Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukOU1O7oRo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8KTkzQUmr
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOjyNCW8ES
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomM10Kdkbw
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov4WScU9Tc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA44oZUgjF
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnE7fvzT8K
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6S2JzegZA
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhxkaeoqNA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtSK5H81u5
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbjZY8FlTZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIghNjG57N
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0OGvrbrm4
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOAaqCEd4A
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTosh7Iabm
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNLEvmrNgW
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkxNe4UPxv
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBjVOLkFsq
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOmX0iDjxc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Gwn8CrS1p
**BOOM**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkboQVvwiK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU1tZY1ERQ
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYJ8BggnYy
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtiUHmDOVi
"Ack!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekj9OuGpgB
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICDHzf40Mn
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPrEC0mdvQ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EETt4o5oB
The room was a catastrophe.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHXowPHtGY
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIPRkoEdyD
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3VXgB02tQ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DRRYQgK1L
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYnxnJoDgv
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EaLumFFPu
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaH52J7p6A
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk2pqkBIWj
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yCCP1lWNf
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4QppKtLEw
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnAk0uXKst
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kdySogVYD
**STRIKE**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheHQ3JIPYn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r8kdfBQum
–only to be immediately interrupted.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDUZ3E65RH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2vtnk3Vs3
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BQ1vFSqlK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ieCmecRLv
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DcNnplSfI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVc39VpyRhN
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUtp91jX31
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuUUxwhJ8v
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcroOKwCn3k
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwN9DksyKJ
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymIQfNGbcU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C1TGx9V5y
"C'mon!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdDWbVrqgm
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp0auUhlHz
"--Ah!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV9yinayf9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0opdcriIB
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hMsWk7Nob
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlx23rjAlY
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHquIiAhGwJ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehYnpVCrz0
–
–
–
What a moron.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeVmOuq1jd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZPpFQYNwH
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFtzwW5tE8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeAIkxEWDT
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwoSs2Z81t
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAoMNX99bJ
**THUD**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv0euAB4Mo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykeHyH1IbY
"Ngh!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAlpmI7qv6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCP31YJMcS
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoH01I6MSX
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNWCnMzSvb
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3heOZi2Uv
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniHCvoF34C
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVbkbvvYRw
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSt2k9UYpg
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEKNfG74il
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtmB17a42P
"--I should've known!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNllTbluG7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtLJubLO4t
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVKHM9TeGd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQhausJ7RH
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zy7vPFQ4t
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur1eVkAP9V
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc2xHOM6q1
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz55t1SqQCR
"DAVE!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4wI3bLWTF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3DuMAP6ri
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR60TM1OBc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiTFGhLjLI
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl6MRJBsmu
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvwEOBkwAO
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBTrqbA7bD
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31uZkPMA5O
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95QzzV8Jt3
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33vlxjql8A
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6qsnUG9hL
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPiKDvCpeh
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FuRHYDD6V
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm9x8QZmbN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp0OMd55sQ
"...Those are our first casualties–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqbeVMeuo2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡincuTY5XVQ
**BOOM**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGynCX7vVve
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4uwveIWLi
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkfBT38nVj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV4XoWHdvS
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG1711FnJq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdRaHYfZp3
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzZ5GIfx3G
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpYp9ydQ1H
"I'm here now."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7oIMCNKGk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNZqvDVtF6
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kYXzDNkQO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XLtOKa9pM
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRtV97oKWo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qRQ1nCJad
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhimr6vddhz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0qLTPbswL
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5RNe8n4VA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIggbMFjd5t
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZ95ODlxm1
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UmsmSGMCa
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj1l7hvnRx
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWGn2y3UEF
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ9xExjVkN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCck2WiZ90V
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBBmtGtqZ6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RaYoY1DT0
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk29rzCahs1
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvTXokyszN
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTFLZofw8z
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP3IJtRXMx
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLy7l2zlO5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKzVU8oXMx
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGQMmtAzJt
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK31zGibft
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEjL7DJC1i
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjpo9o9TUa
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoS2ofT6b2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZmNpSb72x
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcrh5GBANN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijirOGIUIG
**BOOM**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBue9v2azCb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXW7E7NYQd
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhAs47lyIw
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfkI1Rwv6N
"Pars!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBaoZ8jSct
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmk3exmNT7
"Huh?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvIIK37wug
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw3a0HJ1ER
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdVQlRclXS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfLXH16UEl
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3a57Jr15d
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jWxXffUJJ
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVMoJZIqhb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZCSFQzA0C
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76NJmS650k
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B7JjMtyC6
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u2r7GzQjE
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPv7ekTXeV
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywwk3u2CFM
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLprg0IV4DF
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I1hWGGw4D
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPbNrqLNX7
**CLANG**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaDwbMwjML
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYhQ3wixVD
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTatzML26z5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQTFnB2XRN
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxf7BAdRNq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cDUpcFLCV
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf1Wtnwyf0
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H0mI7jNsN
**SLAM**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkllKRufgk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINajzyrtkj
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkl2bku79w
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrYQ4O1TlL
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O1mYFUUlM
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b5YLcefs7
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmfN8DYDCH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRLK9J4g64
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ139778Z2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWWuTNrMX5
"Ngh! Shit–!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VJcqBBfjB
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHBDNbL4U6
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRSKtrp0Fc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzDOsIJXG4
But then–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kBJVGb4G6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIijM3gTHom
**BOOM**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDxgD5NMYS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB55Zk92S0
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgTmo4fPJy
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4tIgFOCgf
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8D7HzX514
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNriH99mGbR
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1oqCoXYEq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKKAWKvVLb
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK0undjiME
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivX4Rvrv8v
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXCe2ul32A
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3l5Rq3XJA0
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXG3Y5iqP8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRUubvQWMP
"Gah–! You scared me!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlfdAlOMNj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDch1fwU9eV
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg265jgUmdt
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhCeECscjW
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSluUaw4Qk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLGMHAJ0Co
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgQKsvXMJH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5KVO0BTC4
"No, this is terrible."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUow6KmCIC
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tvzGuaJqC
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH3GBk3bum
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R91NyOQZA
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IMt8VulmH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yCsmuFxzq
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrcogujdno
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvEE5dkWxT
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAnKiQubJz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdastDLeFh
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGxvt5AWvJ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLFRbI6pKw
"No. No suggestions from you, please."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptuaY37vJG
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj6bepZI0a
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIk0BeL3dz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblxgNeei27
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3KjZQPuog
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡey9cWuwU0o
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7HWbwhunt
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRbal8lJT3
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtRgy01EM0
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNGHamSrdc
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLRdtBzGVy
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ3ByDTZXC
Still, no response.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQGp1yHzUu
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bgdBQf8Ge
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXnmwuIHiR
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡds8cdoHOBX
"Because you're entirely incompetent."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VS5UpDLfM
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf4XXaRJvF
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvn73CYxPT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8gjfdHrwB
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCBlC7Tc68
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQnZd7lW4o
"..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReOUYqR1XZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6aOk5WesD
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaEoQCBtmc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuX4AUuGRL
"..."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8VBPA2fxB
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmgM78Zjbx
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWs2HRvpjF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMahRkczym
"What?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLS75JnBY6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgkN8Qdf8c
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5TuxBu1fj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzzLRJVjMD
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzxabkmhDe
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCUAVpBbtE
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLG622aoUh
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQSqgY0Jbr
"...I see."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OxjMh2yAP
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonh0aC6CsG
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QBRMCbFky
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5V4GOPdVB
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEljjAjZpK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsCQtpt1jc
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoOsIgv4wF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9Pm61IGME
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXPlte6JJH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqYDExZMDl
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZRIJR53eO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGK38vqsOJ
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91PslvK9Nb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT41pqOpvd2
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPvHSV1ulR
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRDGwvnAru
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfSfxl2ecO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXA9lMB7jI
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk3LrHe2sN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCtFZrmzCk
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhW2kjxLS8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkhLZKcIlz
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZiP4V73dW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlpV5vY0ov
"Alright!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4ZhKd1i6S
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3daWDMSBGV
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwJbtiM3mk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHTGdKJq0j
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr17MRFuR5v
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5i5BW3YvL
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNP3WogwDB
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjSlZETgPE
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSYVJy0jDF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16ATvQCZuQ
–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN40wkY806
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK63Yzsbkn3
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaVyglyVQU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeFZFjb0Md
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfrHqrExxx
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTMY6luSjo
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKw1eKv36F
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhVxe1ysaZ
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6akDSxoJL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHFTGALLul
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAL7dwHAzL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgDndMDbwm
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkpeMrQHpi
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPdExI83yx
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNAMPx6zdo
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv5Y0826Lc
"--No!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJbGdXjEqb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJpoD3hdJ9
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHmwteFqMd
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWObkb6ocMG
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwVNRGXVZK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0QKfAitgF
"Hyua!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsPh20PHb8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLpFMnFS0V
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU6X7YKjXR
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6pf15hpff
However, he did have another sharp object.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrQSCjdsla
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6yvKdnmvN
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldI6tEqMl9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedXIG22zAk
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29tBfB8SR7
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksVlYivB5O
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBMQQiahPA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqxXpdo41T
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyjhXKvEj4
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazwvWQr7et
And what came was–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8ysDNBgo3
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OvtYbBZeq
**BOOM**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQYTjp3tsK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMhwdCAxFv
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xyA6eBTD9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgFG1y5SUp
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW7TPIEpux
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHhIKMJBFj
"--oop!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1zQRcK92v
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw8nFXLCGC
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAse3YUotu
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL0cggJpAp
"You... you're a sick jokester."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksAAQg4o4P
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp349JqlDwE
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXiumioPXX
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGMjRxu954
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Fj7orn5EV
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkIFh5DOht
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4SBQOlZrw
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95P4Lt1jCK
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr23kLYgrQ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT4QG6zbQ0
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWdvFJfHDB
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPVncfcEiV
"What the hell... what the hell!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk4wrD14Kx
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGtYe9nvph
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6Qo2m68ED
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTunCklMZ8m
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgZUwepcc1
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSnD4GOQPs
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvkobtpmVO
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfkfrbdK9c
"...Heh."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgLeTWFg2d
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ178zKejTGS
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQkQVMbuXD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsLwNWbXyL
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjmHnPKDyK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIWltzKHjc
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b64bk4UY4
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5flCdBHf4F
**THUD**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gxHTVBQa6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUriOFRQhlG
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq2oYy6URe
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr6XlqCOKZ
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvR2Lw4FA0
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ftPQXWwUG
"Though I have to wonder–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ6JX4LdFH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EzdqucbOR
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYEYXHGc6j
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVV19IYhGc
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyRDuPraQS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWmilni412
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkTlB7pnzI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc81Qdl4ih
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQQ6keiOIA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn8KibZ5WX
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2bF8FYtHu
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00bGb1b6rY
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaStqd2io7
"Irritating...!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpfoOquT1G
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMyX2WNvA4
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydje2iyuna
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7J714feJH
Dave didn't like to use spears.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2yTm05Y45
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZM67LdLjI
"...Haaaaa."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVqW4i5J1q
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw5RJZj7tT
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJuBnH66HK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG40zKGciRK
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWm31Y6TFL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtbUv5jrwE
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcufA3yEi8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU0LNz4ZbR
That's what he always told himself, at least.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndQBpIuhQl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4Sm1FCY76
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5yZi0S8sU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8IXLSZcTQ
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsJGNYRv6J
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36lmILDENS
**CLASH**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuJxZeCjvh
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGhBRBdE6b
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoPTorVij2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvQ7NWQtsS
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauxzK8Cd2H
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeQlhXvTvD
**CLASH**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CzpDsQv9J
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm8MpDm7bD
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GySJSp0u5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBTsH3QnDr
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi6hgsmEnq
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQihASLn0mh
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi23FtxtmX9
Confusion–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJISGaPx5Q5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdmZ0NGGA2
**CLANG**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu17KTiOkh2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFWMymOSaY
Delusion–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDJFjPCSep
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAVGI81W0i
**CRASH**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zcYAslGz9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOervnsY29i
All lead to one conclusion:406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2PGfGk2uK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlVnCaQKLD
**SMASH**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGTlOjISWK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8ooreGzbO
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF8hk8xT57
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPGALYTtK6
"...No, of course it isn't."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdIhmNXjlK
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QVRVmYoeV
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H2oXqXq8i
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoZ1GlIAOw
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbLeACsjOH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEyIOwOcXR
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd9QTAgZFT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMfztkvJ0i
**THUD**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdunswZd0ie
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZAIJS9K0D
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX6Uww7aft
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ15L2k5ZdJ
"Pars!?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkSSOsq2Bl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR7Nmi45b7
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnIkZHUgvF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb5QDT7YkN
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7FO6BdAlN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqnh0PyZvI
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLOjbcePKZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcrXdTWEz9
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemz4YLzza9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAyJz6PINI
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd49OdJOkr
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKsx2GJciZ
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zwztI5Exl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9mWxrQAd8
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaBIbbnXQ1
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOpMthSvRk
"What do you propose?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhwuVGE1r2
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxbUst9B2K
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8WtT3uNNz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8MntXdV6L
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI3JdCYQ66
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfll0WspcI
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPrzxaqY0c
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlssx9zCjrV
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VkFbwCsUp
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspnJnQ2yNH
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt0047ZpXx
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC4LlW6i6l
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH9hfNWY3k
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv2KBwjUgq
"--Huh?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NhWtSXBhj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZu36ryfS7
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR0BrfCWdS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnUl2fibuG
"...Always backhanded, huh."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw1KY36n4Q
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUos8deUsl
But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjqoQJ1Etz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmja5IEksR
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jBaZIqM3P
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jIAHxGUuq
"We likely don't have one."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2QWzA9cTE
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6q1XgbKky
He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTZbOpwBZa
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8BKNI7BMQ
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPvVSmuXAU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqgPu7HSde
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYMZ11TQmD
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMocYiVYMS
"Well, if you insist."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmfvj0Ynii
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbPQipjqWA
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09c0bkoQnN
The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg1q0MJK7r
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdruJQ4Hq6B
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ8stFKG4M
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8O6Ryueeh
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6I4tSFKGI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EczaHEwNh
**THUD**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmqjWCOg5Z
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xwzEJbdpc
And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzSg55wkHj
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKph5P3qDC2
"--!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdwCP2CpDZ
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2OkGGsZBD
The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpab7zyABIC
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ezaeg6JRo
But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUSgbkVVfN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlHThh18zC
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplKJRhpLux
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W59dFAoLk
**SPLICE**406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhI2AeC5Dr
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbLkYJHISv
And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqeebbWMRt
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4cbTo2Wki
"I missed one."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuGbgHgo24
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbdfRfBO5z
He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkpjbLVnD5
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrjk9rSbtq
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTXuNBhPwl
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ufMo27dDY
"Hey!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VpHjWuXe6
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhzHFdi59x
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP3T0i0lDW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAQNM90EU9
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDnOJl4bMp
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQEB5HdveR
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGCmAB3DJ8
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcXNs0c00o
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssryr86DDC
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qcpvIWrqa
"I never said that."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttGf8qMsyF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObcjSebS8O
Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMMZFb9F6f
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQKVgtfsn8
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdfblvKIN3
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOB7L6Xuq8
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREwwWxpkyW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t3YTggM7P
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQj4eIpROe
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJzoPMYSGz
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio1oiv3xBT
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7IzArs15w
"Haaaa. Damn you."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm45FN7FAUE
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgzLGrKtr4
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnyUfjI1Ck
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVHcL6993d
"They are dead, right?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbORjguWwna
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeWnWtCCLQ
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV3F3OPdcW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZgov8fbE7
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxlhLdpiZU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtT7jiRzE8l
"I–"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6zBqVqbwR
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6z6M7XunZ
Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhY5cuOtIb
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3Ut9Cfv7O
"Huh?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0t4TJvUWW
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAPdhVFd7U
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYAZv1e1FH
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScPkcpDUDG
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7zmTUtCua
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDMxIt58Dm
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDLY9oBgOF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzZGtnKZa3
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ik6m15e3Q
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5RcwKu9DR
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzrsBQzClA
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP3ggl4BSq
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTFaD42W5E
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1N3cgsGNY
The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm3LjLXQwN
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL419eVhV2P
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWthsHf2LM9
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi6EwiZ7No
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxBZ7sty7j
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCyIE1rly3
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPugk3DvSc
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR0nBLJHmx
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ156n82OLcP
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxBguDiVpt
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdXugUB55d
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiTsCBNCz1
"You raise a good point."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K0C59p3eI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUSN2lgx7e
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83azoJ3Ltn
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52tPSA4fOb
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85TPSX0RWC
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABmrAqWsrH
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODIAWgA7PM
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0nrZ2QLDf
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8ulrXUbmF
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbkEuomIet
"Ha, abandon?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoaHOCYqtU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aYaMsu8gF
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMy62UlKSk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhZnA25Q1c
"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmKFrqRArI
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbR9aQjsX6
"If you were, it was backfiring."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsroYjBFQYL
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILzbqOaSmi
"Harhar. Very funny."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom1U6Q7ExG
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjaebFCD8M
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbytszkDkZP
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMN9CmgeMZ
"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgFtNuH0td
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxswDfX2P2
"Aren't you conceited."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeu2KOsrEk
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpWpdHwHXe
"You think it's arrogance?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYE1Tw0ETU
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIyd2q9Grg
Pars began to stroke his chin.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBlgmuseII
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedvDyuOnF4
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAGhjpb2nf
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A0o4Uil4K
"But what you want isn't just greatness."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi1OSohQZS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb7AtVLpQM
"...Yeah, you're right."406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq6jwy9Dbz
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98EalBOdYN
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTZz11WIuS
406Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5MIuA2bi0
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."
and then Add to home screen.