Two was sleeping blissfully on the couch when One fell from the ceiling and hit the floor with a loud thump. Two jumped off the couch, still half-asleep. “Whazzat?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIQkynKzZl
“Go back to sleep, Two.” One muttered, pushing himself off the floor. He glared up at the CPD on the ceiling as the door slowly closed in spite of gravity.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡRftwGumDlH
Two grabbed a small piece of paper off of one of the coffee tables, crumpled it up, and tossed it at One. “Instructions from Teach.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyJTbNeQNL
One caught it and unfolded it. After reading it for a few moments, he commented “Info on hacking Ronisgald’s security net. Some of these programming instructions are pretty complex.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡErtvL2TwBS
Two let out an exaggerated snore. One shook his head, muttering, “Like you’d help anyway.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt8lZOPlsb
Just looking at the instructions made One’s head hurt. “I’m gonna get a drink from the Bar.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gJN9UBoLo
Not bothering to open his eyes, Two waved a hand weakly. “Later, man.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qPDVBFO7h
One opted for the elevator rather than try the doors leading out of his floor. The last thing he needed was to get stuck in the hedge maze or the tubes.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZKPkJE956
Two’s bartender glanced up as One entered the Bar. “One! We haven’t seen much of you lately.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9n4WxYxVK
“Hey, Sam.” One said, making his favorite armchair appear at the bar, “I’ve been working a lot lately. Could you bring me something to drink? Some of that crystallic stuff if you have any.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4aLI5noUu
“One crystallic cider with just a little bit of ice, coming up.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBtprN95Xe
As he poured the drink, One began reading the instructions word for word. The writing was very small, however, so after a moment, he summoned his glasses.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡchnzlk6kS1
Sam set One’s drink down. “So, you still on that Mikaen case?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O6fAPkXdf
“Yeah. Apparently, I have to hack through several layers of security subroutines just to get inside Ronisgald.” One pulled off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “Ugh. This is giving me a headache already.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSRViiJrnG
“Well, I’ll leave you to it then. I’ve gotta get ready; the regulars will be coming in an hour or so, and I need to get some of my stock refilled. Anyway, I hope you find what you’re looking for.” With a slight bow, Sam disappeared down the hidden staircase beneath the bar.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAY49jogEg
One read the instructions slowly, but he really wasn’t much for programming. He considered hacking into the system via datajack, but there was no way to be sure that the Earth-hardware was compatible with Ronisgald-Tek. The last thing he needed was to have to spend hours pulling strands of his consciousness out of the weave.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI5pXFeiCr
He had spent about fifteen minutes working his way through Teach’s notes when a familiar voice broke through the cloud of his thoughts.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4kp0CHK45
“One?” copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKFpPPJd6n
One glanced up, his glasses perched on the end of his nose. He smiled when he saw Luck looking back at him. “Hi, Luck.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo6zO4e2mR
“Two told me I’d find you here.” Sitting beside One, she pulled off his glasses and peered through them. “I didn’t know you wore glasses.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVWOkWr1Hv
“Only when I read. I could have Captain Morgan fix my eyes, but to be honest, I kind of like wearing the glasses from time to time.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68gMx5CgjI
She put the glasses back over One’s eyes and looked at him with an appraising eye. “If your hair was different and your face was thinner, you’d almost look like Teach. No offense.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN7KmVOBXb
He smiled at her, but something of what he was feeling must have leaked into his expression because she took his hand and squeezed it gently. “What’s wrong?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr6pgrmHs3
“Stupid Galden programming language.” he said, tossing the list down on the bar. “This assignment’s already giving me a headache.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzbtlJzYZS
“Aww! Poor One.” Luck pulled her stool behind him and put her hands to his shoulders. “I can make you feel better.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEFOo2JdEH
He let out a sigh of relief as Luck worked some of the tension from his back.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡp69wwpXS6q
She continued, “You've got a jack, right? Why not direct connect? I mean, Angela shouldn't give you any problem seeing as you're Rebecca's Inheritor.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjZ6NlPnjP
“I'm not sure if my jack would be compatible with Vintan technology.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0tVPSYz6C
“Of course it will! Here, let me show you.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwJq3fP07W
Her hand moved like a flash, sliding a cable through his datajack without warning. In an instant, his mind was awash with information about Vinta's weave: how to navigate modules, bypassing firewalls, and even a few tips for how to make a system think the hacker was simply a diagnostic program running on auto. It wasn't everything he'd need, but the extra information certainly would help.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2gq94MZr6
He let out a breath as the cable slid out of his jack. “Thanks … but please, a little warning next time, Luck.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG6jCVbAvi
As he turned, he saw her pull the other end of the jack from the port on the back of her neck. “Oh! I didn't know you had a jack. You're a hacker?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLOVbRa1Si
“Was.” Luck's cheeks turned pink as she continued, “Say, One … when this whole Mikaen thing is over, what do you say we go somewhere together? Isn’t that Rimstakken race starting in a few months in Wenapaj?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjlfKujwuK
“The Glyche Summit?” One asked, intrigued.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjrJC4FOEa
“Mmmhmm.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RWVM8NXaF
“I dunno. I’ll have to give it some thought.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8ZBnJ5HgA
The door that currently led to the Bar slammed open, revealing a very angry Two.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTTTCvXijC
“You okay?” One asked, quickly pulling his glasses off.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqtolgx8eH
“He won’t leave me alone!” Two exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. “It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, or what I try, Wong just keeps finding me!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuPN5dxbUN
“How about a guard?” Luck suggested.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmHFgjaeBu
Two scoffed. “Already tried that, and he still managed to get through, be damned if I know how. I’ve done everything short of going to Teach.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4VktgA0pO
“Why haven’t you?” asked Luck, once again slipping her arms around One’s chest.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdjy1pLyAG
“Because he’s Teach. The man defines the term ‘unhelpful’, and god help you if you’re expecting an explanation.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm331jncyZ
“Oh, come on, Two,” One said, rubbing Luck’s arm, “Wong’s not that bad.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo4CIxTjyi
“Oh, really? I’d like to see how you’d deal with waking up and seeing his goofy face every morning for a week.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gwrPxQA5r
Luck started giggling uncontrollably. One had a hard time not doing the same.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsNkwPET2d
Glowering at both of them, Two said, “That’s not what I’m talking about, and you both know it.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJBXmkufD3
“We do?” One looked at Luck, asking, “What did that sound like to you?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLk4c9B3KH
Barely unable to keep herself from laughing, Luck said, “Sounds like he’s sleeping with Wong.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1ahmG71A9
Two glared at both of them before taking his usual seat. “I hate you both. You know that, right?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡetTQqgaUwO
One commented, “This from the guy who spent three years on a flick assignment because he kept getting bored and going into bars.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Ai9NrKQb
Two waved a finger at One, warning, “Don’t even start.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡskdCCAiKBT
“Hey, Two!” Said a few of Two’s drinking buddies as they walked through a door that vanished behind them.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPmNFM4QHA
Two rose and approached them, saying, “Hey, guys! How’s it going!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFFfYO3pzU
“I’d better get back to work.” One said, rising from his chair.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1ePERpXC0
Luck leapt into his lap before he could fully stand. He fell back into his chair with a thump as Luck wrapped her arms around his neck. “Why rush? Stay a bit longer.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwQckwZomG
One sighed. He wanted to stay; his relationship with Luck aside, it was nice to simply sit around the Elsewhere. Still, he had a job to do.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2mEhkslK2
“Why not come with?” One asked, picking her up. She gave a shriek of laughter as he slung her over his shoulder and started walking toward the nearest door.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm4ubImAGY
He was just reaching for the doorhandle when Luck started tickling One. He made about three more steps before collapsing into laughter. Luck leapt onto his chest and continued her fierce attack on the helpless Dreamer.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwurJOXIdk
The nearest door swung open, making Luck (who was straddled on top of One, tickling his stomach) and One look up.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcmLQE5jZQ
Captain Morgan was standing in the doorway in full pirate regalia, a rubber chicken in one young hand and a computer mouse with a broken cord in the other. First Mate Simon was with him, his eyes as impassive as ever.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfcpJo85YO
“Look away, Captain.” Simon said, tilting his head to the side. “You're too young to see this kind of thing.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Aly14nZMA
Luck hopped off One and hoisted him to his feet. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, “I’ll catch you later, love.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbMGXCk3Wk
Giving him a parting kiss, Luck skipped over to the sliding pole in the gray room behind Captain Morgan and slid out of sight.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡThz6HjuQpt
One started to follow when Captain Morgan grabbed his arm.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt3Z254p5Q
“Just a second.” Captain Morgan said, but he was interrupted when Two flew through a nearby door, shattering the woodwork.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp2L5Zoq2k
Two stood up shakily and turned back to the parlor where a tremendous brawl was going on, shouting. “Cheap shot!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWCk2kDxa2
As Two ran back into the brawl, Captain Morgan said, “I finished the analysis of the human we found in the Breath of Fire. His gray matter was pretty much toast, but I was able to confirm that he was a Rev recently stationed somewhere in Nevada.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Pw4OyaTXf
“So that pretty much confirms some kind of portal or teleportation device.” One said, not really surprised.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXEMIKM7aP
“There’s something else.” Captain Morgan hesitated for a moment. “I’m not sure what it means, but the Rev knew about you.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUL4eOoSly
Slightly taken aback, One asked, “Me? You mean me as a Builder, right?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmnrqcZB5X
“No, as a Dreamer. I was able to extract a few snippets of memory. His commander warned the entire troop to pull out of Ircandesta if, and I’m quoting, a Galden wearing a green-striped shirt and blue jeans showed up.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPVvCDfoLp
“Well, that could be anyone.” Simon said, sarcasm practically dripping from his voice.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcjZgyNEq9
One thought about it a moment, but all he came up with was a slight headache. “I wonder what that’s about. I thought I was doin' a good job of keeping a low profile this time.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlvAMWNMxS
“It’s probably nothing.” Captain Morgan assured him, “More than likely, there’s a spy within the royal palace. They could have heard Mikaen talking about you, or caught you on the palace’s security cameras. Still, I thought it best to let you know.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnIFSkj8I4
One gave Captain Morgan a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Thanks. I’ll keep my ear to the ground.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWhRVypIdP
“You do that.” All seriousness gone, Captain Morgan flourished his stylish cape, saying, “And with that, I bid you good day.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqan1XjOKQ
He took a few steps before snapping his fingers. Turning back to One, he said, “I just remembered; Wong was looking for you. He said he’d be waiting on his floor.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuep97Ktfs
“Thanks.” No sooner than One had spoken, Two came hurtling out of a nearby room. He flew into the counter, landing face first on the ground.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNoOEjn32A
Pushing himself up, Two said, “Whew! Hey, One, we got a good little fight going. Wanna join in?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU03h21BQL
One pretended to consider. “Mmm … maybe next time.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyfGXpOHS4
With a final rude gesture at the door he had just flown through, Two followed One to the nearest floor exit. “So, I take it that things are going well with Luck?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡapRzevTByV
One felt his cheeks start to heat up. “Um, yeah.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrQcv7ewI5
“It’s okay if you don’t wanna talk about it.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaDwRBVGjO
“Thanks, Two.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtdB2s6V4F
“Loverboy.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg7HtCPH8y
One glared at his friend before opening the door. The gray room beyond was a simple hallway lined with doors of many makes and sizes. None of the doors led anywhere, save the one identical to the door One and Two had just passed through. After a moment, One spotted the matching door and headed toward it.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpIqWA1Sgk
Two had to rush to keep up. Putting his hand on One’s shoulder, he said, “I’m glad to see you two get together, really.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0OUCRnJNr
One didn’t reply. After a few minutes of silence, Two asked, “So, where are we going anyway?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEHvmb8bSg
“The Arcade. The good captain said Wong was waiting for us.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFGs6C27vj
“Oh. Well, I’ll just catch you later.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbkg5W7sFU
One caught Two by the collar. “I don’t even think so.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4zCAVNI6G
One pushed open the brightly lit doors and dragged Two inside. The floor was empty, but that wasn’t to say it was quiet. Wong was hopping around on the dance machine, the volume of which was so loud that it felt as though the entire floor was trying to thump itself out of the Elsewhere.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQlFisilzN
Wong barely spared them a glance. “Oh! Hi guys! Have a seat!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2ZZj5VryB
Two chairs sprang into existence behind the Narrators. Exchanging glances, One and Two sat down.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsFV5fRSXY
Out of nowhere came a muffled clucking sound. Looking around for the source of the noise, Two asked, “What was that?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWOUB6mUsW
Wong said distractedly, “What was what?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6YG5hM1Ik
Two listened a moment more and shrugged, shaking his head. “Ah, nothing. Must be my imagination.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4Mh0RxRKu
Moments later, a loud cluck sounded behind Two.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjrDd2KAXc
One grinned slyly. “My, your imagination’s loud today.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEjwlpO7qx
“You heard it too? It sounded like something clucking.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3CelC6SuQ
Wong asked, “Like Mom?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj9OXnRIYO
“No, like a chicken!” snapped Two.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvte1ODQW4
While doing an incredible mid-air spin, Wong suggested, “A rubber chicken?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡno7ZCtBIl5
“A proper chicken! You know, bawk bagawk?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIpJxn7o55
Wong scoffed at Two. “There aren’t any chickens here.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0BFeDuStq
As One leaned back in his chair, a loud “BKAW!!” shot through the air only slightly faster than One himself.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQO4PrxraT
Clutching his now-pounding chest, One stammered, “What the hell?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKCXt9kAxp
Wong said innocently, “I didn’t hear any chickens.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKpipEVUwp
Two insisted, “That was a chicken!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsg9x6B5yL
Wong finished the song with what must have seemed to him like a cool pose before turning to face them. “Do I look like the sort of chap who’d keep livestock on his floor?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5vA2ZKmAh
One heard a whishing sound behind him as something brushed past his back with another loud ‘BKAW’. He turned to see a single chicken feather floating in the air.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg2bzsQvmm
Two pointed the feather, demanding, “What’s this?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHPbRmhssP
Wong looked sheepish. “Um … I’m molting?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqUK1XJLkk
“Molting?” Two said incredulously, “You haven’t got any feathers!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36A5i9y8EU
“See? They already all gone! All molted away.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzCjKtG2W8
Two grabbed the feather and held it up to Wong’s face. “Look you little twit, it’s a chicken feather!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡRazMVBJFm4
“That’s not a chicken feather!” said Wong, “That’s a tennis racket!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqaAwsK4Ap
Opening his mouth to argue, Two looked back at the feather to find out he was indeed holding a tennis racket. One was impressed; he hadn't noticed the change until Wong mentioned it.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5YBpJ46L1
Dropping the racket to the floor with a sigh, he asked, “What was it you wanted to see us about?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDbOq7paMM
Wong clapped his hands together. “Oh splendiforous! Give me a sec, okay?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMcomJR7Nr
As Wong began running round his floor, One leaned close to Two’s ear and asked, “You’ve spent more time around him than anyone. Is this normal?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMxvoWft21
Two rolled his eyes. “This is downright tranquility. Believe me, you haven’t even seen strange yet.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhEG54NveA
Another loud cluck made One and Two jump. Exchanging glances, they started checking under the couch cushions, in the trays of the snacks and drink machines, and anywhere else that could be hiding chickens.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtmuRJdIQ1
Wong came back with about a dozen various jars and bags in his arms. As he set some down, he asked, “What are you two doing?”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡanOHScE7FH
“Nothing” One and Two, sitting down simultaneously.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89YNP4SDz7
Wong nodded. “Nothings, eh? I think I have a bit of an infection of them on my floor.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRAAlrkyab
Two corrected, “That’s infestation.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlyn2qAHyf
“So’s yer mum. Anyway, I got the things you needed.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHomvernR1
One and Two exchanged confused glances.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5S4FdwZMH
“Those things you told me you needed?” Wong reminded them, “It took a bit of searching, not to mention three snow cones, a toaster pastry and a pleasant chat from the abominable snowman. You know, he’s really a nice guy. I can’t see what’s so abominable about him. Anyway, here you go.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡal2JJ5ajMJ
He set item after item in their stunned hands, naming them off as he went. “Four leaf clover, alligator hair, hen’s teeth, toenail clippings from a yeti … I know I said this before but the yeti’s a pretty decent fellow if you take time to listen to him … Nessie’s scales, rooster egg … oh, and Two’s virginity. On a completely related note, you wouldn't believe how hard it is to get into the Vatican these days.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaqXxWcYj3
Two’s face went bright red as Wong held out a jar of what looked like blueberry jelly mixed with peanut butter.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O9STO5qOR
“You might want to refrigerate that unless you’re using it soon.” advised Wong.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Zd9IWeTg1
Two snatched the jar from Wong and shoved it in his pocket, his face bright red.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPc2NJZZIi
Wong snapped his fingers and dashed madly around the arcade cabinets. Two took the opportunity to glare at One, who was trying his best to keep a straight face.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I7cA01GqQ
Two scowled but before he was able to say anything, Wong ran back with a burlap sack and handed it to Two. As soon as it was in Two’s possession, whatever was inside began to thrash about violently.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxPLHyIWrZ
Wong commented, “I’m glad you gave me the proper bag. That bandersnatch would surely have torn through any regular one.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Oa7BT6BC
Two gulped. “You … you actually caught a bandersnatch.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEkwRVwSBW
Wong nodded, saying, “Why yes! In fact, I made a point to find the most frumious bandersnatch that could be found. It wasn’t easy to catch, what with the long claws and sharp teeth. Damn, is it scary as hell to look at … but I did not shun it! I caught it, just for you guys, just because you said it was so important.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡIauyVc7E9z
Wong turned away, continuing, “You’re like the bastard brothers papa always told me never existed!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7DshK3bQE
As he paused to wipe away an imaginary tear, Two tried to give the bag to One. One, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with the bandersnatch no matter how frumious it was. The creature inside’s breathing was deep and raspy, and One had the feeling it was a lot bigger and nastier than he had imagined from the old poem.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfj7La3i2F
Wong sighed and turned back to face One and Two. “Well, I’m just glad I could help out.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLPKkLWrq5
“Uh, thanks, Wong.” said One, still pointedly ignoring the bandersnatch bag as Two's attempts to pass it off grew more desperate.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13dEwupzFg
“So!” said Wong, rubbing his hands together, “Do you need more help? ‘Cause I’m more than ready. Just say the word, and I’m there.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡeswyAiIEAL
“Actually,” Two said quickly, “One really needs to get going and I need to go and … uh … help.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPw9zRUwil
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” One turned to Wong. “Thank you for your assistance, Wong.”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjoPYUknuZ
“No problem, buddy!” Wong gave One a friendly hug.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJsah3sZI2
“Stay away from me.” Two warned as Wong came near, arms outstretched.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Sibs95Ys
“A hug for my mentor!” Wong proclaimed, still moving forward.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡrALPpKKK7f
With a shriek, Two dropped everything ran to the nearest door. Wong followed close behind, chanting, “Hug! Hug! Hug!”copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLZcWggogY
As the door slammed shut, One looked at the bandersnatch bag. Whatever was inside had stopped fighting to get out. Now, it simply sat there, its rasping breath the only sign that it was still in there. One had the strangest feeling that it was listening.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡr20jkbLthJ
One stood up and tiptoed toward the nearest wall, where a CPD was already forming. Throwing the door open, he tossed the bandersnatch bag through the doorway without bothering to look what was on the other side.copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIkHyKrjuz
As the CPD vanished, One muttered. “Omnipotence is over-rated.”256Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG77GqrRcV8
copyright protection252ＰＥＮＡＮＡyelyrhOHF5
