A buried memory resurfaced. At least, I thought it was a memory. It might have been a part of my dream, of which I remembered very little, but I was leaning towards the former. It was a memory of my father. It was a rare moment when I was out of my room and speaking with him. He sat me down by the table and went on a tangent, as "men his age do," speaking of a phenomenon known as restless sleep. It sounded like nonsense to me, and I told him that I thought it sounded like nonsense, but he dismissed my remarks. He said that I would understand when I grew older.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspW5UecGcx
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3r9PxkK5k
He wouldn't have known it, but he was a liar. Because here I was, my eyelids turned to stone, gazing at the ceiling as if I hadn't slept at all.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R9RahyJdE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lDr8gAGmh
"At least... I'm on my back now."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPXhjCT9a3
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eKXLYvP9D
I tested the waters. My arm rotated just fine, and I could roll from side to side. I lifted my legs one by one, then both at the same time. I wasn't sore, I wasn't in pain. I crooked my head; all the perturbing sears and tears had vanished. I heaved myself off the mattress. I tested my leg strength, and I could keep myself upright without issue. I have undeniably made a full recovery, despite how groggy I was. I didn't know how much time passed, but it couldn't have been long. I walked to the window and pulled on the blinds. It was bright out.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcjbIXaBsz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7QcnEG993
I closed the blinds and scanned the room. I spotted a cup on the nightstand and reached for it, taking a sip. I sat on the bed with the cup in hand, periodically sipping from it as I stared across the room. I had an urge to stick my finger between my teeth and gnaw. I resisted it, though. I found enough solace in the way I sat.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2GfuiTs4b
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhoben0EU6
It was quiet. Inevitably, I indulged myself in rumination. I was nervous, I knew that much without even thinking. I was also relieved. I was glad that, at the current moment, I was sitting here and not outside the city walls. It freed my thoughts. It let me sip the water with a motionless cup.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcla84KYQ5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yturp9cjU
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vcLLTF1DD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJyLOBS9by
But, I was nervous. I set the cup aside, rubbed my face, and stood up. Staring at a wall would do me no good. If I talked to someone, my stress would surely subside. It would help me stay awake, too. I stood up and ambled to the door, opening it.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9y4yb6HM5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQidF6eSPlJ
I was immediately startled.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHHSv3tFSc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI8pcMqPPy
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsUNRt3eee
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWV8bxsM7d
I jumped silently, grasping my chest and taking a deep breath through my nose. I stepped away and looked at the man conveniently before my door.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBqVzVRNJg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvwff0zhDX
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePO6Cax5fQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxgQDWzKIV
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5vh79YUPH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOlFymeDRD
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi4fSzH23W
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19ckTY9Sq8
I let him enter the room. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms like before while I sat on a nearby chair, turning it so it faced him.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuElLRv2KCs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbinZrmGdz2
"Do you feel any better?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0azhuXV5kd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE9roX43dN
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AduzzDp9D
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡephVaRW8VB
"That's good, that's good..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEKImLBviq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg15HCR4Ta1
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ofRMtrbpD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF09q7qx6B8
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7mUxkSq2I
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTGEMnW3xe
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkCxCW8GrK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XTXkV3HZZ
To my surprise, I didn't react to his inquiry. My body didn't jolt in shock, nor did my eyes widen. I just sighed, because truthfully, I was expecting a question like this.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7UPz2LWhX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSQ1WyXJ0P
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nXqLONFT8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmbmGafF0l
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffokhgmUT8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWYjs0EXEP
"H-How'd you know?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rNU5s4Flr
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOozskWzdjV
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpDBNAwWpl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdIjoFFlZd
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIH4LkTZUZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei1DLYQRFj
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffHi7f3rcH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZlncu7Yho
I leaned back and firmly rubbed my face before returning my gaze to Pars.
"It's funny– I was just about to ask you if you happened to have seen Rover around. Is she with you guys?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7HWxwsCFB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsbZeRZslw
Pars nodded.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzv1r4Vryk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiCNb3CbDh
"Yeah, she's in one of the split buildings. Unfortunately for you, she's in the one where we're going, since Lola's there as well."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMQtAuP55y
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnKejZK8pM
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSkBWp28eF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4tRK5uv8y
"But I'm still lost. I don't get why you two separated at all. Last time I checked, you weren't the best of buds, but there was a bond formed there as mutual battle partners."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQWeL6m3an
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy7YMHsftV
"Mutual what?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9sDSTrDoe
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWUCFcURWd
"It's something you notice the longer you're in the combatant business. You can make lifelong friends in one day just by battling alongside them."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqPXMZiBL1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG8shViC0T
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ9j0GyaSZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1RssHeXUm
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8NKP6NsHJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7aGIA32zz
"Really now..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKRI0o071Q
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9qNVf83tA
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0CdU61OM3
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP48xOu9Gwi
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVxltmYFZp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uLrzfGaoJ
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB2LY4DimV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SQCnHDOEo
I fiddled with my fingers. I thought back to yesterday and viewed my memories with warped eyes. Even though it was recent, the magnitude of the event made it remote, detached from my mind as if I were reading a stranger's book. I remembered the outcome but all else I could recall were caustic words, drastic actions, and weighty, suffocating feelings. My amazement rivaled the strength of my jitter; only one day had passed and I had tucked it away. Yet, I let a little piece of the memory stick out of the wardrobe that harbored it.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIeGgDkIe7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLENsSkq1SE
"Wow... it must've been bad."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ig6RSoYAm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZgPpVJVTK
"You're almost as flippant as I am."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJJ3ZI95GK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ692V15kve3
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJba7SsSvB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsAMbUVUd0
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtFz6JALGj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4l1CGuSmR
"Yeah yeah. She and I disagreed on what to do. She wanted to stay in the city, Juke and I wanted to leave. After learning of what you and Dave told us, the situation is different now, which is why we're still here. But..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxHgOVm9PI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwpw0f9Rfs
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxJykZG9XE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvpAeCl028
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LB4r3eBf8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyXSEGYucE
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3AnasXOD4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasuwfnBICP
My gaze turned into a meek look. It wasn't a plea exactly, but I made sure my face invited advice. I had too much shame to ask what to do with my words.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtRxozMTBp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQphU5EUtd3
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExSRJgeDqV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Uq1ZLjuM
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7eryeQdLQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYKW8xzvXc
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfXyLSCnyN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0g2jlckom
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFxgLrkfyI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK8nMzVP7J
I wanted to correct him. After all, this wasn't my first fight. But when I looked back on the other few I had, this one was much more severe, so I kept shut.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvAjh15jsx
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3hGSXCmuq
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGoDQbz2eJ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEaV8fekvJ
"I know."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQHkfIt4dA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtkx6KKIEL
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3dY4kl8Mb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHnThbP6oe
"Tell you what; I can't help you."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXt9PMaSBv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm4grwJGhP
"...Are you serious?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzu7mw8Qqy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxtlq9QWmS
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqHR4HUScj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd3z5FBKXe
"What? What can?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0mxU6Rab7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6Icbjvv4j
"Well, I'm sure you've been told this before, but I do this with Lola a lot, so I have a bunch of experience. I just make up with her."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaxpXtaIvk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WssG9jLyk
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg8Zu5xOJp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANj69pDFqa
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W62j0zOZ5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALCUTEiqYj
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNavx8i4q6P
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GcLQTyjqS
When I asked myself that, the haze immediately returned, and as I skimmed through possible outcomes of speaking with Rover, I was filled with more and more apprehension.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KxLYZA9ze
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlzzK8ruzE
"Give it a try."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXtpxWIxZ8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgHkk9rTpv
He stood up and patted my shoulder.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8up0eLcl7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lxSFyX1ur
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qpWcGqGYL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvRqkcZA8n
"H-Huh? Right now?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsbIbJHnHH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7szPdCii45
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsr4AKMqv1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmfwCL61Go
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu0bqfqD4L
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvO3y4vbOP
–
–
–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDad15bKRJ8
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"Are ya all packed up?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEc2YeZUjM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsETVbJzokb
As I made my way downstairs, I saw Juke at the bottom, his hands gripping the bag's shoulder straps. I gave him a bemused look and responded to his question.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6wvAkv3r2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK74hFCuoO2
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlHrXWHwkq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjfeHJjlfu
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg8Z35DiSZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ub3Y8AuYx
I made it downstairs and scanned the room. It looked the same as when I left, only Dave and Pars were engaged in conversation. Dave was rubbing his head; it was clear something troubled him.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBPwKRgiBQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUAJ9ycOgL
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtOZbm6kG3
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIHRLMA4u4
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR06gOJNaWE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vDgZ1rxAA
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDYzmpsbcS
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSYJQlahNm
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1suomkOr8y
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEikCeD1T7y
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlemxZ7j0FG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlbKrxuDGq
"I suppose that makes sense."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleXj0d4mWb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSXEf7PgIx
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpvEXCDGwN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSFrdn5ut0
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDMBw2ZEka
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfC9SWQIIJ
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR898fNc014
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLjZuPJvxA
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaiqGBSPii
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaA7HUZLa5
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF17j475Ud
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqePEqeSjD
"What do I think...?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9XRqmzKRT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyiTwmSDUb
I raised my hand and pinched my chin, gazing pensively at a random vase in the shop. Though the craze of the event made it difficult to remember the details, there were two oddities I couldn't forget: the Harbinger could strike Juke from a distance, but somehow didn't always do so, and the Harbinger dodged and blocked my attacks as if she could tell they were coming.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgT2suxfrw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgetstW55A8
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DM6x6REeL
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKsm5x34sl
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0K2cP0rkp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnc6u1B9j7
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fRED7hXGC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznvAbCyoum
"I'm asking ya, kid."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaAbPFJpdU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqImPs1NuB6
I rolled my eyes and continued rumination. Since there was nothing rational about her power, I threw ideas into the world and saw how my better conscious would react. Was it wind magic? If so, Juke would know. Was it an illusion? Illusionary magic has been stated to exist, but no corresponding mana exists in this area. Was it an Endowment? Likely. In fact–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6h9EyoFkO
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ9pT8eVrU
"It had to be an Endowment."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnRajfKz81
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKM7HtYV84
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fRdyXuFxW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3gstWZXC4
Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ0MpdWVQI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF62hPWUBZ
"It would explain the inconsistency. Endowments can have downsides, so maybe she could only strike from a distance under special conditions. I don't know what those conditions are, of course."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgI0wewpHH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi3pNNQtAg
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwYABqJxEB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KBs33qBeF
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpSIV6baXH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMfjk5HsDu
"Why not?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMqIoeMOMF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76y90quJ3l
"It's just a gut feeling. I ain't sure. But yer probably right. It's a pain in the ass not to know what's goin' on behind her bullshit."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mCXA0PLun
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k9nTY8S3B
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkUyrGSgEw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69gxICcv2C
Juke nodded solemnly. From the tone of his voice, it looked like we both knew what that entailed. I sighed and pinched my nose, then spoke again.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCtdYaDYlf
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIxBTuKvUy
"Surely, there's a better option."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvxeXyXNvX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB0Yfu8KYF
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w4nXbHYkX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSSGy1enEi
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHeKRrvadX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfAWkAs7g8
"What if we spy from a distance?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd4FR8Ju3I
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlae8I03BcZ
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tvkorgveH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8iIJduWB3
"...Point taken."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuS57Dcc3X
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8Nzm2r0Qs
As I thought about it more, the idea of leaving people to fight the Harbinger while we sat by the sidelines was sickening. I discarded it immediately, thought the reality it meant I had to face was frightening.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopRi9bfcIO
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjiLuFwGGY
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARLOkPWyX7
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYABVk9QL4
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wv3aNCpzv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRauXCAE3r
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPBOieiW30
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnKLpl13Xs
I smiled weakly. I took comfort in our shared reluctance to do this. In truth, what Juke said about others finishing her off would be nice. If I could, of course I wouldn't want to fight her. But, that wasn't for us to decide; that was up to our luck. As I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best, Dave approached us with Pars in tow.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWlzDeTZbM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaD4Zk7tgZ
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJrIokERYN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fESXNbG4c
We nodded in unison.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CN2YkQf6R
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tNU3xN6lz
"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lixvFOVJW
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUsLX4v7fj
–
–
–
Out on the street, the sky turned ever dimmer. We went through the same motions as before, scuttling in and out of alleyways as we watched for oncoming Bringers. I no longer felt like I was always on my toes, dreading even the slightest error. It just became tedious.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LwphgzPQK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnPyOaIV9Z
At some point, we became comfortable enough to chat. We spoke in whispers, of course, but exchanging words at all made me think we were getting careless. I didn't voice my concerns, only chewed on my finger as I darted my eyes around.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PAJPrdtEF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9anoB6eJL
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbLv9c51On
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfDx56dY8y
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6MMLar3Ez
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc638ybe9j
"I feel like that's all you've been asking me today. Of course I'm nervous. Of course I'm not fine. What part about this is fine?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaJMOQwSJX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L1NfsH1fF
Silence came for a few seconds, and I realized that I might've spoken too rashly. I didn't apologize, though. I felt no inclination to.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPt67A78Zr
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy1YIGgN0l
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2KsCls3t6
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsH5ZDW65G
"Well... I won't deny that."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhrnRDHEBt
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZiX36rbrx
I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlt3l0EDGg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvXIodoQWa
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aFHWqZuAT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMjUaVsRoh
"Again? What do you–?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fKboCvsNn
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMsRom9PXh
As I formed my question, memories of my first mission with Juke surfaced. I kept quiet, but I could feel my cheeks curl into a smile.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pr4gFxYbm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmVpGgxMMx
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYf6ZYAjqG
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7nXwh0e16
He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94U6698pzw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKG43Z0Ekh
"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuInZ2Gg50P
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCndwqwhSC
"I didn't ask ya that."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSNxiLuMbD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbovoA4pUF
"Pars came into my room yesterday. He asked why I wasn't with Rover, since I was with her when I met him. It was, well, a difficult conversation, but I learned that Rover ended up joining the Retaliation Crowd."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7la7fW0Gf
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSk5AEL8Cr
"That ain't surprising."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZXrTsDK5H
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhOE3EewSz
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FIyIhwHCl
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckgjY9ZfEb
Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kgbpcRoqU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn87iuDAK1
"It's funny. The thing I'm most nervous about is meeting her again. I realized that quickly, and then it made me think about a lot of other things."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e9wiWBDvB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEJEbuxpOV
"Yeah? Like what?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnFsLoaMJx
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiJpfa9ejO
"It made me think about home, and coming back to it. Not just Buffalo Village of course, but the Capitol too. I was so caught up in the state of affairs that I forgot I even had places I called home."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPniwtHCNzZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr578fikv1V
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgVpzr1NaK
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4djEGenuJ0
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLSls2LJAV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehCrk8z4nj
I stopped myself and pinched my chin. The words got stuck in my throat. They required tuning before being released, yes, but there was another thing keeping them from leaving Before chaos broke loose and the three of us separated, it was the robes of that woman.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvofiVlXMvx
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqlRn8mY7A
I had terrible thoughts in my head. An abundance of worries and I withered because of them, but nothing I could do would make them leave. All I could do was shut my eyes and look the other way.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL04atTy35N
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGYzhRzVeq
"I hope they're doing okay, is all. Flinty, Annabelle, Jackson, and even the Tea Mage. I hope they're doing better than I am here."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nidAUrYf2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DNBItvGyr
I let out my thoughts in earnest. A minute passed without a reply, and it never came after. I thought I would've been agitated, but I was relieved. Dave and Pars continued their conversation, but we stayed quiet. It was a moment I'd be ashamed to spoil. With how easily my mind wandered back into contemplation, we arrived at our destination seemingly instantly.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CbJQb65PN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzywuHuwXzL
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtybDgHQD9y
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRFpVLAofn
I moved to his side, squinting my eyes to see through the darkening sky. The outline came to me quickly, and then I could make out the building's details. That of which were–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXWxfjTdmw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pgKkct4i1
"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ866CQTWxon
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oIqUexVvQ
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
