>>5329574“Well,” your bones conclude after a nearly-uncomfortable silence settles in between you, “Whatever he’s plannin’, I’m bettin’ we’re part of da’ equation now.”
What the hell is <span class="mu-i">that</span> supposed to mean?
“It means,” Ly says with an irritated sigh, “Dat’ we’ve collected his power, yea? We beat his goons… So for better or worse, we’ve gotta fit into his plans <span class="mu-i">some</span>where…”
The skeleton lets out another annoyed breath. “Just wish I knew what he’s got planned fer’ us…”
Well whatever happens, you reply, balling your hand into a fist in front of you, you’ll stop it. <span class="mu-i">AND</span> him. That’s a promise!
“Fuckin’ A’, kid… fuckin’ A.” Laughs your skeleton! “An’ then, well… we handle whatever comes next.”
Yea, you grin, but what’s gonna happen after this anyways?
“I’m just speculatin' here,” Ly replies, “but dat’ <span class="mu-b">BARRIER</span> around town is gonna go away eventually, an’ when it does <span class="mu-g">CLEARWATER’S</span> gonna be busy… <span class="mu-i">real</span> busy.”
Yea, you groan, you really oughta start brainstorming a vacation…
“Eyes on da’ prize, kid.” Ly interrupts in a stern voice. “An’ wit’ all dis’ magic crap happenin’? I don’t think anything’s gonna be da’ same…”
Yea, you laugh, Syb’s gonna be over the friggin’ moon talking about it…
“An’ us?” The skeleton concludes, “We… we’re gonna be fine, kid. You’ll be fine.”
The idea of returning to relative normalcy had barely occurred to you, but there it is:
<span class="mu-s">NORMAL.</span> Will you really be able to go back to a 9 to 5? And your friends… what’s gonna happen to them?
“If you work for it, cupcake, you’ll get it.” Ly answers in a confident tone. “I believe it.”
Before you can talk more, the silhouette of the docks you embarked from become visible in the cold, cloudy night. As you approach, however, you spot a flame flicker to life along the shore… then another. And another!
“Stan…” Ly begins as the dock fills with torchlight, “What da’ hell is dis’?”
Before you can answer, the air fills with a chorus of howls!
>CONTD. 