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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRrMEyccCk
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDvHOFD2A6
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8QJN4bJFN
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPAv7hPdMx
"At least... I'm on my back now."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVlHiSdGAP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPgeaTVDAk
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxpCDEfG3I
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEVEt28e75
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDMdCvxC6Q
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y2lMHEbe0
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XUWeEn0pv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkXLekgifd
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZQkKA9rn1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB7ToRoH1g
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZD9GVLUU1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzHkGKhtHC
I was immediately startled.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSVeYKdkCa
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nOitXO6ez
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDzzIyWG1U
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlixwZY0P7u
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2FqMqOkFo
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD5bVCTJXP
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1etGVEuTK1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XxKuReoDf
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WOOXDPmuL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu2q09mSKY
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURqk6OTOtJ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwSqLFYTl1
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfCAeifulP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXLLI5Y4M1
"Do you feel any better?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwtLUrLoJ1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lrz6Gg898
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaQcRDGSsf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYplxJyJ8e
"That's good, that's good..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PxDLLOQf9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF27L8Llp8a
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tWqdAg883
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EheMCXrxy
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmHbUrRu6l
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpmLN9O0xv
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S5ATEEyvG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwDWPLEIka
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ734G2dctTL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQzWgh6kiF
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jlNIqCRf4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcwT3BCd3y
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRB5L6vUEkY
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68a8aDuA70
"H-How'd you know?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu6YIu3qGF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPTSaiviKp
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7ZlxX3msq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF37FYRL8y0
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZOb5mizpS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0Ntr9gUdu
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlru6VHkEnc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz9I6OW3BV
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?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPe2cZvHSL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqMHz9POTA
Pars nodded.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumG1WnNSOR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwB4hZNII6
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfdwrflKO4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUrfH8LEWK
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2BPy3DClG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3EnUL8iEK
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsSODgNUkx
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcBDeZ2XtR
"Mutual what?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeGqs91FJU
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoA6eKhYyi
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigwGOGrkOT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBW0Oxckl3
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsNV1HCYQU
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uGVox9mi3
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ds06Nt4jw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob5xSlttey
"Really now..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EXT6YawfV
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5H9VKPqMS
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPdDWUPpXc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GqZE77cGy
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAXXs2ApPK
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrvgWaK9Lg
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQTw1gmADw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSQoPIYjnl
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHts09QD551
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rzPrvnKAV
"Wow... it must've been bad."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxyT8brceM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NCsoT1R3T
"You're almost as flippant as I am."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdyH50MDr7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7ft4ilGNS
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCf1aoBkqI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ5x1JVkPJ
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Iy2FAFdYS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7IBt7mw7w
"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..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFNnbKavor
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYlBoDO9rP
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4Wqy8rV5I
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXVe4UrhEt
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUNEoiu1mm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk36SSFR4V
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91mcX6z5Dj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhT0ssWeWE
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPurafuXZE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJavM2G1bxy
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarygSephiJ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszd6VRJTmW
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82nV37C2DU
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB2DjDQQlg
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMzBsekHXe
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBhVckhNbm
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOkzjuwXeb
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Gb3J3yzfs
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Oj9d9fj2N
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5ZGRbWaCk
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkvzqwLTxF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdvhGYA9Rr
"I know."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftxUSk031H
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcIDXU24mx
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQqiZYg4QK
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8lrMU2vY0
"Tell you what; I can't help you."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5vxPpWEYs
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2p4S3XLYh
"...Are you serious?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEy5vZHrGZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY43fSlUcp
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmedjT0vg7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzWqYAfgZa
"What? What can?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02hLjFSVZv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNP5diEwFb
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyh7KotqWS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoDCNrNgjO
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcdiHlHfu7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCnQTpvCz3
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfdTW4anZC
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7sW276UmN
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvbqU75fue
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWCT3byR8M
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZv5AZUPgh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnEcN4386z
"Give it a try."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2pAqZUu63
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6BUNBt6nU
He stood up and patted my shoulder.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwL1SmBMFq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZoYOUaLth
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDjL3wcuyh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer5H6EDOZp
"H-Huh? Right now?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F8EKDfVbX
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5o9ZTmdLp
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbvyT5P6va
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4JnsnCU2L
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3zkSnPtvo
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsYqsNV11c
–
–
–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj9sy2J8WU
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3QekcM81H
"Are ya all packed up?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqw6NcV2Ji
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQavCyXqll
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgifSKzhrz
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVGqAIeGWK
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GVqzZN4HS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPYY7yscIV
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XQ6jdyNGA
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVX5jWtHG6
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsYc7L0wgg
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRW8ifLK2s
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeQAQOiVjm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzatVZjNo4h
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybYjtekuFe
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg6VPuXgdC
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ811eZU2Lyl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBeEI0Pxo7
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Mt7S0tMG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRudIjMzdF
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfKFM0nh4q
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi5IgTL0do
"I suppose that makes sense."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqmgBbASMy
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls8UyllRJo
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OgQms09P3
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPRElrEuET
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwZb4m3Dh2
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh0ubiyqBe
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR3lpXzIfc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI1a3xnkLs
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpuDBqAxWk
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wF7lOCTon
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WutidC2NT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75AmdJfrdc
"What do I think...?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6lKn85NIR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmJ0ze84u1
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKTtX7QQSl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqoyOqCQZy
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jE2PMymhR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPS1g88r1L
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvJ6gMQsXz
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrjyVMptVE
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSavZcVwwNe
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxxHvLY7St
"I'm asking ya, kid."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjBPY1z91z
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJJHX5Na9P
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–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPCqRfR04g
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RHOGa7eJe
"It had to be an Endowment."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiqWxRl4Vy
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs5IlB5oko
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUkLkSrN5R
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvHF2OiDdh
Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC1ZRNGTbY
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EbUGIEbGj
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cmr3JOklv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuCgrC7if6
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YwFj37SSc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN38oxm1u8t
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvLt8mQbhf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenyWU6BZoz
"Why not?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBzLLLUoPO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Eo9E5hbAj
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGyigGIF7Q
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGzayKVQwg
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu3Ex3542b
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnGV6gyu3J
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ge2gHVCGE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDkQXkKK4M
"Surely, there's a better option."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIllXZT2by
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm48lhjRLTj
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr3FWhIYn7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxmWggjdFx
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVlv7Xbhr3
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInqKhpXwIT
"What if we spy from a distance?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfp7NwgV0B
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV1X0dEn3r
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxFhqVziAu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEi4KsP5bZ
"...Point taken."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL1li8ydoF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspJmOBoZgf
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycavyc37zb
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I6fxk1Chb
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GA7sHATVO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28Jv6CswZS
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwRZ4Sty75
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw8ortx4dO
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuztjgqrolj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S5kLxhbxU
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy53FQkphW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy5sYENeW6
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMomT3K4jIz
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGGySOviB4
We nodded in unison.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yIhHRKK0s
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCtKrjjaSe
"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4KxwhljO1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAA6GICNRVP
–
–
–
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLuRxd1fvk
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFEK3Fa8ZM
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5bHJwKuL8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6Hh5V2fHy
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5bs0P4rEb
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAavugSK33r
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSJ5XsCRTR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQaZbLjm7G
"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?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bDc7u6xLn
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5o9ZH7HNM
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJmzUhDKG8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISmbTiiPPc
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DKo4B0J92
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QHiUw4vm1
"Well... I won't deny that."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol4LQpzRDG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPtyaVDv2Z
I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG9KLKlpcg
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcYw0TuEKg
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYPbibCCYk
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFE4iYkcc4
"Again? What do you–?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAbs1r7Oh4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8Uj4WAGUE
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLGYSRzIEW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQFss6ddtX
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDsvCZmJr8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8MSvwMyBc
He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE37MIjsgn
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENDNJljI9K
"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwnwuhYaDu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlUSSRa7KW
"I didn't ask ya that."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcopscFCPDq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqffI2OTWb
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNLIj21IlI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvV3EylMgN
"That ain't surprising."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8WxTeVf4m
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTn4GX89UT
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDFzq4Wkhx
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrSZBE1ESK
Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMMsxegkYM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb4BQsFkFA
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aRmj6Ejba
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGymDB8vjN
"Yeah? Like what?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQyTUpmBwu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ7run80Ox
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBpFLKHkhi
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3Y91SeP5y
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPsDv0ubj6
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3uNXLC8QB
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJICMbf6KNy
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dS4BQBLf5
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46OESDH5AE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCDpc37Smo
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrspxMyTCn
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuUl8UyNrp
"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."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsFfpz5yVR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hhRzVI8CW
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin22cQygqH
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlzQcHcVxz
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYKIu0lxGi
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBgiwHtiM0
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–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUxsIoW2bQ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxD4S6SfOi
"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwIUGFroR5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjki5JcuwZ
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
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