A buried memory resurfaced. At least, I thought it was a memory. It might have been a part of my dream, of which I remembered very little, but I was leaning towards the former. It was a memory of my father. It was a rare moment when I was out of my room and speaking with him. He sat me down by the table and went on a tangent, as "men his age do," speaking of a phenomenon known as restless sleep. It sounded like nonsense to me, and I told him that I thought it sounded like nonsense, but he dismissed my remarks. He said that I would understand when I grew older.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAvpXzAF4Y
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTHDvRyYUY
He wouldn't have known it, but he was a liar. Because here I was, my eyelids turned to stone, gazing at the ceiling as if I hadn't slept at all.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE94aI1clE2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcEFyWwR3g
"At least... I'm on my back now."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QvwvIGwVY
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rYY3C1eNg
I tested the waters. My arm rotated just fine, and I could roll from side to side. I lifted my legs one by one, then both at the same time. I wasn't sore, I wasn't in pain. I crooked my head; all the perturbing sears and tears had vanished. I heaved myself off the mattress. I tested my leg strength, and I could keep myself upright without issue. I have undeniably made a full recovery, despite how groggy I was. I didn't know how much time passed, but it couldn't have been long. I walked to the window and pulled on the blinds. It was bright out.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ELKQMoEz4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh0en5xwhJ
I closed the blinds and scanned the room. I spotted a cup on the nightstand and reached for it, taking a sip. I sat on the bed with the cup in hand, periodically sipping from it as I stared across the room. I had an urge to stick my finger between my teeth and gnaw. I resisted it, though. I found enough solace in the way I sat.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxOpw5EJs4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqlKd2oVeJ
It was quiet. Inevitably, I indulged myself in rumination. I was nervous, I knew that much without even thinking. I was also relieved. I was glad that, at the current moment, I was sitting here and not outside the city walls. It freed my thoughts. It let me sip the water with a motionless cup.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomxFTeWf9m
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz7Apw4aRE
"..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dTLeR7tSt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xPiVvgwcD
But, I was nervous. I set the cup aside, rubbed my face, and stood up. Staring at a wall would do me no good. If I talked to someone, my stress would surely subside. It would help me stay awake, too. I stood up and ambled to the door, opening it.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18X5k0moQe
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SgU9nTgDe
I was immediately startled.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuSIU9QfMK
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocrXIjtBm3
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN87fROKKxe
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnxarOVvQg
I jumped silently, grasping my chest and taking a deep breath through my nose. I stepped away and looked at the man conveniently before my door.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1eUq8SMph
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRn2r5qs2I
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob4Z2cXsUf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiVr9gAM8G
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64Ug2Ebj1T
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGE9QcP5sL
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUaPvw2b3A
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZxXfVeRk7
I let him enter the room. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms like before while I sat on a nearby chair, turning it so it faced him.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4gtriyLOq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiCECF55C8
"Do you feel any better?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh7h72RFvq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOBlitrFqe
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3LrbWz8J6
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7ePX4rDJB
"That's good, that's good..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KxerOak1e
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzogJD9MN6
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DM9dXmoTG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm51LNpqTh
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0OLj7lv1i
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJPwlvrbOX
"..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tx8iBjN1i
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIb4SdApIs
To my surprise, I didn't react to his inquiry. My body didn't jolt in shock, nor did my eyes widen. I just sighed, because truthfully, I was expecting a question like this.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZxR8gOvcz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA7Ot6dmRa
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7OnbskiG0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoJWjLcyJ9
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBWnhjANrt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aSwFuAzCD
"H-How'd you know?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHJTGFwW1k
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW0VUdZY97
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuZFPPihCf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd5ZdE2oSs
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M8iPvB5EI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD8EX23the
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPtaUfB2gF
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEOl4mXM9o
I leaned back and firmly rubbed my face before returning my gaze to Pars.
"It's funny– I was just about to ask you if you happened to have seen Rover around. Is she with you guys?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDIvbX1C05
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBhTWJpMcw
Pars nodded.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5iWiPrdGb
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENnPnlr8tk
"Yeah, she's in one of the split buildings. Unfortunately for you, she's in the one where we're going, since Lola's there as well."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9E1PuTGMz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUoOVcbW8k
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAct5Ou1OKw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSWLhr02Mw
"But I'm still lost. I don't get why you two separated at all. Last time I checked, you weren't the best of buds, but there was a bond formed there as mutual battle partners."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBrrAD23kq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2jbupBcx0
"Mutual what?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8qRkJUFgk
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C5YAlKX9Q
"It's something you notice the longer you're in the combatant business. You can make lifelong friends in one day just by battling alongside them."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99LhqzBVcJ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2vDc1UQal
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFrYKEovkI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0gdOujzlY
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjKWWcALa5
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQyz2bngfm
"Really now..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLsmXngt0y
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRR5EHy4YF
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxWrGMjn11
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPQO0BDZXI
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZIId3i9Ja
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQmgV4t7Jl
"..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFsVFZYL8k
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WatI3dIH0
I fiddled with my fingers. I thought back to yesterday and viewed my memories with warped eyes. Even though it was recent, the magnitude of the event made it remote, detached from my mind as if I were reading a stranger's book. I remembered the outcome but all else I could recall were caustic words, drastic actions, and weighty, suffocating feelings. My amazement rivaled the strength of my jitter; only one day had passed and I had tucked it away. Yet, I let a little piece of the memory stick out of the wardrobe that harbored it.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTZXtAye0i
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqBOsxXlcU
"Wow... it must've been bad."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfFORfKfxV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pTRBXKsUE
"You're almost as flippant as I am."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI9s7RoWix
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9stNTSuJzI
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tU9Akq8eZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs9FNQhcC0
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIc4PdO6R4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJkPcXZUxX
"Yeah yeah. She and I disagreed on what to do. She wanted to stay in the city, Juke and I wanted to leave. After learning of what you and Dave told us, the situation is different now, which is why we're still here. But..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye3qBcVZ5J
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzIfwDadqc
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuGsG55kKz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVHwhJ2Ael
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7LdFKMuxQ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbYuJPcN7Y
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbaASYVu2k
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBEwOkW0bj
My gaze turned into a meek look. It wasn't a plea exactly, but I made sure my face invited advice. I had too much shame to ask what to do with my words.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxEPss40Nj
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8lN6JyLza
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0ZSpqMjuI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutnUoaYtVq
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVoJMrD657
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wavT2b0V5
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS7gmjSyx0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2RinSt2PT
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA6kYCiN6p
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bt6VgSmJW
I wanted to correct him. After all, this wasn't my first fight. But when I looked back on the other few I had, this one was much more severe, so I kept shut.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdDDNrqouy
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yJ5TszAuV
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDGonfbFE4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOtNUIkcuu
"I know."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSICnvRxQkD
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW8spOu0IO
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodN2dcgfRh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4hV17ir2p
"Tell you what; I can't help you."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWQJNtDGOg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy1Pns71vH
"...Are you serious?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOXnR7fVHF
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7dbQ9g2nU
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgJXF8mKEo
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR4hvqtDBT
"What? What can?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44AN99ocii
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO6qsttbwF
"Well, I'm sure you've been told this before, but I do this with Lola a lot, so I have a bunch of experience. I just make up with her."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAw12sljlE
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd4DRohZoz
"..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCRYS8OVGE
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VqmeA7m7C
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEVp2vSAkp
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAmFvOpCNf
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ86flKi6b
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YKbnB0mVp
When I asked myself that, the haze immediately returned, and as I skimmed through possible outcomes of speaking with Rover, I was filled with more and more apprehension.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRqt9cRJXw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4ZUMRFIlP
"Give it a try."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PoNSJzUUG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlotHfnjFRv
He stood up and patted my shoulder.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhCtL0ykLY
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx80mZ3N3m9
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXrjxbBSsw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXCXY53mQP
"H-Huh? Right now?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FeD0BSEca
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa1jfQ1ojs
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O1AcEbhpI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJjjv0ZJVQ
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq7gZ29Lev
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOH0FiFka4U
–
–
–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZttmwW1zN
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg5NCGCesM
"Are ya all packed up?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqkVvbcIyy
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZXBtnCvqp
As I made my way downstairs, I saw Juke at the bottom, his hands gripping the bag's shoulder straps. I gave him a bemused look and responded to his question.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAsc9qFXKU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31wvEI0G4Q
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8fAO53PTz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpirpYHkzQ
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoJgMCbYks
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWkNItZMVw
I made it downstairs and scanned the room. It looked the same as when I left, only Dave and Pars were engaged in conversation. Dave was rubbing his head; it was clear something troubled him.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GmSa7AX9w
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6tM70ZyxB
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPbfXfORAE
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInd0x5Bf3v
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6VjEU30o9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ2nDzWzmr
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPvbqu31QD
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaCs5ITGK1
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM0Q0vJh6l
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP7pIj8jfD
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VOr4hKtLl
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv51xNedc3
"I suppose that makes sense."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX4lHH8bHs
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJISucYnYAa
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XOkx0nlc5
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AxCQOy4ps
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R4SU7wx7z
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYNSkG7YAx
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvllZ4OxnUJ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0GhFPuD8W
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOiQSzF5B6
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvT325jBab
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThuUosqxZV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VHJ6JOY6h
"What do I think...?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC4ZbAyX0Z
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMb79WiGcw
I raised my hand and pinched my chin, gazing pensively at a random vase in the shop. Though the craze of the event made it difficult to remember the details, there were two oddities I couldn't forget: the Harbinger could strike Juke from a distance, but somehow didn't always do so, and the Harbinger dodged and blocked my attacks as if she could tell they were coming.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6igdAUE0x
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjmPTReYv8
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XfwaL5py6
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4pHaR3N8n
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSSOU8oDRf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2triyNfh1E
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6U3wmpqaf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpsSWK02YU
"I'm asking ya, kid."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87lKrHWwMd
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnfRHULtUh
I rolled my eyes and continued rumination. Since there was nothing rational about her power, I threw ideas into the world and saw how my better conscious would react. Was it wind magic? If so, Juke would know. Was it an illusion? Illusionary magic has been stated to exist, but no corresponding mana exists in this area. Was it an Endowment? Likely. In fact–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxfPj08Qas
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04GmflMlIr
"It had to be an Endowment."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddrllALNXN
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV6Z2bjvTI
"..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7TTLReuH0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQGNs1duUT
Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkJPPKzTkz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPE9vAQ9KY
"It would explain the inconsistency. Endowments can have downsides, so maybe she could only strike from a distance under special conditions. I don't know what those conditions are, of course."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ETG9uDIdS
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSl25aaUvJ
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6lPT0QVaq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgrrsurCEC
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiZqi8zbmh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SRcRdVfPI
"Why not?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglUiPa2l5F
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FVonOatgl
"It's just a gut feeling. I ain't sure. But yer probably right. It's a pain in the ass not to know what's goin' on behind her bullshit."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnkX2ssMFy
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJIJmRLoYC
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJlUDwm2Wk
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzpU30anvq
Juke nodded solemnly. From the tone of his voice, it looked like we both knew what that entailed. I sighed and pinched my nose, then spoke again.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaIJYtAsrs
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBjP3Xdi1C
"Surely, there's a better option."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J1BOiurpZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbc9PllZl6
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb8vom0muA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4hEpVOMNx
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsblTTsm705
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOdSPkir2v
"What if we spy from a distance?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmd3kOO2s7
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9fATiqpNQ
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4bhjh40Is
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrymGXGResr
"...Point taken."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4UawrFpe8
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHutzE6l3S
As I thought about it more, the idea of leaving people to fight the Harbinger while we sat by the sidelines was sickening. I discarded it immediately, thought the reality it meant I had to face was frightening.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXnYduJiQG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsIfOCZXcq
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbxJUyI167
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZJTuXVhXr
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaPCZrsB9E
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QTljcvOr7
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqmgdCvTTN
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFLAxCiSSe
I smiled weakly. I took comfort in our shared reluctance to do this. In truth, what Juke said about others finishing her off would be nice. If I could, of course I wouldn't want to fight her. But, that wasn't for us to decide; that was up to our luck. As I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best, Dave approached us with Pars in tow.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2FjdNKPNv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjBHUZPmRj
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6GEgRtUZt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dJI4tLJyf
We nodded in unison.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1cHYTThhm
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVdC14eII4
"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv6CuoiVoS
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbc0KIELIu
–
–
–
Out on the street, the sky turned ever dimmer. We went through the same motions as before, scuttling in and out of alleyways as we watched for oncoming Bringers. I no longer felt like I was always on my toes, dreading even the slightest error. It just became tedious.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrvHcMNXh6
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG0mMAVdUm
At some point, we became comfortable enough to chat. We spoke in whispers, of course, but exchanging words at all made me think we were getting careless. I didn't voice my concerns, only chewed on my finger as I darted my eyes around.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0RNHfgKlF
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW4Wmw2OrW
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYsr1LoZSP
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl4RPh7CFe
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWoluCjOvU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkfFOnYbMz
"I feel like that's all you've been asking me today. Of course I'm nervous. Of course I'm not fine. What part about this is fine?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNaL18UCER
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSSzsshPQ4
Silence came for a few seconds, and I realized that I might've spoken too rashly. I didn't apologize, though. I felt no inclination to.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLuKrUOQxY
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUrYpSy27Y
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4ZNvm3KHX
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiayvjzbzZm
"Well... I won't deny that."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQixKW1qprT
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZepAL9Ngl
I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6yqKRAdDI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BfXVcVHa2
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw4eZk0s5S
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa2xGv0EIw
"Again? What do you–?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSvnuWpk9X
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bZGpMVBeF
As I formed my question, memories of my first mission with Juke surfaced. I kept quiet, but I could feel my cheeks curl into a smile.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJqj3gqRsX
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgiG8GwD8B
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAKsksMAM0
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg3lXmcSQo
He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm16GJKWfV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIeFgN80PK
"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hfI9g53pA
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinppP2ZrAe
"I didn't ask ya that."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KajeYVaDz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMHtgmGaKU
"Pars came into my room yesterday. He asked why I wasn't with Rover, since I was with her when I met him. It was, well, a difficult conversation, but I learned that Rover ended up joining the Retaliation Crowd."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrKmXXmdUn
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNgJFTq8tA
"That ain't surprising."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPistghTmko
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2aLDWRLVk
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVCw8Y2sPH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX50eKpUeKi
Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4OwnhFzv3
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURI5vzPB3d
"It's funny. The thing I'm most nervous about is meeting her again. I realized that quickly, and then it made me think about a lot of other things."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLTvStNqzb
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooRS6qJIdV
"Yeah? Like what?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnDu9EqCE8
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmR88uanAE
"It made me think about home, and coming back to it. Not just Buffalo Village of course, but the Capitol too. I was so caught up in the state of affairs that I forgot I even had places I called home."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6DROiJvyi
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f9y6rkp4O
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr746TFVaM
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9Jv8nXVba
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMQMo01Fkz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZWdzrQPaA
I stopped myself and pinched my chin. The words got stuck in my throat. They required tuning before being released, yes, but there was another thing keeping them from leaving Before chaos broke loose and the three of us separated, it was the robes of that woman.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2B4giqoBE
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqHfmjezu6
I had terrible thoughts in my head. An abundance of worries and I withered because of them, but nothing I could do would make them leave. All I could do was shut my eyes and look the other way.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kuYhbC21O
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ1YahPHRV
"I hope they're doing okay, is all. Flinty, Annabelle, Jackson, and even the Tea Mage. I hope they're doing better than I am here."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEzEAPJJrv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡandojTYmO7
I let out my thoughts in earnest. A minute passed without a reply, and it never came after. I thought I would've been agitated, but I was relieved. Dave and Pars continued their conversation, but we stayed quiet. It was a moment I'd be ashamed to spoil. With how easily my mind wandered back into contemplation, we arrived at our destination seemingly instantly.181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz7PJlwjAH
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYds4p7Aou
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlas13ERHQ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXLWriRs9B
I moved to his side, squinting my eyes to see through the darkening sky. The outline came to me quickly, and then I could make out the building's details. That of which were–181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONsx8Z7pxP
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8A6h419Ne
"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIW72X7SI9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrdWJBPBnq
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
