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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡpldJkHtDyv
Two let out a sigh. “I didn't know the last eighteen times, One. What makes you think I know now?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDsIEg8fMm
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IAJUGeLEn
Two glanced over at his partner. “You're awfully antsy. What's up?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsAoVCPmDo
“I just want to get this over with.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMFEHAkoIL
Two shrugged and continued messing around with his phone.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRspoRaw1R
Fidgeting in his seat, One said, “The last thing I need is for Luck to think I stood her up.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oLo7TqBrX
Two looked over at him. “Wait, Luck? Oh, I get it. You have a date, and Teach's slow ass is-”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdYIlpPgVt
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW9fweNRG6
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡushEzYSgAn
“Thank you.” Teach said absently, opening the book and pulling out a few sheets of paper covered in scribbles.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjM9HJUozI
One clapped his hands together, saying, “So, what's the plan, Teach?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8rdniyEgl
“Well, I've consulted with Atraius and Alan Tryth, and ran a few simulations in the Workshop-”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrtGqt36hl
One waved him off. “Yeah, yeah. What's the plan?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡneAR1LnTv7
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡouQOVZEZqk
“That's it?” One looked at Two, who looked equally as mystified. “You want me to actually go with Mikaen's group?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkGRzbaRd0
“If you work directly with Mikaen, you'll be in the best position to gage his willingness to go home and act accordingly.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA4x1dO3wA
“No sneaking around or anything?” One persisted, “I mean, I'm really just gonna join up with his team?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaW9gWYr2I
“That's correct.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lPcOBR1dt
One stared at Teach. “And you're okay with that?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY9nH3X66K
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡScvCzMuBZL
Still feeling a bit strange, One said, “Yeah, I'm sure I'll think of something.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhH7pByTmS
“Very well. Now as I understand it, you have a date to get to.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpZWsxNvAq
“How did you know?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZxDw0FX4o
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHSERS71XU
Shaking his head, One hurried out of the nearest door.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0z0HEGsJ4
After waiting a few seconds to see if One would come back, Two let out a snort and started to follow.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7RVUMo0Td
“One moment,” Teach called out.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16bQ0zXHiB
With an annoyed sigh, Two plopped back down in his seat.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvbS9gF644
“Now Two, I know you don't approve of this-” began Teach.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCg9RFeQxB
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86DMkdEc3L
“I want you to sabotage Mikaen's trust of One.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBvwMVGhEy
Two fell silent, his finger still pointing at Teach.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J5SxDdnjQ
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ig1mp9kwQ
Two stared at Teach, his mouth hanging open.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHXCnOVMFD
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFiUfUTu40
“Then who-” Two's mouth fell open again the moment he realized who Teach was talking about.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hse8OwREj
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡR827k76EDA
“Wait just a damn second,” said Two, rising to his feet, “One could go back to Earth anytime he feels like it!”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqOXjqpuhi
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EE5UwigXF
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNMvaMryDL
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNhV1yMQOx
“So what? What's the big deal about him going back to Earth?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pSG4zZKJS
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡWouiKbvSTd
Two blew a raspberry at Teach. “What the hell could possibly hurt a Dreamer?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXxD4riG5U
“I'm more concerned with what could hurt him if he's not a Dreamer.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwgYyL9uN4
Two fell silent for a moment at the implication of Teach's words.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mRgRtmXWY
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡABov5em9en
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNmN3NOyPH
Teach didn't reply.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡxusVttVabb
Two let out an exasperated breath. “Oh, back to the 'I have my sources' crap again, huh?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10J5xPebe5
“It's the truth.” Teach said quietly. “Will you help?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡG99v7Vs2fD
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBbPwm7QhG
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKoEz9ZVUG
Rolling his eyes, Two said, “Whatever. So, all I gotta do is make Mikaen not trust One, right? Any restrictions?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡCASwCOGGJj
“Only that you do it covertly. If One finds out either of us were involved-”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlHGUMBUwg
“Yeah, yeah.” Two waved his hand, “I've seen what he can do to a person with Headache.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZY6iiE9Af
Teach nodded. “Very good. If I were you, I'd think about-”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dDw41bxpF
Two cut him off with an impatient wave. “I don't need YOUR help, thank you very much.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I5q7Na7D4
“Of course. Good luck, Two.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9qIweE8bj
As soon as Two left the Library, he called out, “Wong? I know you're listening!”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NArf04YtS
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbBlI4eHR6
“Shut up.” Two said abruptly.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcy9dG73E5
Wong's mouth closed with a click.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VvFeUzLHD
“You want to do me a favor?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0znz5iFII
Wong nodded eagerly.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYVbvAqjHP
“You want to help out One and prove that you're ready to be a full member of the Elsewhere Incorporate?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqU8wVqjyv
Wong nodded even more eagerly, his pupils bouncing around in his eyes like a particularly violent game of Pong.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2WdFOW9Cm
“Then tail him when he goes to Ronisgald and help him with the whole Mikaen thing.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYvUWY0oII
Wong saluted again. “Yessir!”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUx8Db3TBs
As Wong's body vanished from sight, Two clapped his hands together. “Well, that takes care of that.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡoknaVuL9Mn
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqdofIxXch
“Is something wrong?” Luck asked, looking a little worried.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcbloMcLTk
One shook his head. “No. It's just … I'm not sure what to say.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM0HVD0ECG
Squeezing his hand, Luck asked, “What did you and Ukaroh talk about when you first met?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbOKbjB553
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCyrzDjiki
“Did you take her advice?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡjotpwLaHEw
“Not quite. I think my exact words were, 'Get the hell off my floor.'“copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA4QW785M6
Luck laughed. “Was she right? About the Final Fantasy?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2p3vnjKpU
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡFya7dwytfX
He blushed. “I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear about my old girlfriend.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUcbxIvE8z
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ603W6AxKSY
“They told you about that, huh?” One sighed.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVO91JzLEL
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX1tZrST33
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWH3d1ia19
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx5sqTwuWV
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCFfeu4v94
“Anytime.” She replied quietly, a small smile on her face.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPgTqieVIo
Further conversation was cut off as their server brought them some drinks and two steaming dishes of pasta.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvqY8bUbfZ
After thanking the server, Luck said, “You know, you've always reminded me of my ex.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15NRcPJ5PF
One raised an eyebrow. “Really. Anyone I know?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0QohsHIzD
“I doubt it. His name was Glen too, y'know.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCvu0Cssfp
“Hmm.” One picked at the little blue things in his pasta. They looked like diced tomatoes, but tasted saltier.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFDjOpvT78
“Yup. He had the same need to help people, the same sense of morality ... he was even handy with machines.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMByO5chPm
“Sounds like someone I'd like.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5adElbpbzp
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vVVVKndJ9
One looked up, knowing all too well the meaning of her sudden silence. “I'm sorry. How did it happen?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aJ9cMtZYB
“He sacrificed himself to save us … to save all of us.” She lowered her gaze. “I never quite forgave him for that.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC4mpUdPRB
“Was there no other way?” One asked.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5PqnKNprp
Luck shook her head.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbuZ78l6Iy
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vszVO5LTt
A long moment passed with only the sound of silverware clinkin against plates to break it.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT3opYqb3M
Feeling as though he should say something, One let out a polite cough and asked, “So how about you?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHjXkJZ6Z0
“What about me?” She asked, grinning.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxCUNzP5vL
“What was your life before becoming a Dreamer?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9Gp6mXKnw
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrVsm30cYU
“Government work, huh? My condolences.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgI10qsCnX
“Watch it, you.” Luck punched him playfully in the arm. “Anyway, what about you?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPlzptdaMq
“What about me?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1CY3dXsFS
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFs7hhFJTn
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0cQZIq4pP
“Wow. Rough, huh?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡypV5ZF1SEA
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqSPIIBiyu
“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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkBC4qFGWq
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYlZYYPUg2
“That works in the Elsewhere?” One asked, bemused. “I can only imagine the bill.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ScvMJ4Bko
Luck's face fell, wiping the smile from One's face.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0uvQzUAKF
“What's wrong?” He asked her.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLMoN2PTxu
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8gjuSBmUp
“I have to go.” Luck said as she rose from the table.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxdBWGtWmW
One quickly stood up as well. “Is something wrong? Did something happen?”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVJu3USRt9
She turned. Much to One's relief, she was smiling.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLiwE2AHp5
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 protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pV6ktafxj
He smiled back. “Yeah. I gotta go check in with Teach, but I'll be on my floor getting ready after that.”copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l0HvV7mtz
“See you there.” With that, Luck vanished.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYRS8VTMuR
His appetite gone, One left some money on the table and headed for the CPD as it appeared in a nearby tree.copyright protection169ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNqQzMXCkE
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