45 Beneath The Law (1/2)
Compared to Loki, Rykar's ability seemed much less complicated to work with after experimenting with a variety of objects and situations. At one point, they even went as far as to capture a rat from within the tunnels. Put simply:
The larger the object, the longer and more strenuous it would be place inside and take out of the pocket.
As long as they were separate objects and not connected, they could be taken out separately. However, if stuck together or tightly bound to each other, he wasn't able to manipulate objects individually.
If he wasn't supporting the full weight of an object, it was more difficult to manipulate.
If it was moving or 'alive', it was almost impossible to accomplish anything with the object.
All in all, a phrase which Rykar used towards the end of the tests, summed it up very well. ”It's like pouring water into a cup with a hole in the bottom. If I don't fill it to the brim before I run out of water, then it was all for nothing. Anything other than me holding the thing with my full focus makes the hole in the bottom even bigger.”
By the time the sun had set, they were no longer making any headway into their investigations, so they finally called it quits. Pulling out snack after snack, they settled down to a hearty meal, which was mainly consumed by Rykar, before Chance implemented the next stage of their plan.
Before leaving, the only task to complete was for Rykar to offload a steady stream of the spiritual fruit while the other three carefully wiped them with soft cloths before inserting them into the four boxes that had been sitting there since they entered the room.
Chance revealed that the boxes were for the sake of going to an auction but wouldn't speak on it any further after explaining what an auction was to the twins.
Despite the reluctance to speak on it, the boys only felt more curious as they could see the excitement in Rob's eyes as he obviously knew where they were going. His eyes only glittered even further when he laid eyes on the magical looking fruit which looked like there was living silver glitter within them.
Each box had four layers, each layer containing six small slits which were obviously designed with the intent of containing jewelry. There was a soft, dark red fabric, which Chance identified as silk, cushioning each of the slots which made the entire box look dazzling as the fruit took their places like jewels.
The only problem remaining was the weight of each box. Despite the small size of each fruit, individually they were up to 10kg each, bringing each box up to a staggering 240kg. The only thing more shocking than the weight, was the ease with which Rykar and Chance hoisted up the filled boxes.
Loki, surprisingly, was also able to manage but his steps were obviously labored, not even making it to the door before returning the box to the ground. Rob, on the other hand, struggled to lift the small box yet it remained on the ground as though mocking him.
”What the f*ck is up with you guys? This isn't possible!” Rob shouted in exasperation.
Unfortunately, even while being able to carry the boxes for a short while, it wouldn't be possible for Chance or Rykar to cover a significant distance with them. This was on top of ruling out the two boxes which would be left behind, wasting even more time with two trips.
”Why not just carry the empty boxes and unload the stuff somewhere closer to the auction?” Loki asked while watching Chance pull a tray from under his bed. It was flat on top while supported by wheels on the underside, serving as a convenient tool to transport the boxes.
”It's not that we can't, we could try and find a safe place, but would it be safer than here? You need to proactively think on your own from now on, think of the reasons things are being done rather than simply going for the most convenient or short sighted answer.”
Chance sighed and began a small lecture as the twins attracted another slightly frustrated look from Rob. It was apparent that, despite being much closer, their low awareness levels were still getting to him.
”It's easier to move the boxes while empty and load them later, but there is no safer and more discrete place than this. Anything we do outside has a way higher chance of being seen by others. We don't keep secrets just for the sake of doing so, but because secrets keep you safe. If you can reduce risk, then reduce it. If you can keep a secret, keep it. However, to do either of those, you have to think before you speak or act.”
They worked in silence from then on, Rykar and Loki made a conscious effort not to act too conspicuously or ask stupid questions without thinking strongly about it first. Chance and Rob nodded to each other on the occasion that, before leaving the room, Rykar removed his black and white mask, exchanging it for another white based one but with red cracks. Handing a similar mask to Loki, he also switched his out without any questions being asked.
The masks now stood out as bright as day with the red accents standing out from their otherwise black clothing and hair. The bright red substance glistened in the low light as though it was more of a liquid flowing between the cracks.
With Chance and Rykar taking turns dragging the cart and lifting the boxes, they navigated through the narrow streets once again. Growing more familiar with the environment, the twins no longer gawked at everything, keeping to themselves and concealing the odd bouts of curiosity that popped up.
It hadn't even been half an hour since they had left the sewers before the group followed Chance into a bustling tavern. Walking past the communal area filled with rowdy drinkers, they continued to the back room without a pause. Noticing their movements, many people within the crowd began to watch them without restraint, trying to measure the hooded visitors but strangely averted their eyes when they noticed the masks on the faces of the two boys in the back.
Heading through the doorway, they were confronted by a frail looking boy who looked up at them with pleading eyes as he held out his hands. With a smile on his face, Chance emptied four gold coins into his palm before continuing on his way. Watching the scene play out, there wasn't even a single look of surprise as the inhabitants continued shouting curses at each other.
Further down the hallway, the hubbub from the other room quietened down as the group walked forward while escorting the stack of boxes. The end of the corridor seemed to lead nowhere as an empty wall greeted them before a loud click sounded from beneath.
Gasps sounded out from the boys next to them as Chance and Rob smiled at each other while holding in their laughter as they watched the twins hold out their arms as though bracing themselves against the air.
The twins quickly grew used to the sinking sensation as the floor descended shakily into darkness. With the hallway left above them, the only light provided was that of a short torch standing in the corner, illuminating the brick wall and giving the occupants of the lift a sense of speed as they looked on.
”We're headed to the grey area beneath the city.” Chance began explaining, drawing the attention of the twins at once. ”First we're going straight to the auction house to drop off these boxes, then we can pick up a few things for you guys and stock up on supplies for when we ascend to grace. If there's anything you want to check out, let me know as soon as you can, its convenient down here but not a place you want to spend long.”