Chapter 29: Plans

Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Plans

Ben looked like he was about to cry. "You’re willing to let her stay in the space with Aunt Mary?" he asked, voice quivering.

"Yes, that’s the plan. Which is why we are trying to form a contract with both of you. So, can we get started?" Penelope said.

"Will forming a contract with Ben and I cause you any internal damage?" Aunt Lucy asked worriedly. Everyone in the room fell silent when they heard this question.

Erik, Kai and Aunt Mary all marveled at her kindness. While Ben also started to worry for Penelope’s safety.

"Not at all, you needn’t worry about that. It is a painless process. Well, it might be a bit painful for both of you. You would need to sign the contract with your name and date of birth in your own blood. This will ensure that the correct soul is bounded to the space. You would need to draw blood from the fourth finger of the left hand. It must be the finger connected to your heart. If you feel this is doable, let’s get this contract signed. Once it’s signed, we can all enter the space and I can give more details there. Is that fine?" Penelope said as she materialized two scrolls, her golden dip pen and the ink well.

Each one proceeded on drawing a few drops of blood. Just enough to sign. Once the contract was formed, she instructed them to mentally enter the space.

Ben’s mouth was opened in an ’o’ shaped. Kai put his arms around his shoulders and said "cool, right?"

"Bro, how is this even possible?" Ben asked what he believed was the millionth dollar question.

Kai was now able to talk to him about the space and proceeded on telling him everything Penelope had shared. He also explained the rules in the contract.

"Lucy, once the zombies turn, we will be in here. This will give our kids a peace of mind. They will be able to carry on with their daily task. Us, elderly, won’t be in their way." Aunt Mary said happily. "By the way, do you know how to farm? I’m not much of an expert in planting but we can learn together. We bought many seeds, we should start soon."

"Well, I don’t have a green thumb, but I know the basics. At least, I can grow tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, corn, green onions. At least, that’s what I’ve grown before." Aunt Lucy replied seriously.

"That will have to do for now. Perhaps we should ask the children to bring educational materials. We can read all about it. I’m sure we can learn a thing or two." Aunt Mary sounded rather cheery for someone who was about to experience a zombie apocalypse.

Just as Aunt Lucy was going to respond, she heard her son say excitedly "Woah!!! You guys even got animals in here."

"Dude, Penn thought of all of this. Come, let’s go to the stream. We can go fishing, she got a lot of edible sea animals as well. We got cows, bulls, chickens, roosters, pigs, rabbits, and more. We raided a few animal farms but it’s worth it. We just raided enough to have them to reproduce. This way, we wont ever go out of stock." Kai grinned.

"But, does anyone know how to upkeep an animal farm?" Ben asked.

"Umm, well, we didn’t really think of that." Kai replied, now showing a concerned expression.

"Don’t worry about the animals, I’ll personally take care of that. At least, until we can find a trustworthy person to take over that job." Penelope stated. She didn’t find it troublesome to take care of the animals. She used to volunteer in animal shelters and Animal farms in her past life. She knew the basics. She just wasn’t the best at butchering animals. She had to find someone for that, and pronto.

"P, how confident are you that the animals would survive under your care?" Erik asked. What he really wanted to ask was ’Are you sure you won’t kill them on your first day of the job?’

Kai and Ben started to laugh, not caring about giving Penelope face.

"C’mon Penny, you’re horrible at farm work. The last time we went to the farm camp, you cried because the chickens clucked at you. You threatened to pluck them and make them into chicken soup." Kai said.

Penelope froze as a memory surfaced through her mind. This memory, why did it feel like hers. What was going on. Did the original soul and her have a similar experience?

"Hey, Penn, don’t take our teasing to heart. We got faith in you. I’m sure the chickens will survive longer than a week in your hands." Kai said as he waved a hand in front of her.

"You little punk!!!!!!!!!" Penelope shrieked, running towards Kai. Ready to tackle him down. Erik and Ben couldn’t hold it in any longer and broke down laughing.

Once the commotion settled down, they walked towards the stream. Kai was the one to explain the benefits of the drinking the spring water. He gave each a choice of weather to drink it or not. Afterall, this would be an excruciating experience.

"Mom, I’ll drink the water. If it’s as painful as Kai says, maybe you should sit this one out." Ben didn’t think his mother needed to put herself in such a painful situation. If she was going to say in the space, why suffer.

Aunt Lucy didn’t agree. She felt that she needed to become stronger for her son. She dismissed his suggestion and grabbed a cup. She gulped down the water and sat down. Seeing how determined his mom was, Ben couldn’t help but worry.

He also drank a cup of spring water and sat in a meditating position. Erik guided them on their breathing and concentration technique.

***

While they waited for them, Penelope decided to head towards the golden cave.

"Sister!!!! you’re finally here!" a beautiful reddish bird said as it flew towards her. "You haven’t come to see me in such a long time! Don’t you miss me?"

"Be good, I have visited, but you’re always sleeping. How are you feeling? I see you’ve finally woken up from that deep slumber." Penelope said as she pet her head.

"I’m wide awake now! Sorry it took me a while to stabilize the energy swarming inside me. Now, I can stay up for a longer period of time. I still have a lot of cultivation to do though."

"I’m glad to hear that." Penny said while smiling.

"oh right, I feel the presence of other humans. Did you contract others to enter the space?" Alyanna asked.

"Yes, my family and a friend have joined us. Don’t worry, I granted them access to almost all place except your cave."

"Good, although we are contracted, others cannot just waltz into my sacred domain. Only you and I are allowed to be in here." she said in a haughty tone.

She realized that this pet of hers had a princess complex. What an interesting personality.