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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GAnsRtwO5
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6up1KrY1qK
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfOm8tTNVJ
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTrpu9vikp
Two let out an exaggerated snore. One shook his head, muttering, “Like you’d help anyway.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNldBOD6wT
Just looking at the instructions made One’s head hurt. “I’m gonna get a drink from the Bar.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡwifCAeBs4R
Not bothering to open his eyes, Two waved a hand weakly. “Later, man.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6G3Se3Za1
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNYY3ht5zh
Two’s bartender glanced up as One entered the Bar. “One! We haven’t seen much of you lately.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1izvzf9D41
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡv79mlv5ea7
“One crystallic cider with just a little bit of ice, coming up.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dCPoHlSlA
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKVwHBRjmA
Sam set One’s drink down. “So, you still on that Mikaen case?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d2cU6Xzpk
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZUqBcbmlg
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMBvzTf26F
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn5UkhnPOT
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQBWb7MYPJ
“One?” copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmSyQogU9v
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcmcuYsdqn
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1SSpoEZdf
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdnIteYOLc
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyUQ7sKouB
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnomzHmxrW
“Stupid Galden programming language.” he said, tossing the list down on the bar. “This assignment’s already giving me a headache.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡiilHpE5wQO
“Aww! Poor One.” Luck pulled her stool behind him and put her hands to his shoulders. “I can make you feel better.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtUppitauj
He let out a sigh of relief as Luck worked some of the tension from his back.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gAFHlxLgA
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsp3hL4Adt
“I'm not sure if my jack would be compatible with Vintan technology.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIMkFczW9d
“Of course it will! Here, let me show you.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9uN2Ni7hz
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡCclnu6GaMy
He let out a breath as the cable slid out of his jack. “Thanks … but please, a little warning next time, Luck.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWxuOEsC8a
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9m0mQA5BX
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jJJeSbpri
“The Glyche Summit?” One asked, intrigued.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGmYINc7qX
“Mmmhmm.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8PmWR5EKT
“I dunno. I’ll have to give it some thought.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCEAupCHKX
The door that currently led to the Bar slammed open, revealing a very angry Two.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOotPwrrdG
“You okay?” One asked, quickly pulling his glasses off.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iRwrNEILp
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNnGsZYFZK
“How about a guard?” Luck suggested.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSwwlVZxET
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡebNeJdjdEg
“Why haven’t you?” asked Luck, once again slipping her arms around One’s chest.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZzRR6ITzs
“Because he’s Teach. The man defines the term ‘unhelpful’, and god help you if you’re expecting an explanation.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgRBrKzaQ2
“Oh, come on, Two,” One said, rubbing Luck’s arm, “Wong’s not that bad.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtlZr9nKte
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUR73OcBYA
Luck started giggling uncontrollably. One had a hard time not doing the same.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnlMbTJ6lZ
Glowering at both of them, Two said, “That’s not what I’m talking about, and you both know it.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K7N8kXR7T
“We do?” One looked at Luck, asking, “What did that sound like to you?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaRGuOr9Gl
Barely unable to keep herself from laughing, Luck said, “Sounds like he’s sleeping with Wong.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWHi2bueEn
Two glared at both of them before taking his usual seat. “I hate you both. You know that, right?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXoGkJg2XN
One commented, “This from the guy who spent three years on a flick assignment because he kept getting bored and going into bars.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc3CSvdFXO
Two waved a finger at One, warning, “Don’t even start.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHsiFIP73q
“Hey, Two!” Said a few of Two’s drinking buddies as they walked through a door that vanished behind them.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡavHVrWO8gq
Two rose and approached them, saying, “Hey, guys! How’s it going!”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEaO1J5i6D
“I’d better get back to work.” One said, rising from his chair.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2S4r32HID
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnB2QoVj93
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrCGjKJr01
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwvIMDtOS3
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡVycQ0dDMZM
The nearest door swung open, making Luck (who was straddled on top of One, tickling his stomach) and One look up.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF0wzCKPTo
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsmoviu3Do
“Look away, Captain.” Simon said, tilting his head to the side. “You're too young to see this kind of thing.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSeF6eAHg6
Luck hopped off One and hoisted him to his feet. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, “I’ll catch you later, love.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JluMukOIM
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSzjIfvAmF
One started to follow when Captain Morgan grabbed his arm.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3B3EpbHkz
“Just a second.” Captain Morgan said, but he was interrupted when Two flew through a nearby door, shattering the woodwork.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV2oSqeUEh
Two stood up shakily and turned back to the parlor where a tremendous brawl was going on, shouting. “Cheap shot!”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaGcVSUqld
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAbC6kekcX
“So that pretty much confirms some kind of portal or teleportation device.” One said, not really surprised.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrH1hx0Fbi
“There’s something else.” Captain Morgan hesitated for a moment. “I’m not sure what it means, but the Rev knew about you.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX6x3PuocX
Slightly taken aback, One asked, “Me? You mean me as a Builder, right?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSNrz1LnVi
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCjQolykSH
“Well, that could be anyone.” Simon said, sarcasm practically dripping from his voice.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52scQCTU0Z
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP0sQ4uCJS
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzDI1peEGF
One gave Captain Morgan a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Thanks. I’ll keep my ear to the ground.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSvKIwAtKf
“You do that.” All seriousness gone, Captain Morgan flourished his stylish cape, saying, “And with that, I bid you good day.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYyWivKBji
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYEwOsEYTP
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j5jVOmIyX
Pushing himself up, Two said, “Whew! Hey, One, we got a good little fight going. Wanna join in?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkFVrZbg2c
One pretended to consider. “Mmm … maybe next time.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlraQirbDg
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ur9FZtbv0
One felt his cheeks start to heat up. “Um, yeah.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4dI8iJXkP
“It’s okay if you don’t wanna talk about it.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXY6QLZFwR
“Thanks, Two.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4bJM9GDk7
“Loverboy.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WFsjPLgOy
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP8c6Dwnlm
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeWIRP7r17
One didn’t reply. After a few minutes of silence, Two asked, “So, where are we going anyway?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iXWjVxrZH
“The Arcade. The good captain said Wong was waiting for us.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡICLZdFpQuI
“Oh. Well, I’ll just catch you later.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx15iaTUFH
One caught Two by the collar. “I don’t even think so.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEutzi7Jlm
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E1a2RuVZx
Wong barely spared them a glance. “Oh! Hi guys! Have a seat!”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGFJysixyD
Two chairs sprang into existence behind the Narrators. Exchanging glances, One and Two sat down.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡebwidpgJYI
Out of nowhere came a muffled clucking sound. Looking around for the source of the noise, Two asked, “What was that?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjnVENvMAd
Wong said distractedly, “What was what?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcoUVgZ0LU
Two listened a moment more and shrugged, shaking his head. “Ah, nothing. Must be my imagination.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq0YefbS4R
Moments later, a loud cluck sounded behind Two.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUUvg6bWdd
One grinned slyly. “My, your imagination’s loud today.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡT94Y0gwVHz
“You heard it too? It sounded like something clucking.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVgBPVwPkf
Wong asked, “Like Mom?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh4AaMo6hl
“No, like a chicken!” snapped Two.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl4f2LR7fZ
While doing an incredible mid-air spin, Wong suggested, “A rubber chicken?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eCiAQ2kTX
“A proper chicken! You know, bawk bagawk?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡck1cA5V5rl
Wong scoffed at Two. “There aren’t any chickens here.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr5PAcZW9w
As One leaned back in his chair, a loud “BKAW!!” shot through the air only slightly faster than One himself.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2og3vU7r4
Clutching his now-pounding chest, One stammered, “What the hell?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡj08nfIhdDO
Wong said innocently, “I didn’t hear any chickens.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡueKUBcgsfk
Two insisted, “That was a chicken!”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgXkXXFmOe
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9naDZTOKqu
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKIvaETjsT
Two pointed the feather, demanding, “What’s this?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xbMV770tp
Wong looked sheepish. “Um … I’m molting?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92rAGA4sqV
“Molting?” Two said incredulously, “You haven’t got any feathers!”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PqpHFhW8w
“See? They already all gone! All molted away.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6AF9x9YPW
Two grabbed the feather and held it up to Wong’s face. “Look you little twit, it’s a chicken feather!”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTnI7NaW9q
“That’s not a chicken feather!” said Wong, “That’s a tennis racket!”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9EIH3WxiD
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkxYyS6O4B
Dropping the racket to the floor with a sigh, he asked, “What was it you wanted to see us about?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFB3r4gPBQ
Wong clapped his hands together. “Oh splendiforous! Give me a sec, okay?”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡU64a5FFAEP
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhZP4fzr55
Two rolled his eyes. “This is downright tranquility. Believe me, you haven’t even seen strange yet.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Tp7HFJP5y
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIb9ChYJ9v
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05M2sqoTYu
“Nothing” One and Two, sitting down simultaneously.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDAdZb51qn
Wong nodded. “Nothings, eh? I think I have a bit of an infection of them on my floor.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbGbHxQcVV
Two corrected, “That’s infestation.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAqMfuJE27
“So’s yer mum. Anyway, I got the things you needed.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlNeK8Naqc
One and Two exchanged confused glances.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrvODOjEse
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOs2foYA5C
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31lgp9d8op
Two’s face went bright red as Wong held out a jar of what looked like blueberry jelly mixed with peanut butter.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMWhhqWMMy
“You might want to refrigerate that unless you’re using it soon.” advised Wong.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA6isquLPZ
Two snatched the jar from Wong and shoved it in his pocket, his face bright red.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSzLXaq8aF
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGspVQiBhY
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKd1ApmL4P
Wong commented, “I’m glad you gave me the proper bag. That bandersnatch would surely have torn through any regular one.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZrnGVSo5c
Two gulped. “You … you actually caught a bandersnatch.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP2HfwWf2T
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡafFqCbn1dm
Wong turned away, continuing, “You’re like the bastard brothers papa always told me never existed!”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡgydHaAmNJx
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYLO1YnXhD
Wong sighed and turned back to face One and Two. “Well, I’m just glad I could help out.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡoahF5acOCo
“Uh, thanks, Wong.” said One, still pointedly ignoring the bandersnatch bag as Two's attempts to pass it off grew more desperate.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85KDwG1ieA
“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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡAchV0sxnj0
“Actually,” Two said quickly, “One really needs to get going and I need to go and … uh … help.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYn008K9KL
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” One turned to Wong. “Thank you for your assistance, Wong.”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡelwcdQy4Q1
“No problem, buddy!” Wong gave One a friendly hug.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNC8RyXnZE
“Stay away from me.” Two warned as Wong came near, arms outstretched.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfv7BfMoPL
“A hug for my mentor!” Wong proclaimed, still moving forward.copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡn90JS8cV9h
With a shriek, Two dropped everything ran to the nearest door. Wong followed close behind, chanting, “Hug! Hug! Hug!”copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2zyRDtGtR
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPWxOQfMW3
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 protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS1EDoXLQR
As the CPD vanished, One muttered. “Omnipotence is over-rated.”347Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJqZsx27iF
copyright protection343ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8CT51qihz
