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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvfpp4DNTB
Two let out a sigh. “I didn't know the last eighteen times, One. What makes you think I know now?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAfmokU1Uo
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdPbXS8aHg
Two glanced over at his partner. “You're awfully antsy. What's up?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSLFhaJVYC
“I just want to get this over with.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡwudMQB7KD2
Two shrugged and continued messing around with his phone.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gfYscQAmy
Fidgeting in his seat, One said, “The last thing I need is for Luck to think I stood her up.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMrBrJLbEK
Two looked over at him. “Wait, Luck? Oh, I get it. You have a date, and Teach's slow ass is-”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡObe1Y4D5Ph
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YxnWZzMzW
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpJM1avNm9
“Thank you.” Teach said absently, opening the book and pulling out a few sheets of paper covered in scribbles.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡxakLciQPoF
One clapped his hands together, saying, “So, what's the plan, Teach?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wDETADtnd
“Well, I've consulted with Atraius and Alan Tryth, and ran a few simulations in the Workshop-”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡpID9uEkZrG
One waved him off. “Yeah, yeah. What's the plan?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZQuK2MBSb
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZHVDAvh4S
“That's it?” One looked at Two, who looked equally as mystified. “You want me to actually go with Mikaen's group?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuA7D4MX4e
“If you work directly with Mikaen, you'll be in the best position to gage his willingness to go home and act accordingly.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdduIYxvzp
“No sneaking around or anything?” One persisted, “I mean, I'm really just gonna join up with his team?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQonL2Yhj2
“That's correct.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NwKV9PH7T
One stared at Teach. “And you're okay with that?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK79fP7MkH
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1xAojDnBW
Still feeling a bit strange, One said, “Yeah, I'm sure I'll think of something.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKJWuF6knd
“Very well. Now as I understand it, you have a date to get to.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiYlsebz0w
“How did you know?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdxOOW8rjJ
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJu7GZMNj9
Shaking his head, One hurried out of the nearest door.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xsZTUd4ue
After waiting a few seconds to see if One would come back, Two let out a snort and started to follow.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLr8Af5JGo
“One moment,” Teach called out.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡt48XbPWXCg
With an annoyed sigh, Two plopped back down in his seat.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DNzCHuPLZ
“Now Two, I know you don't approve of this-” began Teach.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mKvvlKA4r
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxv8vHXrEA
“I want you to sabotage Mikaen's trust of One.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMdwlQdQFZ
Two fell silent, his finger still pointing at Teach.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJlzeRUZrZ
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqwXy1Ewtj
Two stared at Teach, his mouth hanging open.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c5kIraWhQ
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6AgFP8AOz
“Then who-” Two's mouth fell open again the moment he realized who Teach was talking about.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg07dz9R5D
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡacPgxyHIuY
“Wait just a damn second,” said Two, rising to his feet, “One could go back to Earth anytime he feels like it!”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp49GKYOlN
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV3n3hXc82
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjfEANchwH
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡf56keM4dBq
“So what? What's the big deal about him going back to Earth?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Yl4mpljBu
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqOC5oqiFW
Two blew a raspberry at Teach. “What the hell could possibly hurt a Dreamer?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV15fgSjtt
“I'm more concerned with what could hurt him if he's not a Dreamer.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡKts6yPvT96
Two fell silent for a moment at the implication of Teach's words.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡowxc8CAyVg
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUbw0qMSKf
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuJOAhD6bM
Teach didn't reply.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡcziJMrmm0h
Two let out an exasperated breath. “Oh, back to the 'I have my sources' crap again, huh?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡDucO1cfN50
“It's the truth.” Teach said quietly. “Will you help?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rvLf63Tce
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpOZ9AqvXq
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAVZpWcFKh
Rolling his eyes, Two said, “Whatever. So, all I gotta do is make Mikaen not trust One, right? Any restrictions?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMIbyXhBRu
“Only that you do it covertly. If One finds out either of us were involved-”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxTEw2fXxc
“Yeah, yeah.” Two waved his hand, “I've seen what he can do to a person with Headache.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡolMklchxR1
Teach nodded. “Very good. If I were you, I'd think about-”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxNwImu0Yl
Two cut him off with an impatient wave. “I don't need YOUR help, thank you very much.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOSntppInX
“Of course. Good luck, Two.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡULjH5ETmbL
As soon as Two left the Library, he called out, “Wong? I know you're listening!”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZibv1y01w
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwkeTOEjw1
“Shut up.” Two said abruptly.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrMA8Sf2fq
Wong's mouth closed with a click.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡODq6PW8nWa
“You want to do me a favor?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhGfwz3aTA
Wong nodded eagerly.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb1YMaR1d6
“You want to help out One and prove that you're ready to be a full member of the Elsewhere Incorporate?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1KS8zOgXK
Wong nodded even more eagerly, his pupils bouncing around in his eyes like a particularly violent game of Pong.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR276zHaJA
“Then tail him when he goes to Ronisgald and help him with the whole Mikaen thing.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVMLUyWLz9
Wong saluted again. “Yessir!”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1bCTjcIAa
As Wong's body vanished from sight, Two clapped his hands together. “Well, that takes care of that.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡs12v884PiN
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3JdPELLpl
“Is something wrong?” Luck asked, looking a little worried.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡVin6Vhq7Z0
One shook his head. “No. It's just … I'm not sure what to say.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡir2kWbt01M
Squeezing his hand, Luck asked, “What did you and Ukaroh talk about when you first met?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrPyFEcqpC
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkU8rPqRXp
“Did you take her advice?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgRUAO53P6
“Not quite. I think my exact words were, 'Get the hell off my floor.'“copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDyEcdjoEI
Luck laughed. “Was she right? About the Final Fantasy?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q3VzvKZmI
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeYf9y4fCT
He blushed. “I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear about my old girlfriend.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsxV7J9q7N
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98dd3NIOM5
“They told you about that, huh?” One sighed.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbkurt3vJG
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡo58V0fEaFM
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOUb2YZKML
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiWaNnDRSn
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhsFctUQEA
“Anytime.” She replied quietly, a small smile on her face.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCpxOrvNci
Further conversation was cut off as their server brought them some drinks and two steaming dishes of pasta.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1BvcoTQgM
After thanking the server, Luck said, “You know, you've always reminded me of my ex.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN3Gtf9o6O
One raised an eyebrow. “Really. Anyone I know?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJqnheON11
“I doubt it. His name was Glen too, y'know.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A2G6f5Z5l
“Hmm.” One picked at the little blue things in his pasta. They looked like diced tomatoes, but tasted saltier.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi9PYC480b
“Yup. He had the same need to help people, the same sense of morality ... he was even handy with machines.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZUmmbBbYC
“Sounds like someone I'd like.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4dfKjuQiz
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4SlTQYYZZ
One looked up, knowing all too well the meaning of her sudden silence. “I'm sorry. How did it happen?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VY4ilfTxe
“He sacrificed himself to save us … to save all of us.” She lowered her gaze. “I never quite forgave him for that.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJjJZ32uUl
“Was there no other way?” One asked.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45pWrjNphM
Luck shook her head.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqInu0IKTf
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqZi9Zmcug
A long moment passed with only the sound of silverware clinkin against plates to break it.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡxymXvOgidy
Feeling as though he should say something, One let out a polite cough and asked, “So how about you?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CZNZtNIeH
“What about me?” She asked, grinning.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd7XwhWTtq
“What was your life before becoming a Dreamer?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91ZwZukgNy
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTaNGahuTv
“Government work, huh? My condolences.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRJkOgBL95
“Watch it, you.” Luck punched him playfully in the arm. “Anyway, what about you?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj7cQ6Hamv
“What about me?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡJboUZ54gzY
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMPw6ENIqW
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCgUP61who
“Wow. Rough, huh?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10AqUzvZQ4
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCRN9XrWFR
“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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtu9njgpQx
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRynitXNtN
“That works in the Elsewhere?” One asked, bemused. “I can only imagine the bill.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrqJezGGvm
Luck's face fell, wiping the smile from One's face.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpP2ydlPCc
“What's wrong?” He asked her.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq3VNmpL9S
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1jYLyxse3
“I have to go.” Luck said as she rose from the table.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMsDO1QaQt
One quickly stood up as well. “Is something wrong? Did something happen?”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdTq9HMysV
She turned. Much to One's relief, she was smiling.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0XLZIjwax
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 protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZj2C84tiU
He smiled back. “Yeah. I gotta go check in with Teach, but I'll be on my floor getting ready after that.”copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE8Q4hxQQ0
“See you there.” With that, Luck vanished.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi1J30snwC
His appetite gone, One left some money on the table and headed for the CPD as it appeared in a nearby tree.copyright protection118ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7BfaeneHF
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