Pine sat on a log, staring intently at the crackling fire. Banditos, all in yellow and green jackets, were surrounding the fire as one bandito, Clancy, stood speaking to us about the rebellion. “We have had another successful escape attempt.” He announced, the banditos all cheered looking at each other with joy. Maybe this would be the time no one got taken back to Dema by the bishops. Though Pine knew that was unlikely, with each escape attempt countless banditos were returned to their rightful bishops. Torchbearer, another prominent leader of the banditos, stood alongside Clancy. He never spoke much, only whispering occasionally into Clancy’s ear. But this time he cleared his throat and announced to the bandito camp. “Thank you all for joining us, my good friend Ty- I mean Clancy, will be performing a few songs tonight if you’d like to join us.” A performance, from Clancy? He rarely did those, maybe because of the noise, but it was also rumored that he was nervous that the Trash Dragons would pick it up, and the bishops would truly understand what the banditos were doing in Trench. After the announcement of Clancy’s performance, the bandito camp erupted into cheers and quickly scattered to get ready for the event. Pine approached Clancy, slightly intimidated by his power over the banditos but knew Clancy knew him by name. So that made him more comfortable. “Ahh Pine,” Clancy greeted him, taking a step forward in front of Torchbearer. “Are you going to the performance?” He asked, his face mainly flat but with a slight eagerness shining in his eyes. Maybe he wasn’t sure if anyone would show up, regardless of the reaction of the camp. “Of course, wouldn’t miss it.” Pine responded, he glanced back at Torchbearer who was looking even more stressed by the second. “Is he… okay?” Pine started “Oh yes he’s… fine.” Clancy clarified, “just stressing out over the performance. Right Torchbearer?” Clancy asked looking back. Torchbearer’s head snapped up confused, then nodded after looking at Clancy. “We have to get ready, but I’ll see you in the crowd tonight!” Shouted Clancy being dragged away by the Torchbearer
The moon was rising and Clancy’s performance time was approaching. Near the entrance of the bandito camp, a small stage, built out of wooden planks and boxes was set up for the show. A small makeshift drum set was set up, along with a microphone and its stand, that based off of what Pine could tell, was too short for Clancy. But that was likely all the banditos could provide for this show. Pine secured a seat not long before the rest of the camp began to trickle out towards the stage. A bandito, which Pine recognized yet had forgotten the name of, sat next to him and started a conversation. “I wonder what Clancy will perform. I’m sure he has new music since last time, it has been over a year since their last show.” She started, recalling the event of the last time Clancy and Torchbearer performed together. Pine thought for a moment, he was at that last event, one of the few times he made it to the bandito camp. He couldn’t quite remember the songs performed, but one that he could still make out a few lyrics for was Fairly Local. Pine silently replayed the song in his head, forgetting the lyrics occasionally before his train of thought was interrupted. “Do you think they’ll dress up, ooh or maybe use fire. Can’t be sure of anything though, not sure how much of a big deal they want this to be.” She said burying her face in her hands as she kept talking. After a brief reset, she looked over towards him hoping for some sort of response. “I’m sure they have a new song, I always see Clancy scribbling in the notebook he keeps in his pocket, he insists it’s just notes he writes while planning the revolts against Dema, but he’s too protective of it for that to be the only things in there.” Pine responded, recalling some of the interactions he’s witnessed. The bandito chuckled at that, “That sounds about right.” She said and looked up towards the stage again. “Y’know, I’ve seen you around but I don’t think I ever caught your name.” She asked cheerfully. “It’s Pine, and I don’t quite think I’ve heard yours either.” He admitted, scratching the back of his head. “Jenna,” She smiled, reaching her hand out offering to shake his, but was interrupted by a hush that went upon the banditos as Clancy and Torchbearer approached the stage. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: I am thoroughly enjoying writing this and I'm so glad that people are enjoying this! This entire chapter is a flashback to a time when Pine was in the bandito camp! For context: Most names used in this story have meaning behind them (also the characters from this chapter) Clancy: The main character from the official twenty one pilots lore Torchbearer: Another main character from the official twenty one pilots lore Jenna: The lead singer of twenty one pilots's wife. Pine: reasoning to be revealed(?) Next Chapter: Previous Chapter: First Chapter:
