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?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV94wmJVSk 維尼
Two let out a sigh. “I didn't know the last eighteen times, One. What makes you think I know now?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡArztP5zFf8 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡGExX24lyVG 維尼
Two glanced over at his partner. “You're awfully antsy. What's up?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IXlnAJrgy 維尼
“I just want to get this over with.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z3FqPfD8i 維尼
Two shrugged and continued messing around with his phone.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE9Va2UX4Z 維尼
Fidgeting in his seat, One said, “The last thing I need is for Luck to think I stood her up.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHUsBwOTjR 維尼
Two looked over at him. “Wait, Luck? Oh, I get it. You have a date, and Teach's slow ass is-”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpoVxbsC7z 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BNef6KESL 維尼
“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.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡAezxPqap3u 維尼
“Thank you.” Teach said absently, opening the book and pulling out a few sheets of paper covered in scribbles.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8yKPvdLrZ 維尼
One clapped his hands together, saying, “So, what's the plan, Teach?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf7gMllAxy 維尼
“Well, I've consulted with Atraius and Alan Tryth, and ran a few simulations in the Workshop-”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv64FY7YFW 維尼
One waved him off. “Yeah, yeah. What's the plan?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gv2GDK8lH 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe3z9q9TeH 維尼
“That's it?” One looked at Two, who looked equally as mystified. “You want me to actually go with Mikaen's group?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FuDVYXX2g 維尼
“If you work directly with Mikaen, you'll be in the best position to gage his willingness to go home and act accordingly.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8MUOYY9lO 維尼
“No sneaking around or anything?” One persisted, “I mean, I'm really just gonna join up with his team?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG19KYKOLJ 維尼
“That's correct.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuIH67iUzn 維尼
One stared at Teach. “And you're okay with that?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡomy6WPFNBl 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvMQF3dqwj 維尼
Still feeling a bit strange, One said, “Yeah, I'm sure I'll think of something.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡRivaw7b6Tk 維尼
“Very well. Now as I understand it, you have a date to get to.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxXaDUGGcl 維尼
“How did you know?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡofhYDT1hzr 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsHGFcmsSR 維尼
Shaking his head, One hurried out of the nearest door.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOEhsjPrET 維尼
After waiting a few seconds to see if One would come back, Two let out a snort and started to follow.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n5Y7Q55WH 維尼
“One moment,” Teach called out.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡPre5kTAtz2 維尼
With an annoyed sigh, Two plopped back down in his seat.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2AFDy4JeN 維尼
“Now Two, I know you don't approve of this-” began Teach.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFqsBoChkO 維尼
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-”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf9iAVlo2a 維尼
“I want you to sabotage Mikaen's trust of One.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiJFwxwoRb 維尼
Two fell silent, his finger still pointing at Teach.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuMXOmtutD 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85zqFDwGCy 維尼
Two stared at Teach, his mouth hanging open.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwu3PA4xHT 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwvpJxEunB 維尼
“Then who-” Two's mouth fell open again the moment he realized who Teach was talking about.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeI54mNvSe 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuFYlZ8u61 維尼
“Wait just a damn second,” said Two, rising to his feet, “One could go back to Earth anytime he feels like it!”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMI7kv674m 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjfGRdTry1 維尼
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!”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm2H1Al7Hd 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuCH2j6MBs 維尼
“So what? What's the big deal about him going back to Earth?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTlTUZQRGk 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61gNImDCjA 維尼
Two blew a raspberry at Teach. “What the hell could possibly hurt a Dreamer?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGP6sB0HXP 維尼
“I'm more concerned with what could hurt him if he's not a Dreamer.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOhPwkVFDh 維尼
Two fell silent for a moment at the implication of Teach's words.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jOLjPRiLx 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1XxHoJCh5 維尼
“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?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyYnLfdIxp 維尼
Teach didn't reply.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlxiI04qOO 維尼
Two let out an exasperated breath. “Oh, back to the 'I have my sources' crap again, huh?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDXa7CCOs0 維尼
“It's the truth.” Teach said quietly. “Will you help?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEYge4rTdi 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnTSVXYmAS 維尼
“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?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5v786zEo4 維尼
Rolling his eyes, Two said, “Whatever. So, all I gotta do is make Mikaen not trust One, right? Any restrictions?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡalTtotnNUK 維尼
“Only that you do it covertly. If One finds out either of us were involved-”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSWxeDy6ak 維尼
“Yeah, yeah.” Two waved his hand, “I've seen what he can do to a person with Headache.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrrPMh5gOC 維尼
Teach nodded. “Very good. If I were you, I'd think about-”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡme5VixKq1o 維尼
Two cut him off with an impatient wave. “I don't need YOUR help, thank you very much.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡnufbwZ2kfS 維尼
“Of course. Good luck, Two.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX0JXOJzTK 維尼
As soon as Two left the Library, he called out, “Wong? I know you're listening!”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x70TNTE2Q 維尼
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 …”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ieDeemN5b 維尼
“Shut up.” Two said abruptly.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡurGMzZ03ji 維尼
Wong's mouth closed with a click.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsdtSO10ko 維尼
“You want to do me a favor?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw198XurUU 維尼
Wong nodded eagerly.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyZNWMRHhX 維尼
“You want to help out One and prove that you're ready to be a full member of the Elsewhere Incorporate?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y0lyqyJcz 維尼
Wong nodded even more eagerly, his pupils bouncing around in his eyes like a particularly violent game of Pong.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9k9YIu6f0 維尼
“Then tail him when he goes to Ronisgald and help him with the whole Mikaen thing.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aDNzms77w 維尼
Wong saluted again. “Yessir!”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5B0SycdBN 維尼
As Wong's body vanished from sight, Two clapped his hands together. “Well, that takes care of that.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCT0cAXito 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaZqG9EQRA 維尼
“Is something wrong?” Luck asked, looking a little worried.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNgLXhcLIm 維尼
One shook his head. “No. It's just … I'm not sure what to say.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JZJJXJCng 維尼
Squeezing his hand, Luck asked, “What did you and Ukaroh talk about when you first met?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ2CgCmM1V 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8i14vVWom 維尼
“Did you take her advice?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FR5VkfF3B 維尼
“Not quite. I think my exact words were, 'Get the hell off my floor.'“8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBKu2T2HkG 維尼
Luck laughed. “Was she right? About the Final Fantasy?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3F2ICjtE3 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QZON4dTzB 維尼
He blushed. “I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear about my old girlfriend.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIKwQ6suEo 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxQ1pcFgiT 維尼
“They told you about that, huh?” One sighed.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNA1N2AjyY 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB1QgJIu2E 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYXw4akoZi 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyJW4Tut7L 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JksS4IAt1 維尼
“Anytime.” She replied quietly, a small smile on her face.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rMqty7rKe 維尼
Further conversation was cut off as their server brought them some drinks and two steaming dishes of pasta.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGhfsEVS4Z 維尼
After thanking the server, Luck said, “You know, you've always reminded me of my ex.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDicrGZDeH 維尼
One raised an eyebrow. “Really. Anyone I know?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlj1WnWqeo 維尼
“I doubt it. His name was Glen too, y'know.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mzfac4gcD 維尼
“Hmm.” One picked at the little blue things in his pasta. They looked like diced tomatoes, but tasted saltier.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdga1MaUzA 維尼
“Yup. He had the same need to help people, the same sense of morality ... he was even handy with machines.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi5G9BN0Ba 維尼
“Sounds like someone I'd like.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyEAV0aeHC 維尼
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 …”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDS1Nz40rG 維尼
One looked up, knowing all too well the meaning of her sudden silence. “I'm sorry. How did it happen?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rKrBEKiVi 維尼
“He sacrificed himself to save us … to save all of us.” She lowered her gaze. “I never quite forgave him for that.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡldzdW9792L 維尼
“Was there no other way?” One asked.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaUk0ISLTQ 維尼
Luck shook her head.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5gpqr00gR 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNG5J6SohW 維尼
A long moment passed with only the sound of silverware clinkin against plates to break it.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWKbcDFmXd 維尼
Feeling as though he should say something, One let out a polite cough and asked, “So how about you?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡINhiOQhl6w 維尼
“What about me?” She asked, grinning.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMM6Xdvg5q 維尼
“What was your life before becoming a Dreamer?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVFYpKHyDa 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡElA9tXBACd 維尼
“Government work, huh? My condolences.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0PN9n188Z 維尼
“Watch it, you.” Luck punched him playfully in the arm. “Anyway, what about you?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZa33mnCxJ 維尼
“What about me?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KFQqv3qXB 維尼
“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?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbfQ2KW0ho 維尼
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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qNOQ4cL0r 維尼
“Wow. Rough, huh?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQvkUbFSYu 維尼
“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.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3JwgPbzEW 維尼
“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?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHxxwd0Gn7 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDVeTphp8S 維尼
“That works in the Elsewhere?” One asked, bemused. “I can only imagine the bill.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZSudGP8fn 維尼
Luck's face fell, wiping the smile from One's face.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtOZ8EEFfZ 維尼
“What's wrong?” He asked her.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡVagStNnX0H 維尼
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.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyUiVTc7Xi 維尼
“I have to go.” Luck said as she rose from the table.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe8UFAMQfc 維尼
One quickly stood up as well. “Is something wrong? Did something happen?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2etKkZrRG 維尼
She turned. Much to One's relief, she was smiling.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxy9j173Mo 維尼
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?”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhE0mf3Ck8 維尼
He smiled back. “Yeah. I gotta go check in with Teach, but I'll be on my floor getting ready after that.”8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFxb5IDkZ3 維尼
“See you there.” With that, Luck vanished.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9kdzeDtgz 維尼
His appetite gone, One left some money on the table and headed for the CPD as it appeared in a nearby tree.8964 copyright protection191ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOugyNFyUl 維尼
ns3.215.79.116da2
