HOTEL LEX - FLOOR 5 (21/?) (Patreon)

You take the deal and the rabbit separates the dice with his cane and pulls out another empty spool. He spins the two spools against each other and somehow manages to split the thread into two parts. You hand him the two dominoes and pick up your purchases. You are about to roll the die on the bar but the rabbit taps the exit. You two spin around and see him standing by the door.

"The Magic Emporium thanks you for your business. Now, I've got a party to catch."

He gestures for the two of you to step out into the now-sunny department store. You blink, your eyes readjusting to the light as the door closes behind you. You and Emmett pocket your purchases; you will eventually find time to roll this die as there's no immediate need. You look at Emmett and ask him what to do now.

"W-well, we can just walk around unless you want to wait at t-the ice cream parlor."

You think Bean is probably still shopping so you suggest taking a lap around the fifth floor. Emmett nods his head and this time, he takes your hand and the lead. His paw comfortably wraps around yours and you smile. You watch the charm you made Emmett bounce off his chest as he walks and you think back to what felt like the night before. You haven't slept so comfortably in a long time and it is thanks to this ache-less body. You smile, your worries fading. There isn't any danger around you, at least not immediately apparent to you so you take your time with your steps. You marvel at each store you pass by, a pirate ship in a bottle with waves sloshing around, an ice rink with glitter drifting about like snow, a radio station with a pile of televisions stacked on each other with wires running all about. You stop to admire the 80s design of this store in particular as Emmett continues to walk on. Suddenly, everything flashes pink and across all the TV sets and Lex appears. He leans forward as if examining you in real time. You are sure this isn't a pre-recorded broadcast.

"My, my, aren't we looking swell? You look like you fit right in!" his voice comes out of a speaker off to the side.

You rub your eyes. Other toys walk on by without paying any mind to you or the sudden appearance of a clown on the televisions.

"Tick, tock, tick, tock..." he laughs, his face unchanging.

You turn to call out to Emmett but as you turn back to face the wall of televisions, Lex is gone. Emmett waddles back, "W-what's wrong Percy?"

You felt relaxed... a little too relaxed. And this is a wake-up call. You shake your head, remembering what your whole objective is: to fix the pocket watch and make it to the next floor to get to the seventh floor where you could possibly escape. You shudder, wondering if you had simply forgotten because you were shopping or if staying too long in this world is starting to influence you. You manage to stammer out that it was nothing and Emmett holds your hand again before you continue down the way. You are stunned, his laugh repeating in your mind. You decide that it's better not to stress out your companion. Rushing might be a trick and you might just rush into a trap.

You arrive back at the ice cream parlor, which is now bustling with many patrons. And sit down. Emmett's nose is twitching as he takes in the smell. He seems happy, his head bobbing side to side as he plays with the spool of golden thread. Eventually, Bean shows up with a bag filled with all sorts of miscellaneous items.

"Sorry about that," he says, "I love browsing the fall collection every year. Anyway, did you just get here? Would you like a small cone to smell while we head on? I want to see what 'Pawtique' has in store."

> Ask Bean to accompany you to the 'CLOCKTOWER.'> Let Bean take the lead.

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