It took a few tries to walk without shaking, but Shock managed. Once more, she took extra care to pass the doctor's bedroom, but the second she was home free, she picked up her pace and all but ran down the ramp. She needed to get out of here, and fast.

She didn't even realize they'd forgotten the glue remover and the frog, but those could wait another day. Right now, they needed to get back to the tree house.

And as soon as they were in the clear, Shock noticed Carver's resigned posture.

Good, she knew her place.

The oldest trickster grabbed several of the pumpkin creature's vines in fury and tied them into tight knots. She was frustrated. Carver could be frustrated for a while too. Shock made sure to yank tightly and tie knots upon knots. Once satisfied, she started back for the tree house in a huff. She was going to need some time alone.

The sound of drums could be heard as they got closer. It sounded like her brothers had decided to put off collecting forget-me-lots. Whatever. So long as they did it. Shock headed up to the tree house proper. She needed a bath and to clear her head, along with [i]other[/i] things.

She heard the drums stop as Lock berated Barrel for the latest set.

"Damn it!" he cried. "You were doing so well! [i]Why do you do this[/i]?"

"Because it's [i]fun[/i]!" came Barrel's reply.

"If you'd just do the damn set the first time..."

Shock rolled her eyes as she climbed into the tree house proper.