A buried memory resurfaced. At least, I thought it was a memory. It might have been a part of my dream, of which I remembered very little, but I was leaning towards the former. It was a memory of my father. It was a rare moment when I was out of my room and speaking with him. He sat me down by the table and went on a tangent, as "men his age do," speaking of a phenomenon known as restless sleep. It sounded like nonsense to me, and I told him that I thought it sounded like nonsense, but he dismissed my remarks. He said that I would understand when I grew older.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXvazr2E2v
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfGfB6aec8
He wouldn't have known it, but he was a liar. Because here I was, my eyelids turned to stone, gazing at the ceiling as if I hadn't slept at all.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pSreJ93yf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGMBLDM1uP
"At least... I'm on my back now."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuXGkECO5x
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT1h91d7ce
I tested the waters. My arm rotated just fine, and I could roll from side to side. I lifted my legs one by one, then both at the same time. I wasn't sore, I wasn't in pain. I crooked my head; all the perturbing sears and tears had vanished. I heaved myself off the mattress. I tested my leg strength, and I could keep myself upright without issue. I have undeniably made a full recovery, despite how groggy I was. I didn't know how much time passed, but it couldn't have been long. I walked to the window and pulled on the blinds. It was bright out.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93fpWHWKMb
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dMvWkMl3b
I closed the blinds and scanned the room. I spotted a cup on the nightstand and reached for it, taking a sip. I sat on the bed with the cup in hand, periodically sipping from it as I stared across the room. I had an urge to stick my finger between my teeth and gnaw. I resisted it, though. I found enough solace in the way I sat.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm48JisWksI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1prLWhk4W1
It was quiet. Inevitably, I indulged myself in rumination. I was nervous, I knew that much without even thinking. I was also relieved. I was glad that, at the current moment, I was sitting here and not outside the city walls. It freed my thoughts. It let me sip the water with a motionless cup.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7xaLQ3kYx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOccd2ZGfa4
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuggYg3lmi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqiY6hjiUm
But, I was nervous. I set the cup aside, rubbed my face, and stood up. Staring at a wall would do me no good. If I talked to someone, my stress would surely subside. It would help me stay awake, too. I stood up and ambled to the door, opening it.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl9XjqIWAL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRDVFfkXzj
I was immediately startled.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAeKiGonzJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpraCYCSpt
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQXl3Q1DCz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VcIPV1eTB
I jumped silently, grasping my chest and taking a deep breath through my nose. I stepped away and looked at the man conveniently before my door.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalGEr35bQP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsRugLE2is
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8qWMiiDD3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VOKwI1A9m
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5akY71Py66
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kwNYN8mQO
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB2tXADLI0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ziaORGC6d
I let him enter the room. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms like before while I sat on a nearby chair, turning it so it faced him.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuD6Z6WEv7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9GbVcgamS
"Do you feel any better?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB7fSTZq7z
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTDN8sWUpq
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaYsEIt4Ak
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhyiAv6LEZ
"That's good, that's good..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipcbIhK0oN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds1I5xyBxH
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9COs7wJK0K
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPDrW4SU5A
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02H2qCAHuX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeJI5qDYeH
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPaFmxscOB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8dfm8hahZ
To my surprise, I didn't react to his inquiry. My body didn't jolt in shock, nor did my eyes widen. I just sighed, because truthfully, I was expecting a question like this.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi4haGtOQm
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc2gGiP5h5
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHXWzIQ6qs
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjelFO4CJX
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGr1AfSsSs
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCUmGZpOD2
"H-How'd you know?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNOcXMZAtr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRY8oNMyh3
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ch0gilehl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7HbIbuUpA
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgf3p6hd6W
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4YrrKYRJM
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13xxavtM7b
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOPeT5qkxS
I leaned back and firmly rubbed my face before returning my gaze to Pars.
"It's funny– I was just about to ask you if you happened to have seen Rover around. Is she with you guys?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0Scxgf1lG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9TSBA3QZv
Pars nodded.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq4AvNDW8r
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLyxUEqg0Y
"Yeah, she's in one of the split buildings. Unfortunately for you, she's in the one where we're going, since Lola's there as well."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSmJEbj9pQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTStAmHBOJS
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0TrQ97Czd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PSWCPovjc
"But I'm still lost. I don't get why you two separated at all. Last time I checked, you weren't the best of buds, but there was a bond formed there as mutual battle partners."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6eUasjNfL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScgJ4Tb277
"Mutual what?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s30D4wNRW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KqanU69Sn
"It's something you notice the longer you're in the combatant business. You can make lifelong friends in one day just by battling alongside them."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VdbhEJTGQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqVTw81inH
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kAvbcZoUf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYotWr0QXa
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9KZh8J6pa
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TxLrU99gv
"Really now..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUfuY18kkj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCGnysiP2I
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizFHdDjKSJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMt4s3OyRp
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qZlDLp0AN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAerJLxniUt
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MH8Wc1jTr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv58lWUMKw
I fiddled with my fingers. I thought back to yesterday and viewed my memories with warped eyes. Even though it was recent, the magnitude of the event made it remote, detached from my mind as if I were reading a stranger's book. I remembered the outcome but all else I could recall were caustic words, drastic actions, and weighty, suffocating feelings. My amazement rivaled the strength of my jitter; only one day had passed and I had tucked it away. Yet, I let a little piece of the memory stick out of the wardrobe that harbored it.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nA8WTSRdJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFFTOPmPnM
"Wow... it must've been bad."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo8MrsjF69
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygeMrkAFOg
"You're almost as flippant as I am."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ21CBcTeW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw58fZCWj2w
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvClM2QvTwD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUa890KvJu
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5QlUxWUfo
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt2DT26ToG
"Yeah yeah. She and I disagreed on what to do. She wanted to stay in the city, Juke and I wanted to leave. After learning of what you and Dave told us, the situation is different now, which is why we're still here. But..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37VBxZwsRI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1VkN00WYI
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZHX46CGzR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkqeZX3AJC
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5IQeyJyHr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqH7r9xoDz
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzR8exyA1x
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZQAak7Uor
My gaze turned into a meek look. It wasn't a plea exactly, but I made sure my face invited advice. I had too much shame to ask what to do with my words.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXhDEXtwS9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYo93RlOrd
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TQ7lx2To3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4XIkLYPqf
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KXhp6awdl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk2nRi1kIj
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ5x5v5nHn
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtsJdQe5Gu
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3vc39j5Nk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o8XpbRIJa
I wanted to correct him. After all, this wasn't my first fight. But when I looked back on the other few I had, this one was much more severe, so I kept shut.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQSfWEUyME
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMow6qDrnJJ
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYFNtRPqOt
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeLERD2TF4
"I know."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNfttj6zIR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K7mda9vur
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9HL4dEFlv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsAr2S5yiV
"Tell you what; I can't help you."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt4SsXVFjc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0wYMp0SLd
"...Are you serious?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhrFsCE3aW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJKPKOO6Dw
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljuDXibe8O
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmKpOLX0LN
"What? What can?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtcnFP4Gi4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZFcxQsTBT
"Well, I'm sure you've been told this before, but I do this with Lola a lot, so I have a bunch of experience. I just make up with her."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVCrMUiRNt
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQJNTFpM6Y
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBhbHRclKH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTk2Tpcmka
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss0lvt3n0R
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfhpWcGoWk
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyZaS6QhlX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlWGmRVmKW
When I asked myself that, the haze immediately returned, and as I skimmed through possible outcomes of speaking with Rover, I was filled with more and more apprehension.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wwu2VRwZG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcLcvNiDHQ
"Give it a try."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7Pujd3XmC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7CBXCA0sQ
He stood up and patted my shoulder.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDCG9KyuJy
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IPeMxDjqU
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqetGO11sx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0vlD2rcnK
"H-Huh? Right now?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLqtuXqZtW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSQE88KXQ0
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdrkGY4nRe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LZvdWP4Mh
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWssES4zlq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPtPcalGfp
–
–
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ56HVTkJF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMIHRSDaQ4
"Are ya all packed up?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CLqCmYrDj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz3OGq2Fo7
As I made my way downstairs, I saw Juke at the bottom, his hands gripping the bag's shoulder straps. I gave him a bemused look and responded to his question.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgJznoqZDz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM6xgIP6VU
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzYZqqMvSd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6fyK75HKg
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1Wu194I0f
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6i5FICAov
I made it downstairs and scanned the room. It looked the same as when I left, only Dave and Pars were engaged in conversation. Dave was rubbing his head; it was clear something troubled him.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcDImADHBg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkddBOzKRu
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx0fLmHx2n
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbQfdjNBJD
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6K8xWjae1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnWTZFNzaO
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9JECWqF1J
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxfMD03NF1
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvERBivluaL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8JUFpQHMn
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerPnjcZUER
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92X1OxlfE0
"I suppose that makes sense."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC63naYP4AQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVpuSEF0OM
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgXgNtWDkn
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvODRXECRMk
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Wd5sUvi2s
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3ga84omeQ
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n5A4NUBn4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHkDUfbGp7
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4byN4MBcI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m4Xq4ldfw
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTicPxar6Go
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaI8C148XE
"What do I think...?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMimx9sIgm
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nUUWVCGQx
I raised my hand and pinched my chin, gazing pensively at a random vase in the shop. Though the craze of the event made it difficult to remember the details, there were two oddities I couldn't forget: the Harbinger could strike Juke from a distance, but somehow didn't always do so, and the Harbinger dodged and blocked my attacks as if she could tell they were coming.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowuNcLzZZj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOITyYlxyl
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFMw2c2vZt
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QKqhaEylD
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9E0p0rKQ5
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5nmOekMZD
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWUxgObh4V
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlPPQTK4Po
"I'm asking ya, kid."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS3KJNxjKM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JD4sxA0in
I rolled my eyes and continued rumination. Since there was nothing rational about her power, I threw ideas into the world and saw how my better conscious would react. Was it wind magic? If so, Juke would know. Was it an illusion? Illusionary magic has been stated to exist, but no corresponding mana exists in this area. Was it an Endowment? Likely. In fact–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIw4z4WKAh
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX2Dzz2Vqq
"It had to be an Endowment."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sG63X20u0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMyFmOtKBc
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwvvmPKjYJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkjuN6UBFt
Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KfPxKd2Yr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVBUHuoV1q
"It would explain the inconsistency. Endowments can have downsides, so maybe she could only strike from a distance under special conditions. I don't know what those conditions are, of course."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAjq5ap7sT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecwqWU3Eq2
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ar7SSw0Do
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b6547UBNf
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6PFjl3iUw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp99fWv6xsl
"Why not?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDXa1WC8ZF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSgEh3YoxO
"It's just a gut feeling. I ain't sure. But yer probably right. It's a pain in the ass not to know what's goin' on behind her bullshit."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYUDYwUau5
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntuGj3mzU6
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWkw1RWz8V
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3oh7LQZhY
Juke nodded solemnly. From the tone of his voice, it looked like we both knew what that entailed. I sighed and pinched my nose, then spoke again.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8QjPPONCy
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHGgliu2hS
"Surely, there's a better option."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsOOGoN1mn
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9TCty2tz3
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkbTJNBiwT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4srGoqt7ac
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX4p5x34xO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFJMah2FQM
"What if we spy from a distance?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jZognP6UJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv9BQAIBvJ
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UUMHiub4b
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNNP5nHI9d
"...Point taken."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNjrjgHt2D
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1upJzHnwvS
As I thought about it more, the idea of leaving people to fight the Harbinger while we sat by the sidelines was sickening. I discarded it immediately, thought the reality it meant I had to face was frightening.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNn2Wvp4Gm
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4WCn8OfJs
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRaTZ437XH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13yQF1E77W
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkjSg6iH94
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdCKNIfr7I
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3ina8ZLo8
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNOYfTq8pT
I smiled weakly. I took comfort in our shared reluctance to do this. In truth, what Juke said about others finishing her off would be nice. If I could, of course I wouldn't want to fight her. But, that wasn't for us to decide; that was up to our luck. As I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best, Dave approached us with Pars in tow.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVeElIbAAX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoq1BuTBsd
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CRvXwi1zk
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3oCTuD5Iv
We nodded in unison.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBkvV2quy7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebAxtyy8bb
"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVEAgZj7m3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsZxGnLDdr
–
–
–
Out on the street, the sky turned ever dimmer. We went through the same motions as before, scuttling in and out of alleyways as we watched for oncoming Bringers. I no longer felt like I was always on my toes, dreading even the slightest error. It just became tedious.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE25Thwctw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWVQmUcPfi
At some point, we became comfortable enough to chat. We spoke in whispers, of course, but exchanging words at all made me think we were getting careless. I didn't voice my concerns, only chewed on my finger as I darted my eyes around.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbgsm3WFlN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R8kEoKxdo
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKJwm1UbJm
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsgM9YL2RX
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEMVBNdOcd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbiblsC7eu
"I feel like that's all you've been asking me today. Of course I'm nervous. Of course I'm not fine. What part about this is fine?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYS7haY7k7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdjhwNxKCO
Silence came for a few seconds, and I realized that I might've spoken too rashly. I didn't apologize, though. I felt no inclination to.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7eQoZqJHl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX7vHxj5DD
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEi8urMAea
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqQPi2V4bf
"Well... I won't deny that."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34LqpW6WSp
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9mAbfCjqS
I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0wW35yPl9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EIjDw9hYb
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNeJKz45Dx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPH1qjlYka
"Again? What do you–?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o39hVTjNX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJzY5pkZJg
As I formed my question, memories of my first mission with Juke surfaced. I kept quiet, but I could feel my cheeks curl into a smile.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwkFsAs7LS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfBnYMI7wH
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYSGbshsa1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuO7PExzaw
He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIg19pBwVU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRPqb1uIC8
"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyTyXF60fB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTB4GWKvgP
"I didn't ask ya that."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCmT1At1Fb
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3450ff7Pd4
"Pars came into my room yesterday. He asked why I wasn't with Rover, since I was with her when I met him. It was, well, a difficult conversation, but I learned that Rover ended up joining the Retaliation Crowd."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCnV6mOrW2
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcWJYNy21Z
"That ain't surprising."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN5Sapdg8d
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bHVwMwQEm
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNQx4aTHMF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72MrUsVDzn
Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGtSuChxBF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tS1ke8xQP
"It's funny. The thing I'm most nervous about is meeting her again. I realized that quickly, and then it made me think about a lot of other things."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwTCEb7YTM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2qjq24SBx
"Yeah? Like what?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWkHpsWay3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCSEmoGJGM
"It made me think about home, and coming back to it. Not just Buffalo Village of course, but the Capitol too. I was so caught up in the state of affairs that I forgot I even had places I called home."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbynHLswca
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2swUd0jU8
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Uz0etYpdX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSY81EnHjV
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDzJYgtCyA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcaMx0ER7P
I stopped myself and pinched my chin. The words got stuck in my throat. They required tuning before being released, yes, but there was another thing keeping them from leaving Before chaos broke loose and the three of us separated, it was the robes of that woman.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUP8Lsrzl7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXk9gKPc1v
I had terrible thoughts in my head. An abundance of worries and I withered because of them, but nothing I could do would make them leave. All I could do was shut my eyes and look the other way.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzKAPKeIoK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo5bFSt7L6
"I hope they're doing okay, is all. Flinty, Annabelle, Jackson, and even the Tea Mage. I hope they're doing better than I am here."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZdBuAQePi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6KFmWI0Zu
I let out my thoughts in earnest. A minute passed without a reply, and it never came after. I thought I would've been agitated, but I was relieved. Dave and Pars continued their conversation, but we stayed quiet. It was a moment I'd be ashamed to spoil. With how easily my mind wandered back into contemplation, we arrived at our destination seemingly instantly.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WUMWami8E
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpRyvoX1Lb
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMda4x66xEg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQ0jhbJtpK
I moved to his side, squinting my eyes to see through the darkening sky. The outline came to me quickly, and then I could make out the building's details. That of which were–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsF4FmLWu0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScD3vb6hr5
"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwaWuYQwIF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zyLplmxU7
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
然後按「加至主畫面」