented with a smirk.
Dreamworld Hero glanced at Dreamworld Mari, exchanging a surprised yet amused glance. "Well, that's one way to spice things up," he remarked, his tone tinged with amusement.
Omori observed quietly, processing the unexpected twist in the show. Beside him, Dreamworld Basil chuckled softly. "Seems like even Sweetheart's events aren't immune to a bit of chaos," he said with a grin.
However, both Mari and Omori said in sync "Something is off the way she casually doesn't feel be for her subjects though.."
As they proceed to clean up , and Sweetheart magically vanish on stage with sparkly smoke to excuse herself.
While the other staff clean up the stage and let the surviving one suitor be on standby for later once the show found two new contestants.
Sprout Mole Mike went to the group and spoke "Ohh Apologies I didn't expect this event to happen…"
As Kel frowns "what now? We can't see Sweetheart until someone fix her show?"
Dreamworld Aubrey chimed in, "Maybe we should investigate? It seems odd that Sweetheart would just dismiss the show like that."
Dreamworld Hero nodded in agreement. "We might uncover something interesting about her or this whole setup," he suggested.
Omori glanced around, noticing the confusion among the Sproutmoles and the audience. "We could try to find out what's really going on behind the scenes," he added thoughtfully.
Dreamworld Basil crossed his arms, pondering. "If there's a problem with the show, maybe we can help resolve it and earn Sweetheart's favor," he proposed.
Dreamworld Mari nodded, her expression serious. "It's worth looking into. Something feels off about all of this," she concluded.
Dreamworld Kel shrugged, looking intrigued. "Well, if we're going on an adventure, count me in!" he exclaimed with a grin.
Then they notice Sprout Mole Mike happily jumps "really despite supposed to be guests you would be willing to be involved with her highness' affairs?"
Dreamworld Aubrey nodded with determination. "Yes, we want to help in any way we can. It's not just about being guests; it's about making sure everything is alright for everyone involved."
Dreamworld Hero added, "Besides if there's a problem, it's better to address it now rather than let it linger."
Omori spoke calmly, "We're just curious to see what's going on. It's not every day we get to peek behind the scenes of Sweetheart's show."
Dreamworld Mari smiled reassuringly. "We're not here to cause trouble. We just want to understand what happened and see if we can assist in any way."
Dreamworld Kel chimed in, "Plus, adventures like this are what make our dreamworld outings exciting!"
Dreamworld Basil nodded in agreement. "We'll do our best to help, Sprout Mole Mike. Lead the way, and let's see what we can uncover."
Nod as he walks with his adorable pair of eyeholes and his familiar bulb shape yet fancy plantlike sprout on his head , as he leads the way for the first corridor "while I am at it oh guests….why did it seems urgent you all need to see her? Did something happen at the area above this underground area?"
Dreamworld Aubrey spoke up first, her voice tinged with concern. "It's not just urgency. We noticed something off during the show. Sweetheart's behavior didn't seem quite right, and the sudden mishap with the contestants raised some questions."
Dreamworld Hero nodded in agreement. "Yes, we're just curious about what's going on. If there's any way we can help or if there's a problem that needs addressing, we'd like to offer our assistance."
Omori added, "We're not here to cause trouble. We just want to ensure everything is okay and maybe lend a hand if needed."
Dreamworld Mari chimed in, "Plus, we're fans of Sweetheart, so we want to make sure her show goes smoothly."
Dreamworld Kel grinned. "And adventures like this are always exciting! Who knows what mysteries we might uncover?"
Dreamworld Basil nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We're here to understand and assist. Any information you can share would be appreciated, Sprout Mole Mike."
Nods as they keep walking he excuse every Royal guard Sproutmoles that these MASKED individuals are his ASSISTING professional staff (cover up for them) to be welcome to other parts of the castle as he utter "this is how far I can guide you then. Just use the same excuse for other sprout mole you all relate to me to be convince.
Now , the tasks you could do while I check on her highness is help other Sproutmoles at their work.."
As. Dreamworld Basil spoke "what work? Is it other aspects when preparing for her show everytime? Since it is interesting to learn if those are the things we can help…"
Sprout Mole Mike nodded in agreement. "Exactly! There are various tasks related to the show and the castle's operations that could use your assistance. From set preparations to handling props, there's always something to do before a big event like Sweetheart's show."
Dreamworld Aubrey raised a hand. "We're happy to help wherever we can. Just let us know what needs to be done, and we'll do our best."
Dreamworld Kel grinned enthusiastically. "Adventure awaits, even in backstage tasks! Count us in!"
Dreamworld Hero added, "It's a chance to see behind the scenes and contribute. We're ready to get to work."
Omori nodded, his expression determined. "We'll make sure everything runs smoothly. Consider us your temporary backstage crew."
Dreamworld Mari smiled warmly. "Working together like this is what makes us a great team. Let's show them what we can do!"
Nods as he finally wave using his Sproutmole Antennae to leave them be , then Omori sighs for everyone and spoke "Guess we can't focus on asking sweetheart until we can assist her 'subjects'…"
While Dreamworld Aubrey nods and ask Kel "So Kel…wait a second didn't you just say HOURS ago you dislike sweetheart so much you don't wanna enter her castle?"
Dreamworld Kel scratched his head sheepishly. "Yeah, I did say that. But you know....." voice falters.
Dreamworld Hero scoot close "Know what little bro?"
Dreamworld Kel chuckled nervously. "Well, you see, I guess... It's just one of those things, you know? Like, sometimes you say you dislike something, but then when you're actually there, it's not so bad? Or maybe there's something about this whole setup that's got me curious, you know?"
Dreamworld Mari nods that surprise even Aubrey as she spoke "well she does have the same personality we assume being obnoxious yet it's more bothersome she is also like that with her subjects…"
Then, Dreamworld Aubrey scoots near Omori saying "Either way we can talk to her about Capt. Spaceboy and their relationship downfall AFTER we do these quests remember?"
Omori nodded in agreement. "Right, we should focus on helping out first. It might give us a better perspective on what's happening here before we approach Sweetheart about anything else."
They finally manage to let Omori take the lead as usual as they walk Omori continued "Ohh right incase some Sproutmoles still might fight despite the cover up and these mask Sproutmole Mike gave us…Guess Mari and Basil are just support for us? Since we're sticking with the 4 party system as usual right? (Which is usually Omori , Kel , Aubrey and Hero)
Omori's observation was correct. Dreamworld Mari and Dreamworld Basil nodded in agreement, acknowledging their roles as support for the core party members. They continued their journey through the castle, ready to assist and gather information before addressing Sweetheart.
Meanwhile, back in the real-waking world where everyone is asleep.
Aubrey can't sleep and still can't forget Kel and Basil's queries of her opinion of Sunny being cute and teasing of her fondness for him lately.
She gaze at his sleeping figure and realize for the first time that help her feel better he doesn't seem to have a bad dream. He even smiles and breathes calmly
Then she almost jump then sighs when even Basil wakes up a bit and surprisingly whispers "wait Aubrey why are you awake? Rather is Sunny sleeping well using your only bed for our sleepover?"
Aubrey tries to mask her thoughts by casually responding, "Oh, I just couldn't get comfortable. Sunny's fine, though. He's been sleeping peacefully for a while now." She forces a smile, hoping to deflect any further probing into her feelings about Sunny.
Basil then crawls over to check on Sunny as he nods in awe of his adorable relaxingly sleeping face "Good, he doesn't have nightmares tonight.."
As Aubrey then got noticed by Basil saying "Wait pshh... Aubrey, what got you awake? Besides that…you care for Sunny very well as always…" Basil jumps before calming down.
Aubrey smiles softly, appreciating Basil's care for Sunny. "I just couldn't seem to settle my thoughts tonight," she admits quietly. "And I noticed you're always there for Sunny, especially when he needs it most."
Basil then chuckles softly "Really? Well out of everyone here we agreed I did had the best contact with him despite his isolation for Uhh..4 years yeah? Still…if you're a bit in..bothered by earlier when we're awake I—"
As Aubrey uttered "It's nice….It's nice that Sunny is slowly both new and like his old self again with us…I sorta miss that yet also amazing how he is not just the 'baby' in our group anymore…"
Basil chuckles makes AUBREY sigh in relief as Basil crawl beside her "Hey I am relieved we also reconciled after these past 6 days…So, I think your CHANGE is fine too…yet you're also slowly going back to being our precious 'Aubrey' yet at the same time mature…"
Aubrey retorts casually "Yeah same for you with the old "Basil' and changes you been into..."
Basil nodded, understanding Aubrey's sentiment. "Yeah, I get that. I mean, even though I've always been the same ol' Basil with everyone, there are moments when I feel like I'm changing too. Especially with you, Kel, and Sunny, there's a different kind of connection, like we're rediscovering each other in a way."
He leaned in closer, his voice softer. "And about Mari...well, that's a whole different story. But I'm glad we've come this far, Aubrey. It's like we're finding our way back to being the friends we used to be, but also embracing who we're becoming now."
Aubrey nods as they both yawn and lean on eachother as Aubrey ask "Still Basil , why? Or rather why didn't you tell Kel (especially) and Me that You had Sunny' contact for those calls and text? Since your excuse before present we can't bug Sunny was he may not be comfortable or something?"
Basil shifted a bit, contemplating her question. "Yeah, about that...I guess I didn't want to cause any unnecessary worry or confusion. Sunny's situation is delicate, and I wanted to make sure he felt safe and supported without feeling pressured. Plus, I wasn't entirely sure how things would unfold back then."
He sighed softly, resting his head against hers. "But now that things are clearer and Sunny seems more open, I think it's okay to share these details. We're all here for him, after all."
As Aubrey yawns again and rub her again with a thumbs up Basil said "Oh my turn to ask , why did you suddenly FORGIVE Sunny when he finally admits after we sort out that time with the 'Photo album' of mine and the 'lake' that he is the true culprit defacing photos of his faces from our old memories?"
Aubrey's voice is soft and understanding as she replies, "I forgave Sunny because he finally opened up about his struggles. I realized that despite his actions, he was struggling with something deeper. And I couldn't blame him for that. Forgiveness felt like the right thing to do, especially after seeing how much it weighed on him." She pauses, looking at Basil with a mixture of sincerity and concern. "Do you think he's doing better now that everything's out in the open?"
Basil then glances at his shaking and blows (gardening gloved) hands with his SOMETHING gnawing at his waist, back and Aubrey's before leaving his daze "Maybe? I am unsure..since he is fine now yet again..with Mari..if she did or HOPEFULLY, she will get better once Sunny and his parents transfer her to better care of recovery at the city's hospital.."
He quivers "He might feel better.."
Then Aubrey recalls Hero's passing suspicion of Basil's alibi which causes Mari's coma as her accident when she pauses and asks carefully "Say Basil before we sleep again….Is it true that Mari trips by herself due to her bad leg by the stairs and wants to do one-minute late-night practice for her piano? Before the next day that is her recital duet with Sunny?"
Basil's expression shifts, a mix of discomfort and guilt crossing his features. He hesitates before answering, "Aubrey, I've told you everything I remember. I remember seeing her trip and fall. It seemed like a simple accident, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to it. Maybe it was just bad luck, but sometimes, I wonder if there's something we're missing."
Aubrey nods, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination. "I understand. We'll figure it out together, somehow."
Basil then crawls away from her to make sure she won't notice hIs fidgeting state when SOMETHING HAUNTS HIM.
That he uttered lying down back to his spot earlier "Ughh…Anyways feeling going back to sleep now Aubrey?"
Basil's attempt to mask his inner turmoil with a casual question about sleep is palpable, but Aubrey notices a slight tremor in his voice. She nods, trying to maintain a calm facade. "Yeah, I think I can finally get some rest. Goodnight, Basil."
As they both settle back into their sleeping positions, a weight of unresolved questions hangs in the air, adding to the night's unease.