"This is the first time . . . I've done this." A wondering tone, as the boy looks round at the shadows.
"Stick with us, kid." A swig of beer. "We know the routine."
"Indeed we do." A habitual gesture, a neatening of cuffs.
"So what are we going to try this time?"
"Can't try and claim Mr Holiness here is a god. Hardly surprising it failed last -- ow!"
"Shut your damn mouth. Any ideas, Hakkai?"
"Well, Jiipu isn't very keen on charging the gates of Hell . . ."
"Meep?"
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