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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡeql15d9RwX
Two let out a sigh. “I didn't know the last eighteen times, One. What makes you think I know now?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa3yj74QhM
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mpdtnnq24
Two glanced over at his partner. “You're awfully antsy. What's up?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡlguHiAUssq
“I just want to get this over with.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnBtVUB0LT
Two shrugged and continued messing around with his phone.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSfc6JAt9D
Fidgeting in his seat, One said, “The last thing I need is for Luck to think I stood her up.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvT3dcD7E6
Two looked over at him. “Wait, Luck? Oh, I get it. You have a date, and Teach's slow ass is-”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4t9yp39pP
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cHioO1Zib
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQHwTUIx1n
“Thank you.” Teach said absently, opening the book and pulling out a few sheets of paper covered in scribbles.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAr6J0wN9V
One clapped his hands together, saying, “So, what's the plan, Teach?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc7kvw9wvr
“Well, I've consulted with Atraius and Alan Tryth, and ran a few simulations in the Workshop-”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8ipEbknIm
One waved him off. “Yeah, yeah. What's the plan?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmWctGcZtm
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6y2r3yAA4
“That's it?” One looked at Two, who looked equally as mystified. “You want me to actually go with Mikaen's group?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jdkJRw3ef
“If you work directly with Mikaen, you'll be in the best position to gage his willingness to go home and act accordingly.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZBlb41n3v
“No sneaking around or anything?” One persisted, “I mean, I'm really just gonna join up with his team?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXBi03mzEW
“That's correct.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGgQ1ZIy2W
One stared at Teach. “And you're okay with that?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrVoM7tOuw
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeuVwuYS3C
Still feeling a bit strange, One said, “Yeah, I'm sure I'll think of something.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHj5yl4gT7
“Very well. Now as I understand it, you have a date to get to.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGy95lgy9L
“How did you know?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tZzow4np8
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eQjkoFpEz
Shaking his head, One hurried out of the nearest door.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSf51lqiTz
After waiting a few seconds to see if One would come back, Two let out a snort and started to follow.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y33yrzDOY
“One moment,” Teach called out.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOdB8xZNXE
With an annoyed sigh, Two plopped back down in his seat.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtxCyzXZRR
“Now Two, I know you don't approve of this-” began Teach.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVQBYp3x2R
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNGJpOgpCe
“I want you to sabotage Mikaen's trust of One.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZHBCgbAf2
Two fell silent, his finger still pointing at Teach.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOYiqWHtuJ
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0x2JXR0mt
Two stared at Teach, his mouth hanging open.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡertW25cdGs
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8geqHb8bF
“Then who-” Two's mouth fell open again the moment he realized who Teach was talking about.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwGqzqnqrK
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFbnCdtPr9
“Wait just a damn second,” said Two, rising to his feet, “One could go back to Earth anytime he feels like it!”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIhyWIf8Qr
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJXu9xVwXm
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR2seEGIt7
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKQ9jNRzVI
“So what? What's the big deal about him going back to Earth?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JrYeBv98s
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpjyRycxgF
Two blew a raspberry at Teach. “What the hell could possibly hurt a Dreamer?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8qviKi9jd
“I'm more concerned with what could hurt him if he's not a Dreamer.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjXkhcVMl3
Two fell silent for a moment at the implication of Teach's words.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRszqj8CRp
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwxI2PskZM
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS5vcnH7a3
Teach didn't reply.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpVDYlX7YP
Two let out an exasperated breath. “Oh, back to the 'I have my sources' crap again, huh?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgl4ZnUsIT
“It's the truth.” Teach said quietly. “Will you help?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡegMkMYHu6R
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡxihtWgOTnN
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT34X3sSva
Rolling his eyes, Two said, “Whatever. So, all I gotta do is make Mikaen not trust One, right? Any restrictions?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKqy4dwMHD
“Only that you do it covertly. If One finds out either of us were involved-”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeVUIRbxLy
“Yeah, yeah.” Two waved his hand, “I've seen what he can do to a person with Headache.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡkusnzqr1iW
Teach nodded. “Very good. If I were you, I'd think about-”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4GCCLQ9xx
Two cut him off with an impatient wave. “I don't need YOUR help, thank you very much.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbMI6uAh1m
“Of course. Good luck, Two.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlQiJqIar0
As soon as Two left the Library, he called out, “Wong? I know you're listening!”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7D5OgHz6Q7
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDipmoUXGV
“Shut up.” Two said abruptly.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwhaO1Axc2
Wong's mouth closed with a click.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjFD8VlI1c
“You want to do me a favor?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFP85cxZad
Wong nodded eagerly.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtKcEzdf6q
“You want to help out One and prove that you're ready to be a full member of the Elsewhere Incorporate?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFKXiSSDAU
Wong nodded even more eagerly, his pupils bouncing around in his eyes like a particularly violent game of Pong.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqAFzFS6E2
“Then tail him when he goes to Ronisgald and help him with the whole Mikaen thing.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzw4MbE0qK
Wong saluted again. “Yessir!”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIpaFI3ymE
As Wong's body vanished from sight, Two clapped his hands together. “Well, that takes care of that.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb43REIJKn
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5WjaJuOJV
“Is something wrong?” Luck asked, looking a little worried.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9DZkjHnS3
One shook his head. “No. It's just … I'm not sure what to say.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lf6o7K7Rv
Squeezing his hand, Luck asked, “What did you and Ukaroh talk about when you first met?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDBrWMaqAT
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡma3Z9njRLb
“Did you take her advice?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMwbTViE29
“Not quite. I think my exact words were, 'Get the hell off my floor.'“copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxNLYJx8a8
Luck laughed. “Was she right? About the Final Fantasy?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wi5wssPkd
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f0xqUsJyv
He blushed. “I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear about my old girlfriend.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI2Fu1p19z
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡab6tgCWJsg
“They told you about that, huh?” One sighed.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtwY0XStGr
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡYza1eE2EGc
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQnkkEXgop
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlS3kT1cmH
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡElgOnvsp99
“Anytime.” She replied quietly, a small smile on her face.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn0ZIkEFB2
Further conversation was cut off as their server brought them some drinks and two steaming dishes of pasta.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58oYcISdVe
After thanking the server, Luck said, “You know, you've always reminded me of my ex.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzAboXHRnQ
One raised an eyebrow. “Really. Anyone I know?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zd0ZWlEBX
“I doubt it. His name was Glen too, y'know.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH65FiNxwJ
“Hmm.” One picked at the little blue things in his pasta. They looked like diced tomatoes, but tasted saltier.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrjnDHlkzI
“Yup. He had the same need to help people, the same sense of morality ... he was even handy with machines.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzIpAIlWmW
“Sounds like someone I'd like.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3EZ8kiWSP
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFgZ2UHneg
One looked up, knowing all too well the meaning of her sudden silence. “I'm sorry. How did it happen?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pQPOrxanU
“He sacrificed himself to save us … to save all of us.” She lowered her gaze. “I never quite forgave him for that.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hYLh65z3X
“Was there no other way?” One asked.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJCFIFAq3O
Luck shook her head.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9exZ3Yxdl
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkDp6UwbuA
A long moment passed with only the sound of silverware clinkin against plates to break it.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TjMz2r9su
Feeling as though he should say something, One let out a polite cough and asked, “So how about you?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9EdGDhFav
“What about me?” She asked, grinning.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CPE2Wyz73
“What was your life before becoming a Dreamer?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hXs3wvvGY
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E7ESOi9tt
“Government work, huh? My condolences.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu5u88qHHy
“Watch it, you.” Luck punched him playfully in the arm. “Anyway, what about you?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQPIjTfPpV
“What about me?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpAV4sJnCd
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhHWLQ4cyM
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjDA2WuhMT
“Wow. Rough, huh?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzjNuogeLT
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCa9zW0D8z
“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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTS3uV0ZcM
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqlcdQAu5m
“That works in the Elsewhere?” One asked, bemused. “I can only imagine the bill.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxYxHyuHbD
Luck's face fell, wiping the smile from One's face.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCxaF15F0i
“What's wrong?” He asked her.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTIO5WEGqK
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Oh1mZzQHL
“I have to go.” Luck said as she rose from the table.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYn0832dJ3
One quickly stood up as well. “Is something wrong? Did something happen?”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbWeZ2bEIB
She turned. Much to One's relief, she was smiling.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLqGNMGmCn
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 protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86mv6uz9Ii
He smiled back. “Yeah. I gotta go check in with Teach, but I'll be on my floor getting ready after that.”copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡcet9ttbE7U
“See you there.” With that, Luck vanished.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwFGdssUP5
His appetite gone, One left some money on the table and headed for the CPD as it appeared in a nearby tree.copyright protection109ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXbDti83sQ
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