Notes: We're getting closer to the end of Act Two now. I can't say too much else that isn't spoiler-y, but I hope you enjoy the ride as we led up to the conclusion of this act.


With the new-found knowledge that he did indeed have more than one option for his future, Badger went into the second day of preparing for Marilyn's auction with renewed hope. Although he still didn't know for sure how this was going to end, he no longer felt as if he'd be trapped should what Marilyn planned go well.

Even if... proving they could do this without Crow might well mean that one day they would be doing exactly that.

...Okay, so it still hurt a little bit to think about that.

It seemed that Badger was having a better time than Tony, however. They'd both thought they were going to be assigned to another day of repairing damaged goods, but in Tony's case he was unexpectedly pulled away from this task.

"You're going to be spending the day with me," Scraps told him, to Tony's silent horror, "I'm sure even a rich kid like you can learn to see treasures amongst the trash."

Poor Tony had gaped around at Marilyn, his sister and then even Badger for any words that might get him out of this fate. But it seemed as if the two girls were in agreement and Badger was too timid to argue against them. So a hapless Tony walked away with Scraps, probably about to endure a whole day of looking through piles of rubbish. Badger couldn't say that he envied him for that. Scraps was intimidating enough when you first met him anyway, let alone if you were as wealthy as the Bardes. There was no doubt that Tony would have to put up with more than a few unsubtle comments in his direction. Hopefully learning from Scraps would do him more good than harm though.

By contrast, Badger had a much less awkward day ahead of him, which he felt a little guilty about. With much of the early organising for the auction room having been finished yesterday, that left Gus free to help with the repair work. Talking with Gus was much more comfortable for Badger than talking with either Tony or Arianna, so even when he wasn't doing a great job of the repair work, he still felt in better spirits for having an old friend to joke about it with.

But no matter how well the second day went for Badger, as the week went on he couldn't stop himself from becoming restless. Marilyn had kept him doing the same thing since the start and fixing anything wasn't Badger's area of expertise. He longed to be out, running across the rooftops or keeping watch from his lookout. Being constantly cooped up in the same room was quite stressful, especially when he didn't feel as if he was doing a good job of his work. No amount of cheerful atmosphere with friends could stop those blues from settling in.

"Somethin' up, Badge'?" asked Crow, when Badger returned one night after another day of what felt like was becoming the same old. Badger had to remind himself that it hadn't even been a week since this started.

"Nowt," Badger murmured defensively.

He lay down heavily on the bed Crow had given up for him and let out a long sigh. His whole body ached, which was weird given that he'd hardly been moving all day. Maybe he should do some of his push-ups later, that'd probably help get him some of the exercise that he felt he needed.

"Sounds like it ain't goin' well," hummed Crow, "An' there was Roddy sayin' that preparations for the auction couldn't be bettah."

Badger rolled over to face Crow; "Roddy told you that...?"

"Ah, um... that is, well, I promise I ain't been fussin' about. We just got talkin' today an' Roddy said a few things," reasoned Crow, with a guilty look about his face.

"You're always fussin' about," Badger chuckled, giving Crow a smirk, "Bet you've been fizzin' all week, not knowin' what we're doin', eh?"

"I worry..." Crow confessed, "It's not that I don't reckon you'll all do a good job, but... well, I just worry about my own, ya know?"

"Yeah, I do know. But there's no need t' worry, Crowlo. Rod's right when 'e says we're getting' on well," Badger promised.

"Then why ya so frustrated?" pressed Crow.

For a moment, Badger considered arguing that he was fine. But he could tell that there was no point debating this matter. They both knew that he wasn't at his best and seemed to be getting increasingly annoyed as the days went on. If he tried to hide it then Crow might end up thinking Badger wasn't going along with Marilyn's plans, when the exact opposite was true. So he might as well tell him what's been on his mind.

Badger pulled himself to sit up again before he started his explanation. This got Crow's attention. The stout leader leaned forward from where he sat on the mattress in the middle of the floor.

"I think Mal's doin' a great job, not gonna let bias stand in the way of that," he assured, "But I don't reckon this way is the right way fer me. She's makin' sure that everyone is where they're needed, it's very... um, you know... efficient? Yeah, that's it. But it seems that where I'm needed is in the workshop and I'm not good at that at all. I want t' be runnin' on the rooftops again! I feel so bored and useless stuck indoors..."

"It's not wot I'd 'ave ya doin'," Crow agreed.

"Yer always good at lettin' everyone do what they're best at doin'," Badger praised, "It's just that... I reckon Marilyn wants t' show us that sometimes we need to do stuff we're not best at. They've even 'ad Tony diggin' through the tips with Scraps."

"I've seen that, yeah," hummed Crow.

"I get it, I do get it..." sighed Badger, "But I'm not 'appy like this. I couldn't do this all the time. If it were for more than just a week I'd go propeh barmy."

"Tomorrah's the day o' the auction though, ain't it?" Crow checked, "If ya gonna be back on the streets at all then it'll be then."

"I 'ope so," mumbled Badger, "Right now I'd do anythin' to dress up as the Black Raven and jump about the rooftops."

"Ya should tell Marilyn that," instructed Crow.

"But I thought you wanted me t' go along with everythin' this week?" Badger reminded.

"Yeah, but this week is also about tryin' new ideas, ey?" prompted Crow, "If ya gonna speak out at all then now seems like the best time to start."

"Is that an ordeh?" Badger checked.

"I can't give ya any ordahs this week, remembah? Ya gonna 'afta decide wot's best for yaself," Crow reminded.

Badger felt so frustrated at him. He was being even more difficult than Marilyn right now. But at the same time he knew that Crow was right, so he didn't argue any further. Especially since he strongly felt as if Crow had been trying to point him in the right direction, despite claiming that the choice was his. He wouldn't have bothered bringing up Badger reasoning with Marilyn on this point if he didn't believe that this was the best option.

So the next morning Badger went to find Marilyn with that in mind. He got up early, which wasn't unusual either for him or Marilyn, but this time he went to find her at her family's market stall instead of Barde Manor. There'd be no point in walking all the way up there if Badger didn't intend to stick around.

In truth, Badger hadn't put much thought into what Marilyn had done about the fruit stall this week. Needing to keep an eye on her family's business was what had always kept her from being more involved in many of the Black Raven's activities in the past. But since she'd been getting ready for the auction he had only seen her getting on with the tasks involved with doing exactly that. She hadn't even mentioned the stall at all.

When Badger got to the stall he felt as if he had almost walked in on a conversation he shouldn't have. He froze up as he saw that Gus was already there talking with Marilyn, both of them looking concerned about something.

"Dad does say he can run the stall in the afternoon, but he needs to make deliveries this morning," Marilyn was telling Gus, "He's been very good about it, but he can't keep putting them off for my sake."

"Then I'll look after the stall until he can take over," Gus insisted.

"I can't let you do that. You're needed as much as the others," debated Marilyn.

Gus shook his head; "I'm kind of not right now. We finished getting all the items ready for auction yesterday and the room's all set out. Heh, lugging around furniture is my thing, isn't it? But since I'm not needed to do that then I might as well help here. You're much more needed amongst the group than I am today."

"It would be a big help..." admitted Marilyn, "And it'd only be for this morning."

"As soon as your dad gets back, I'll join the rest of you. But right now you should concentrate on the auction. Don't even think about the fruit stall for now, I'll take care of everything," Gus said.

"...Thanks Gus, I really do appreciate this," concluded Marilyn. She nodded towards him then turned to walk away, getting no more than a few feet before she ran into Badger. Her eyes widened in surprise; "Oh, hey Badger! I thought I'd meet you up at the manor."

Badger swallowed heavily. Suddenly his little annoyance at being stuck in that one room fixing knick-knacks for a week felt very trivial in comparison to what Marilyn was going through. Everything she'd been doing this week she'd done while balancing her family's work at the same time. To the point where it sounded like her dad, who was usually kept busy enough caring for her mum, had stepped in to take over the stall a lot more than usual. And now even Gus was helping out. How could he be so selfish...?

"I-I wanted t' talk... um, about the auction, like," he whispered.

"Something on your mind?" Marilyn prompted.

Just like that, she was back to bright smiles and soft, encouraging words. It dawned on Badger that Marilyn must have so many problems, but she always acted as if she didn't for all of their sakes. They truly were lucky to have someone as amazing as her in their group.

"...It doun't matteh actually," dismissed Badger, all the confidence now drained from him.

"It must matter if you've come all this way to talk to me," reasoned Marilyn, "Come on, tell me what's been bothering you."

There was no getting out of this. Badger took a deep breath.

"Okay... well, I c-can't stay up at the Bardes' anymore. I'm sorreh, but bein' cooped up in that room doun't feel right and I just want t' be back 'ere, Mal. So please, just let me do the rooftops today. I'll get so many people talkin' about the auction by runnin' about as the Black Raven, I promise I will," he pleaded.

Marilyn kept smiling and Badger could have sworn he saw a glint in her eyes.

"Sure, that seems like a good idea for today," she confirmed.

"Wh-what... just like that?" checked Badger.

"Yeah, we need the attention today," Marilyn replied, "Besides, you all pretty much finished the repair work yesterday. Combined with all the goods that Scraps and Tony have been finding I reckon we have enough to make a very successful auction now. But it'll be no good if everyone forgets about us. So get your costume on and give it a run about the roofs, Badger."

"Will do...!" gasped Badger, not able to hide how happy he was to hear these words, "A-and doun't worry, Mal – no one could eveh ferget about us. We're too amazin'!"

"Can't argue with that," Marilyn giggled, "Now off you go, before all the punters disappear off to work."

Badger didn't need to be told twice. He gave Marilyn a thankful smile and then darted away to fetch his outfit from the storage room at the back of the auction hall.

It felt good to hear the wind rushing past his ears as he ran there and back. Soon enough he'd be getting an even bigger rush from his old haunts on the rooftops. This was what he lived for. To Badger, there'd be no fun in being a Black Raven if he couldn't swoop and dart about. For those times he had not a care in the world. He could forget about all his problems and just focus on being free. It was about the only time people would point and stare at him without him feeling self-conscious. Because they were not truly judging him, but the Black Raven that Crow had created. They were impressed by it and in awe of how Badger could make it move like lightning. He loved that.

As Badger climbed up onto the rooftops he knew that he had to hurry. Precious time was already ticking by until he missed the morning rush and all the potential customers would have disappeared to work. After that it'd be a while before the tourists began milling through the streets, having woken up from their night's rest at the hotel in North Ely.

So he quickly got to work dashing about the rooftops, jumping across the beaten routes that he'd travelled so many times before. It felt good to put his feet on these ledges and tiles again. And fortunately it seemed that he hadn't missed too much of the morning rush, as many of the people who lived in the houses around the market were greeted by the sight of the Black Raven.

"Look up there! Haven't seen him in a while!"

"Must be an auction today."

"Good thing I've been saving for it, rumour has it this is going to be a big one."

"Hey, is that another one?"

"Don't be daft, there's only one Black Raven."

That last exchange caught Badger's attention as well. He looked around nearby and sure enough he caught sight of a second Black Raven disappearing down behind one of the houses.

Badger didn't know what to make of that. Whenever they ran out in the open as a team they always carefully planned who would appear where at what time. Because while they did want to give the impression that the Black Raven had otherworldly speed, the effect would be ruined if everyone knew there was more than one of them. Of course the punters themselves were now already well aware of this from the increased security at the auctions, but not all the other people on the streets who weren't part of the auctions. It wouldn't do well if this became common knowledge, especially if the Chippe boys from the police station started to view them as being a gang.

Badger gave chase of the rogue Black Raven. But as he dipped down the same way, it seemed he was a little too late. The figure had headed around the corner and into a more exposed area of the street.

"Oi! What... I mean, wot do ya think ya doin'!" called Badger. All of them had to keep up the Black Raven's voice as best they could in the outfit, with this being an exaggeration of Crow's own voice. It wasn't the easiest of feats.

He followed out into the street as well, but this time there was no second runner to be found. There was, however, a lot of people who were now pointing and staring at Badger.

"There he is! Hey Mr. Raven, what's up with this auction up at Barde Manor?" asked the nearest man.

Badger stammered and took a step backwards. But then he sighted the other Black Raven, who had climbed back up onto the roofs across the streets. None of the people were looking over there right now, but it was still too much of a risk to have someone rushing about unchecked.

"C-come tonight an' ya'll find out!" proclaimed Badger. He instantly felt bad after that, because he was pretty sure Crow didn't say "ya'll".

Before there was time for any more questions from the people surrounding him, Badger pushed through the crowd and headed off in the direction he'd seen the offending Black Raven go. No one could outrun Badger, so he had faith that as soon as it was just the two of them on a good stretch of rooftop that he'd catch up and find out what this person was playing at.

But it turned out to not be that easy. The second Black Raven worked around the market in a twisted fashion, making sure to go to places that were more visible to the public, where Badger would hesitate to follow. Of course Badger never gave up the chase, but his moments of uncertainty were enough to keep his prey ahead of him.

After a while of chasing, Badger seemed to lose sight of the second Black Raven completely. He hurried through all the likely places, eventually passing by Tony and Scraps, who were coming back into the market from what Badger assumed was a trip up to Barde Manor.

"Is something the matter?" Scraps sharply called over.

"Y-yeh..." panted Badger, briefly dropping any attempt to mimic Crow's voice, "There's someone runnin' about in a costume unchecked. They could ruin it fer us all if they're caught."

"We did see another Black Raven, but we thought that they were there under orders," Tony revealed, "They were headed up towards the crossroads in town. I guess we do get a lot of customers from- ...Hey! Badger?"

Without waiting for Tony to finish, Badger had sprinted off upon finding out where the culprit was going. He made a mental note to apologise to Tony later, but right now he needed to catch up before it was too late.

They just didn't parade around as the Black Raven outside the market! What was this person thinking?

At least Badger was lucky that, outside of a few sharp turns, the route out of the market, over the rope bridges and up to the crossroads was pretty straight. He could pick up speed there and hopefully close the gap that had been created between the two of them.

Once he reached the crossroads, Badger looked around from side to side. The only person there was a boy called Sean, who Badger only knew of as being a friend of Tony's. Upon seeing the Black Raven, Sean squeaked and pointed upwards, where the path lead to the posher parts of town. Badger made the Black Raven give Sean a small nod and then ran off that way, hoping that Sean was indeed indicating where he'd seen another Black Raven headed off to.

And sure enough, once Badger got to the second set of crossroads he caught a glimpse of the culprit as they headed along to North Ely. By the time Badger caught up, they had climbed onto some of the rooftops that connected to Great Ely Street, one of the more populated districts in Misthallery. This was completely uncharted territory for their group. Badger knew that if he followed up here there was a risk that he could mess up, simply because he didn't have a clear idea where he was going.

But he also couldn't stay standing here on ground level. There were already a few people starting to gather around and since this was a nicer neighbourhood, the police were more present here than they were at the market. The sooner Badger could catch his prey the better.

So against his better judgement he followed up onto the roof. The air was the first thing to hit him, as the town was built on a hill and the higher you went the fresher it generally was. He took as much of a gulp of it as he could manage from behind the mask and then pressed forward. Looking about for the other person as he went.

Down on the streets he was certainly getting more attention than he would have done at the market. Even those who were familiar with the auctions knew that the Black Raven didn't venture this far. As Badger hunted, he heard many mesmerised comments carry up towards him on the breeze.

"I told you something different was happening with this auction. I told you!"

"This must be the Bardes' doing. I bet those kids are funding the Black Raven now."

"Whatever it is, this must mean the auction is going to be special."

"Yeah, wouldn't want to miss it. This might be a once in a lifetime chance."

If nothing else, at least this stunt was getting them some attention. Given the way a lot of these people were talking, it sounded as if the Black Ravens had become better known around here than Badger had expected. It would probably be worth discussing that with the others later.

All the same, he couldn't say that he appreciated the other Black Raven for being so reckless. Sadly it did seem as if they had a better knowledge of North Ely than Badger did, which meant that they weren't as easy to catch as they might have been back in the market, where Badger was more familiar with the streets. He could have kicked himself for not catching them back there, when he had a better chance.

After a chase that seemed to go on for far too long, Badger eventually spotted the second Black Raven disappear down by a small stream. He followed along, but then paused as he saw them head off into a tunnel that led under some of the houses.

"You'll never catch him now."

Badger turned around to see that the person goading him was one of the lads who were local around here. Charlie, a fluffy-haired boy dressed in cream, who Badger had always assumed was about the same age as him.

Ignoring his words, Badger looked back towards the tunnel. He was wasting precious time by being held up like this.

"I've been watching you both run about up there," Charlie went on, "He knows these streets better than you do. And if you go down in that awful, filthy tunnel then you won't catch him. Not that I can guess why anyone would want to go in there anyway."

With a heavy sigh, Badger concluded that Charlie was right. He didn't know which of the Black Ravens he was chasing, but he could tell that they knew this area. Badger had no idea what that tunnel held, but today was probably not the time to find out. And even if this other person did keep running around in the costume, if he stayed in this part of town and Badger at the market then they wouldn't cross paths again. If anything, Badger was the one exposing that the Black Raven as more than one person by staying in the same place. Which was just what he wanted to avoid doing.

Giving up the chase for lost, Badger turned again to dart by Charlie and back down the path he'd came from the market. As he left, he could have sworn he heard Charlie call something to the effect of "And stay out!". Undoubtedly the people who lived around here were going to be hearing about how Charlie saved North Ely from the wicked Black Raven for a while to come.

When he reached the market, Badger was greeted by Gus, who led him into a back alley where he could pull off the Black Raven robes without fear of being caught.

"Are you all right? Scraps and Tony said you went up to the crossroads following another Black Raven," Gus said, as he kept watch out on the streets to make sure no one would walk in on Badger's less-than-magical transformation.

"Yeah, they went all the way up t' North Ely, but I lost 'em afteh that," answered Badger. It was an abridged version of events, but Badger didn't feel like getting into details.

"I suppose we'll just have to hope for the best. Not much we can do about it now," Gus replied, "Marilyn's dad came back to the stall, so she sent me out looking for you. Now that everyone's talking about the Black Raven again we all need to focus on getting the manor perfect for when the guests arrive."

"But there's still bags of time left fer that," reasoned Badger, "If I 'ead back in now then we'll miss the aftehnoon tourists gan about the market."

Gus turned to look at him now that the Black Raven was tucked away in a bag. Not that Badger had understood the modesty, given that he was only wearing his own clothes under the outfit, just like they all always did, but Gus was like that.

"They've already been and gone, Badger," Gus informed, "You were away for so long that we had to get Roddy to do the rounds here."

A sinking feeling settled into Badger's stomach. He'd messed up. All he'd been trying to do was help the group by catching someone who was going against orders, but he'd left his post and someone else had needed to cover for him because of that.

"I'm sorreh..."

He'd have to apologise to Roddy when he saw him. As well as to Tony for being rude. And tell everyone that they're apparently better known in the richer parts of Misthallery than they realised. There was just so much to make up for...

"There's no need to be sorry, Tony's friend Sean told him that everyone up there is buzzing about the auction now," Gus soothed, "I reckon you did more good than anything else, even if it wasn't planned."

"I 'ope so," whispered Badger.

"Better not stick around too long though, we want to get to Barde Manor before the punters start hanging about the place," hurried Gus.

Without needing to be told twice, Badger followed along as the two of them made their trip to the auction. He took a brief detour to drop his costume off at Crow's house, since it didn't take as much time to get there than it would to head all the way back through the tunnel to the auction hall's storage room. Neither Crow nor Maureen seemed to be in the house when he got there. Perhaps they'd gone out somewhere together today, since Badger could imagine that Crow would have to properly force himself not to get involved in tonight's auction. Regardless, he didn't dwell on it too much before he rejoined Gus on the streets and the two of them set out to attend the Black Ravens' first auction without Crow.

Tonight Badger would find out for certain if they truly could do this without him...