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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMmBv0tlyP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRIAvNJOlD
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eb9lzPbiu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk0ftQhkN0
"At least... I'm on my back now."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gYSLcFuRy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hboyU7qWQ
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjag0iup42
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8SlN9L2Gs
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRUugdPoF7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDedgQOAqwd
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmBuhxOtPd
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnMnk6tAsX
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXciinU21E
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVc1nJEF3it
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApO8aqr4jU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SrD9yqxIa
I was immediately startled.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxFqnkALt6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvKGbk4M9B
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LOiaVFHlK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydct6ksr2l
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cG294AvRW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9aPJJtnpk
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhyITMzbIW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LlyYvIcA6
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMalyzepU89
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZBIZ6INBI
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSK4GPJi8H2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPDKPKYvye
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS09KvcXLDq
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziGrO1Gf3u
"Do you feel any better?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN3LqJ3mE5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhyKeyEy31
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYI1jPZijs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2MQ12jRag
"That's good, that's good..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxFK5k2ETX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcCo0GGJNw
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpi2osD2tT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnvREcC52e
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSBSJuXTYn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhCNaFjKV7
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCVc30o8aX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsZW6FmZ0J
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjhM9hWcpR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoisg7sEBs
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsilW9phbO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwnvOa4rR2
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvWRXiVlWf
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0eVTAAyDJ
"H-How'd you know?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxS76bVivz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCiEj9Xq99
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhmcAQTtki
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tsaNAwYNO
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKhvdpKMPh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSfVGxwpiw
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY9sjVrMag
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92CkKjajW4
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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCQkcu3OYO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllmKqNi6y8
Pars nodded.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5RNXXz165
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3xlJnV44X
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKXMgczLaf
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3dCHWokCl
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYX0Qsvpfm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6yuXwMMzb
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34WednE8Oh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsqrPmHOI7
"Mutual what?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc43bgupQFA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Esdk4WSP8
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR6YfIw2tH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaQMWcJaZ8
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwqPu2LZEJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJw2Hs2uOe
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEJ5e2Tj9B
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2W4UeCyOC
"Really now..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaMfqcEzyA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2xEXBHm6p
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7btX1XKWnR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5FrK4al8X
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUDW4NL3Qd
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYImcdXv2EI
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzedbfSD3fT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnCjZ1cHP2
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaIIGo0aVU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl6mTK9gUJ
"Wow... it must've been bad."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9yKnN0b7Z
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVESerI64FK
"You're almost as flippant as I am."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdDriT6QDi
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNMK3BlqsA
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6U6THokcrM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDuT9Zdd0t
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eH1xsCgpK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRoj7G61Bq
"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..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyeoc2y8qi
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT7nJWYrux
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TcTAczYWY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DNofxcOjf
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SBvyc7TgI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2g6a4JAo1
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDYlaGccQK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91gk8oj2bA
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y1695tMSX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaH1sls6th
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74hJ6DpA1t
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREMghGnRCI
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF9C3GhaZE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ881Km36eLn
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmG6HQfjIA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4oR94NCLD
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1AYbYRK6q
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt06aNpZMKI
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirZJuEJ6aa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc61i9FQ2OV
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxJcOJNCMT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs77W21NwxA
"I know."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSLksl9j5X
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWY56DKPvU
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto9HnSL8BD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThVLpYYqJF
"Tell you what; I can't help you."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM3HltojIh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33Urxkl64F
"...Are you serious?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLaPlFVaY2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgCrawjSEV
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGuJ4gd7fC
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNVx87k707
"What? What can?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG9d2x2bDs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZcRCxcY2j
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci22UFtfTr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCzTJECUqT
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7uMvxQUpj
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWpJCb3Gu2
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBDMxysQgW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xLWyV5YdK
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2chSAeqKP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85dUUm4AYC
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU6guXeBvR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfCAgxYGKE
"Give it a try."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7DPuoIyvC
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjKdWz7r69
He stood up and patted my shoulder.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnbDxdyU2z
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RZ83lNQcC
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35sOVuvx1d
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNiSRUMTag
"H-Huh? Right now?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtbl3sgaPQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdzzP3fKs8
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY6a2BUpLe
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL19hBihvw
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmhaqtJTtT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFARgBXE5Ua
–
–
–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdzQn9dLj8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwkM0GAoac
"Are ya all packed up?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeWMvXlgG2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcsD7YoUWd
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUA2dTyn0W
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNR2NmPvbk
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAb5fHeUwM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx4WMmNXpC
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA5ptYrZVo
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOkXsgcPkL
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGu6i3zw8X
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ865DsdvFGw
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPvVndxaX9
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwN3fZP8s8
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XjL4AI5OQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSbw74PzXi
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ppUcJ0JIF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpocyqI7k9
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcokDTV0EJP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wFI2zwOvT
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyzwFrgLcS
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHm9w6barI
"I suppose that makes sense."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVqqT6pK9e
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0PLHFnJO2
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL1IbFMiTJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05FxQNOwaL
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFIiDEGgMV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ626uQzSAk
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Lo9XaD7sF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F3jHOp3zp
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlCcSEPOrM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ8KrBQML6
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDZJxmwLWi
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiAu3dvyam
"What do I think...?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8NSBlXocw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VaPnc1IFe
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GFylj8Zyn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbukUkvZTb9
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gn4oRB5bW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRoBamtUVj
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC2nDnVaib
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4vjBwM3jX
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L0Q0StuBx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAhK1OboJH
"I'm asking ya, kid."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeLQ6cWIky
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscpTabWIpV
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–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsntfY9ocWz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dQKDkSCqa
"It had to be an Endowment."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cSqzDepuP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFCnDYxPZM
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo0F5y3XY5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgeOa8a5UW
Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt1YYyuAFK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Iom8Qyjet
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlU1a8JyCGo
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrAaN8iE9Z
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSyEqN3v0H
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGHjOgcqJT
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAko9EBIv86
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1WlZUFrqX
"Why not?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EM4nKsRf7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEwFvO4RG0
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR8w1eUhIa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXISJfqtmhC
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBaInjxQaX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtvkFc2Fgl
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdWTKrDLNJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuaoFVAxP1
"Surely, there's a better option."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQkS1jsAsn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gg2duY0EK
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QzYkLqBsY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkUBaCixXV
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgVmisnBcY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb2AVc4XG2
"What if we spy from a distance?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPssNkFrM1s
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSsPSD9gms
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5SIos3TDl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXya44dEi2
"...Point taken."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpwqX0Ggop
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdPr3jg5XK
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VvU0YNzCA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdesljJzrS
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ATu3UpbUU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO37BQEZs1
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiSa9VnAIs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdmnGRiSDs
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C0BwXU65y
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY5KEI403K
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iSVJfDhiu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODd42eyRis
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjaP8TrOkM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvpDvBpk46
We nodded in unison.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKt705vqe5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdkXsfdta4
"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sFCuWeGM9
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4amZC4p8n
–
–
–
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxYm8vhXkd
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGd4l06TSj
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbWQw0YKDy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrQeFIokW8
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02uBaZF9x1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WxUvim594
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdqSKn8R38
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAr1xQ3MrG
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV31VWrL0X6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vG46dG0G2
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jz2SFjjgt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI9H2bx42b
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWAIBEzYBA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTIqqdf3W1
"Well... I won't deny that."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02EUCt2Wny
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0EKaL2rlS
I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTE9gzOEdx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYarPvvbbds
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXxPZAByzS
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhockCDYZq
"Again? What do you–?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH1zhSpPSV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut9X6kQYek
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSyvAhw4to
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTiCHVdaPZ
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFAdKI0UAh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuql6UhGyQ
He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OfolJ00RE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpzPiXNBUu
"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9ENFwloZw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYOf29MCbz
"I didn't ask ya that."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1LuCTNXEt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfdlCI5PKU
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8JbK58rmB
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3tELV6Rz8
"That ain't surprising."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC6BluswT7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBcQWcXgJh
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7kZbzSqKL
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATuIjwbLUF
Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVBcGOG8Vc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHFxBkB1Dd
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBLtMSqq9o
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ohKgAECyP
"Yeah? Like what?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnD6vAWgpZg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bC3hLSUk8
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCzFnmBp9G
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qg8WDLXG3
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzJG4fexLJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8FMKgDaSU
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbPKFDvUan
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDxYdbj8hK
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs86FKcQNbF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHYm6hU9yk
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RigXPWtXD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0IOPeyQfk
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqYb8zqu8X
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgMtGlZMEc
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIR2ec8eyT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl4lZX1QZh
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyyAFsDXm1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc3vyBYtDL
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–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX6LBG75PU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscxpF1ruob
"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80v0uPlYUT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhBgJCOG7f
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
然後按「加至主畫面」