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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeskl3qHECT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUYtpkvB9L
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOszrgle5h
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixqragjtes
"At least... I'm on my back now."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFkoprnh5h
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aOUekPnAy
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbScsawD4U9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnabARVijEl
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc58mRJvTNB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6J0GyfiM0
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB2mrU0KDZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy3AiqM5mn
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFIXDbpt1U
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52NwefpThi
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDYienoA7Z
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5iQVoc0so
I was immediately startled.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oj0reNHDa
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxeLdhxbxf
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PAKcAKYzh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCLoQmghj3
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DiEjmjaJI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI42AXkNsSc
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpTGwJ1QCe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHAzjX6rqP
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejGoNEQZIp
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFE4vLFft0
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEwhVN8dYA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLC5tt1Xza
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLavX8y8h70
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RqpOgefj5
"Do you feel any better?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfXybiDYoJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKuxg5gRFV
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1HBWTrbCZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGbzq0XJKg
"That's good, that's good..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xKUvpdghX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkXn57UTXh
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1g9zYIKMd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUA6gJDyov
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYu1gQ7yYL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEl9p5tL81
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbc0YQ6rXr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk02HITBVw
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb24mHVTt0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7l7yllKg6
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oNpixErX7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzqMwqBNbF
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY76fJcy6p
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx1VcDkuk0
"H-How'd you know?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUTTLD2TkW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFauG54Jhze
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdtsGCwExS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlBHeeHcXf
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgIpNA6Itj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuliD1RQU3e
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhYHjzrHe2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXmAj4YXlx
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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF8RENeUcl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0T4econLT
Pars nodded.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TWRIizWFt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBEOJpVMAw
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvOKMug1za
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yALG1owFt
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLksjHf3Bl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa00PJDJPr1
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneJmZLb5CW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT3aFzm78F
"Mutual what?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgOYV9nAo9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFmtAwMY1M
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtEjVZmGHC
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3kYqLIW7v
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhArwByJ3y
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5foikRl3ac
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjzxIoCe4q
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu437Q3o9U
"Really now..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtUvKU4Uc0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKBanneKyr
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHwL9Skn4O
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC0vhJcaHi
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDzMdgXPzK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7WI5NJ4iF
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P72aCuBX3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeXeUGTlEN
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUDNssZwN2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcNFdiqshj
"Wow... it must've been bad."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT5QUUzsn6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZdNiBoaVq
"You're almost as flippant as I am."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGXiOge5Aq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdogudoQqdl
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbdgNeVk5b
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjTuguhRTP
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4kbQjx5fh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn76FZK6Qsd
"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..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBhmuUxFbp
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUmj2zi1Wd
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAUOez5K4e
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmSzucZilH
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy8phaGoXq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeSrw0TlTJ
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgy1b8Zgsd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilW3AE8viv
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s9rqtDRiP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBRhiFE5ZJ
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAltCgCinI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5yBYUG2aS
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQakjhTkE5u
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlyVw64rhZ
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnxYqH6Oy9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ACpVKyJ0N
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCza3RJxW1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVknNm6Act
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrO3veZwMe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yva941Kzu
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKylhtAW64l
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnFYcJxnX1
"I know."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxIuUUTQUb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YXQsnutZO
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwYIgDZ7S7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf3DmPIu81
"Tell you what; I can't help you."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIWLIAsy5L
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNvp0DoVeO
"...Are you serious?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZh07Efaju
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwEkmFh6hQ
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoER5DOGuwE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTHbS8OYEy
"What? What can?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthX9bO82q8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nTAAbk6nJ
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFYVdnrZpR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3HFgPrOFp
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpWgKie16Q
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf3jE8HS05
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkBWofgpAB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIUSLDUBfV
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39AKKvSBDQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LWRvuRi1K
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDcXQerd8c
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA35IIpjtiv
"Give it a try."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoRZ3ikll6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLkWTIXwYo
He stood up and patted my shoulder.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpaWoOXkiz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWTvr3IFMU
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtyWjfTw0X
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0AjF1as56
"H-Huh? Right now?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKUVCLQCEo
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzlsu0zXNA
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1A53RlNp5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGyvBxfoDg
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth910mal5p
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mtroBVPZn
–
–
–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhtfuKveDb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqrPNXYxLC
"Are ya all packed up?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWIl79zzPl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB92JmI9ui
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubiBuHUfPM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJvZt7pNjY
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8Au7jWNEy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPpHQLGz4V
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR9sLKDciN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAspFbVXO3
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbIKqX8x8g
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ib9FxXUqj
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH25kw7NlXh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVGXrMQqZB
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5GibiRL4b
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ABm1PSWA7
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRfFtAAL7K
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtDZoZB8Ll
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQCA2RKW3P
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmE9c6e2Sr
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ364UJevlSY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqbTdsUm4q
"I suppose that makes sense."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmAhNsntWJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCda19vGvO
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLAgZ5il1U
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvIVgZtKOI
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s7qvgulRK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8RF1wnSVB
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLPlCRXBoy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyraHJOcV9
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXwyF5YaTv
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj7xJHy470
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFPMv7QqP1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFJjMkGEsB
"What do I think...?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sU9Pl1Z5F
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGO0TjNCGW
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyzp9skqM9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoEFmXd88G
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wQ2UYEyti
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYBcEB0FyZ
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAgQionMro
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLRsvdcMBW
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBImDkF8vz5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEmJ3tu8yy
"I'm asking ya, kid."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KeWCxmKQG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlyNMi0de0
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L6E8KqH54
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyajs3zS9uS
"It had to be an Endowment."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L0XdGmsIQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCstZr1oGO
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDKyWbsCqx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo9c1VKmu5
Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBbQ4UerfK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3miQ182gnH
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dptKm4CUq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78TlJZ0MzK
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6sHutrmy9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO0rqt1AMr
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwL0n0NfAl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTEAD9WM4o
"Why not?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBJfd36r2C
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DXOokv0lJ
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5DmdimqGS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDjXTRxIne
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxmsI3bqdr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRIjZ2pWvF
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTQLP63d8Y
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cVTwqaMLt
"Surely, there's a better option."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhtRqqAomT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLAurJJB5I
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9bg0z8azM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zC45aDb5n
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSURG9fG9AJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdiKnMJalg
"What if we spy from a distance?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQgts7FwVx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq3ct3iuOg
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVMjFhyAmb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJq38JBWhs
"...Point taken."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXLxV2O4SK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEtwTnloZO
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI8egS8Kev
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiLlzF6d9Z
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpKJQcAOC2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaElA4o9kZ
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0WtQ1YNl4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXaqqfiHI8
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMw3SfS5w6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHZHttPGVH
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGAOseHKZj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9Z0dj9TwU
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnitxtnES6E
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJbMb27JJr
We nodded in unison.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4BqSidHwr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VFSL1MtaT
"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOfXEq3xP6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj1B3xLKM0
–
–
–
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPzDrRB8PZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1VTwEWyiA
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoJwVvoabQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxfK0RrslT
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPg5OM1Jzk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W6tD3edW9
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsaTND1iRy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduLCptqHmF
"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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6ay9970YK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrEUuByveX
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZMDTwFqnl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJgHvtx898
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUEEzXH7Lw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgH4oGYQ5d
"Well... I won't deny that."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99eWR359o6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cSPocLnLU
I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsDnmH1nZH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQY4aTFNvJ
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDDbN6RbSI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThG6lNuFmq
"Again? What do you–?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zw2dfRlMY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV2v27oZab
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyPQC0HCdJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mqc6RhjGK
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCQDNuzC2w
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPKnIuk8sB
He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEywLAAYTYh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9TrA4JTjD
"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2YDJwB5hN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJsHQ0jncP
"I didn't ask ya that."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr1fk7NXrL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZElucDxM3K
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgDVEGg5z0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7TIdFrbQH
"That ain't surprising."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbmz2xIeIx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pfHTNLSxn
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6p2uyA9St
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKBCdY7Txe
Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UFoWkvUcH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtfaW9GE3Y
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rPMZDB1Yv
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4icf8W2hcg
"Yeah? Like what?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3J0yuLtuk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoVThnSaqh
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr77GHiDXN7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgKdaFZgf9
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhdQz18xwG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrNb7yajzL
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9FvpLu7KY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcqfn0Mcjc
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4dgWjQ7Ni
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp5lD8EaOD
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwMRIQXvTl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLhyBKKFuV
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZa7WlpyHH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJCyJxtGMV
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt8B1w34Ix
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RyMEdliZ5
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzchklIhMn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kc6jzTVsv
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlVg1g8w82
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTkZwfhUbu
"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgCEs0y7jC
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3uT6Bi2mr
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
