>>5128701Retreating to a safe distance from the senile old codger–STAY BACK!
… A <span class="mu-i">safe</span> distance from The Marshal, you repeat your question to the Mayor–what’s this <span class="mu-g">KEY,</span> anyways?
“This,” Replies the Mayortender with a conspiratorial twinkle in his eye socket, “Is a <span class="mu-g">KEY TO JOPLIN–</span>the <span class="mu-g">SALOON,</span> to be clear.” Holding it out for you to take, you retrieve the key from him with trembling lips–is… is he <span class="mu-i">SERIOUS?</span>
“Well it ain’t a big, <span class="mu-i">FANCY</span> key like ya’ see in those civilized towns,” Ike explains with a laugh, “but <span class="mu-g">JOPLIN’S</span> always had its share of uniqueitudes… All the same, it’d be an’ honor and a pleasure if you took it with our blessings!”
Marveling at the tiny piece of shaped metal, you gently place your due reward in your pocket with a reassuring pat–you’ll take good care of it, that’s for sure!
“Please do,” Ike chuckles, “It’s the only one I got! HA, just foolin’!” Nudging you between the ribs with his elbow, The Mayor’s own joke sends him reeling into hysterics again. Should you, like, come back later or something?
“Don’t be an ass, kid,” Pops grumbles as he sends a mean look towards your van, “you an’ I both know you aren’t gonna travel out here again on a damned <span class="mu-i">social call</span>.” Before you can argue, your temporary ally retrieves a piece of metal of his own from his duster pocket–a <span class="mu-g">STAR-SHAPED BADGE ENGRAVED WITH THE WORD ‘DEPUTY MARSHAL’!</span>
Quietly holding it out for you to grab, The Marshal grows more and more flustered as you give him a smug grin instead! A present? From <span class="mu-i">GAM-GAM?!</span> “Damn it, girl, you take this badge and you wear it with respect!” Slapping it into your hand, the old fogey harrumphs as you examine the goods! “And don’t even <span class="mu-i">think</span> about losing it, ya’ hear? Or I’ll make you wish yer’ dumb hide perished in that damn mine!”
Stowing the badge next to your key, you shrug–it’s definitely a <span class="mu-i">start</span>, but he’s got a <span class="mu-i">LOT</span> of catching up to do in the ‘<span class="mu-i">Gift</span>’ department!
“You take what you get, you circus freak!” He snaps as a faint smile breaks through his gruff exterior. “... an’ if you ever need some more <span class="mu-b">WORDS OF WISDOM,</span> well… you know who to call.”
Standing there awkwardly, you make things even worse by wrapping the gunslinger into a bear hug! Grumbling in protest, the skeleton doesn’t shake you off–leaning in, you give your great-whatever a quiet ‘<span class="mu-i">thank you</span>’ before releasing him from your clutches.
“Just do me a favor, wouldja?” He asks, quickly regaining his composure. “If someone ever has the misfortune of startin’ a family with ya, try to pass on more of the <span class="mu-i">Parble</span> stuff… you can keep the <span class="mu-i">Raccoon</span> crap!”
Bile leaps into your throat at the sound of the word ‘<span class="mu-i">children</span>’ <span class="mu-s">BUH-ARF!</span>
>CONTD. 