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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAUB0bvPO0eT
27Please respect copyright.PENANA55ADsXiGPo
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANACnh7t3KcHm
27Please respect copyright.PENANA4qkhR6zQAw
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA6CUtcSvvZ1
27Please respect copyright.PENANAOTAQHEIc9I
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.27Please respect copyright.PENANAdLNlIQoK36
27Please respect copyright.PENANAEYRxcFOOmj
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAck6YTuiIUC
27Please respect copyright.PENANATM2vXWSgGf
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA7265B13tYa
27Please respect copyright.PENANAi0WcxIYIuW
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAKBTEMud0fF
27Please respect copyright.PENANATrvxZcyv3J
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAQ07aE7MuNc
27Please respect copyright.PENANAIptEVXcMxM
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.27Please respect copyright.PENANAeu5h6YZYgN
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqfr4nvwFsn
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAs2drMsk58a
27Please respect copyright.PENANAj9SKlzHWNY
**BOOM**27Please respect copyright.PENANAes5Goc437M
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGzRMKG3tNw
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAKMSmyryfee
27Please respect copyright.PENANAsFGFUQQI4L
"Ack!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAxy7KBPWX8C
27Please respect copyright.PENANAz1EoMimCO8
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAkdYvhMoPja
27Please respect copyright.PENANAQTvd6LgC0d
The room was a catastrophe.27Please respect copyright.PENANAZKzVZu4zwh
27Please respect copyright.PENANAlSOdHkz5VL
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAdoJnpLKPYa
27Please respect copyright.PENANAEstFpDLPHE
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAm0H07qNRDd
27Please respect copyright.PENANAsejX0pnzml
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAVDSHATKg0F
27Please respect copyright.PENANA3ez2bdosn6
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANADZ6bcgPDp2
27Please respect copyright.PENANAcfT8lsWrNV
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANANAYuDlWUj9
27Please respect copyright.PENANAraLm766kqN
**STRIKE**27Please respect copyright.PENANAhwhlA1s1WD
27Please respect copyright.PENANAj4Yx8kVZhq
–only to be immediately interrupted.27Please respect copyright.PENANABtVbEJaX5D
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdTLOdLXssS
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA0ks6PPLWj8
27Please respect copyright.PENANAlTfYWYfe1V
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"27Please respect copyright.PENANATLeWYUWXPU
27Please respect copyright.PENANA0cr5GAjKnD
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.27Please respect copyright.PENANAvVznY0aE2Z
27Please respect copyright.PENANAP7iKH6urnk
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAMIPzfVY06g
27Please respect copyright.PENANAtovDkNOBCa
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAUVs6rGCkwE
27Please respect copyright.PENANANRmosX5EDF
"C'mon!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAw0P7Xs4TqG
27Please respect copyright.PENANAZym7qsmXOJ
"--Ah!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAmsaUncydl0
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdOSsJw3cCz
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAUhSgocOT6D
27Please respect copyright.PENANAR32I94vjiL
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.27Please respect copyright.PENANAiXGcwdCqpi
27Please respect copyright.PENANAYbziTnTwZp
–
–
–
What a moron.27Please respect copyright.PENANApRVRDaCXKF
27Please respect copyright.PENANArk4IM3Aiom
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.27Please respect copyright.PENANAvwINtbDwC9
27Please respect copyright.PENANAN4r2bqm4Id
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?27Please respect copyright.PENANAdWTFGUirLD
27Please respect copyright.PENANAmSehknFrqM
**THUD**27Please respect copyright.PENANA0HbTdCkkUu
27Please respect copyright.PENANAzJJeHw5SL3
"Ngh!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAzbhEbsKLsX
27Please respect copyright.PENANAQEHQAAfKn8
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.27Please respect copyright.PENANAIw1l7eNAtk
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvS6pazF2Lk
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"27Please respect copyright.PENANAovH9FD2UOR
27Please respect copyright.PENANA06XPMpPwjw
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAtfCtIIkKah
27Please respect copyright.PENANAhR4pPKFCZq
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANATMldKogwBR
27Please respect copyright.PENANAhsdTML35Iy
"--I should've known!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAW9bCKGfPw2
27Please respect copyright.PENANAwyuBuuMU1t
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA225YPNPQrP
27Please respect copyright.PENANA5t8poqhcZ2
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"27Please respect copyright.PENANApeuLs6auPR
27Please respect copyright.PENANAow52a1uYqS
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.27Please respect copyright.PENANAmNbIGdBH0w
27Please respect copyright.PENANAn5MBoMXoef
"DAVE!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAGMtsr4iJsA
27Please respect copyright.PENANAFdqrYvhwuq
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAMFS6aSm5gg
27Please respect copyright.PENANAa0rWkAtYxt
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAKTvcC1MW0d
27Please respect copyright.PENANAEoenepjgJk
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.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA110FlRCDdQ
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAUsrNAImXkm
27Please respect copyright.PENANAIArIwQal0M
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAtsMKO2WnCc
27Please respect copyright.PENANAoNxtQYmN1d
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."27Please respect copyright.PENANAnpwr3zqw5f
27Please respect copyright.PENANArEC4D1bAyY
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA0EEXSHo21F
27Please respect copyright.PENANArlnWq5UCfi
"...Those are our first casualties–"27Please respect copyright.PENANAYgVtTLiZwZ
27Please respect copyright.PENANAFMcdvCYFU5
**BOOM**27Please respect copyright.PENANAJwVusR3IwJ
27Please respect copyright.PENANAexwt0Xx85K
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA5c4TuB8AWB
27Please respect copyright.PENANAxqakIld5Rn
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"27Please respect copyright.PENANASp881CQh7m
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqDKnivayf1
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAajsPgTRCE6
27Please respect copyright.PENANAARpT9pXs0F
"I'm here now."27Please respect copyright.PENANAOOnf0QFZgI
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqNV6hdpo8v
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA5ee3RSIyBT
27Please respect copyright.PENANAPlEkh3nZDr
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAuCgGkwLOfu
27Please respect copyright.PENANALV9Vl3onoc
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.27Please respect copyright.PENANAtMuJO4RbNa
27Please respect copyright.PENANA66btIY2HPb
–27Please respect copyright.PENANA3HTR9k7MqW
27Please respect copyright.PENANAO48ZjYFuXS
–27Please respect copyright.PENANABGNMJpqkMI
27Please respect copyright.PENANA8mPXGZLkIL
–27Please respect copyright.PENANA0QfPA7DzaF
27Please respect copyright.PENANAQqokWZopx0
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAHvivHjx8us
27Please respect copyright.PENANAlO3cKbBCR2
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.27Please respect copyright.PENANAgXCQAqg2zd
27Please respect copyright.PENANAp9wgiOhum6
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAtd86FDaOJT
27Please respect copyright.PENANAT4M6NOZeuH
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAzao2pknnIu
27Please respect copyright.PENANA67MxyNkPiU
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"27Please respect copyright.PENANApIjO5jV6Dg
27Please respect copyright.PENANABzy1hUNFzI
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAhntP3VxwfE
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJxnNZ7TiH9
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA81OZqGBmH3
27Please respect copyright.PENANAsXgb3F9fEP
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.27Please respect copyright.PENANAdbig1W1h9i
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdNZX1CHJTj
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.27Please respect copyright.PENANAnEGJqM7gA0
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7ozMZpvZw7
**BOOM**27Please respect copyright.PENANAqaWJQiPlqL
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGQJHRagMvY
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA4tSbmQr1ru
27Please respect copyright.PENANA6YbdXBTcoY
"Pars!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAtqWBRcm0Ti
27Please respect copyright.PENANAkqRMqCYREM
"Huh?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAZsPEmDfQ0B
27Please respect copyright.PENANAiUSGrretop
–27Please respect copyright.PENANA4KoH107y0J
27Please respect copyright.PENANA2EjgxYlba1
–27Please respect copyright.PENANA8cvDJVf6HH
27Please respect copyright.PENANAG3dGL6a7Np
–27Please respect copyright.PENANAxfsDljSBQz
27Please respect copyright.PENANAECJMTFM1CQ
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAIkg3HFw6dc
27Please respect copyright.PENANA0t82gzxUay
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANApdz4kBokA5
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGIBsc8gEgv
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAS6U8FYH32Y
27Please respect copyright.PENANApkLAydXRpv
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.27Please respect copyright.PENANA5FurXR7XT1
27Please respect copyright.PENANA68omTquNhc
**CLANG**27Please respect copyright.PENANAWHXHmfWWbF
27Please respect copyright.PENANAmYTX49t0Ps
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAAtU2Uo50H8
27Please respect copyright.PENANAZAGn6e4rwd
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAuihnsjjBZJ
27Please respect copyright.PENANA3m4VLcXYJv
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAQ4298tFNmj
27Please respect copyright.PENANA5xwfsVf6hg
**SLAM**27Please respect copyright.PENANAFdrQdWVZ7s
27Please respect copyright.PENANAUfqgf0YiUU
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAl9FrCaFpgT
27Please respect copyright.PENANAPPHZytqZrY
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.27Please respect copyright.PENANAOP4lDXquKD
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqK4kJHKRHm
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAv60dBGV2dE
27Please respect copyright.PENANA5Q7VTmzLsW
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANA80ruD4tjXW
27Please respect copyright.PENANAkZeBNlXuqK
"Ngh! Shit–!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2O1pnKBXz
27Please respect copyright.PENANARMsbJwdXhk
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANArmX644RCAr
27Please respect copyright.PENANAf0Wsvd9wUX
But then–27Please respect copyright.PENANA0AbRCLNGOz
27Please respect copyright.PENANADkwxAGfIaT
**BOOM**27Please respect copyright.PENANAEcLoBWFhY3
27Please respect copyright.PENANAxAzXFP1rAG
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAUgIy9JIR5v
27Please respect copyright.PENANAU951NIw76D
–27Please respect copyright.PENANAUDVQccewxA
27Please respect copyright.PENANAedaqnbQ0Pw
–27Please respect copyright.PENANAdLfZKh6jPv
27Please respect copyright.PENANAowilkZKWFU
–27Please respect copyright.PENANAJjWhYW7llP
27Please respect copyright.PENANAAfcp6rbBB3
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAqgXXOkGVwN
27Please respect copyright.PENANALzROgECfrG
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANA2i7dQ50qNs
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvkjnAaik8f
"Gah–! You scared me!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAswVVNBDq48
27Please respect copyright.PENANAfTX232UerA
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAJoxXq7tfxK
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdtPhIxEv3d
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.27Please respect copyright.PENANAWLVX9sTcOx
27Please respect copyright.PENANA8tkhho5CC7
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"27Please respect copyright.PENANAUxbEydcZck
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdV9yJH7lM6
"No, this is terrible."27Please respect copyright.PENANAZY2Qg4kSDL
27Please respect copyright.PENANATBVVDIq0dG
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.27Please respect copyright.PENANAh1ytDgERls
27Please respect copyright.PENANAkIefcUdy9r
"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."27Please respect copyright.PENANAnDvbPivoDn
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7sPRwElCem
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAVNjRM6ZDsB
27Please respect copyright.PENANATCFqIX3h3I
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANANZrU7the9W
27Please respect copyright.PENANARIjZBbaiID
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"27Please respect copyright.PENANAXLXFio1MeJ
27Please respect copyright.PENANAebdtcuYdLF
"No. No suggestions from you, please."27Please respect copyright.PENANAgRLqhxCIwt
27Please respect copyright.PENANAFsNACDX1dh
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANARGJUx6lMli
27Please respect copyright.PENANABlP5Oirr2i
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.27Please respect copyright.PENANANCDM8lDPO6
27Please respect copyright.PENANA3mGqFLs6xz
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAokmENYTFX5
27Please respect copyright.PENANAPYCuC2lgjU
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.27Please respect copyright.PENANAoB2BnzWWCh
27Please respect copyright.PENANAgBS0HGEogh
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAEyFJvsdKeK
27Please respect copyright.PENANAuuofRKkAUf
Still, no response.27Please respect copyright.PENANA804LEo8d6T
27Please respect copyright.PENANAIAB9Wxajcf
"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–"27Please respect copyright.PENANA8TNwPi8rFF
27Please respect copyright.PENANAojzkCNWguk
"Because you're entirely incompetent."27Please respect copyright.PENANArIbu2JLTiz
27Please respect copyright.PENANAbDB09lFjgK
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.27Please respect copyright.PENANALiMvjg8C45
27Please respect copyright.PENANAv9C8gPnIy0
"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."27Please respect copyright.PENANAY6mt5zeIXg
27Please respect copyright.PENANAij6w50VxSb
"..."27Please respect copyright.PENANAmIvsSNRFuO
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7HI6pd9aog
"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."27Please respect copyright.PENANA1sMWjy2ZBY
27Please respect copyright.PENANAxzonIH5Rtq
"..."27Please respect copyright.PENANAZBDCwx4g23
27Please respect copyright.PENANAVgiwfzVSm8
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAq21Ck8tTUZ
27Please respect copyright.PENANAUtHR76DJe9
"What?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAn4DCorziTM
27Please respect copyright.PENANAzs6hKbizlx
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAlFUUYypWyg
27Please respect copyright.PENANAuBnvFyWG44
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAGIlY9J84Z9
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKvjYPPnHKB
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.27Please respect copyright.PENANAwF7ymREJP3
27Please respect copyright.PENANAUWy9X4bFjZ
"...I see."27Please respect copyright.PENANAhrVdZWQSSj
27Please respect copyright.PENANALH5N7U9suD
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANASZiO6mOdrQ
27Please respect copyright.PENANA6Wlt5QVBOc
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAhw4ZtH4QBK
27Please respect copyright.PENANAQzxUBniv6b
"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."27Please respect copyright.PENANABloQMBkaHm
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvLe5PU0xlY
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA8YkSfq6HWU
27Please respect copyright.PENANAcFKWd8dxDF
"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."27Please respect copyright.PENANASqsUvuqomM
27Please respect copyright.PENANADG9YWtg6aY
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.27Please respect copyright.PENANAKEggu7heTj
27Please respect copyright.PENANA23jfodrAT7
"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–"27Please respect copyright.PENANAuVpU72M3WW
27Please respect copyright.PENANASEr4BrIHu9
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.27Please respect copyright.PENANAycneKNnmZL
27Please respect copyright.PENANASvi5WDOlvC
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAnJErtPgQPg
27Please respect copyright.PENANAzeHRoO5OBb
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:27Please respect copyright.PENANAsvUiGPfv7P
27Please respect copyright.PENANAytbkW7PfdL
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"27Please respect copyright.PENANASu25EtgLBp
27Please respect copyright.PENANABEpDTsbAfV
"Alright!"27Please respect copyright.PENANATHOq1VabMl
27Please respect copyright.PENANA6roYjM7Kux
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAd9zWuXl6EE
27Please respect copyright.PENANAmoldjxQJgu
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAok2VD8ftyK
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKvO5dHcSY7
–27Please respect copyright.PENANAkp3it1kEyK
27Please respect copyright.PENANAItvsyKHDhW
–27Please respect copyright.PENANA4GGcHh1w7l
27Please respect copyright.PENANAXyq7sMkyAJ
–27Please respect copyright.PENANAkVeoVxPuuk
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJxAtgBATcZ
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAdOVonha58P
27Please respect copyright.PENANA2zdSyIhJR7
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAC0DMmyCqoT
27Please respect copyright.PENANAzEWM3taudu
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAiGtd5AbewL
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7nyRU1Clbo
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANADolrOKCnDV
27Please respect copyright.PENANAuQUTkXlTRo
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANACICPsRZ5AF
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJp1PreCMLI
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.27Please respect copyright.PENANAORzb1sblwq
27Please respect copyright.PENANAP2Jmn0i4N9
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAl1chh4zL9S
27Please respect copyright.PENANAI8P89X93y7
"--No!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAdQjFQOjIvd
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdVZppOnNRl
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAB6tjWO7t9X
27Please respect copyright.PENANAWPA0zLsVyu
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAJwbvrrE0aK
27Please respect copyright.PENANAfUZc2BiMKi
"Hyua!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAHL0ZSluxMr
27Please respect copyright.PENANA4jslGZktDV
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAVF5HxR0hjv
27Please respect copyright.PENANAAdEopQlCvO
However, he did have another sharp object.27Please respect copyright.PENANA6ugziw3uoV
27Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7LfLkSYun
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAWWZHrpPbLx
27Please respect copyright.PENANA6l5UmVdJ2N
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA9aPKgzipRr
27Please respect copyright.PENANAf3XpS18NCO
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAhxJs2CJDdB
27Please respect copyright.PENANAscAkhVlB7h
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAzRqoyVNYXZ
27Please respect copyright.PENANA1zL2Gn4erh
And what came was–27Please respect copyright.PENANAf7L1ZOvFXZ
27Please respect copyright.PENANAUsuxol0nCf
**BOOM**27Please respect copyright.PENANADLlJtq1Mcp
27Please respect copyright.PENANAsSFDoL9R3e
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAsEZGidc0yN
27Please respect copyright.PENANAxqtpbpU4bm
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAbAQtj13t6r
27Please respect copyright.PENANAYS1LDzsp20
"--oop!"27Please respect copyright.PENANApEHKokBtwM
27Please respect copyright.PENANAoLfMopnt4U
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAv1RjNa012Q
27Please respect copyright.PENANAWpv5JWbM0l
"You... you're a sick jokester."27Please respect copyright.PENANAlsdYg7oWZL
27Please respect copyright.PENANAG3yWyq9XOP
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAfWYl18WPZe
27Please respect copyright.PENANARozOU8jKb2
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAZc2ctnJW03
27Please respect copyright.PENANAVwb4rcoKIr
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAcWkaRVDJhx
27Please respect copyright.PENANAziPAHYXmq0
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAiglkKwfNNB
27Please respect copyright.PENANAag9EuEKukG
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAI0ntyPR4Lw
27Please respect copyright.PENANA4AWkeqDr9s
"What the hell... what the hell!?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAWa3KorTD5U
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdtXKUxjGbr
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAJhZKzzmUgJ
27Please respect copyright.PENANAHHSXKCrGqr
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.27Please respect copyright.PENANAYw0Uz9b3bn
27Please respect copyright.PENANAaH3dNAGlqm
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.27Please respect copyright.PENANA2VeoOCB5sK
27Please respect copyright.PENANAOk2UVe2KAD
"...Heh."27Please respect copyright.PENANAcL3o5Xs0Cq
27Please respect copyright.PENANAm1Zn6EVNuc
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAt6gx3QdDN5
27Please respect copyright.PENANAMmLsUdxsBk
–
–
–
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA4I9po3djR5
27Please respect copyright.PENANAY5bJYUGkWG
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA8r41vRdlrM
27Please respect copyright.PENANAXubikmywVi
**THUD**27Please respect copyright.PENANAwCzMTVtHsc
27Please respect copyright.PENANAT97NrUFCW8
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA5StlJT0bOj
27Please respect copyright.PENANAo4j2yoQvbM
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAZJ3KLX9k87
27Please respect copyright.PENANAmH1IbRgviP
"Though I have to wonder–"27Please respect copyright.PENANA8sTXANxk8w
27Please respect copyright.PENANAWItl0u3dML
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAmwX9VNXKse
27Please respect copyright.PENANAZrz4qHbT6G
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAtVIDFc3rhL
27Please respect copyright.PENANAbneTxYV1bx
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAo2fuKdawTL
27Please respect copyright.PENANAhvWJm1BD3l
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAKjsZ5JjYDL
27Please respect copyright.PENANAiEgpMk5bAF
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAp90BIrCMzT
27Please respect copyright.PENANAITgxp5u5Og
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.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA6XvesqOXLn
"Irritating...!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAM4MoqCz05o
27Please respect copyright.PENANAbnDrjejtwp
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA9HLahVUWej
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvvHXisTklQ
Dave didn't like to use spears.27Please respect copyright.PENANABIbi8gYzG9
27Please respect copyright.PENANANZYOz6tkNr
"...Haaaaa."27Please respect copyright.PENANA3CSBWpfvou
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdVJm34RPfn
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAoaMhkHsjKx
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKD6ZfACuIz
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAXik1qOdqq7
27Please respect copyright.PENANAu4LWcqwo9B
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANArhSR4mIFvw
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJGxSCqAebr
That's what he always told himself, at least.27Please respect copyright.PENANAz55LLkXHGQ
27Please respect copyright.PENANAcE1zExiowo
**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**27Please respect copyright.PENANANhGaUGkE2k
27Please respect copyright.PENANAiJXUv8MtMG
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.27Please respect copyright.PENANALOBJl6D1SF
27Please respect copyright.PENANASX6xAf7EGy
**CLASH**27Please respect copyright.PENANAToHFSzCpUY
27Please respect copyright.PENANAjrSnNBuGYT
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**27Please respect copyright.PENANAYlvHXhgH1Z
27Please respect copyright.PENANAXYlc4vKAeh
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?27Please respect copyright.PENANA470IiX60AN
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvp2MEk1bb9
**CLASH**27Please respect copyright.PENANAxCSI9ud26j
27Please respect copyright.PENANA2dH0l5k5Xq
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**27Please respect copyright.PENANASxzGzXcmFa
27Please respect copyright.PENANAzVRLInsWsb
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**27Please respect copyright.PENANALmDQU5NzlU
27Please respect copyright.PENANA71wolrxbSf
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
27Please respect copyright.PENANAhYyjLBquEB
Confusion–27Please respect copyright.PENANAS3I6t5ChAY
27Please respect copyright.PENANAuQi52Rh6dz
**CLANG**27Please respect copyright.PENANADRaLhUwj2X
27Please respect copyright.PENANAbAzv0XojgX
Delusion–27Please respect copyright.PENANACEy5qzg34R
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqIa6Nk0wv4
**CRASH**27Please respect copyright.PENANA1kbHUj7Hb7
27Please respect copyright.PENANA8L8VSqJeL1
All lead to one conclusion:27Please respect copyright.PENANARlmrIFEFfe
27Please respect copyright.PENANAON6Qto7GQN
**SMASH**27Please respect copyright.PENANAXLtuDcTdPL
27Please respect copyright.PENANACxHKG1yOIR
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANA1UPhvRFbz0
27Please respect copyright.PENANAagAuhILWdh
"...No, of course it isn't."27Please respect copyright.PENANAUoucvgI3Ap
27Please respect copyright.PENANAXD2VC5viUC
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.27Please respect copyright.PENANAde9gqUfjzW
27Please respect copyright.PENANAoGDAyU3a7x
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?27Please respect copyright.PENANAuNaGc77paN
27Please respect copyright.PENANAk8Bm5wWEEX
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–27Please respect copyright.PENANAK3ZoJtQXmF
27Please respect copyright.PENANART04Y4as1g
**THUD**27Please respect copyright.PENANAOYlLdK2zdQ
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7JXTvwG2nH
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANApj1fVssVvV
27Please respect copyright.PENANAQRxvEvdJsF
"Pars!?"27Please respect copyright.PENANARTYxdOBPgR
27Please respect copyright.PENANADjlv5Azl0E
"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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAq30C54FQx8
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqCvKi5eZcq
"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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAIiajomSsGI
27Please respect copyright.PENANA6yEIauYSOs
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."27Please respect copyright.PENANA1ma4Ixf2LO
27Please respect copyright.PENANApbAXaphd2Z
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."27Please respect copyright.PENANALpG6mNbLbX
27Please respect copyright.PENANA1udcdhYYtN
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."27Please respect copyright.PENANAakBjSn5QCH
27Please respect copyright.PENANAcYgerhoutI
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.27Please respect copyright.PENANAIoQFoT7o8Q
27Please respect copyright.PENANA0xyWtL2fu4
"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."27Please respect copyright.PENANANxfQybOq92
27Please respect copyright.PENANAtog29r1sKg
"What do you propose?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAJPYKLPVH3Y
27Please respect copyright.PENANAziVcsrWHra
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.27Please respect copyright.PENANABu2YVrKY0M
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvnVH1zhZ7m
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAlE9dp9M1JI
27Please respect copyright.PENANAotmTlOYdJR
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.27Please respect copyright.PENANA3nYOo5mfcv
27Please respect copyright.PENANAWE5XwslzCl
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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAMELVMuWOtD
27Please respect copyright.PENANAyFrWMevbBz
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–27Please respect copyright.PENANA0uTcvD8gqX
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"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."27Please respect copyright.PENANARS6E8ptMQT
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"--Huh?"27Please respect copyright.PENANA7QFMYjIeZr
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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."27Please respect copyright.PENANAMYaniKZluk
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"...Always backhanded, huh."27Please respect copyright.PENANA7NbEOPcwT4
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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 laugh27Please respect copyright.PENANAtZI75AfYhw
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"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."27Please respect copyright.PENANACdTggC2PB8
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"We likely don't have one."27Please respect copyright.PENANAWbt8fVvQT4
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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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAClXFdbm1Ms
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"It's gonna be an uphill battle."27Please respect copyright.PENANAVsvZUep5I7
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"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."27Please respect copyright.PENANAmaQnzidzic
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"Well, if you insist."27Please respect copyright.PENANAG0EeBCeeCo
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAaq2BSaPhgy
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAlP6Z1JKMEN
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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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAXZkEmo71fz
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**THUD**27Please respect copyright.PENANAfIFuX4Fm4p
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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?27Please respect copyright.PENANAV4002XDTCk
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"--!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAwfs0ts1dIM
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAS1AMhT2hWi
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAKjSFHl98Rl
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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–27Please respect copyright.PENANAd4SvnkmcNL
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**SPLICE**27Please respect copyright.PENANAlEazmGnZrC
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAchITS5013Q
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"I missed one."27Please respect copyright.PENANAvQhBLl8ndE
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAksZ50C4Wlh
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At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.27Please respect copyright.PENANAbEzZL4WsoZ
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"Hey!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAtsDDGzQI2z
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAKSWUg2va66
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"Nice! You really got them in one hit."27Please respect copyright.PENANAvgucGteM3r
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"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."27Please respect copyright.PENANAL7SDXf1ky2
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"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."27Please respect copyright.PENANA7Girxc8PZH
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"I never said that."27Please respect copyright.PENANAjqWmUVEZpg
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAtYe7YiWTCj
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"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."27Please respect copyright.PENANAsO1jpFiOU9
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"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."27Please respect copyright.PENANA6o4R1bDKa0
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"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAxKUahbxrs9
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To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.27Please respect copyright.PENANAYEzSEXKeuW
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"Haaaa. Damn you."27Please respect copyright.PENANADz05q5cTB1
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAoxxCZuC8eY
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"They are dead, right?"27Please respect copyright.PENANApFQTZGpCTq
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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."27Please respect copyright.PENANAQfJBmX5X5N
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"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."27Please respect copyright.PENANAngwSpA4Shy
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"I–"27Please respect copyright.PENANABNwzBFaue8
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAgeIJlj8ktV
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"Huh?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAyhnYnYsC6R
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.27Please respect copyright.PENANA3MrVu4x4MI
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."27Please respect copyright.PENANAVU3IFcsWdu
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"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAc5JAZRpzsz
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"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."27Please respect copyright.PENANA4J2kh3v62F
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"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."27Please respect copyright.PENANANj39Z4HoBi
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"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."27Please respect copyright.PENANAgyt5RuEkdW
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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.27Please respect copyright.PENANAtXzkTrUme0
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAv4xdOpGtIc
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"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."27Please respect copyright.PENANApsQep5BQDS
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"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"27Please respect copyright.PENANAGXwmtYlHSZ
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Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.27Please respect copyright.PENANAYVFlHtoW3j
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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."27Please respect copyright.PENANAFptVPeP4Bf
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"You raise a good point."27Please respect copyright.PENANA6SFZJamS9a
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"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."27Please respect copyright.PENANAqnxGlbvzn5
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.27Please respect copyright.PENANAu0q8RmT9aV
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAxFJA50DRXg
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"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."27Please respect copyright.PENANAIX9R8bHmri
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"Ha, abandon?"27Please respect copyright.PENANARKMVYD7Kcp
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.27Please respect copyright.PENANARKXO1C46Ap
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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."27Please respect copyright.PENANAWUfMKw62rB
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"If you were, it was backfiring."27Please respect copyright.PENANA692N4g1Fy8
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"Harhar. Very funny."27Please respect copyright.PENANAw1jL3gT6Pm
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Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.27Please respect copyright.PENANA8Gecp7ILFV
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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."27Please respect copyright.PENANAaaOpeDklGJ
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"Aren't you conceited."27Please respect copyright.PENANAExVoeKod1k
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"You think it's arrogance?"27Please respect copyright.PENANAr4dOA2oVT9
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Pars began to stroke his chin.27Please respect copyright.PENANA4DfiW8wokO
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"27Please respect copyright.PENANA4NrtNxhdjN
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"But what you want isn't just greatness."27Please respect copyright.PENANAmg9zRley6E
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"...Yeah, you're right."27Please respect copyright.PENANAHXtHgXbwYf
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.27Please respect copyright.PENANAnZkOQVsUal
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"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."