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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEBa41AJx1
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VaboyxpxC
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iHc9bRfcr
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx6tHauhU1
Two let out an exaggerated snore. One shook his head, muttering, “Like you’d help anyway.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWWt7l2FLz
Just looking at the instructions made One’s head hurt. “I’m gonna get a drink from the Bar.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUSZ61bXgo
Not bothering to open his eyes, Two waved a hand weakly. “Later, man.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8VvBCG5TB
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dx4GFqJkb
Two’s bartender glanced up as One entered the Bar. “One! We haven’t seen much of you lately.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC5bBccMat
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAC66dIMjC
“One crystallic cider with just a little bit of ice, coming up.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrPVwwAWfV
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yxdK9qXVA
Sam set One’s drink down. “So, you still on that Mikaen case?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6b2chgV4A
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡys1nnxTYu9
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCIrPtAfqw
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRD1TQjaMn
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkQMHdkBcO
“One?” copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7quygX9wn
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnejp8aIiW
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63gWPXaazm
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡYktpP2FMcb
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SyocXwmGP
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMTyIJwST6
“Stupid Galden programming language.” he said, tossing the list down on the bar. “This assignment’s already giving me a headache.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSrJhgMW2Y
“Aww! Poor One.” Luck pulled her stool behind him and put her hands to his shoulders. “I can make you feel better.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cRHA3F7pl
He let out a sigh of relief as Luck worked some of the tension from his back.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI7QhQAOJt
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZllJCBvzE
“I'm not sure if my jack would be compatible with Vintan technology.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHRlosp4zP
“Of course it will! Here, let me show you.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxxxoOoYC7
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx7MSQpulY
He let out a breath as the cable slid out of his jack. “Thanks … but please, a little warning next time, Luck.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QGZb5rA91
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzyX6WMuUp
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmWJ9PzzjV
“The Glyche Summit?” One asked, intrigued.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡysLesWkUxu
“Mmmhmm.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX3uV9rHDm
“I dunno. I’ll have to give it some thought.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gJ3ZSSyrc
The door that currently led to the Bar slammed open, revealing a very angry Two.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZEee7bz1J
“You okay?” One asked, quickly pulling his glasses off.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XH6sCfTkT
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr9Zv8SoHj
“How about a guard?” Luck suggested.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbjfqynB7o
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡlam3hOGxI1
“Why haven’t you?” asked Luck, once again slipping her arms around One’s chest.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYtAYYJQnq
“Because he’s Teach. The man defines the term ‘unhelpful’, and god help you if you’re expecting an explanation.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYBue12BDa
“Oh, come on, Two,” One said, rubbing Luck’s arm, “Wong’s not that bad.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zlm2CaJ9S
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡKARdbPcUFz
Luck started giggling uncontrollably. One had a hard time not doing the same.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPxXjLZmnD
Glowering at both of them, Two said, “That’s not what I’m talking about, and you both know it.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnCSJFvTpF
“We do?” One looked at Luck, asking, “What did that sound like to you?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9fDnqszl8
Barely unable to keep herself from laughing, Luck said, “Sounds like he’s sleeping with Wong.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GYGEirDEO
Two glared at both of them before taking his usual seat. “I hate you both. You know that, right?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcbT4VzAOY
One commented, “This from the guy who spent three years on a flick assignment because he kept getting bored and going into bars.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB8vevWH5h
Two waved a finger at One, warning, “Don’t even start.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdYNUC5lgK
“Hey, Two!” Said a few of Two’s drinking buddies as they walked through a door that vanished behind them.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxWmr1h0B6
Two rose and approached them, saying, “Hey, guys! How’s it going!”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRH8mWEiDJ
“I’d better get back to work.” One said, rising from his chair.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtXyhRbmds
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oZ3Kq52rH
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ryQAVNeer
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPUVocNzy0
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Go1J9sPbT
The nearest door swung open, making Luck (who was straddled on top of One, tickling his stomach) and One look up.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkl5bV0Zaf
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡq94l5sxS26
“Look away, Captain.” Simon said, tilting his head to the side. “You're too young to see this kind of thing.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4Mi5wrxlD
Luck hopped off One and hoisted him to his feet. Leaning close to his ear, she whispered, “I’ll catch you later, love.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRYNWaJX9T
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz3hV8Ks1M
One started to follow when Captain Morgan grabbed his arm.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUQldWREtc
“Just a second.” Captain Morgan said, but he was interrupted when Two flew through a nearby door, shattering the woodwork.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV4gI1qrZz
Two stood up shakily and turned back to the parlor where a tremendous brawl was going on, shouting. “Cheap shot!”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc9pu4xexy
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16tSrGOili
“So that pretty much confirms some kind of portal or teleportation device.” One said, not really surprised.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDezUWAkoz
“There’s something else.” Captain Morgan hesitated for a moment. “I’m not sure what it means, but the Rev knew about you.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKM49g9HvH
Slightly taken aback, One asked, “Me? You mean me as a Builder, right?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwNJofqdxL
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3pKCjGdE5
“Well, that could be anyone.” Simon said, sarcasm practically dripping from his voice.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzQzE0QNHl
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXSiHhy8u5
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡU09kKLDrZi
One gave Captain Morgan a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Thanks. I’ll keep my ear to the ground.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMSnmwnck5
“You do that.” All seriousness gone, Captain Morgan flourished his stylish cape, saying, “And with that, I bid you good day.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP3q8LHGTc
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOcW8XHMpH
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WuXkQtI3O
Pushing himself up, Two said, “Whew! Hey, One, we got a good little fight going. Wanna join in?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBER2NCKuw
One pretended to consider. “Mmm … maybe next time.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgk9cs6Uev
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjs6gMWKv0
One felt his cheeks start to heat up. “Um, yeah.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjCdaF0Npu
“It’s okay if you don’t wanna talk about it.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmLEvY7CTm
“Thanks, Two.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vGABWnyHS
“Loverboy.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgbbtmQu9g
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtCK87IfKB
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS7itIfQhW
One didn’t reply. After a few minutes of silence, Two asked, “So, where are we going anyway?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQdU2GhTbq
“The Arcade. The good captain said Wong was waiting for us.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99ULT2TChE
“Oh. Well, I’ll just catch you later.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTwlcZ3rQl
One caught Two by the collar. “I don’t even think so.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡozbBudiL6t
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgD62x8W9q
Wong barely spared them a glance. “Oh! Hi guys! Have a seat!”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnk6Iw6MYW
Two chairs sprang into existence behind the Narrators. Exchanging glances, One and Two sat down.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nwjZ1xhNE
Out of nowhere came a muffled clucking sound. Looking around for the source of the noise, Two asked, “What was that?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZUp5WXeS7
Wong said distractedly, “What was what?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsvZzdvF0u
Two listened a moment more and shrugged, shaking his head. “Ah, nothing. Must be my imagination.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8R8rQaZ8X
Moments later, a loud cluck sounded behind Two.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUWxk2uhhn
One grinned slyly. “My, your imagination’s loud today.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWQTVp7r57
“You heard it too? It sounded like something clucking.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIgNRIE1HM
Wong asked, “Like Mom?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkHVS1Xnif
“No, like a chicken!” snapped Two.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHbBA61Hx6
While doing an incredible mid-air spin, Wong suggested, “A rubber chicken?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtP6gGOUHv
“A proper chicken! You know, bawk bagawk?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGQpBIrz5K
Wong scoffed at Two. “There aren’t any chickens here.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQrZr16sJD
As One leaned back in his chair, a loud “BKAW!!” shot through the air only slightly faster than One himself.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz7oFn5tiM
Clutching his now-pounding chest, One stammered, “What the hell?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0tPp4xQDD
Wong said innocently, “I didn’t hear any chickens.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡAst1sV3yoN
Two insisted, “That was a chicken!”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYmjn1HsvZ
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuZIjoMRfq
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPSYRlTVTi
Two pointed the feather, demanding, “What’s this?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5g4pD665B
Wong looked sheepish. “Um … I’m molting?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k653puQhJ
“Molting?” Two said incredulously, “You haven’t got any feathers!”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLz9KruDmn
“See? They already all gone! All molted away.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5tbaSPgZU
Two grabbed the feather and held it up to Wong’s face. “Look you little twit, it’s a chicken feather!”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4fYajoE9F
“That’s not a chicken feather!” said Wong, “That’s a tennis racket!”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡoprXzbo4OL
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKQVW0OMhN
Dropping the racket to the floor with a sigh, he asked, “What was it you wanted to see us about?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9SW83gwHp
Wong clapped his hands together. “Oh splendiforous! Give me a sec, okay?”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5PD3oOssD
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUo4Qk4F6m
Two rolled his eyes. “This is downright tranquility. Believe me, you haven’t even seen strange yet.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNvlKDo0a6
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmbf0fEOH6
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU1PZSa3xh
“Nothing” One and Two, sitting down simultaneously.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡq15VmQzLQK
Wong nodded. “Nothings, eh? I think I have a bit of an infection of them on my floor.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh74w7jaV0
Two corrected, “That’s infestation.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnVjdUboYJ
“So’s yer mum. Anyway, I got the things you needed.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoKLk7BUTs
One and Two exchanged confused glances.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡELJLQgT9qO
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIc51q0dOY
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡXunHfHPRBJ
Two’s face went bright red as Wong held out a jar of what looked like blueberry jelly mixed with peanut butter.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgv32ljVuK
“You might want to refrigerate that unless you’re using it soon.” advised Wong.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEsWKtmKHa
Two snatched the jar from Wong and shoved it in his pocket, his face bright red.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEF6mVOcMp
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6GqaILtDg
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmVGjGaFrR
Wong commented, “I’m glad you gave me the proper bag. That bandersnatch would surely have torn through any regular one.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡQavwhSr54e
Two gulped. “You … you actually caught a bandersnatch.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0lbqvTcZw
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdTpTc54Sw
Wong turned away, continuing, “You’re like the bastard brothers papa always told me never existed!”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJHrfYkH3o
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyohKPND2M
Wong sighed and turned back to face One and Two. “Well, I’m just glad I could help out.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw04VUg0Y9
“Uh, thanks, Wong.” said One, still pointedly ignoring the bandersnatch bag as Two's attempts to pass it off grew more desperate.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUSel8cFPg
“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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LPt2zjPdl
“Actually,” Two said quickly, “One really needs to get going and I need to go and … uh … help.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnSDrNxIOw
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” One turned to Wong. “Thank you for your assistance, Wong.”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlqLzMTMsJ
“No problem, buddy!” Wong gave One a friendly hug.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wuSZxrjnF
“Stay away from me.” Two warned as Wong came near, arms outstretched.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡF03xDvkbd8
“A hug for my mentor!” Wong proclaimed, still moving forward.copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6u8R4ULQm
With a shriek, Two dropped everything ran to the nearest door. Wong followed close behind, chanting, “Hug! Hug! Hug!”copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTSZMSwecU
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRUWoxrIJF
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 protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqMmyDqsph
As the CPD vanished, One muttered. “Omnipotence is over-rated.”182Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5Ef22NtLw
copyright protection178ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTbITXBqbN
