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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GFeWCJBpC
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOndAqoFvXm
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"At least... I'm on my back now."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdBC8RkECQ
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeU7QJHXru
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4vc9rNlVF
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9k5r7CVsH
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rnrR503AN
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NUKy3JFYI
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWtCwDWlK2
"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqtw7ynZYO
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOYcP26Dq4
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I was immediately startled.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar6Ns1IKGk
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"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwOQlVnZLt
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqskqaJpBLn
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeAXj6TcN1
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjKPr5XHlP
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyZFt38zrT
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthMHgWWLvr
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR2IlY18OX
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uBcbvXu5i
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsHVt3vcTU
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvzb3Sk1wJ
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap9sLKSYy1
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"Do you feel any better?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI3wYxt1jv
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJVWqsRfhj
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EuYoIBXBY
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxcrB0hAYJ
"That's good, that's good..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3MCoGFf66
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVvezulp3j
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIE2P1f0he
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx8gV9QKZz
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDEDFwGMzb
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJFTnKvCU5
"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjlFyXJAxp
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ihEdAYLna
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m5dqupg5u
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs98AE99Mhc
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcH66B5E4e
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkxdpRdhIb
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gJDSQz7s7
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleOiQxj2Iu
"H-How'd you know?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74reIYpHGr
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"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡackSjiM3eL
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AmkTdmFRE
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzMqHVXx0E
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYkZy80JiO
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSBP4K2W7f
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WhMqhBI7I
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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYnq5wITmh
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoGEKtC5oi
Pars nodded.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRtHd6LJiV
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEoG9LRomI
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtugjTJwue
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZJ41vfvhm
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUG2NyZefk
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJHWCGtfjV
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISBRFMSQkS
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNjM5UrCBL
"Mutual what?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaOkaOw0yz
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FlIHQBtPa
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmG0z1VQS1
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nC98S00wK
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29kuGR0Xc8
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKOsuXoP9K
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWngwzs2Se
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm4g6cDI5l
"Really now..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhgwgWs055
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuB4L1Rvek
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeJ2JnGDSv
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmGvnSUWLM
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR2U6R0Z4o
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJus4EmIJRP
"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgRsH3plQt
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYzb24PaIz
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"Wow... it must've been bad."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEt4lL8xqc
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlui2WlJ60m
"You're almost as flippant as I am."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYQgel783Q
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwRPQAlfxj
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsDUs5B8bA
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwR2O7TuLp
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUfImm1MtT
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxxDzlrxGg
"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..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAsU5iQXS8
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl237mSMdL
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB51kvru8Vh
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4tUoTpkaK
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGny0Aobefc
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpxId0NqPn
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMf2D83mhc
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoHsPTLwxl
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEakKj9LMl
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8Kz1ggKwa
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmyEewwa1G
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXykLKqfab
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUddZrXr4i1
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldlqP9esUF
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukbkSWTAMf
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSnGnPEPB5
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RSVllonYx
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3G5H1XW2Q
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKovH00yUC
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriQtrtgK9d
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf41UWkRNmn
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"I know."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj4w1z1F1n
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2NSGJFNWg
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE7ExIQ2az
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5dFugamdV
"Tell you what; I can't help you."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DbmkxQWPS
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvIl7Bxmox
"...Are you serious?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTklxmRS2S
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcm1plxA1u
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt2euN8StB
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqezHPLwckk
"What? What can?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuXQFem2Gt
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EfmCX7WE3
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKgKSCFK0u
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwCgSAubgO
"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMUjK73xZR
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A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBxDWZ5xbA
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wzDqXMsuC
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31z350vU0i
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIeqqVaIII
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRN3UaQoWl
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"Give it a try."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PxuyYQ48l
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He stood up and patted my shoulder.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIPwHOum7A
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiT00jbmLh
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPs7NA5n3t
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCsDQW9sV7
"H-Huh? Right now?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kXf17Kk3R
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR9Et0vjwj
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY4Q4yH0Iw
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnVToNFRcn
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiWvJGzUHt
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–
–
–221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi4xmcR3pV
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"Are ya all packed up?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRZrhyM45F
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx6IDLc50l
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"You're the only one who's carrying anything"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiMGYCuWqp
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjTtIOmz3K
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4ob39URJH
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbhaKxlWpE
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSkTnfDAXo
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZqGkw8cgT
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9tjVJ2EyH
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w8Usd5Ojv
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkNS4WhUW8
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsh7vNcmIi9
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lLQBvMUey
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLGnDkpVcD
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzLUzy8v4k
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxSK3Q1Lic
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9X7maIlUs
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxWDef75DW
"I suppose that makes sense."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGLhCobfBu
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwU9aRQIw8
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5PcIDCTeO
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKzyt48nR5
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDXdLDGCd3
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3GtIEyDkr
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XPaeASwIP
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYTVs2UImD
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W9LFB0B0B
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27mEUJkAqY
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pHTU2uegK
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5ofw8BwaQ
"What do I think...?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNS3po3U7n
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOEYIbkty0
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ0uFFQO36
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIO4S7W23I
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUboiylKx4v
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZzW2lTgky
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGNOFwh3Kd
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ343uCcGnIB
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1VEqpzFtI
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDN1KUVsmX
"I'm asking ya, kid."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn5BCIPJnL
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNCcLDzElS
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–221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah6ON0Tv3t
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vAp7YnPp4
"It had to be an Endowment."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoKWfciLYL
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtYMCjgSOY
"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUuYNO2YqQ
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Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQJ9lQ4YdK
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywBkod5pP8
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VutAUkobK
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LE162LIpm
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUih0vteiW
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3QMJITfwx
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko37L9MAF0
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthGI6kU35t
"Why not?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2WrHZQzdw
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"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVGs18l0KK
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0LaPDEfIh
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17yp8pbcoK
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWVYFuguzo
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe4XpBb0xn
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"Surely, there's a better option."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm58EqDrxzh
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacjJRPPJHN
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1Oh3wnUUs
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWqNTADobM
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9cUKRixon
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"What if we spy from a distance?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDwpsnoflP
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"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwS1c4TIKA
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzYctabN3w
"...Point taken."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMcVJZwtr9
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4M81ulgM6
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t0GdmzuvY
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqeOtYJO8E
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRAETOfRuS
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURAOfipk26
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRUavx1aCX
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"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk3v8TdTnv
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGm9nCBFue
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLWO6tnebN
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhAgBBE6kE
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOx8z02rJ6
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We nodded in unison.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ey6pnGotb
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"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5Xe47Lkx2
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9wu3wc1Ok
–
–
–
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOFwsrtn5k
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRErKHW8mLK
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnp0fSseNd
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufr9pPM5f0
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtZdvsbNtA
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBujXxh1QO
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbnvhu6EJe
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcFIwAH7my
"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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5giQxUVFD
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKa4H9CdeI
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSRmfX2P2I
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzXczcdY6S
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBseCEvuZ3S
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EguM9baIS
"Well... I won't deny that."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIauHLz4wl8
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I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9oF5U49Qx
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Nh296lQO2
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BcJTMi3s8
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRS68VWYUv
"Again? What do you–?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY7mO1Y4VO
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHycj7YJfQ9
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76SwPx5DR8
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlkKdaSU6q
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qbIhPnEMk
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He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3RnfkfUUs
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"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufcgZAyvON
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"I didn't ask ya that."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVdj21J7i0
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"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvWuniOTi3
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWsnvUVHo5
"That ain't surprising."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlOXvlTekG
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTSjFj1CaX
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeIwQNjTTQ
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Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaLxoYwW2e
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDdFbqnbAj
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DJuDhiQNP
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mCBhqtwEs
"Yeah? Like what?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtkRSsWEBH
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"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH101irYPwu
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DB8coomlL
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1H7lrXPIc
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUP1TOIS6d
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwyNr2XGWQ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu7uosS9tR
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnKgdsVlfQ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnflev7i50p
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvWwv6jm9l
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCFHD8mK3Q
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRn2Nr0LQ4
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpiNSjoxJh
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YnpnzBMMQ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9JMmfwq9l
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBlo2DLqOi
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZk4uwsjJh
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–221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoUEYz9FIs
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"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrrTy7Rz7B
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Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
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