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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL6eB9VFLg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecLc6XTMH6
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtjLmiwaNB
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvEdKQLVBd
"At least... I'm on my back now."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgSjEbbG4j
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7T4HSkcPW
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZHQi077Rb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUo5UVzdsh
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5Y7KrCHu8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh9cUn2Qph
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi3LcUOQIt
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxYoZLOLpp
"..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrasJhVTX0q
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczMhMbteDb
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUJucl3UB9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJrxUm4tZb
I was immediately startled.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaEthwy94o
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDgcydQKCw
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vH60DNnQ3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRG9lenxwJ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50zpuFJBNS
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLTOGWkBTO
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT7lJn7wrz
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8VHFLoG2z
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosfsfkMq5N
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYTBXV9v7F
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjli0z8w2MR
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWCeER2E8l
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRC75Rrv5s
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDDXE8k2VV
"Do you feel any better?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY9wQXrKOg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBhBuCrd6M
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMs3QzwJqQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKNnHSHiA8
"That's good, that's good..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZoJ5atuYa
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5miu27nyj
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHS7W1oqs0
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbfaoCQlgO
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEa9WYUFQO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqsYEFzSRO
"..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq9RVgrrvh
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSwUnvleYc
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cID3B3JEm
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V28xwyQXd
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkqjR99PHn
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe3vdBl6Vd
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJJGFR4RpG
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxvcnlBTKX
"H-How'd you know?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0mjt7f5Es
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM1FGpeWBY
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGMm7wpvAw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ukeXgMIJG
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdB5Wi3Ir09
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5z3dlZU4j
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy3AqlRApl
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeYlMUtQoM
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?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdk6m5j5qR
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW69fNCQIV
Pars nodded.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjCU9WV59X
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs6IVdfKLy
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqCFiH2WQV
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SmKJpjufD
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5s3i6gtNc
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0i3AioBbd
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF5HA1Yrbi
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XmSWXjwvk
"Mutual what?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOmhVdfasH
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8AAiFN7dx
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3h3hUmduz
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtbQ4sbi3g
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMbHs4wWKj
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTEIakQSuI
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKM73ENdbLX
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCB2yUk53x
"Really now..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBTkmweHmZ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡona9kFvdWH
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP3Jf4Zi0J
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KQMvmYvah
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcDQDmEJ0v
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5pcBb45Ui
"..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO8Rakm5AU
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE28zADdj1T
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNfRaKndfS
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF2mbM3XPb
"Wow... it must've been bad."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmykg2FWT5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK9CQNGcXK
"You're almost as flippant as I am."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaDfuoyiT4
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSFvsNkTRC
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCdE2pR7dI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVdLqOcXj6
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoxehaxMJH
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy6hbuEhFI
"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..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJMjMaq9x5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnLYM1PtdO
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyB5N9CCDG
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoVFA8vuKj
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnoZYE5oCo
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAhtSvSzTw
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ555sNnOWJX
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls2t5XPrOw
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18B4uwGBT3
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejYkwXxN6W
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MD3yLgpHN
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHLUYMHTco
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v9uXk6RQC
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ979bgwMIYx
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC53lM0oID4
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoh1U3NhXc
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KpCC8yD4k
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcg9HNwNBd
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgLbT5fScR
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPTVm4cpsQ
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yV0Nt5V9o
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVpDzpuqVD
"I know."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6en8huV7Fc
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY4Mnf8pPA
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lfoJfzbyb
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOGqm3hatO
"Tell you what; I can't help you."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL3pJKVeCu
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyHC5ILDff
"...Are you serious?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y7vMmj8Tk
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz4nQFYfJ9
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUWMgWMNM9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtb5Q8GNEa
"What? What can?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIsYejIrmk
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6YOTXccuy
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVyGSeA7J2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1r4GLvstP
"..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkHZGdsweO
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCdK6iqzp3
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VLpvFiXwQ
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbfo73aokA
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY80bggnDe
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupXqBN5XRm
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kkdaKemYf
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62YdRW5hjQ
"Give it a try."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb6dn5kjd0
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJS25KXYqb
He stood up and patted my shoulder.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qev64LMjh
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fRl2BnB8B
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufaaGXOcTK
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPaSWARp82
"H-Huh? Right now?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgX6DKj7rN
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50BPiAprRj
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAvFOigXh7
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyTHRTGIhI
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZSd8dXOSL
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAwngmNTqP
–
–
–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXflHyZL9A
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv11EkIPZim
"Are ya all packed up?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3J1h5mHf2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe2pYJWbHK
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KzqwglOBh
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG2Eb5E53j
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjAoAe9a6P
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHindI7tKD
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzG2tSWXIo
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5cZk7svPA
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwUbbohZEY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3s9zuPaPU
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7luaKsQ103
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTussplgcd
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOXdb4oH97
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEOZZOaE5U
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N14vWpW9P
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqepi6VO127
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLuXUIub9r
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzSCf29Upg
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkQVyRZey5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwv0SIgvpj
"I suppose that makes sense."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75yJJCGp9P
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP1zC4xKnx
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrOz7ZGX3O
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1iXg8GwR0
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0HVfyqbc5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCh3YhPNd6
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLibUUlMgw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgV9gnpW5J
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuOY0X34SX
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ISQbb8gyI
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0ESsTu3EK
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p0RChaLUp
"What do I think...?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9mfBTP8ul
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtOLMEJhaQ
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QPxkr2x1c
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcsRHcGJhy
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeg4GA4eaVB
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB6rmDybDi
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJhgBkW4UA
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl51Oi5J0Hr
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73fSMCmw7W
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFlrRHsu2x
"I'm asking ya, kid."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH7ub1rw5T
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu43huHBZu
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd7Xi1FLz9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSp9yI6hB5
"It had to be an Endowment."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHwxN7vpSl
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudPlIIPP9z
"..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aAX21remT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0krApuCCr
Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66UbWy7P0w
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi7jHvnDYl
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4bz881kOn
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRvJTV9swZ
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMbybIMpi6
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2zi7nGfoZ
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau4JqJGie5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyb1y6ka5T
"Why not?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZmj2odKz2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGlNgigtn5
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnTaaZ5A3s
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnj043Z7To
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQKT85UTCc
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JQsFfRLZ7
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQoHARxjCs
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstq3rx73ST
"Surely, there's a better option."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix65GaoJW1
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeTwc9PfMi
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHeym8B7ud
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil8cjHKAN3
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekw2s24hhq
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHOjoGjfqj
"What if we spy from a distance?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWKqUME2A5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrKu7ohfMH
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SicVHoTQ7
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz722QGWJz7
"...Point taken."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jeLPy2lGM
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j5Hm9ZeFh
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bb0HUDdao
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Gyfh1r1ye
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1j8kIOM5nz
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjBGYftGaa
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8RG1j9Kpy
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB03g0kdws
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlwP8YFKzz
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3kOliH6FF
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J166ASm88
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfekbT5tyqd
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBPqvdS2GT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSMsNTGnNF
We nodded in unison.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Sh0VXTQXY
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JpOIBDIBG
"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUARdGzpKQw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJTtXTyiMc
–
–
–
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJEStigAEd
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNZiHF0gq8
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWi9ylPkmp
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g4FJg5xYz
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdln8IiONM
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8SMugfVAY
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8wqDjnxIg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPTmSbprYq
"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?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIgodZyAwd
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMyoBpp9L6
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceTfKQfzNI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vVhFOQWJX
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSCVdV5Xe8
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e7mA3T2PM
"Well... I won't deny that."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauEQfFrlXu
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVernsieV02
I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJI9R1oHbV
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXQ7JD5ZeG
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtXK5IjRla
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv90BjUQzUt
"Again? What do you–?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGtwa0imy5
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnAca7O2tL
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmfj2RYtPG
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPg0xd0hs4
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUGKuglCG2
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVi8JPqY0W
He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qa6Dz8lbF
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3l9qjOpLR
"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZNbbHVSSk
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvoZyQ3UBU
"I didn't ask ya that."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmYWSMyqTH
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUwukqztjP
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJoPvao1KT
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThYe7LClW3
"That ain't surprising."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvPPQmeVjH
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa80o73jBa0
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc1J70vUhI
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ETQJREwLv
Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf8JzItjHw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5x86GpVzC
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVZK4VFek9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1vLYLgfgX
"Yeah? Like what?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB9IDPkKcm
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsepC4MURr
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvHc5F6Bds
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLDWS4aM17
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j4pGchJyA
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT3mzZb87T
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoiKc8MAAx
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDFjvaf8ZD
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAdqJq9Cev
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sOXsF5tq8
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcjj1yetG9
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8Sgt9CM9B
"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."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt6fAIGFNp
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwJym83sXy
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.67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QvwgUlj6C
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik6KRqQqoc
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHcP6RtmWg
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz74BqRDpD
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–67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdTc7XdFez
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9YUfIzC74
"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAw7vAnOXx
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxlCFzUXYb
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
