Jester Book 1: Abduction

Ch 17 Part 1: C.A.R.E.

Within the Wild West district are a host of colorful shops with old Western themes. Outside of the usual hotspots like Colt's Carnival Shooter or Shelly's Gem Shop are knick-knack hotspots like Belle's Bedashery. A little wooden store with an old-timey feel much like the rest. The bad influences of the Goldarm Arm staff sparked a playful rebellion in all that entered. Children would often leave with rubber band guns and rubber caltrops to terrorize their homes on the very same night. Of course, being the businesswoman she is, she had a return policy that placed more in her pockets than the headache of returning was worth.

Resting on the compact dirt floors just behind the shop was a black and blue shadow. His face paint smudged and cracked after the rough two nights he had endured. Exasperated gasps for water could be heard if not for the hustle and bustle of Starr Park.

Chester had been on a mission since that fateful night. When he, Crow, and Bo had been ambushed on a rooftop during their patrol. The sound of a cannon in the distance. The kidnapping of the two older Brawlers. When he finally regained consciousness inside that dumpster he was nearly thrown into a landfill. He spent the entire day getting back into Starr Park without getting caught. When he made it back he had no idea what day it was. There had already been a new poster posted for Crow. He had a secret mission to recover Bull's secret recipe. Chester couldn't find a poster for Bo or Jessie but he knew that he'd see one soon enough. Rather than dwelling on the past, he spent that night trying to reach Pam.

He could only assume that the Leon he saw with Jessie was an imposter just like all the rest. So if Jessie was talking to an imposter it only made sense that she would turn up missing next. He was surprised that Pam hadn't already ripped the town a sunder. Her hyper-alert parenting struck the fear of God into anyone who tried to harm even a hair on Jessie's head. Even Bibi and Crow wouldn't toy with that girl if Pam was in earshot.

However, Pam's Junkyard was locked up tighter than Starr Castle on a holiday. The robots were rushing back and forth through the yard with twice the numbers. Floodlights scanned every inch like sniffer dogs. On the off chance that he managed to land a foot inside the walls, a swarm of bots would rush to his position. Forcing him back into the cold of the night. He swore he once got chased down by Peep and nearly annihilated with extreme prejudice.

He gave up at around three o'clock this morning and still managed to wake up from the developmental area at seven. His lack of sleep almost spurred his paranoia forth. Panicked rushing up and down the streets in broad daylight. Actively interacting with the public. It was like he was trying to get caught. He hoped that if he drew enough attention to himself, another Brawler would arrive to hear him out. Though it was most likely that they would see him as a threat with the narrative Starr Park had been feeding them.

Either way, he had to let them know. He had to tell them the truth. The missing Brawlers, have been replicated. Robotic clones are tainting their good names. Not only did they look nearly identical under the moonlight but they were just as strong. Maybe even stronger. Someone was trying to control them or manufacture their own mechanized Brawlers.

During his panicked contemplation a figure passed by. He knew that color. A red brighter than fire, yet calmer than a babbling brook. It wasn't done up in the pigtails he knew but it had to be her. Chester fastened his hat and rushed after her. His voice couldn't wait to leave his throat as he called, "Jessie!"

The lady turned around quickly. She was much older than the young Brawler. Though she was certainly short enough to pass as her. The lady looked confused for a second before crying, "It's Chester!"

The mention of his name caused an uproar. Bystanders started snapping pictures of his dark new attire. His embarrassment was immeasurable. He had to get away. He leaped back into an alley and used the tricks passed down from Crow to disappear into the shadows.