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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PAtAk9nNI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXWM6kkcr9
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORolulxqME
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"At least... I'm on my back now."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YGMKqHLqr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesz6YyB6kK
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hMzcH6jmi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA4sHJ6f4r
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneW1EFiqMX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfFw50u9nP
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dM6jYKwie
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOr46dmv05
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBmYS5toF4
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTs6QFFtEH
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I was immediately startled.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevmTjFrDeS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hKFQG9ZZA
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4zXp4q8NK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTKSo7shrg
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkdGxL4y0k
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCvwoN0d6M
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJXHeqAR5X
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc79CrtAcW
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3LPi9gfhX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3y8ZVaX9l
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8DnmZarfp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gT4a7Je6n
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oaovc5iQt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvWf6Yw615
"Do you feel any better?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdPHSuKgyj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NJ9lrEIdZ
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1LuW9jqKu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKsZcd0zJR
"That's good, that's good..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooUJ9zK0ST
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRrA88TpCk
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvHlOTAQqK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAE5hhpZkI
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTGI2v5U5V
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70Zx8qndfp
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdiR5K0b8S
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzeMbIwi8k
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC1VRT5PqI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5YGERfZkw
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnNQ5voVPU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg7eDNOQTj
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k5TVSrF9o
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXqwlZmgQA
"H-How'd you know?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaUC4U9W0K
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj4B8EanA7
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMrQfMZNJ8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ3525XUf7
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrs2hQmcUj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIZxk9mXLH
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEA0ybBO1r
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjFtZsbAz9
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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQfFIhXFfh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xL8BPzYw1
Pars nodded.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdJogJH5Zc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoZoNbSisD
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3z6CMbLLu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDREj1XeM2T
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzV1rJOg3v
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiRdrwPj1G
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD7xtXl5Gl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCx1zjdGaD
"Mutual what?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlgfXn5eRQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8Z6af9cle
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcfeRXBLJm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TYvD28uvw
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Gpt6MTgwf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpu4UhVYGB
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWg2hHZ3Ko
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wkCCBi2nD
"Really now..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK3UWUFzIW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkdYLIlQDq
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KoCaAh2RS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1X8YMfSQc
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SpAm9VmiJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG4I5gGQna
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh9DkshC98
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HWhvVAxWn
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQziJ6nvq2B
"Wow... it must've been bad."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJgbwfxYL6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VBwH30DXh
"You're almost as flippant as I am."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FCBwrNcua
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55sMQhjol8
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd0UguWNv8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMcjn055dB
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27YkCiMjks
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWnXGjoo2x
"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..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIvIPqIXNu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldt4RsrMJC
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06s8NX4wrV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVyqofgNHq
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXogMRiYTMs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq5oLaz6Vv
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YkWUJiVBH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt2cR52L2q
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaXX2DU34S
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgWK14iKjm
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiJywO7oes
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY34FDRNQz2
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGqQVG2qcY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRVxygfZHs
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtLH2NdsNt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFEcP9U2Sl
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5EuVBUan6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pMK0QMSFd
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcsGPzw8z2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzGyTNxktj
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgI0d6f2JI
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"I know."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoohzULveF
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He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVTUZoXb4P
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iHNdRaRV7
"Tell you what; I can't help you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWOmVCfAn0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jGhBjLYau
"...Are you serious?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8dFjKNLzv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxwXilFUbY
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclGoR3T0gI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygixwgJb9P
"What? What can?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zo0mifeZG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvsP9r34Th
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1RCIWbbcy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpcIjqVhqx
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqboidmnNlq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMdCOXMNpq
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7cwVVjdJJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TvlBCKzIV
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0XY6vYTMK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCdV8Ei0b5
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx4N3zoFPo
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"Give it a try."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKYQglDpWt
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He stood up and patted my shoulder.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKvNeydAOg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1By8CEWYA2
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58Y9NkMft2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4QSTYsrm7
"H-Huh? Right now?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYl72CWcKc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl27PX4Dx0
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb57gw163L
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN2XX72SpF
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEosPGq7Tw
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–
–
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3oVCGBgOX
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"Are ya all packed up?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxHb11FP1a
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZSNMouRed
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKSSDMoRb9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRRCC4p6u7
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIPtjs2LaY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyB7PlmSIk
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPooX6VQFj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPgDKl7CJQ
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu1vIgx4JH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Sz7ljGLZ
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPvgb5o9FG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iyCB6bAFG
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMOs91MXWb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbESm2aV3cI
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9n97kbKV7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuBGYiyP7F
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUCEFsAZFI
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"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ptRz42QTz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFS6wU9JMj
"I suppose that makes sense."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksmNFYOFHl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgKv5j9OMi
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIwAo3BlUX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA1qLCbOO1
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVJHuwmk5n
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ7oUuTmAz
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgdi9OpVJ5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmVseFcfs8
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf43GQiKzrB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglmeUSTJJj
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCiBTzOywV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioPbYMDclQ
"What do I think...?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTPAnZ30uA
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qG4fB5Wt1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk9i7lnnlz
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjIEiV6oea
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cT2FDN3oa
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kEPsrkNuW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRePJkZKTy
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p5tHCrAds
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L9ZgXZ8lW
"I'm asking ya, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSRe8wT7Ub
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUICP80DLDw
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–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMzyCp3Nyq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ7o1ESzx6
"It had to be an Endowment."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBBj470vvU
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"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63aRSsdfNm
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Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KRBkMqIin
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLfeuCKVuk
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DANrTGY2J
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2WnBa25AB
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe38hlWqtN7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rClKgldqN
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzJdi6LJp9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMV1W57T0r
"Why not?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7LHt9wYum
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXbq44L8sb
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBBrktzGv6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90g5pxvBnK
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS4M6nY2XQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNxLxjVDv5
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfDKKMhh25
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg8OHebgje
"Surely, there's a better option."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iCTMXzobA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDDPQHH2Kg
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGQpiDPFbz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt8z77pna0
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLITxsFlWlA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndckJa0SZE
"What if we spy from a distance?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDR66l6t3y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRwObDJTFm
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQxgOtbDYP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbCbgO8z1m
"...Point taken."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEYvvMmJqa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFJRg98SkN
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPHHJ1lHWN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxjCBLWdvc
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKVRbFSAFv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAWwWpuV2M
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmosjQGtpXp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9fcvKONXM
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCGcKNDnmx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIbspgkG3W
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzNlRJooDW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIjSLbKYy2
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhOZuwsBhX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN2nNgwMfc
We nodded in unison.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDc4bNEdDH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBku68X7WE
"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzmLDqN7XE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9fPFer9jq
–
–
–
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSdWoreXfD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVwdgFXHMC
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Zmy3ReUut
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGrncBC2R4
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFnTWku8GJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6RJTlAiQN
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIqVshPKBO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dsmexUSHH
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgijPQjMIe0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUjpDV5HjZ
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeHEKZNoWZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmOu8AL1lT
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpjCwWh0GQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv0hiJoPhs
"Well... I won't deny that."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaOu5kMgL9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxffAAYEAm
I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvLQM8AeCS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BeUvTE5u3
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHzNa0g3Lh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFpc5wkwb1
"Again? What do you–?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9cYDS57Bh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hZtqexvns
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBYLFRgvI7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPHyPOeOPx
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlxI4NNTSc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YTE5ly6gK
He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRotLFiQNA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyLMH6aGKt
"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UwW9AnxCt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBFgn9js0K
"I didn't ask ya that."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYT5DqPnae2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V5CE8CszP
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcFLkZ539Q
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQQOMo7suK
"That ain't surprising."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuiQggFIQW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvMd2z43f7
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH1M0iaSp6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABsuBf4Mur
Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HUVcQWBVE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFx5vsLiu8
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MouNzwZfz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoQIlcvkXn
"Yeah? Like what?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWSbH6EGHe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO5qpYgQju
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadTrp1goBj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eagMsCjZ5
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6FCQPmi1b
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xuWBrfbsO
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4QWDT5qai
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJfA5NK8so
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSC5L3MLq7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TcMWlprNU
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ABBxcmHuE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjbKn4VtLQ
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUQpnbttzu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg5WC7EyeM
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKajBVEIIs8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqW2JO3udN
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1cPcIPqen
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYeM85I2Kn
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–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X6jnZGTR7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKGIl5OPIl
"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9928otBkJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0huIJGxit7
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
