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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA2uXi4ME2DL
23Please respect copyright.PENANA28JrRbhCNe
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAHLX6Gh57c6
23Please respect copyright.PENANAlUqgULragZ
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA1eYBdXHToO
23Please respect copyright.PENANAE6ewyxrhyJ
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.23Please respect copyright.PENANAEwwm10tntj
23Please respect copyright.PENANA3vzsSa0iDI
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAPiK5A1ruXK
23Please respect copyright.PENANAaG251prm3J
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAXhuiySlwvT
23Please respect copyright.PENANA8IVH7s4MDf
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAMN6AcK0rmo
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"Exit's here! Let's roll!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAO7ihV74DqM
23Please respect copyright.PENANAiBYmd4DEVZ
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.23Please respect copyright.PENANAl5YqEMiFMH
23Please respect copyright.PENANAvCVKpptJNB
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAOxGWeRTLzc
23Please respect copyright.PENANAp2DfhMtdW4
**BOOM**23Please respect copyright.PENANAWcRx012Z29
23Please respect copyright.PENANAJWkGyv1bAj
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANARvbrEEK2h3
23Please respect copyright.PENANAC11R0UlQJz
"Ack!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAmeQ5mBr3O2
23Please respect copyright.PENANAoymewc3KbM
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA3GMMdyFNkh
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The room was a catastrophe.23Please respect copyright.PENANAcQRz38cpG1
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAV5SLZDKpCb
23Please respect copyright.PENANAYnmUEAIhBz
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA3FxOffKSui
23Please respect copyright.PENANAsvOGXFc3eY
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"23Please respect copyright.PENANATBlt9CdvSx
23Please respect copyright.PENANAWxxzXdtOKy
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANACIZDx1wHr3
23Please respect copyright.PENANArSlcU5dTTd
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAdNEazUql2G
23Please respect copyright.PENANAAK9rQSpbDz
**STRIKE**23Please respect copyright.PENANAqH8PJMx6tH
23Please respect copyright.PENANALXAcbViBb4
–only to be immediately interrupted.23Please respect copyright.PENANA5joVjFwehl
23Please respect copyright.PENANAEU4WI9mmRe
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAx3e6rVs5ik
23Please respect copyright.PENANAA5vSxSdLEE
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAVUiBevpFCx
23Please respect copyright.PENANAMBw4krWyBR
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.23Please respect copyright.PENANAmceQyKf2Rp
23Please respect copyright.PENANAsiepQgKEq1
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA0RXn4sRFQH
23Please respect copyright.PENANAAhTimbByAC
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAL9Uq0vpix9
23Please respect copyright.PENANAUMUm0rewpE
"C'mon!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAfOThaThSuh
23Please respect copyright.PENANAX82imG7yNi
"--Ah!"23Please respect copyright.PENANABURdYTDLQ0
23Please respect copyright.PENANAayTCRGVYGB
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAU9HBHBpzOg
23Please respect copyright.PENANASWEDJ03Bjr
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.23Please respect copyright.PENANAUz6JaXBJcx
23Please respect copyright.PENANA7K31CPtlZk
–
–
–
What a moron.23Please respect copyright.PENANAI5hQGFStVP
23Please respect copyright.PENANA6g0NOWSwCK
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.23Please respect copyright.PENANANUtFfNj9sM
23Please respect copyright.PENANA3zMIwR7JaZ
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?23Please respect copyright.PENANAEXnnhE7dEl
23Please respect copyright.PENANAwgHrBZxVik
**THUD**23Please respect copyright.PENANATOM72Zi9qV
23Please respect copyright.PENANAsVmWBRFFBV
"Ngh!"23Please respect copyright.PENANACeGdHrnOHu
23Please respect copyright.PENANA1Dbz1XTRYt
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.23Please respect copyright.PENANAifIfrsxAc3
23Please respect copyright.PENANAWSI9Mkf6xF
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"23Please respect copyright.PENANA4rR1syaulh
23Please respect copyright.PENANAUSsL8slN2m
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAE5n1Qmkb1G
23Please respect copyright.PENANAxWzVoU5oy8
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAfXYVJBywXa
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"--I should've known!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAE6gxRLEb5N
23Please respect copyright.PENANAisfX4TVS5q
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAixiq97OXHm
23Please respect copyright.PENANASQTnYLjWCO
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAmpF84OKqQo
23Please respect copyright.PENANALiph5E8p6Y
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.23Please respect copyright.PENANAyz2b6ZsZzt
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"DAVE!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAFTIh7hlFS6
23Please respect copyright.PENANAkBnESftn9K
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAP0ruioCXBG
23Please respect copyright.PENANA9jbZqTzNCP
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAZzGOyYnFq7
23Please respect copyright.PENANAMltfqtxVEk
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.
23Please respect copyright.PENANA0DV4mK72xH
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAFZORxYQMYo
23Please respect copyright.PENANAhT96fjqMOp
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAkuQ04CxzrR
23Please respect copyright.PENANAwBuv0foS3d
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."23Please respect copyright.PENANAv0ZQWXSWSG
23Please respect copyright.PENANAwTg1h7FPdr
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAipODKa6vUW
23Please respect copyright.PENANAsPApqZ1ZSL
"...Those are our first casualties–"23Please respect copyright.PENANA6HRtuPQqhF
23Please respect copyright.PENANA57HWLLe9rP
**BOOM**23Please respect copyright.PENANATOs7djwRzv
23Please respect copyright.PENANAhYiqSLC1HQ
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAXm8Zaw1vw0
23Please respect copyright.PENANAPXk4PaxVxo
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"23Please respect copyright.PENANASE62EsrthM
23Please respect copyright.PENANAMQSIhj2NtQ
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANASC4hT8KVJn
23Please respect copyright.PENANABGzjJ6cAVc
"I'm here now."23Please respect copyright.PENANAphF0GeOTZ3
23Please respect copyright.PENANAj1FhuFwStF
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAkE02DMhtIk
23Please respect copyright.PENANALTsRxKb7pm
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANARyZtSKbLqq
23Please respect copyright.PENANAyBrvGBLkur
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.23Please respect copyright.PENANAodeduNaFm0
23Please respect copyright.PENANAt4a8tYQx9r
–23Please respect copyright.PENANAufT560hQDb
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANACpm61SaRPv
23Please respect copyright.PENANAc15o1Xkn3x
–23Please respect copyright.PENANA91ycNwSqZt
23Please respect copyright.PENANAKRGWPRZb6I
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAQZIbbJrZ6j
23Please respect copyright.PENANAtSvqO48kW2
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.23Please respect copyright.PENANArbZ9KHw0BQ
23Please respect copyright.PENANAbOKRH3hAc7
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAt8KJHlBM1v
23Please respect copyright.PENANAdyyV3Kk7Ha
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAVCpav864m8
23Please respect copyright.PENANAeJLzwylz0n
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAlmWOtXoJ0t
23Please respect copyright.PENANA27kjq8YLKO
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA4TObiIuD5Z
23Please respect copyright.PENANAb4UxD8QyPj
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA0lA9amg722
23Please respect copyright.PENANAhIisDdWOlu
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.23Please respect copyright.PENANAk7dJSX1HUZ
23Please respect copyright.PENANAr9suPYT7on
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.23Please respect copyright.PENANAutj4FNg5oV
23Please respect copyright.PENANAQeErya0DfU
**BOOM**23Please respect copyright.PENANAODmmVpPKLk
23Please respect copyright.PENANAv2X9jySYyT
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA720wlc4yVf
23Please respect copyright.PENANAJbVtqmvrXV
"Pars!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAnWf91L06km
23Please respect copyright.PENANA46oISHEQ7T
"Huh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAKFWwMGst2m
23Please respect copyright.PENANAayhDwGDHkb
–23Please respect copyright.PENANAuX3jjhcFLK
23Please respect copyright.PENANAbN0OmrELZL
–23Please respect copyright.PENANA2lRJ5q5vig
23Please respect copyright.PENANAJYx4Ksgy8C
–23Please respect copyright.PENANAh02fINnmWh
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAM0agLwRHWg
23Please respect copyright.PENANAHmqRcfpFPT
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAvOqWsGrYV2
23Please respect copyright.PENANAD5hsU72qSw
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAadhO6mQf5A
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Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.23Please respect copyright.PENANA59NjJjtbiM
23Please respect copyright.PENANAp0phXi19RW
**CLANG**23Please respect copyright.PENANA3YGM7omLIw
23Please respect copyright.PENANAbKCR36HE3u
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAZSmqQJa1iu
23Please respect copyright.PENANASKbHaHNRGz
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAEQ70YnIUKf
23Please respect copyright.PENANAuf53pfwEi6
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAJDzHya5f0I
23Please respect copyright.PENANAMhJgFfMY1U
**SLAM**23Please respect copyright.PENANAMnIPCpzoQ1
23Please respect copyright.PENANAzl63FEDFDv
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAeMdjxxYF2N
23Please respect copyright.PENANA9bdcoTuG2M
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.23Please respect copyright.PENANA80wgcZy33f
23Please respect copyright.PENANA2chfgDDhOr
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAQdbzV2vvrx
23Please respect copyright.PENANASvdBnLHZLo
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANANn8vDy2g7L
23Please respect copyright.PENANAaTvslzDWmf
"Ngh! Shit–!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAKQoN2TFWft
23Please respect copyright.PENANAExxTDdCNmk
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAGScB0jpTWh
23Please respect copyright.PENANArzX30lcqf7
But then–23Please respect copyright.PENANAYnYBbv4YY1
23Please respect copyright.PENANAzd4PYBlnnD
**BOOM**23Please respect copyright.PENANAxa3CG7BwWd
23Please respect copyright.PENANAVVEYw9NGM4
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAefpJgVEeEY
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAMdnc4UDTjl
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANASCjtG7QMfj
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAh1M6jmneyZ
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAFdDkxr4hSz
23Please respect copyright.PENANAlma5Bu3adu
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANALjJYVwyvF8
23Please respect copyright.PENANA3lS8NgWNTV
"Gah–! You scared me!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAnGd3QJLdl7
23Please respect copyright.PENANAbCvhBQQukq
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA8OoRzUhYHu
23Please respect copyright.PENANAXEKEcNPq3Z
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.23Please respect copyright.PENANAL4hbE2IfQW
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"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"23Please respect copyright.PENANAtWITnWkg7r
23Please respect copyright.PENANApJVDGanydE
"No, this is terrible."23Please respect copyright.PENANAI2xHgISO9a
23Please respect copyright.PENANA12d7oM4OHv
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.23Please respect copyright.PENANAo9B6vRAbx0
23Please respect copyright.PENANAv3420vUhBI
"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANANlLsnB3rgP
23Please respect copyright.PENANABKdzvzXXgE
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAdjqWHdFI7g
23Please respect copyright.PENANA1Yx7xigsD6
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAEah9PIjhG1
23Please respect copyright.PENANAnX3j1fI8D9
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"23Please respect copyright.PENANAaLDWF5YLHd
23Please respect copyright.PENANAJdqwtytsZ8
"No. No suggestions from you, please."23Please respect copyright.PENANA2e9uFX0fuS
23Please respect copyright.PENANAP6TWDHEV6b
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAqVhq5VHZo1
23Please respect copyright.PENANAa8oVaALcDN
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.23Please respect copyright.PENANARsSWfNqVpq
23Please respect copyright.PENANARwJro8YEkX
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA4l2wX0YTDH
23Please respect copyright.PENANAmUKugPBZXt
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.23Please respect copyright.PENANAItGGZGYvv9
23Please respect copyright.PENANAhSnJK8K2dq
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAhtAvT995jg
23Please respect copyright.PENANACeebW0qQPq
Still, no response.23Please respect copyright.PENANAr65FYNjNHy
23Please respect copyright.PENANAXiI4nnBU33
"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–"23Please respect copyright.PENANAAE5EzNBRjX
23Please respect copyright.PENANAEl91KwKtzW
"Because you're entirely incompetent."23Please respect copyright.PENANAAiIgSAdqDL
23Please respect copyright.PENANA8N3p5kaDcn
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.23Please respect copyright.PENANABOQmQGMwJu
23Please respect copyright.PENANAIlJrID92aJ
"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAugGjz5ctET
23Please respect copyright.PENANAgDnjL1JePZ
"..."23Please respect copyright.PENANAJpjC861GOz
23Please respect copyright.PENANA6Juebhx1ay
"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAobLfmAmj92
23Please respect copyright.PENANAtejVZC1k2t
"..."23Please respect copyright.PENANAeay0mxBiJe
23Please respect copyright.PENANA9w912phiid
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAa5AmDBDrrW
23Please respect copyright.PENANAZoymnJz52L
"What?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAAguHN6Ej6S
23Please respect copyright.PENANA949bC640sA
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAi65egSSE7f
23Please respect copyright.PENANASuzLGw8JaZ
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAI8mYG71m3q
23Please respect copyright.PENANAASeN0ZMWCa
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.23Please respect copyright.PENANAx8IiG5wiuD
23Please respect copyright.PENANAnTchulKtJS
"...I see."23Please respect copyright.PENANAvm4y3nCK63
23Please respect copyright.PENANAHm5HFoYJQM
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAxkzIiuCDvi
23Please respect copyright.PENANA5fRw6oCaxa
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAUb17ttMBTG
23Please respect copyright.PENANAtATmvxG0kN
"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANABGdgOHXVM8
23Please respect copyright.PENANAOlPWAhkbiS
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAmih9FuDTxV
23Please respect copyright.PENANAlUI16Za5ul
"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAH0iKepR5kW
23Please respect copyright.PENANAyjfjo8JP5w
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.23Please respect copyright.PENANAyb3x2oSwyW
23Please respect copyright.PENANAyHNfHDWfUx
"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–"23Please respect copyright.PENANAsXSFkxjWMM
23Please respect copyright.PENANAVmRjDG4VdN
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.23Please respect copyright.PENANAz0flFwTdHM
23Please respect copyright.PENANA8bl0FbbZyU
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"23Please respect copyright.PENANALQyQ7rUCBi
23Please respect copyright.PENANA4sahe1VLit
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:23Please respect copyright.PENANAAkl9NOqrRw
23Please respect copyright.PENANAwa3d5NwSbb
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"23Please respect copyright.PENANADX8JZN7xj6
23Please respect copyright.PENANAeaJ1vSR447
"Alright!"23Please respect copyright.PENANA9jfcXyLKnf
23Please respect copyright.PENANA9CaDau7nCM
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAIiGfEUa7gH
23Please respect copyright.PENANAG1SsJyWEIQ
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAhDw1gC7Itp
23Please respect copyright.PENANAMTuXmYQMXi
–23Please respect copyright.PENANAmMaRmMxen6
23Please respect copyright.PENANAeUmsb1sFyX
–23Please respect copyright.PENANASPjyhYuijZ
23Please respect copyright.PENANAiHmoKRnc89
–23Please respect copyright.PENANAj7VG7vs7z9
23Please respect copyright.PENANAqTKlV134yd
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANADZPMGtO2EJ
23Please respect copyright.PENANAm2naHkrTK2
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAFtl52WqjxW
23Please respect copyright.PENANAORsze7Z0FZ
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAFzDv1A95dk
23Please respect copyright.PENANAf560H6i9NO
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAp9dio9XVY9
23Please respect copyright.PENANAhvY4ny3mx2
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA39N6IwkzPo
23Please respect copyright.PENANA36bRhzE3ZW
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.23Please respect copyright.PENANA6A0ev5vYFW
23Please respect copyright.PENANATp8D7XIUWU
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANASy8Dx7rgtt
23Please respect copyright.PENANAwrX4NQnOVk
"--No!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAs1ZGWubgmb
23Please respect copyright.PENANAnjI9fjR8rB
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAn3wY9xoUqH
23Please respect copyright.PENANAMo3jLLtMNC
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAkMhQY8bb0Q
23Please respect copyright.PENANASEhKlKZ9eP
"Hyua!"23Please respect copyright.PENANASwf9muWEtU
23Please respect copyright.PENANABwXIu9rCJ2
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAzLWmLzMBzN
23Please respect copyright.PENANA2dDLaKly4L
However, he did have another sharp object.23Please respect copyright.PENANAaEned8ElfO
23Please respect copyright.PENANAy6ByxcWObn
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAKUFC6SaYee
23Please respect copyright.PENANApEmR9Mn65h
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAvdvNmbvxD2
23Please respect copyright.PENANATWmpWjqTJc
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAZEiknJryNH
23Please respect copyright.PENANASiqMNBck8V
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA2Rj4SCEWWG
23Please respect copyright.PENANAb4pvMSzeVJ
And what came was–23Please respect copyright.PENANA1uONBO6g5a
23Please respect copyright.PENANAGr2iL1AJfZ
**BOOM**23Please respect copyright.PENANAtr7QZRH2fU
23Please respect copyright.PENANANcvVVbkUgD
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA84iO4pn5Ic
23Please respect copyright.PENANA6dW6XmEXwE
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAGQ812cBlCI
23Please respect copyright.PENANA00aIuM07Vz
"--oop!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAzlKXNPUiYJ
23Please respect copyright.PENANAK7EzBiAjPK
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAeKl5kE7COf
23Please respect copyright.PENANAGsG14FKJ1X
"You... you're a sick jokester."23Please respect copyright.PENANAuhKKqfvmuP
23Please respect copyright.PENANAlUccp22OOU
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA6sIhvDxglU
23Please respect copyright.PENANAOgFU4qRJUZ
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAFU06disX35
23Please respect copyright.PENANAzBxfJJZTmL
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAl5Soiym9ci
23Please respect copyright.PENANA4noanB6SJB
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAN6rRVjZGA8
23Please respect copyright.PENANA0dwvbiNSzU
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAdpnj9Q1OL4
23Please respect copyright.PENANAaLcKLVtPhR
"What the hell... what the hell!?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAkJswK6khzs
23Please respect copyright.PENANAMM23wOjncq
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA4xQLVrsvRp
23Please respect copyright.PENANACvVzxctStF
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.23Please respect copyright.PENANAhyjfLQsVfm
23Please respect copyright.PENANAWL9vGmMNNU
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.23Please respect copyright.PENANA9zbTFUeeQq
23Please respect copyright.PENANAGALtvVyUTB
"...Heh."23Please respect copyright.PENANAjmLUSq0IE2
23Please respect copyright.PENANAQdfeqCXBt7
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAROjcZloZaj
23Please respect copyright.PENANATG047fPhL7
–
–
–
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAmcCvMZlibP
23Please respect copyright.PENANAkN8kMpoRNh
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAytaK91ZJHc
23Please respect copyright.PENANAj9IXh8tw1E
**THUD**23Please respect copyright.PENANAlajE2ZOzVC
23Please respect copyright.PENANAGN7ZYG2BlH
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAHMaKdSDFBU
23Please respect copyright.PENANAg3juYjTVCj
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAyu7GQhC3SY
23Please respect copyright.PENANAzbhvV0Y9ln
"Though I have to wonder–"23Please respect copyright.PENANAr1tJsJDiFV
23Please respect copyright.PENANAmLT2D2UL9Q
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA1kmQ0XWJTI
23Please respect copyright.PENANAwAcXqzJriy
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAE9ylU2Hk4T
23Please respect copyright.PENANANLLNc1RxMb
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAE5lncRkNSr
23Please respect copyright.PENANAEcjKaWsXoc
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANArHTPuo99ii
23Please respect copyright.PENANAeb9tTUQBDn
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA6FR4Tgabe0
23Please respect copyright.PENANAIJelj5VK1T
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.
23Please respect copyright.PENANAgMLiCDIqEq
"Irritating...!"23Please respect copyright.PENANA3USHLDQxg2
23Please respect copyright.PENANAIr9LZ8VAra
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAgq91QJCzWj
23Please respect copyright.PENANACe5LjvQJxs
Dave didn't like to use spears.23Please respect copyright.PENANATixcSB9SBz
23Please respect copyright.PENANAB5toUSYO1b
"...Haaaaa."23Please respect copyright.PENANA66YQlIMsfF
23Please respect copyright.PENANAYvNffNW2Qj
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAg5AiBCLdmC
23Please respect copyright.PENANA4Bq3cx9kyg
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAWYeRM8aGez
23Please respect copyright.PENANAHX1UM9cCew
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA7B2nfbLzcX
23Please respect copyright.PENANArFWqVU0qHD
That's what he always told himself, at least.23Please respect copyright.PENANAvSC2SMJ99L
23Please respect copyright.PENANAK0NzdXQXyo
**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**23Please respect copyright.PENANA5N2B0sXm5X
23Please respect copyright.PENANAhD4S79gQIT
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.23Please respect copyright.PENANACsY1uOOEHd
23Please respect copyright.PENANAH8LjX5hhqI
**CLASH**23Please respect copyright.PENANAMPXjM3M14B
23Please respect copyright.PENANANuJJdIbenJ
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**23Please respect copyright.PENANAoJo7xLFdIM
23Please respect copyright.PENANATlHxyU4lsD
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?23Please respect copyright.PENANAgxAdMuJxeO
23Please respect copyright.PENANANIR7QjzLMW
**CLASH**23Please respect copyright.PENANABctO75Wqii
23Please respect copyright.PENANALw4YP1uZXx
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**23Please respect copyright.PENANAh4xfTORzYJ
23Please respect copyright.PENANAWlwM2bWdu9
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**23Please respect copyright.PENANAsKG12eJigg
23Please respect copyright.PENANAzMi9uVXndE
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
23Please respect copyright.PENANAXLDRaeycav
Confusion–23Please respect copyright.PENANAVtT0c5R3fH
23Please respect copyright.PENANAqHnVtJgtmk
**CLANG**23Please respect copyright.PENANA2KIsZZ5RHX
23Please respect copyright.PENANAUkIGr1haRv
Delusion–23Please respect copyright.PENANAaxaHBxuSu4
23Please respect copyright.PENANAfxKcqqmm0b
**CRASH**23Please respect copyright.PENANAUcrrRj473M
23Please respect copyright.PENANAIq7e6cfIDr
All lead to one conclusion:23Please respect copyright.PENANAg0pWOvVO4r
23Please respect copyright.PENANANqLqJDDIQR
**SMASH**23Please respect copyright.PENANA0dVyoDzIb4
23Please respect copyright.PENANAb8VbZYiqbd
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANASdt1ryCjt7
23Please respect copyright.PENANAaRLobIA1VO
"...No, of course it isn't."23Please respect copyright.PENANAMtVGiUXLQE
23Please respect copyright.PENANAy6MGEqL2FL
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.23Please respect copyright.PENANAahMUuKmuYt
23Please respect copyright.PENANART89bNQn81
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?23Please respect copyright.PENANApc04rujDkB
23Please respect copyright.PENANAH3OfQp40zi
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–23Please respect copyright.PENANAOB0iy1BlFP
23Please respect copyright.PENANA7YWeskGkFz
**THUD**23Please respect copyright.PENANAtJ7lBIBjFA
23Please respect copyright.PENANAJMPpqpjXue
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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAP8GYGNWoCC
23Please respect copyright.PENANAGLtEQ6grKF
"Pars!?"23Please respect copyright.PENANArnnrFdDnu8
23Please respect copyright.PENANAcz4WheJ5BY
"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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAYowsrlTEGA
23Please respect copyright.PENANAX7BIns0e5K
"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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAu4iEX60fNr
23Please respect copyright.PENANAxwKo23wNsC
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."23Please respect copyright.PENANA7iC5HienQJ
23Please respect copyright.PENANACsXFiNwXfC
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."23Please respect copyright.PENANABVVaYWppJO
23Please respect copyright.PENANAU8CMlCnAT7
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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAu3BpmuTQmu
23Please respect copyright.PENANAnwNkYZK6a4
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.23Please respect copyright.PENANAWlbABs71Sw
23Please respect copyright.PENANAl7LwJNrtBb
"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANA6wLkpIR2ux
23Please respect copyright.PENANAEvH2JVH9Kd
"What do you propose?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA52StA07DwG
23Please respect copyright.PENANA2ummt2pNc2
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.23Please respect copyright.PENANA5m9cWvMGtZ
23Please respect copyright.PENANA8byTWBATbR
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAYb9rOBCTf9
23Please respect copyright.PENANAkMB2YnTjt3
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.23Please respect copyright.PENANAekBis14vZA
23Please respect copyright.PENANAHVZjj2XiWc
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAToLM8q9JNI
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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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAgR8UaTVA85
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"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."23Please respect copyright.PENANApW3lM3ZeeC
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"--Huh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANApwvCNYw533
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"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."23Please respect copyright.PENANAp5cp285xAB
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"...Always backhanded, huh."23Please respect copyright.PENANAQS4BSdZZtt
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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 laugh23Please respect copyright.PENANApUR68B1GXG
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"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."23Please respect copyright.PENANAkG3FlfbU2D
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"We likely don't have one."23Please respect copyright.PENANArL7LZW6BBx
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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–23Please respect copyright.PENANA2Zy4pYKLLS
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"It's gonna be an uphill battle."23Please respect copyright.PENANAc6Jdkw7YGi
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"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."23Please respect copyright.PENANAonFPwDE6r7
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"Well, if you insist."23Please respect copyright.PENANAmlGdH7DZDI
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–
–
–
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.
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAzeiAvno112
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA64JcLQjPvA
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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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAXpGbMsQaYw
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**THUD**23Please respect copyright.PENANAGcVRSHBGov
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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?23Please respect copyright.PENANAESnzR38nWk
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"--!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAkZfyfd4jB8
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAtpzzj9lWZK
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAHdrbegWxwF
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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–23Please respect copyright.PENANAaoHhVgVG4g
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**SPLICE**23Please respect copyright.PENANAnXTibUe8ou
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANADmI8NugCyM
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"I missed one."23Please respect copyright.PENANAqX0UyroBkY
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAHsAHSIa3Ko
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At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.23Please respect copyright.PENANAfone5WbtoW
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"Hey!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAsFisNPboBP
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The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.23Please respect copyright.PENANAfq3eZQf6ql
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"Nice! You really got them in one hit."23Please respect copyright.PENANAipAZiquvBU
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"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."23Please respect copyright.PENANAw22YVxoxZk
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"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."23Please respect copyright.PENANA8oaWvu3NhW
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"I never said that."23Please respect copyright.PENANAXEsviHGjNW
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA207QpM08L6
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"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."23Please respect copyright.PENANAueKT7UBEnj
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"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."23Please respect copyright.PENANA0Bvv2oT7Rw
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"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAXW3GLqj9zm
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To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.23Please respect copyright.PENANAntAfddOEnL
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"Haaaa. Damn you."23Please respect copyright.PENANAJZy2EVBVdo
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Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.23Please respect copyright.PENANArkyScixvOp
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"They are dead, right?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAVbSO9H2a0R
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"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."23Please respect copyright.PENANAm4o8NBjam0
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"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."23Please respect copyright.PENANA8GBoR3Vv00
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"I–"23Please respect copyright.PENANAUZwceWUPfr
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAC1eSdYfZIC
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"Huh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAyzHGj1QSAg
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.23Please respect copyright.PENANA1JPrketXZp
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."23Please respect copyright.PENANAdFRTOskROd
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"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAjvAp1CPhmn
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"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."23Please respect copyright.PENANA2QVkh4Xpfu
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"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."23Please respect copyright.PENANAVi5yIkdOiH
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"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."23Please respect copyright.PENANAqYLynVQt4O
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANANshMj6O96V
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA20YHp81eoi
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"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."23Please respect copyright.PENANAOCYUzRlCKC
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"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"23Please respect copyright.PENANABmQZYqA8pE
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Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.23Please respect copyright.PENANAdsB8FsLYbx
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"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."23Please respect copyright.PENANAJCtVXmR8jF
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"You raise a good point."23Please respect copyright.PENANAEX4e3hkDvB
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"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."23Please respect copyright.PENANAxV8l7YYDYk
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.23Please respect copyright.PENANA2RYTqEEB5J
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAMLWSVk6NiB
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"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."23Please respect copyright.PENANA0taW7IVllN
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"Ha, abandon?"23Please respect copyright.PENANASB2fQya1BH
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.23Please respect copyright.PENANAeONaCDBFtP
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"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAVBgNHwnAL3
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"If you were, it was backfiring."23Please respect copyright.PENANAVbNxITKdE6
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"Harhar. Very funny."23Please respect copyright.PENANA23HlNMPggw
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Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.23Please respect copyright.PENANAXQDwxvXL9n
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"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAaOttDxfGOR
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"Aren't you conceited."23Please respect copyright.PENANAmCAn8YMRPW
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"You think it's arrogance?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAqOHLgTQycD
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Pars began to stroke his chin.23Please respect copyright.PENANA7i1ETILZFd
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAAu5lGUAJa9
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"But what you want isn't just greatness."23Please respect copyright.PENANAbqBv19p5rf
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"...Yeah, you're right."23Please respect copyright.PENANAKVV5zW8znh
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.23Please respect copyright.PENANApYXsv3n047
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"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."