Chapter 29: Chapter 28: Law or Justice
"Alright, when the time comes, you'll take me to Golden Dragon Bistro in Eastside Market," Big White decided, recalling the restaurants he'd read about recently.
"No problem, but let's focus on calming down first, okay?"
"I'm calm. Otherwise, I'd be baring my fangs at you," Big White adjusted his slightly crooked bamboo hat, lowering his voice playfully.
"Alright, you've got the hero vibe now," Peter sighed in relief, matching Big White's tone. "Remember, the fangs are for enemies, not friends."
Feeling slightly childish, Big White returned to normal. "Where are we headed next? Lead the way."
"Please, you look like a martial arts warrior from the East. A real kung fu panda," Peter grinned. "I love Eastern martial arts."
"Especially the saying, 'A great hero serves the country and its people.' I admire that so much. I must visit the East someday," Peter continued, excitement evident. While researching Big White's outfit, Peter had delved into Eastern martial arts, becoming fascinated with its concepts.
"I prefer a carefree life and freedom. Are we role-playing, or are we here to find someone? I'd like to head back once we're done," Big White urged impatiently.
By now, the streets were aglow with city lights, though shadowy alleys remained dark, harboring untold sins. Gwen should be home, having seen the note on the cookie box.
"Okay, but I still think being a Dragon Knight is cool," Peter whispered, stepping to the rooftop's edge before leaping. A web shot out, guiding him toward 17th Street.
Big White followed, not as gracefully as Peter, but managing to avoid crashing against the walls.
---
Peter led Big White to the top of a convenience store on 17th Street, where he paused, memories resurfacing. The once-chatty Peter grew silent, gazing at the store with remorse.
"Is this the place?" Big White sensed Peter's emotion and spoke softly.
"Yeah, I had an argument with the clerk here. Not long after, a robber struck. I was upset and didn't intervene, feeling justified."
"But..." Peter paused, replaying the scene in his mind. "I found Uncle Ben on the street opposite, shot near the phone booth..."
"If I had stopped the robber, maybe Uncle Ben would still be here." Peter's voice wavered, but he seemed relieved to share his burden with Big White.
Big White remained silent, not knowing how to console someone. In his past life, he rarely dealt with death or crime, always preoccupied with making a living.
After a while, Peter composed himself, glancing at Big White. "Uh... You might not understand, but thanks for listening."
"No problem. Let's get started. Which way did the robber run?" Big White asked.
"West, with a star tattoo on his wrist. He wore sunglasses, a black coat, and a vest, and carried a gun."
"Got a sketch? That would help," Big White suggested, surveying the street. Most businesses were closed, leaving only streetlights to illuminate the area. Shadows lingered in dark corners.
"No, just those details. I've been searching for that tattoo," Peter admitted.
"That's tough. We'll have to rely on stray animals nearby. If we can't find him tonight, I'll come back during the day," Big White said, hoping for better luck in daylight.
"Let's do it. It's better than searching aimlessly," Peter agreed, taking the lead.
Escaping robbers often flee into dark alleys, where surveillance is sparse, perfect for evading capture.
---
In the dim alleys, moonlight occasionally broke through, resembling a beast's gaping maw. Big White and Peter descended, treading through debris-strewn paths, a haven for stray cats and mice.
"What will you do if you catch him?" Big White asked while searching for animals.
Peter hesitated, then spoke. "I don't know. Maybe I'll beat him up, hang him from the Empire State Building for a night, let him experience freefall terror, then hand him over to the police. Let him rot in jail."
"Oh, that's a terrifying punishment," Big White remarked, unimpressed by Peter's plan.
"I want to punish evil like a Dragon Knight, but only when the law is lacking. I seek justice, but criminals must face the law's judgment," Peter explained, sensing Big White's skepticism.
"The law's authority? I don't quite get it," Big White shrugged, dropping the topic.
"You're a panda, so it's understandable. But if you want to live in a human city, you'll need to learn," Peter said, realizing Big White's unique perspective.
"That's for sure. There'll probably be special rules for me," Big White mused. Though a panda, he was aware of his potential danger, knowing rules would be set for his safety and others'.
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