The Finder Returns
Disclaimer: The Outsiders does not belong to me. Duh.
A/N: This is a sequel to my story "Charmed Carmen."
Chapter One: The Finder Returns
Two-Bit exhaled heavily as the last customers exited the bar, mopping the rings from beer mugs and spilled liquor off the counter with a grimy old rag.
It had been almost three years since Two-Bit had met Carmen, the sorceress who had died because of her father's greed for power.
Since then, Two-Bit had finally dropped out of school for good and gotten a job as a bartender. Tim Shepard had gotten Two-Bit the job, although he had gotten fired when he went back to prison.
The bar was empty. Two-Bit surreptitiously looked around to make sure no one was watching him, and then pulled out his switchblade. It had begun glowing every time he touched it again ever since Carmen had given him her power.
Muttering a few words under his breath, Two-Bit waggled the switchblade. The beer-soaked counter was suddenly polished and bright, the chairs were stacked on the gleaming tables, the floor was mopped and the newly-clean glasses and mugs stored themselves in the cupboards.
Two-Bit smirked to himself. "Still got it," he crowed, tossing his closed switchblade in the air and catching it.
"You certainly have," a voice from the door said.
Two-Bit dropped his switchblade in astonishment. His eyes narrowed when he saw who was at the door.
"Russell," he snarled. "What the hell do you think you're doing here?"
Russell had been working with Carmen's father, and as far as Two-Bit was concerned, he was responsible for her death. His golden hair and eyes were the same as they always were, but his face had grown leaner. He seemed taller as well, but then again Two-Bit could only think of him as the sniveling apprentice lurking behind Carmen's father.
"Look, I know you hate me," Russell stated calmly. "But I need your help."
Two-Bit picked up the switchblade and held it out menacingly. If Russell came any closer he was ready to fight, not with magic, but with his fists and the edge of his blade, like he had learned to do on the streets.
Russell held up his hands in surrender and stepped forward. "I know what you're thinking. I'm just here to ask you for help." He paused, embarrassed. "I'm not going to lie. You weren't my first choice, and I know you hate my guts. But you're kind of my last option. Believe me, this isn't easy for me, either."
"You can tell me what you want from there, Finder," Two-Bit said, his voice dangerously quiet. "Take another step and this blade goes straight into your chest."
Russell exhaled deeply and said, "Okay. Look, can I at least sit down? It's been a long journey."
Two-Bit glowered. "Fine. But you ain't gettin' no booze, or water even. I'm not turning my back on you, you coward."
"I've changed, Two-Bit. I don't work for men like Mordred anymore."
"Forgive me if I don't quite believe you," Two-Bit snapped. "Get to the point. Then get out."
Russell put his elbows on the counter. He still maintained a cool, unfazed demeanor despite Two-Bit's hostility. "Well, you see, it's like this…"
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Let me know if I should continue!