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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLKhKMbz9d
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmnE9HIDxZ
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu64zzo8spU
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CLgjjwo9r
"At least... I'm on my back now."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmVkrLDZ9D
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJpseUrXQR
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDqJ0BvcX4
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzNTtAubJb
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MXWaX2bji
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYuAub91NK
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlBIzpwkKe
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwhn9dStyi
"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc4ba2X9AS
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjKXVMcADR
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6yvz6A5hN
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I was immediately startled.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxF0XDTMBl
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokqIDU1hks
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUuiAaMV6y
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z0dJYzi8N
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6d4tW46eG
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDkEDJW7QA
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1gmA9AR4b
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxysF70KEl8
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJyiFYC93w
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb8XFIzO5h
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QxYM3lojQ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh3QbAr1Wt
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoGhcZJCul
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaOUrbR5cx
"Do you feel any better?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4YxS18983
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tktz8Fgl1
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIbuVbBoAl
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCX2c9pKZ7
"That's good, that's good..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDR2p2w2QV
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagZM0B517W
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10iVmJNlWz
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ58SD09wup
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC24PwXQ7y
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzOBNbiPGg
"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0Z3Q7JMNJ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqcR6VUnnP
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzjzs2oLl4
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWfQQk8y1c
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqU3MzLix5
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMqWw9sldv
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2RAzXh6xz
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhBq5uT4TE
"H-How'd you know?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoRXq9j0Pz
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FV0Ka5YcQ
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSoHAcqquR
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yWMpyt2Gc
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN23qvERmH3
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZzFls7X5O
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rgO5b5KDN
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdunME9EcM
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?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFjOmvgXLX
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcGNrqVS80
Pars nodded.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhxdDvdZIZ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ155QAO1oOG
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY7lTl4Hhu
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnIwb1q6qb
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHEnLZmSYy
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA8Hue26L2
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8uzQyIt1Q
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fm3SpgIoz
"Mutual what?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTKFycWuNR
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJARyhwD3R
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViAf4lUmtZ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaw1q5fxGQ
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIc4bDslY8
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EAJRq2lGm
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Sh5y9Q83Q
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3DHq0AfnR
"Really now..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0TDee3RKq
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr0XYPDAFb
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXz5oiq96Z
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVkQvzl5Nw
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kT4P0pkwZ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMntXw7KoYF
"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSXTbWUR6F
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4hus1t7fR
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12C3XvYEM5
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcHTcbVhAE
"Wow... it must've been bad."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLf0EDrptE
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eVmtdE26B
"You're almost as flippant as I am."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlvGDAbfMs
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bCjhgNot9
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yx538r3QH
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Js13wt84o
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mLMiLMpzC
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFhNkLRuId
"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..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUoZcOiH3N
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8Px5SqzAw
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkLjQsAQyn
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraDnnkBcrp
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0PwdtkB4S
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1THujcYJ3k
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOJpHDc8Wv
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRhNRaw4qb
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRrj1yVynn
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH7NghnKo5
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuNZHJpS7d
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJSje0TVtL
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNHyN7uobX
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHziHxWA1dX
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuHJhShl16
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25bOYUWicu
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUHCIl3o1y
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUYqwhsRtA
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWOCqOArb0
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx8c10Uz8A
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2HbMzjOWp
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3a0wpSEam
"I know."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ59NbmaXwS
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedPYIelkU7
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswqvXlmzJP
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR3OaipHcW
"Tell you what; I can't help you."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPcNGmW0KX
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaqKzSWNzU
"...Are you serious?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQDmVBbVSu
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk4N3tlvN4
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76IA6sqQYo
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJQMRiiaGb
"What? What can?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihAu2Ny9BH
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQz76K2xE4
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9AF5RP559
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3grnpzEeK
"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaHUIrkNSK
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19eqJFn818
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vftpaL5n2
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K3IlUpzGo
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb0QWnBpsv
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoeYoa6gxy
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg12OwjpZ1
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"Give it a try."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT03oBBB15o
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVJFuueLJx
He stood up and patted my shoulder.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWLdyZQw3T
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpOBtlDsSq
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19J0GaJ436
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"H-Huh? Right now?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsHnt0jf2K
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyjOYS6WOw
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR0ArnEk0p
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiYdN4ovyp
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNblSoL23L
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–
–
–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYf1zmKHxT
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"Are ya all packed up?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aUcgTrmiz
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbkoQhv73n
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BfdaO3ENI
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5SKB3Q49g
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJDJ7Zfc9x
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINfZbCa2ry
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5xPwjdhzG
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAgrxr2J9D
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhjhPtYTLD
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"Did Pars relay our discussion?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uvlJKiMch
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"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslWtLunbQj
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Mv4hXaIyT
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3VWmb6EjP
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmsv2H2c3p
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K84oVoSFJ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pHYN2XNQI
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVThtANSB10
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmifavN6Kit
"I suppose that makes sense."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq0GYT9iQS
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTOWTCNsf4
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvOMFoSaGN
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s8RHGgVGG
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaf9LQpyk4
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG5efoEcE9
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgUcC0snXE
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyimCjYILg
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWVBeiw4bZ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS5VYgj5Xg
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTLShbNM9A
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHl4xdUaZX
"What do I think...?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxKisbkIme
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0md6YwhsMB
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCHWQ2pmrT
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXNwOO9ouM
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgDCra2W2Y
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGSllZJ2d1
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcES2g66dH
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2L7MGMkoj
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb32n2xAXw
"I'm asking ya, kid."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6cGd5AfFv
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoy7Bs3rk8
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–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zkmDk6rh9
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QPEJrpXAe
"It had to be an Endowment."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6MemuUrL6
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxi4romowv
"..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIjZMNxUE6
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Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sittPiKod
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkFjcGCA4P
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQrr4NKjnE
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltLxXBmvwo
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD8DRnv7QF
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWZNJKINjm
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAc7obRivq
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"Why not?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYpR6emTmp
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzau5FyyFQN
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqbMnOdZwR
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYW0Ld46ZR
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vn37blyPb
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfHu7pdfuE
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgqyVLmjSi
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"Surely, there's a better option."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLk5ECuF57
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LsbVlmlWz
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvIa7rKFZP
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHAa2u9YsW
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPOaBPc4cm
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"What if we spy from a distance?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEEQDsCi0Y
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDSKdM54my
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdhXYsr4xC
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"...Point taken."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydW43c1wBQ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85F8uMRzgN
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqGtj1wMzR
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"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqJPEnFRnJ
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"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHOM56ytPQ
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"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio3G0aicRS
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4QtxSruee
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQj8EpHveL
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH065fMZrm
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc0dgLl7On
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We nodded in unison.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG4WsThF5u
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"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOoK82ZOtV
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBQIfGhhIb
–
–
–
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn3RVsRRcY
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacVbs9VHQ1
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ODrzKkcYL
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxr0DEQU7p
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Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN2SxRneiP
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqDub16qea
"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?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7vaBX46OG
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFqCtt5Qn9
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wu96ZGIgR
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT1lylrcfm
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBOqvobib9
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg3XA5meJP
"Well... I won't deny that."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEMupd2yo0
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I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnvoardvlj
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"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneDWCfVm4c
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt4nPVOGzZ
"Again? What do you–?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpbRTxVp7A
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdX95nNmgJX
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"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJUpUHZSGu
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He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1WDrlrye1
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"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8idOuhrUT
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihiyFQdODx
"I didn't ask ya that."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6G8X3yMD5
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gEgn5blWK
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQHz84WlSl
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYds9MMZOk
"That ain't surprising."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeuE6xFnrq
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"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDzyEUpJF7
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Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7H9tK8GeD
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbmA1Pf9eV
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpNGwVt9fZ
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"Yeah? Like what?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe2cy01ILq
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"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW08DARN6ct
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfO5usjglN
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDznFpZozq
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdwVN4oTLn
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGKLd4y2EG
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKX8zsTPsx
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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWYv2t4iS3
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP3vJtloff
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPazLgy8bXC
"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."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKjTNexle8
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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.213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ulnFetgQD
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"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFpChgpxCw
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtikm0crCod
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–213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCFODbCAeA
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"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r0V6RdoLG
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Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
