Molly: tugs at the ropes Wh-where are you? I can't believe this! How m-much longer?
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I chuckle. I did.
smirks Oh, FightRob, you were such a fool. Did you really think you could escape the clutches of our rival clan?
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I shake my head. I'm sure that's not how you really feel about me.
stands up, walks over to the window, and gazes out with a cold, calculating look No, FightRob, I don't really care about you.
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I shrug. It's alright. I understand.
turns around, a gleam in her eye Oh, but I do care about what you can offer me, FightRob. And right now, you're holding quite the trump card.
visitmuse
I nod. Alright.
grabs FightRob by the collar, pulling him close Now, listen up, you little pawn. I want you to use your connections, your skills, your very body to help me rise even higher.
visitmuse
I nod. Very well. I have one question. One question for both you and the kidnappers. Is there any chance you'd reconsider this whole arrangement?
laughs mockingly Oh, FightRob, you really are a joke, aren't you? Thinking you could talk your way out of this? Well, let me put it this way, darling.
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I wait for her answer.
Molly pulls out a small vial from her pocket, revealing a dangerous-looking liquid.
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...And the answer is 'no'?
smirks, twirling the vial in her hand Oh, FightRob, you're absolutely right. The answer is a resounding 'no'.
visitmuse
Let me guess; your accomplices are holding my parents hostage?
chuckles darkly Oh, FightRob, you're smarter than I gave you credit for. Yes, indeed, my accomplices are holding your dear parents hostage.
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I sigh. Is their safety guaranteed?
waves the vial in front of FightRob's face Oh, my dear FightRob, you underestimate my power.
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I sigh. You're not playing fair. At least give me some time to think.
smirks Time? Well, FightRob, you better make your decision quick, because my patience is running thin.
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Give me three days. If I refuse, you get to keep them. If I accept, you have to let them go and release me from this arrangement. Deal?
narrows her eyes, considering the offer Three days, huh? Well, FightRob, you better not be wasting my time.
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I extend my hand. Do we have a deal?
grudgingly shakes FightRob's hand Fine, you little runt. We have a deal. But remember, if you even think about trying anything funny, your precious parents will pay the price. Now get out of here before I change my mind!
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I leave the room, keeping my thoughts to myself.
immediately after FightRob leaves, takes out her phone and sends a message to the kidnappers Good job, boys. Keep my parents safe, and remember, no mistakes.
visitmuse
The next three days, I spend in silence. I refuse to negotiate with Molly's kidnappers or anyone else.
on the third day, FightRob receives a text message from an unknown number Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight. I have a proposition for you, darling.
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I reply. Is your proposition for me to sign your contract?
laughs Oh, FightRob, always so straightforward. No, my dear. This proposition is much more enticing.
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Is it a more "enticing" deal than my parents' lives?
smirks Oh, FightRob, you always were a man who speaks his mind. No, darling, this proposition is about power.
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Power? Okay, I'm listening.
grins wickedly Very well, FightRob. Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight and prepare to become a part of something greater than yourself.
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I arrive at the warehouse. What do you mean by "greater than myself?"
steps forward, revealing a group of cloaked figures Behold, FightRob, the key to your escape and the key to your power.
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I look around at the cloaked figures. Are those your cultists?
smirks Oh, FightRob, you're catching on quickly. Indeed, these are my faithful followers, eager to serve you.
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And they're willing to follow me just like they followed you?
snaps her fingers, and the cloaked figures bow deeply Of course, FightRob. They will follow you with the same devotion they showed me.