Glancing at where his watch would have been had he worn one, Narrator Number One asked, “How much longer do you think he'll make us wait?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmkbYeyQI6
Two let out a sigh. “I didn't know the last eighteen times, One. What makes you think I know now?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1TYGRU9NW
One and Two were sitting at one of the massive oak tables in the Library, waiting more or less patiently for Teach to return. Of course, as they have already been waiting for more than three hours, One's patience was starting to wear a little thin.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo39GIPmjw
Two glanced over at his partner. “You're awfully antsy. What's up?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7TSjR6RIO
“I just want to get this over with.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0QRZxITGw
Two shrugged and continued messing around with his phone.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrUTBBCqXW
Fidgeting in his seat, One said, “The last thing I need is for Luck to think I stood her up.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv3QnmIuer
Two looked over at him. “Wait, Luck? Oh, I get it. You have a date, and Teach's slow ass is-”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcr94rGMlm
The main door to the library opened abruptly, cutting off Two in mid-sentence. Teach strode through, a black leather-bound book tucked neatly under his right arm.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbOd5qPHRM
“Gentlemen. I apologize for the wait, but I had to check on a few things with Alan to determine the best course of action.” Teach's seat pulled out automatically as he moved to sit down across from One and Two.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOhHFF4o9i
“Thank you.” Teach said absently, opening the book and pulling out a few sheets of paper covered in scribbles.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsvgBAIim3
One clapped his hands together, saying, “So, what's the plan, Teach?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGeuUjUJ0L
“Well, I've consulted with Atraius and Alan Tryth, and ran a few simulations in the Workshop-”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEANlgtpEC
One waved him off. “Yeah, yeah. What's the plan?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt4dKGNsYa
Looking a little put out, Teach glanced at his list for a moment before saying, “The best course of action would be for you to accompany Mikaen and personally ensure that he does not go back to Earth.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡvERK8L43u5
“That's it?” One looked at Two, who looked equally as mystified. “You want me to actually go with Mikaen's group?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0JpO4Ghuk
“If you work directly with Mikaen, you'll be in the best position to gage his willingness to go home and act accordingly.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcNYqyEe0D
“No sneaking around or anything?” One persisted, “I mean, I'm really just gonna join up with his team?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwhggq1ltv
“That's correct.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjw9JkepBI
One stared at Teach. “And you're okay with that?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvVxtm57A6
Teach let out a light laugh. “I know this is a little unorthodox, One. I'm only suggesting this because you and Mikaen already have a mutual respect for each other. Believe it or not as you will, but he has come to trust you. When the time comes, you may very well be able to talk him out of going home. If not, I can't think of anyone better to make sure whatever's making the portal suffers a mechanical malfunction.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZC3gTtheX
Still feeling a bit strange, One said, “Yeah, I'm sure I'll think of something.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFgjOZD3of
“Very well. Now as I understand it, you have a date to get to.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8KHGd4LlE
“How did you know?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6Ev9UpDbE
Teach raised an eyebrow at him. “You're going out with my wife's sister, One. Look, you need to get moving, or Luck's going to take it out on both of us.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZjRi7RVbg
Shaking his head, One hurried out of the nearest door.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXoVF48JQu
After waiting a few seconds to see if One would come back, Two let out a snort and started to follow.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIA2eKWDn8
“One moment,” Teach called out.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY7AQqIHlT
With an annoyed sigh, Two plopped back down in his seat.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwRmswqAfh
“Now Two, I know you don't approve of this-” began Teach.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D0FGeqDRO
Two snorted again. “How long has Luck been after One? I mean, centuries, right? He finally grows a pair and starts a relationship, and now you're gonna go and screw it up just so some stupid norm doesn't go to Earth. Well, if you think I'm just gonna sit around while that cat girl gets her claws into One, you've got another-”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9MTJDkrlF
“I want you to sabotage Mikaen's trust of One.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡliccFEJ5fZ
Two fell silent, his finger still pointing at Teach.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkCn0jCqWu
“If Mikaen doesn't trust One, One's presence will no longer be required. I've already taken care of the portal in Ronisgald. All that's left is to fully separate One from Mikaen. With that accomplished, things should resolve themselves properly.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡeID1CnEWPZ
Two stared at Teach, his mouth hanging open.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaiPnXu63J
After glancing around the Library for signs of anyone else who might be listening, Teach leaned forward so that only Two could hear him. “Look, I was hoping to get through this without explaining the whole situation, but I don't see that I have any other choice. This assignment has nothing to do with Mikaen.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q4IO41rvY
“Then who-” Two's mouth fell open again the moment he realized who Teach was talking about.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJHzLkWqgL
“I'm not going to go into great detail. It's a long story, and I'm sure you wouldn't remember everything anyway. To make it simple, it isn't Mikaen who I'm trying to keep from returning to Earth, but One.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTWIJjFdqJ
“Wait just a damn second,” said Two, rising to his feet, “One could go back to Earth anytime he feels like it!”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡXva1eZ6fqB
“True enough. Of course, he could go to Algos as well. He could travel to Viridia, or spend another few months in the Dream Realm. Unfortunately, the moment he first encountered Mikaen, he was drawn into a series of events that will lead him back to Earth.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡemlVV7fSxw
Two shook his head. “Wait just a second! One was trying to have a vacation. You were the one who pressed him to take the assignment in the first place!”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWqAF9Tlnk
“You know One better than anyone. How long would it have taken for him to start feeling guilty about leaving Mikaen? I mean, sure, he gave Mikaen directions to Homestead and led him to people who were able to help, but the fact remains that One is, as you so often label me, a 'goody two-shoes'. It wouldn't have taken too long for him to get curious. At least this way, I can keep an eye on him.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kPfl4eskF
“So what? What's the big deal about him going back to Earth?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y1quXxKP4
Teach let out a sigh. “Like I said, I don't want to go into all the details; there are too many variables that even I don't fully understand. All I do know is that if One stays with Mikaen, he'll be in grave danger.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡht1I3GRX2e
Two blew a raspberry at Teach. “What the hell could possibly hurt a Dreamer?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7z7mVbAnv
“I'm more concerned with what could hurt him if he's not a Dreamer.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs4hSyepi4
Two fell silent for a moment at the implication of Teach's words.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAxuiBbazd
Teach continued, “One already thinks of Mikaen as a friend, and you of all people know just how far One will go to protect his friends.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQkYYHTaih
“How could you know about all this?” Two asked, “I mean, you're talking some pretty big specifics here. Just how could you know all this would happen for sure?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyJKPBi41B
Teach didn't reply.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ucHZuibER
Two let out an exasperated breath. “Oh, back to the 'I have my sources' crap again, huh?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3IK2HrVRJ
“It's the truth.” Teach said quietly. “Will you help?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxhWh7yAcz
Two sighed. “Ugh … fine. But let's get one thing straight here: the only reason I'm helping is because One's my friend. It may sound sappy, but I want him and Luck to at least have a chance at being happy together.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl4o24Skgx
“Then we both work toward the same goal, I promise you that.” There was a twinkle in Teach's eye. “My word. Beneath all of the posturing and the chauvinism, you're really a romantic, aren't you?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFBVpDDRzu
Rolling his eyes, Two said, “Whatever. So, all I gotta do is make Mikaen not trust One, right? Any restrictions?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM2SJkZhVb
“Only that you do it covertly. If One finds out either of us were involved-”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7wWwz0pUh
“Yeah, yeah.” Two waved his hand, “I've seen what he can do to a person with Headache.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7Wy2mbFeK
Teach nodded. “Very good. If I were you, I'd think about-”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPxdHgyGxt
Two cut him off with an impatient wave. “I don't need YOUR help, thank you very much.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoBpk7ZlwT
“Of course. Good luck, Two.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt0z13WcJa
As soon as Two left the Library, he called out, “Wong? I know you're listening!”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUZu7HKFoi
To Two's complete lack of surprise, Wong popped into existence right in front of him. With a wild salute, he shouted, “Sir, yes sir! I await your order! I anticipate your whim! I prognosticate the desires of your …”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gHKG1SFno
“Shut up.” Two said abruptly.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0RzzTCw6m
Wong's mouth closed with a click.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3gHyooj3M
“You want to do me a favor?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd3iYJkQpH
Wong nodded eagerly.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYH6xhZaO6
“You want to help out One and prove that you're ready to be a full member of the Elsewhere Incorporate?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv9McIaA1e
Wong nodded even more eagerly, his pupils bouncing around in his eyes like a particularly violent game of Pong.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCsqUqafgz
“Then tail him when he goes to Ronisgald and help him with the whole Mikaen thing.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuxEB5WBgK
Wong saluted again. “Yessir!”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMgRztzK3B
As Wong's body vanished from sight, Two clapped his hands together. “Well, that takes care of that.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrdrR8R1o8
One and Luck sat quietly in the corner booth of the Malboro cafe, waiting for their food to arrive. From the moment they sat down, an awkward silence had descended between them.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkC9ZefWPv
“Is something wrong?” Luck asked, looking a little worried.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxiXoSqYCu
One shook his head. “No. It's just … I'm not sure what to say.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCVN3NWVPk
Squeezing his hand, Luck asked, “What did you and Ukaroh talk about when you first met?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qEGzEUPAK
“We didn't talk; we argued. I was trying to fix the Final Fantasy, when she just burst into the hanger and starts telling me what to do without so much a hello. I didn't even know who she was. Hell, I didn't even know she was a Dreamer.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhhCeGvFE7
“Did you take her advice?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeJ51NTXJI
“Not quite. I think my exact words were, 'Get the hell off my floor.'“copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM9WtIAoyb
Luck laughed. “Was she right? About the Final Fantasy?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8StqvI70nL
“Of course.” One smiled. “She was always right, especially when it annoyed me. It's strange, but I think that's part of why I liked her so much.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x0SD1GxYp
He blushed. “I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear about my old girlfriend.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgbodE7O3F
“Of course I do. I wasn't around then, but everyone tells me that you were inseparable. Melody and Karma both said that they were surprised you didn't go with her.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbysC3aJ4y
“They told you about that, huh?” One sighed.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc6w4JxKgw
Perhaps it was all that had happened recently, but he found himself wondering if he should've taken his ex up on her offer. For a Dreamer, nothing could be more sacred, more special than choosing to spend the rest of eternity with another Dreamer.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡawNlV002O3
Looking up into Luck's smiling face, however, dispelled his doubts. “I couldn't leave the Elsewhere. To be honest, I don't really mind the assignments. Besides, if I left, I wouldn't have met you.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡINfggSkrCo
Luck blushed. “You were the first Dreamer I met. I guess it's just natural that we became friends … but to be honest, even then I had a crush on you.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8B5EFPbq6
“I think I did too. I wanted to sulk on my floor, but you kept dragging me out.” He squeezed her hand. “Thanks for that.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡIACvWyvXBj
“Anytime.” She replied quietly, a small smile on her face.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j7gAo9UPL
Further conversation was cut off as their server brought them some drinks and two steaming dishes of pasta.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPTUUxAKJ1
After thanking the server, Luck said, “You know, you've always reminded me of my ex.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrCtWy2swD
One raised an eyebrow. “Really. Anyone I know?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxWTOxhXs6
“I doubt it. His name was Glen too, y'know.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡILVCGQ9gAT
“Hmm.” One picked at the little blue things in his pasta. They looked like diced tomatoes, but tasted saltier.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrkUVhtXJZ
“Yup. He had the same need to help people, the same sense of morality ... he was even handy with machines.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvwxol4Fix
“Sounds like someone I'd like.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1iHDYyMf8
Luck laughed. “Yeah, I think you would. He was always throwing himself headfirst into danger without a care in the world. It usually worked out for the best, except …”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxA0rviUt2
One looked up, knowing all too well the meaning of her sudden silence. “I'm sorry. How did it happen?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3yqBWMFC4
“He sacrificed himself to save us … to save all of us.” She lowered her gaze. “I never quite forgave him for that.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo5v6IuEvK
“Was there no other way?” One asked.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbhncITvDm
Luck shook her head.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxp5Y02KGE
After a moment of silence, she laughed, saying dismissively, “But that was ages ago. I know he did the right thing. I just kinda wished I could have made things turn out differently.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU3UpaDUO8
A long moment passed with only the sound of silverware clinkin against plates to break it.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡECkWZwFS1i
Feeling as though he should say something, One let out a polite cough and asked, “So how about you?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzQEFOFHym
“What about me?” She asked, grinning.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡmogqiGAWBp
“What was your life before becoming a Dreamer?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f1pc1WRUY
She considered this for a long moment before saying, “Not that different, actually. I mean, the stakes are bigger, yes, but they were pretty big before too. There were more responsibilities too, but I had kind of a government job.” She paused a moment to take a sip of her drink. “Responsibilities come with the territory.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9x0OcOuUn
“Government work, huh? My condolences.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgL7G4Oh0p
“Watch it, you.” Luck punched him playfully in the arm. “Anyway, what about you?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6FIvRJsJD
“What about me?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTNYTBbI55
“You were a Builder in the Rangers.” Luck said, putting her elbows on the table so she could rest her head in her hands. “What was that like?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WmR43WTkX
One leaned back in his chair as he thought back to his Ranger days. “Fun. Chaotic. Insane, really. Crash was one hell of a Builder. He could turn a pile of scrap into a weapon in five minutes, a sturdy one too. He liked to give me a pile of broken parts and a problem, then leave me to figure out what to build to get past it.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡi13YJzQt1A
“Wow. Rough, huh?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7stUrnwC5B
“You kidding? It was fantastic. It taught me to improvise, and to work with what I had rather than wish I had something better.” One allowed himself a chuckle. “It's strange, really; the things I learned from him helped me just as much in the Elsewhere as they did in the Rangers, maybe even more so.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡIby52D8Ywt
“What about before the Devastation? I've never had the chance to see Earth before the bombs fell and magic was reborn. What was that like?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPuZOeyEHA
One had scarcely opened his mouth to reply when a familiar tune rang through the air. Luck dug in her pocket and pulled out a cellphone.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO2IJu5f7b
“That works in the Elsewhere?” One asked, bemused. “I can only imagine the bill.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPmpVo34nz
Luck's face fell, wiping the smile from One's face.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjo3ichQRZ
“What's wrong?” He asked her.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6NuPxYVM5
When she looked at him, he saw it again: that strange look of fear she had in her eyes when she saw the Breath of Fire. It was there and gone in an instant, so quick in fact that One wondered if he had seen it at all.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DVs3QQ6Ue
“I have to go.” Luck said as she rose from the table.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtx5wPiNGa
One quickly stood up as well. “Is something wrong? Did something happen?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8gAC67A1U
She turned. Much to One's relief, she was smiling.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7yAzCrqJm
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and whispered, “I just remembered a few things I need to take care of. I'll see you later, okay?”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpPcvl2N8J
He smiled back. “Yeah. I gotta go check in with Teach, but I'll be on my floor getting ready after that.”copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVRewtkE3l
“See you there.” With that, Luck vanished.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJt7j2JKts
His appetite gone, One left some money on the table and headed for the CPD as it appeared in a nearby tree.copyright protection62ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77SWknhmaq
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