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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvHVe48z7d 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡO63VBIWBnt 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G8bemks8D 維尼
Two glanced over at his partner. “You're awfully antsy. What's up?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkbZoJks7e 維尼
“I just want to get this over with.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43eBSyf076 維尼
Two shrugged and continued messing around with his phone.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ8uimI0Lp 維尼
Fidgeting in his seat, One said, “The last thing I need is for Luck to think I stood her up.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXNtLpwgIY 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr3IaTwlmC 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjN1NjUKE1 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5uC60ljOj 維尼
“Thank you.” Teach said absently, opening the book and pulling out a few sheets of paper covered in scribbles.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GWGcXFn0y 維尼
One clapped his hands together, saying, “So, what's the plan, Teach?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡeir6iiBTDf 維尼
“Well, I've consulted with Atraius and Alan Tryth, and ran a few simulations in the Workshop-”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi7Pn2xyAq 維尼
One waved him off. “Yeah, yeah. What's the plan?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡi951Bcr4Zl 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9WIbTQNoe 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡky8lOK9y78 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48dp061yXR 維尼
“No sneaking around or anything?” One persisted, “I mean, I'm really just gonna join up with his team?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0J0vUkWQN 維尼
“That's correct.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnouZ3cifd 維尼
One stared at Teach. “And you're okay with that?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7cmR0CO3D 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0Gxn0UuYx 維尼
Still feeling a bit strange, One said, “Yeah, I'm sure I'll think of something.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAzdZly7zy 維尼
“Very well. Now as I understand it, you have a date to get to.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSMrNUCzib 維尼
“How did you know?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjtYFmvqxn 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTnRcSTThG 維尼
Shaking his head, One hurried out of the nearest door.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7PqVer5OV 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqG9ecvTiw 維尼
“One moment,” Teach called out.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmbfTzMKo5 維尼
With an annoyed sigh, Two plopped back down in his seat.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KIwYxiinP 維尼
“Now Two, I know you don't approve of this-” began Teach.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXCVSggRel 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFECEg5gji 維尼
“I want you to sabotage Mikaen's trust of One.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoXXCDuVLq 維尼
Two fell silent, his finger still pointing at Teach.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfF9pHI9F0 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCnFaqN2kM 維尼
Two stared at Teach, his mouth hanging open.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡObClgbCLNS 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uTpK7l49i 維尼
“Then who-” Two's mouth fell open again the moment he realized who Teach was talking about.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsYCpSxAvV 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zTVHe266Q 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjC8MzvWju 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM8gPAjxkJ 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOzjBryIBc 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp2GoayzPv 維尼
“So what? What's the big deal about him going back to Earth?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc9cRi9uYS 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuUZCiHteA 維尼
Two blew a raspberry at Teach. “What the hell could possibly hurt a Dreamer?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuMCu3D6KM 維尼
“I'm more concerned with what could hurt him if he's not a Dreamer.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRXS2YYT09 維尼
Two fell silent for a moment at the implication of Teach's words.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW4is5bNLR 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKqBXSscqz 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDTK5AS61f 維尼
Teach didn't reply.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtL7b0u4Ry 維尼
Two let out an exasperated breath. “Oh, back to the 'I have my sources' crap again, huh?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaPkGpXGh1 維尼
“It's the truth.” Teach said quietly. “Will you help?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo0gO5Souu 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡssYz9An0jg 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9tCc6Od0g 維尼
Rolling his eyes, Two said, “Whatever. So, all I gotta do is make Mikaen not trust One, right? Any restrictions?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLTD0dROzb 維尼
“Only that you do it covertly. If One finds out either of us were involved-”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwCA0kn8xO 維尼
“Yeah, yeah.” Two waved his hand, “I've seen what he can do to a person with Headache.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVTWcJXI4i 維尼
Teach nodded. “Very good. If I were you, I'd think about-”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHhGkc4yzo 維尼
Two cut him off with an impatient wave. “I don't need YOUR help, thank you very much.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXDTzY84mQ 維尼
“Of course. Good luck, Two.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7JSKEi2fX 維尼
As soon as Two left the Library, he called out, “Wong? I know you're listening!”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLUYqS53rJ 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9kcBMkPxr 維尼
“Shut up.” Two said abruptly.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgAkcjlILg 維尼
Wong's mouth closed with a click.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBqVxWg7uH 維尼
“You want to do me a favor?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyQRNkCVsF 維尼
Wong nodded eagerly.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc2USsroAz 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjAr8NYvFl 維尼
Wong nodded even more eagerly, his pupils bouncing around in his eyes like a particularly violent game of Pong.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFr5jlOP8G 維尼
“Then tail him when he goes to Ronisgald and help him with the whole Mikaen thing.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RXUtp9req 維尼
Wong saluted again. “Yessir!”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1ar8OUkIB 維尼
As Wong's body vanished from sight, Two clapped his hands together. “Well, that takes care of that.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIF85VTSFu 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVxFZk3Kgk 維尼
“Is something wrong?” Luck asked, looking a little worried.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FzhVHDS5v 維尼
One shook his head. “No. It's just … I'm not sure what to say.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4thFdJcka 維尼
Squeezing his hand, Luck asked, “What did you and Ukaroh talk about when you first met?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPWv8JP2hc 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1943ErBcxx 維尼
“Did you take her advice?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38YiOsTelo 維尼
“Not quite. I think my exact words were, 'Get the hell off my floor.'“8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BcBdgJAuz 維尼
Luck laughed. “Was she right? About the Final Fantasy?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75bszvDav1 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr9qlYKp9e 維尼
He blushed. “I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear about my old girlfriend.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmmwB5tLUo 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNJAkPzNKl 維尼
“They told you about that, huh?” One sighed.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAghn5lNmU 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ7fuxWxW4 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rbV01GNEO 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡD848MbCW8z 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv6fMJRJ1G 維尼
“Anytime.” She replied quietly, a small smile on her face.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbQe97Plly 維尼
Further conversation was cut off as their server brought them some drinks and two steaming dishes of pasta.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOxm5YTmx1 維尼
After thanking the server, Luck said, “You know, you've always reminded me of my ex.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHGShR2wZa 維尼
One raised an eyebrow. “Really. Anyone I know?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlPRUJQgjc 維尼
“I doubt it. His name was Glen too, y'know.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5QBG3fSKZ 維尼
“Hmm.” One picked at the little blue things in his pasta. They looked like diced tomatoes, but tasted saltier.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0obcEntrws 維尼
“Yup. He had the same need to help people, the same sense of morality ... he was even handy with machines.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLC0ldP9l8 維尼
“Sounds like someone I'd like.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ugIZMkahB 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡibrE69Bhwm 維尼
One looked up, knowing all too well the meaning of her sudden silence. “I'm sorry. How did it happen?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsOaRY57Gn 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2ZUOCHgcr 維尼
“Was there no other way?” One asked.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡljvTDsRLZZ 維尼
Luck shook her head.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuJVIOWTJp 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm8bHdAm4Q 維尼
A long moment passed with only the sound of silverware clinkin against plates to break it.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfS3ZCuFiJ 維尼
Feeling as though he should say something, One let out a polite cough and asked, “So how about you?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx0sibPTlr 維尼
“What about me?” She asked, grinning.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnBQ1lLbki 維尼
“What was your life before becoming a Dreamer?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6hSGvR242 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXu3JouymI 維尼
“Government work, huh? My condolences.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWlOw1zd1m 維尼
“Watch it, you.” Luck punched him playfully in the arm. “Anyway, what about you?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXrd6zxykL 維尼
“What about me?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MjfORZvW7 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpbEUCDYhj 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E9dvDtDsf 維尼
“Wow. Rough, huh?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4sQ6clXrq 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSlkBHTmOY 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVU2UPjYQi 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzBmhDI6Ep 維尼
“That works in the Elsewhere?” One asked, bemused. “I can only imagine the bill.”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡZutzkM1rXY 維尼
Luck's face fell, wiping the smile from One's face.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmE9WDkPn4 維尼
“What's wrong?” He asked her.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxcALq87MX 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcn4LdmYCU 維尼
“I have to go.” Luck said as she rose from the table.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDPIAjcnrS 維尼
One quickly stood up as well. “Is something wrong? Did something happen?”8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡk97b4xsWvr 維尼
She turned. Much to One's relief, she was smiling.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVxFWATQOX 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeSOULjQKB 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ9l9NUct8 維尼
“See you there.” With that, Luck vanished.8964 copyright protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FYR3834Zh 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 protection279ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH7hPnx8ac 維尼
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