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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi2o16mFjQ
Two let out a sigh. “I didn't know the last eighteen times, One. What makes you think I know now?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡveO7UJG0zz
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHymGkdIg5
Two glanced over at his partner. “You're awfully antsy. What's up?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14n3spaP4t
“I just want to get this over with.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAIuIDdoDM
Two shrugged and continued messing around with his phone.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRuwdbRrU8
Fidgeting in his seat, One said, “The last thing I need is for Luck to think I stood her up.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVdTZFj9uo
Two looked over at him. “Wait, Luck? Oh, I get it. You have a date, and Teach's slow ass is-”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaZmEHZR6C
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5u8BHjt8d
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF9Pz8uSiZ
“Thank you.” Teach said absently, opening the book and pulling out a few sheets of paper covered in scribbles.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVafhOXhG3
One clapped his hands together, saying, “So, what's the plan, Teach?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk9otK5Nee
“Well, I've consulted with Atraius and Alan Tryth, and ran a few simulations in the Workshop-”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QTaGsjakB
One waved him off. “Yeah, yeah. What's the plan?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAxkQO9N5Q
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZb0nELts0
“That's it?” One looked at Two, who looked equally as mystified. “You want me to actually go with Mikaen's group?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtQBEw3XHn
“If you work directly with Mikaen, you'll be in the best position to gage his willingness to go home and act accordingly.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡySY5dPUmC0
“No sneaking around or anything?” One persisted, “I mean, I'm really just gonna join up with his team?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu0nuo2gRu
“That's correct.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzY7aCEezl
One stared at Teach. “And you're okay with that?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8eAdrp8N2
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90w9n1xqhp
Still feeling a bit strange, One said, “Yeah, I'm sure I'll think of something.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyZSFavjo4
“Very well. Now as I understand it, you have a date to get to.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZcTAqk0z8
“How did you know?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I8zRwBpWT
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRrOK6Yfqm
Shaking his head, One hurried out of the nearest door.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5mvYXWjXv
After waiting a few seconds to see if One would come back, Two let out a snort and started to follow.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0dzA55bu2
“One moment,” Teach called out.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kTw9DD7S3
With an annoyed sigh, Two plopped back down in his seat.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc8RI7PErN
“Now Two, I know you don't approve of this-” began Teach.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSOnsotyAY
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFiubr8Pz1
“I want you to sabotage Mikaen's trust of One.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4d1WW9LBA
Two fell silent, his finger still pointing at Teach.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLtn9WMCun
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡA52SAekI3T
Two stared at Teach, his mouth hanging open.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVXYXUU6Fw
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfhaCr7p3B
“Then who-” Two's mouth fell open again the moment he realized who Teach was talking about.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEHOxh3R06
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL2JJ0DE7j
“Wait just a damn second,” said Two, rising to his feet, “One could go back to Earth anytime he feels like it!”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOysZaT6AX
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡImBpa9He1I
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMtnwcn9Ru
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1j1ticmpM
“So what? What's the big deal about him going back to Earth?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡk78Wxj5ex6
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSTqgqDEzu
Two blew a raspberry at Teach. “What the hell could possibly hurt a Dreamer?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83vs4ZKhma
“I'm more concerned with what could hurt him if he's not a Dreamer.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GhcCOwI34
Two fell silent for a moment at the implication of Teach's words.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0WIqc93QJ
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZM3sR3c8p
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc6EpJtVrx
Teach didn't reply.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgxWZY981Z
Two let out an exasperated breath. “Oh, back to the 'I have my sources' crap again, huh?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAZDEruHED
“It's the truth.” Teach said quietly. “Will you help?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71PdGfWaan
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaEe6EcfMe
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEPfitHNal
Rolling his eyes, Two said, “Whatever. So, all I gotta do is make Mikaen not trust One, right? Any restrictions?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhngv4vrfG
“Only that you do it covertly. If One finds out either of us were involved-”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWQubW8ocV
“Yeah, yeah.” Two waved his hand, “I've seen what he can do to a person with Headache.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrzsGSVnF6
Teach nodded. “Very good. If I were you, I'd think about-”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6o7nTcSlr
Two cut him off with an impatient wave. “I don't need YOUR help, thank you very much.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbnpFzmOXy
“Of course. Good luck, Two.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAZj3GbY4Q
As soon as Two left the Library, he called out, “Wong? I know you're listening!”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OXtVkm7dI
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMTWbzwxnt
“Shut up.” Two said abruptly.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6645p7MB6R
Wong's mouth closed with a click.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbFpEBJ1JX
“You want to do me a favor?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiJDfUcLsz
Wong nodded eagerly.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyGiE6qrHw
“You want to help out One and prove that you're ready to be a full member of the Elsewhere Incorporate?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9HXzmyjoi
Wong nodded even more eagerly, his pupils bouncing around in his eyes like a particularly violent game of Pong.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8AZLPUYAm
“Then tail him when he goes to Ronisgald and help him with the whole Mikaen thing.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOUe7zly02
Wong saluted again. “Yessir!”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4icMgM9P5x
As Wong's body vanished from sight, Two clapped his hands together. “Well, that takes care of that.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lGHlswfq7
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZVwe35zC5
“Is something wrong?” Luck asked, looking a little worried.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGoPtFBDuG
One shook his head. “No. It's just … I'm not sure what to say.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB2RjnjQCK
Squeezing his hand, Luck asked, “What did you and Ukaroh talk about when you first met?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeKTKYXQyz
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡVafk0JZBmu
“Did you take her advice?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡix6kppHJfk
“Not quite. I think my exact words were, 'Get the hell off my floor.'“copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡudye6ic38L
Luck laughed. “Was she right? About the Final Fantasy?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4WSpWCpxZ
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQxZaWoSFE
He blushed. “I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear about my old girlfriend.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9RLoY3A1c
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEhhxGe95M
“They told you about that, huh?” One sighed.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZCFYMBmEh
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RrTCPRGqS
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMxb44RidX
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lXG1VtDi8
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjZmcCc3jC
“Anytime.” She replied quietly, a small smile on her face.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdototygLL
Further conversation was cut off as their server brought them some drinks and two steaming dishes of pasta.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ7bx860Mo
After thanking the server, Luck said, “You know, you've always reminded me of my ex.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HI83ULgY4
One raised an eyebrow. “Really. Anyone I know?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVhhpGKXWw
“I doubt it. His name was Glen too, y'know.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡIamQlUZrUL
“Hmm.” One picked at the little blue things in his pasta. They looked like diced tomatoes, but tasted saltier.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2tybwtWNr
“Yup. He had the same need to help people, the same sense of morality ... he was even handy with machines.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FmjXLZHJV
“Sounds like someone I'd like.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡer6BirvhTp
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JswhE3KAQ
One looked up, knowing all too well the meaning of her sudden silence. “I'm sorry. How did it happen?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCvyWtkVa3
“He sacrificed himself to save us … to save all of us.” She lowered her gaze. “I never quite forgave him for that.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡRovX0Opv5i
“Was there no other way?” One asked.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡV91nFj1I3C
Luck shook her head.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡyff4Obx97I
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZ7IX7wnDC
A long moment passed with only the sound of silverware clinkin against plates to break it.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyLHWq0Y93
Feeling as though he should say something, One let out a polite cough and asked, “So how about you?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIjQN72lga
“What about me?” She asked, grinning.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tabc7jJuW
“What was your life before becoming a Dreamer?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡlav7RryRpI
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0qeQdlTzC
“Government work, huh? My condolences.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D5dOhl70Q
“Watch it, you.” Luck punched him playfully in the arm. “Anyway, what about you?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m1zuS02Kq
“What about me?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFqbUhpgaY
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeBYsqfOyg
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡECDFc7ydaj
“Wow. Rough, huh?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUZ35Tlv9w
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2K40dug12
“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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGFamRiV4s
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHndLt76Yh
“That works in the Elsewhere?” One asked, bemused. “I can only imagine the bill.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsjnwkB1AC
Luck's face fell, wiping the smile from One's face.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48jJjFBBBG
“What's wrong?” He asked her.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pos2aWahV
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUnKhU5TWF
“I have to go.” Luck said as she rose from the table.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0NPK7vlI6
One quickly stood up as well. “Is something wrong? Did something happen?”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NVqgYAc8R
She turned. Much to One's relief, she was smiling.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AMvl3pqXl
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 protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tmUj61OsJ
He smiled back. “Yeah. I gotta go check in with Teach, but I'll be on my floor getting ready after that.”copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuxQVNPwZY
“See you there.” With that, Luck vanished.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7yaCTe2jb
His appetite gone, One left some money on the table and headed for the CPD as it appeared in a nearby tree.copyright protection71ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpFKjYQkMi
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