Keeping up with the crowd was nigh impossible. Juke was saintly enough to wait for me, but I could tell by how he clicked his tongue that he was getting annoyed. Or was he getting anxious? I couldn't tell.266Please respect copyright.PENANADpcog3ItNW
266Please respect copyright.PENANAgyL7qYemnH
We arrived at the third floor. Another duo split off and the rest of us ascended. My poor stamina gave me difficulty, but I was riding a wave of adrenaline and anticipation I'd never felt before. Each step came and went without me realizing it, and soon enough, the floors whizzed by like a faint image. It was not until the seventh floor that I acknowledged what I saw again.266Please respect copyright.PENANA4LBhg61Qes
266Please respect copyright.PENANAOBE0rQqgoe
As it had gone since this started, I arrived last in the room, taking a moment to pant and catch my breath. The floor this time didn't have a straight shot from the entrance to the exit. It resembled the first floor more than anything: a large surface area with a foyer-like zone and branching paths, its size made possible only because there was no hallway transitioning from the stairs.266Please respect copyright.PENANAjPi4KUTqjG
266Please respect copyright.PENANA1vkJn7zVR1
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.266Please respect copyright.PENANAaSob3m1KS4
266Please respect copyright.PENANAyk0rnLdAUd
Though the floors flashed by, I never failed to keep my eye on the danger that resided in them. Not seeing them right away immediately put me on edge, and judging from the sluggish pace of everyone else, I wasn't alone. The crowd practically prowled the room. Some even checked behind furniture.266Please respect copyright.PENANAD7KHuNVrKq
266Please respect copyright.PENANAf6J9dDFYLP
A minute passed, and the foyer was pronounced empty. The crowd left the zone, but I had to shoot one last scanning glance before I followed. They all moved to the left, and moving in tow, I turned the corner.266Please respect copyright.PENANAcN40orgrlF
266Please respect copyright.PENANAGChSX8lCl6
Though the entrance was similar to the first floor's, the primary chamber was different. Instead of a bulk surrounded by a circling hallway, it was four evenly spaced booths, forming a diamond, on a carpeted floor. The exit was placed stiffly by the topmost box. I noticed it before anyone else, but I was too nervous to point it out. It barely mattered since Pars noted it just a second later.266Please respect copyright.PENANAlfD5v6sl5Z
266Please respect copyright.PENANAAUGtCBKpu7
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAdnPdMomgpo
266Please respect copyright.PENANAabLe1iLCPA
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.266Please respect copyright.PENANAPs8G7XQKwI
266Please respect copyright.PENANAHFk8erOS2w
Everyone was caught off guard. The figure wore a familiar robe, one I loathed to see. Pars managed to block his leap, but the man had a cylinder resting on his shoulder. He pointed it at him and–266Please respect copyright.PENANAUGBnE3G4Ef
266Please respect copyright.PENANApMRvT00F4g
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.PENANAXtxjsiMHsx
266Please respect copyright.PENANA6sU4HEzw7M
A cloud of debris burst throughout the room. I closed my eyes in the nick of time, but the dust pricked and pinched at my skin. At least, it felt that way at first, until the squeezes transformed into burns.266Please respect copyright.PENANA6thzL6SSUh
266Please respect copyright.PENANAAW0VfQaahh
"Ack!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAi6AL6Nncbo
266Please respect copyright.PENANATxY55q5M5d
I brushed my skin with my hands but it was futile with how thick the cloud was. Too afraid to open my eyes, I moved my feet backward until I collided with something. My back hit the wall, I fell to the ground, and only then did I work up the nerve to see.266Please respect copyright.PENANAeMyTrY1lrJ
266Please respect copyright.PENANAqxZKtfRclx
The room was a catastrophe.266Please respect copyright.PENANAgBmTkJwaji
266Please respect copyright.PENANAC1YTaVpXDv
Bodies littered the floor like wilting flowers. The warriors still moved and breathed but they writhed and gasped, clawing at their faces and limbs. The dust cloud was fortunately settling, and in the midst of nigh-cadavers was the robed man, lying on the ground.266Please respect copyright.PENANAqvg1RoKXx7
266Please respect copyright.PENANAzyBMelNfjg
Pars was on him. His coat was seared and his face was scratched, but he still brought down punches as if he suffered no injuries. After a few to the face, the man blocked one and shoved Pars off his body. He got up to the ground fast and assumed a fighting stance.266Please respect copyright.PENANAiTSbIAm67U
266Please respect copyright.PENANAIxX3rSLxtQ
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAwi3gnAgLGn
266Please respect copyright.PENANAVBBIpMdVG6
Through the pressure of the situation, his commanding words resonated with the crowd. People followed his orders to a tee; everyone but me. I stood there, not from terror, but indecision.266Please respect copyright.PENANABxAC5B9PLT
266Please respect copyright.PENANAACBO30tixS
I was behind the robed man. His backside was perfectly exposed. I was stuck between running or sneaking in a strike. But, once the two started exchanging attacks, I quit my vacillating and propped up my arm, beginning mana expulsion–266Please respect copyright.PENANAf8rimOS5WI
266Please respect copyright.PENANA67YstP46QQ
**STRIKE**266Please respect copyright.PENANAIdlEkHCzaR
266Please respect copyright.PENANAkywhx8Peea
–only to be immediately interrupted.266Please respect copyright.PENANADizoFrtV91
266Please respect copyright.PENANA6eQTBYG51D
A metallic clang blew out and shook my body not because of its ferocity, but because it happened right behind me. I turned my head a second after and saw two clashing swords, forming an x.266Please respect copyright.PENANA8qjEavNR1A
266Please respect copyright.PENANA1cI0HUzPcU
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAjyu8Uy2rbF
266Please respect copyright.PENANAIz584d5Fp2
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.266Please respect copyright.PENANAbH2FC0nPHY
266Please respect copyright.PENANAsTs7zOH3S0
I didn't hit them. They separated, and only then did I see who wielded them. Juke on the right, and another robed man on the left.266Please respect copyright.PENANA0v1h3xu0MC
266Please respect copyright.PENANAZJK7X9GoGM
I've seen those navy motifs enough to have them evoke a fighting instinct in me. I quickly regained my composure and got in a stance, taking my tendril out. Juke ran to my side, but he didn't stop.266Please respect copyright.PENANAfGulh252Xs
266Please respect copyright.PENANA8pUM8ypKCV
"C'mon!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAdiCuuSqAli
266Please respect copyright.PENANA3pS56uc7NU
"--Ah!"266Please respect copyright.PENANANCKlH26KVM
266Please respect copyright.PENANAhvw708eqGC
I was quick enough to realize that this wasn't my fight. I turned tail and followed Juke, noticing that I finally wasn't the last to leave.266Please respect copyright.PENANAiCxXS8pOXM
266Please respect copyright.PENANAE603jBOz8C
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.266Please respect copyright.PENANAKiyHItZ5l3
266Please respect copyright.PENANA7SmxSPNY3P
–
–
–
What a moron.266Please respect copyright.PENANABtSY7UdChg
266Please respect copyright.PENANANjYZwxlN9q
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.266Please respect copyright.PENANAyIi1NJngS2
266Please respect copyright.PENANABBewpCi6zS
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?266Please respect copyright.PENANAkb82iBuFII
266Please respect copyright.PENANADTNyMcfHTu
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.PENANAE5Ex5POqhG
266Please respect copyright.PENANAQ96aI5WgTa
"Ngh!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAQDFHj5XU4X
266Please respect copyright.PENANABiRpAtUu72
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.266Please respect copyright.PENANAUXqjMjUR48
266Please respect copyright.PENANAG5xCJFItCj
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"266Please respect copyright.PENANArAttGm4w1s
266Please respect copyright.PENANAOwjT9uhcEy
Unable to finish his line, forced to roll to the side to avoid a devastating projectile. It shook the room even through the magic-resistant skeleton. He got to his feet and reached into his torn coat, pulling out a single crossbow and shooting.266Please respect copyright.PENANAVrggSOsI29
266Please respect copyright.PENANAaVVhiCWn1l
To his surprise, the bolt connected. The Bringer was too slow on his feet to dodge it. It didn't connect with his body, however.266Please respect copyright.PENANAX04E2vVfNg
266Please respect copyright.PENANAB0nx3zZKG2
"--I should've known!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAKLdqTi1qBh
266Please respect copyright.PENANAQo4SAb1mrH
Instead, the bolt lodged into a plate of wood, one thrown from the side. Pars darted his gaze and saw a second Bringer. They quickly rushed to the first one's side.266Please respect copyright.PENANA3hI4qsJLsG
266Please respect copyright.PENANAYkF1Ifxrz5
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAJFYdUWOoEA
266Please respect copyright.PENANApCO5M8FuLP
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.266Please respect copyright.PENANARVWOgbi2Jm
266Please respect copyright.PENANAs4PLWi23Xu
"DAVE!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAtV1mXzcxns
266Please respect copyright.PENANAhL0bO0LmyG
Shouting the name of his colleague, he turned his head this way and that to see where his partner was, making sure to glance back at his enemies occasionally. The Bringers didn't move, but they exchanged looks. Pars understood the meaning even with their faces covered. He ignored that, focusing on his unsuccessful finding of his friend, and so–266Please respect copyright.PENANAKspvKHGCAx
266Please respect copyright.PENANAJzmwvdAfju
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAePp6CSxwVG
266Please respect copyright.PENANAqyHGo05A8w
He shouted again as he eyed the Bringers. The two got in a fighting stance, brandishing their respective weapons and preparing to dash. But, they didn't.
266Please respect copyright.PENANAtG0afSd1pQ
It wasn't out of trepidation, of fear or anything of the sort, but because they noticed something Pars didn't. He glanced behind him and spotted the man he'd been looking for.266Please respect copyright.PENANAIjOY4N6wBu
266Please respect copyright.PENANA4WvypLwNjN
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"266Please respect copyright.PENANApKEsGQAW9s
266Please respect copyright.PENANAC13GdroCpp
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."266Please respect copyright.PENANAQD4PUomMOA
266Please respect copyright.PENANA4ULxTXf7s2
He stood up from his crouched position. Pars noticed that he was standing beside a body. It was motionless; completely still in the limbs and the chest. Had he not noticed that, Dave's face would've still given it away.266Please respect copyright.PENANAa4xG7RNO0t
266Please respect copyright.PENANAquAVrfvG8W
"...Those are our first casualties–"266Please respect copyright.PENANAOeSvkwtHaK
266Please respect copyright.PENANAjlct7Eu8WY
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.PENANArQkFLhqJXS
266Please respect copyright.PENANAp74O852d8g
As Pars was making his remark, an ear-shattering blast materialized before him. His eyes looked away from the blast, as his head was turned to Dave at that moment. When he jerked back, all he saw was a floating, crumbling piece of pottery.266Please respect copyright.PENANAP3ANMwZBr5
266Please respect copyright.PENANAbR0n5iEq3K
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAQ6b9FPbfdN
266Please respect copyright.PENANAMcDfCCaRCT
Dave slowly strode to his side. He snatched the grains of the pottery, and as he held them in his hand, they shrunk into a pulp of clay he promptly dropped into a sack.266Please respect copyright.PENANAyDh7XsURv2
266Please respect copyright.PENANABQG5uFdYCP
"I'm here now."266Please respect copyright.PENANAslw5WltAgp
266Please respect copyright.PENANATah3HFETqB
Leaning down and reaching inside the sack, the two warriors now mirrored each other's stances. They glared at Bringers, anticipating a jerk, a dash, a shot or a swing or a slash. All the Bringers did was reciprocate.266Please respect copyright.PENANAiL1vWlqnNp
266Please respect copyright.PENANAefKzOpQLwp
The clashing duos stood stock still in the silent room. Maimed by magic, coated in blood, reeking of death. His pounding heartbeat– the only sign he wasn't like corpses. Pars knew that losing would only lead to more.266Please respect copyright.PENANAIePpyGYJv1
266Please respect copyright.PENANA9Gs6fndZuU
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.266Please respect copyright.PENANAGum7sZ7sLe
266Please respect copyright.PENANATYEgNOOicg
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAOHhL63JyrV
266Please respect copyright.PENANAsNMCHvdgSn
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAeIfcmbsb7u
266Please respect copyright.PENANAk4wT3zrLJB
–266Please respect copyright.PENANA1oPQQoy41V
266Please respect copyright.PENANABkjyr6CHAv
By some force of nature, the two men split to combat their respective opponents. Pars thought of stopping for a second, calling for Dave to help him team up on this one or something of the sort. But Pars knew they didn't have, nor ever could have a relationship like that.266Please respect copyright.PENANAcSab7TErpo
266Please respect copyright.PENANAjQTKxO1Lfx
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.266Please respect copyright.PENANAnkaZIWfV9u
266Please respect copyright.PENANA2RcxRiNJ1E
He drew his knife out of his coat while putting his unloaded crossbow back in. The man he was fighting with was the one with the explosive cylinder, a weapon that succeeded in range just as well as it did in close quarters. But from its size alone, Pars could tell it was unwieldy.
So he flipped his knife in a reverse grip and slashed at the Bringer, who stepped back from the attack. Pars followed with a spin and a kick, but his foot was just short of making contact. The Bringer retaliated with a small dash and a kick of his own, which Pars had to raise his chin to avoid.266Please respect copyright.PENANA1kX3PsHzcb
266Please respect copyright.PENANA2EstalkebV
He slashed again, a horizontal one this time, and when it missed he tossed his knife to change its direction and slashed again. It missed the Bringer, but it caught his robe. It cut open, revealing what looked to be–266Please respect copyright.PENANAAfCckCkA1H
266Please respect copyright.PENANASljinT8RtZ
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAl9qXNhA5bw
266Please respect copyright.PENANAXQTX66tlIE
The Bringer clicked his tongue and backed away. Pars didn't chase him. He reached inside his coat and took out his second, loaded crossbow. He aimed it at him, which caused the bringer to panic and shield his chest with the cylinder. Pars didn't fire, instead, he began mana expulsion through his hand.266Please respect copyright.PENANA2nfowVypin
266Please respect copyright.PENANAXJ2UKerELD
The Bringer realized he had been tricked. He raised the cylinder and hoisted it on his shoulder, but by the time he could, Pars had already made his earthly contraption: A vase of stone, latched to his back and connected to his crossbow.266Please respect copyright.PENANAwNhsgoh5rB
266Please respect copyright.PENANAcQRVZKGBIR
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.266Please respect copyright.PENANALcO8OtlnLJ
266Please respect copyright.PENANAuNyfqrgik8
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.266Please respect copyright.PENANAIWLPrEkWH2
266Please respect copyright.PENANADZVU12twoT
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.PENANAnMNkLWbGl4
266Please respect copyright.PENANAquKtLFrAan
The two projectiles connected, but their crash was closer to the Bringer than to Pars. Still, Pars was forced to step back from the blast, and the now ashen air forced a couple of coughs out of him.266Please respect copyright.PENANAdy85IArS8c
266Please respect copyright.PENANAQQS2N3kojN
"Pars!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAQfpIN3AIMG
266Please respect copyright.PENANAExqcnYnLxw
"Huh?"266Please respect copyright.PENANADCvIh3CvjZ
266Please respect copyright.PENANAHJG9zmkzOj
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAPkDoZDliX5
266Please respect copyright.PENANA4MGThJKC6L
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAzT7MJH9hJF
266Please respect copyright.PENANAnfCl39kpwB
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAE5eN3UKDy7
266Please respect copyright.PENANAzveA310Q6v
It was some kind of instinct, or maybe a habit, the way Dave split from Pars and took up his own opponent. Pars reciprocated, which he appreciated, though Dave had no time nor humility to say as much.266Please respect copyright.PENANATYQJpezTml
266Please respect copyright.PENANAIOIAIL0apd
Had it been up to him, Dave wouldn't be in the Pillar, fighting a circus of lunatics who wore gaudy garments. He'd likely still be in his store, crafting and staring at the pottery on his shelves. Imports wouldn't have come for a few days, but Dave was crafty and spent years on his contingency. He wasn't as proud of his works as those of others, naturally, but it mattered little when it was so fun.266Please respect copyright.PENANAoY8QLzWfCR
266Please respect copyright.PENANAkKPs5SLsaD
No, truly, it was that silence that he valued most. That quiet building where nothing but creaking wood and muffled chatter reached his ears, with the occasional customer. It would've been even better in this scenario. The worst he'd have to deal with was a barging Bringer, but his barbed tongue would be enough to deter them. He was sure of it.266Please respect copyright.PENANAm7Dfki1gb7
266Please respect copyright.PENANAgAhaImmaEY
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.266Please respect copyright.PENANAof71wNODbP
266Please respect copyright.PENANAkUhTQyMP7X
**CLANG**266Please respect copyright.PENANA5IMJj2Ic3P
266Please respect copyright.PENANAxeXhSir6fu
Swords clashed and chattered. The other was steel, while dave's was one of clay, but molded and braced with mana. It was still, however, a weapon of clay.266Please respect copyright.PENANA942WanG1lc
266Please respect copyright.PENANAAr2jq3QrKw
He looked at his weapon, a coarse curve where the gallant tine used to be and sighed. Had it been him from the past, it wouldn't be such a sorry show. The rigid structure dissolved into a mushy clump. He reached into the sack wrapped around his belt and took more clay, mixing it with the pile in his hand.266Please respect copyright.PENANAw8DcmEBNg4
266Please respect copyright.PENANA3II9siRamz
The Bringer gave Dave no easy time doing so. He rushed forward, both hands on his longsword, and swung at Dave. Holding the clay, he threw it forward, and it mutated into a great shield which the sword bounced off of like a ball off the ground. The Bringer staggered, and Dave grabbed the clay, transforming it into a thin battering ram.266Please respect copyright.PENANAwIW2QeCps7
266Please respect copyright.PENANA9iH2fc1x79
**SLAM**266Please respect copyright.PENANAK1Q0DcF5eq
266Please respect copyright.PENANAcQTRkiCXJd
He ran and bashed it into the Bringer's stomach, who let out a breathless retch. Dave kept running, planning to pin the Bringer to the wall, but the bringer grabbed onto the ram and stuck his feet into the ground. Dave's advance was stopped, but that dismayed him little. The pole of clay retracted and morphed into a ball. Dave dug his fingers into it as it hardened, and then he swung it across. The Bringer barely raised his arm quickly enough to block it.266Please respect copyright.PENANAPueT7NHpHg
266Please respect copyright.PENANAFr8mb6duQw
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.266Please respect copyright.PENANADRLi5qV9HW
266Please respect copyright.PENANAMSitSlylWZ
The Bringer tried to get on his feet but kicked him in the chin, sending him rolling. Dave morphed his clay into a sword and approached the Bringer with steady steps. With how much he struggled to stand, Dave was sure that he was done.266Please respect copyright.PENANAUopv76UvsQ
266Please respect copyright.PENANAZBHPTqyO8s
But then, the Bringer reached into his robe. A barrage of little knives flew his way, and dave couldn't morph his clay fast enough. He curled up and blocked what he could, and though it missed his vitals–266Please respect copyright.PENANAiYOz7eWrzI
266Please respect copyright.PENANAkzWCmnOiHA
"Ngh! Shit–!"266Please respect copyright.PENANA1Simc1u5va
266Please respect copyright.PENANAaehYDeVn9n
A few knives scraped his, and another violently lodged itself into his leg. Dave stood up quickly and attempted to run, aching to finish the still floor-stuck Harbinger.266Please respect copyright.PENANAp65P34uaYH
266Please respect copyright.PENANAl2zkUg5p85
But then–266Please respect copyright.PENANACjxDCP7kCl
266Please respect copyright.PENANAqtwj1Qpf1k
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.PENANAKPD4iK8xu2
266Please respect copyright.PENANAwOSU8ycnpY
A ring in his ear followed by an eruption of dust, one that prevented him from seeing his target. Dave clicked his tongue and backed away, paying heed to his impaled limb. Seeing no better alternative–266Please respect copyright.PENANAlAEkr9gVSK
266Please respect copyright.PENANAhA76YB2aFb
–266Please respect copyright.PENANArN45BICWNg
266Please respect copyright.PENANAX19CC0FncD
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAKk0dasdpyx
266Please respect copyright.PENANA7j8y5bZaxL
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAWmUW5XnMiA
266Please respect copyright.PENANAkqb5W7LjYv
Pars heard Dave's voice through the thick smog. He assumed he wanted to regroup, a prudent decision with the low visibility, but yelling would reveal his location to his opponents. He had to find a way to reconnect, or at the very least, keep his eye out for the Bringers.266Please respect copyright.PENANAKs0SG4zDP7
266Please respect copyright.PENANADy8ttjf7k7
Though it was impossible to see, Pars knew that staying still was a death wish. He dashed back, careful not to go too far to avoid crashing into a wall, then quietly tiptoed around the parameter of the room. Where he was, Pars was out of the clutch of the smoke, but that made seeing inside all the more difficult. However–266Please respect copyright.PENANAi6Z29gACNS
266Please respect copyright.PENANAGY35joc3aX
"Gah–! You scared me!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAbXQMiZ52bo
266Please respect copyright.PENANAElAOChUxbH
Dave burst from the smoke, exiting it so fiercely it rippled. The smoke began to clear shortly after, and the two men eyed the room for their opponents. A few seconds passed by, then a minute; nowhere to be seen, there was only one possible option.266Please respect copyright.PENANAOfGoVYzcBZ
266Please respect copyright.PENANA1040TjsmQt
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.266Please respect copyright.PENANAsK1dKidzOR
266Please respect copyright.PENANA45RohXhL6e
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"266Please respect copyright.PENANAzLyBpeSizi
266Please respect copyright.PENANAWNvwZ1FxkD
"No, this is terrible."266Please respect copyright.PENANAoDM4GXtEjM
266Please respect copyright.PENANAsNLDoFO21m
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.266Please respect copyright.PENANAw6tXc1Nixg
266Please respect copyright.PENANAWymIQSDzet
"Of these four boxes, there's no telling which one they're hiding behind. They can wait there all they want and we can't do anything about it. We're the attacking party, after all."266Please respect copyright.PENANA4slUyWuiM5
266Please respect copyright.PENANAUK2vCbiZdr
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAcM1eteCr8a
266Please respect copyright.PENANAsIuZepymdv
Pars took on a defensive stance, raising his arms and darting his eyes from booth to booth. He looked at Dave for his reaction, but he showed no concern. In fact, he almost looked annoyed.266Please respect copyright.PENANADBcmmEMRaa
266Please respect copyright.PENANAxQkrG11Qtj
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"266Please respect copyright.PENANAMVAPzKgTxJ
266Please respect copyright.PENANA1g4VYM4psZ
"No. No suggestions from you, please."266Please respect copyright.PENANAIP21qdoxYj
266Please respect copyright.PENANALKpQJjWw5I
He put his fingers on his temples. Completely discarding him, closing his eyes, and locking himself within a chamber of thoughts. Pars was permitted no entry, no involvement, and no influence.266Please respect copyright.PENANAm401Gb72Lf
266Please respect copyright.PENANA0r5qyYaMX1
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.266Please respect copyright.PENANAzTXqaJU0k7
266Please respect copyright.PENANAx4vqDwP1b6
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAJDGFiLXFbt
266Please respect copyright.PENANAYuLeWlIhOZ
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.266Please respect copyright.PENANAeLcqM20rXL
266Please respect copyright.PENANAexGwEVclnn
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAqh2qWReLOC
266Please respect copyright.PENANAU48cxZ5TP7
Still, no response.266Please respect copyright.PENANAKmlw9lD6bL
266Please respect copyright.PENANArGtqDH8L1r
"Can't you jerk out the wax from your ears and listen to me for once!? Why are you still being so damn stubborn!? Why are you–"266Please respect copyright.PENANAtM4N9N808p
266Please respect copyright.PENANApTyttU5Ve2
"Because you're entirely incompetent."266Please respect copyright.PENANAhV0Yp99bwY
266Please respect copyright.PENANAWHIPNGZEup
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.266Please respect copyright.PENANASs05xoUl9B
266Please respect copyright.PENANAIpdQVjoFdk
"Because people like you care too much for looks. Because people like you want to garner laughs and smiles but yield when the situation demands sincerity. Because people like you can't gauge to save their life. Like a tool, only useful when something pilots you."266Please respect copyright.PENANAuCNcIMVm5u
266Please respect copyright.PENANAVJWKhf6gle
"..."266Please respect copyright.PENANAmrRFjcYl0T
266Please respect copyright.PENANAusfzoPpXW5
"I can't deny your fighting prowess, but your idiocy makes it all useless. Look at this: your ridiculous need to use two crossbows. Your unsuitable equipment. Your sagging coat. Your dull knife. Your dearth of ammunition. Do you use such bootless tools just because they're flashy? All of this focus on image, and look at what good that's done for us. Look at the position we're in now."266Please respect copyright.PENANAOONKBqAYj9
266Please respect copyright.PENANANoadFqsTth
"..."266Please respect copyright.PENANAJNU7AuQpmQ
266Please respect copyright.PENANAQvxLCb4YqR
Dave stopped his speech. He sighed and grabbed a chunk of clay from his sack, transforming it into a heavy sword. He took a step forward, but suddenly stopped to look behind him.266Please respect copyright.PENANAR3oWiXBVgS
266Please respect copyright.PENANASM6ofJlArK
"What?"266Please respect copyright.PENANANULUbDdHqH
266Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5EmnFuVTS
Pars was still. He tried to move. Even his mouth would've done, but his lips couldn't open through the spiral of thoughts he'd been thrown into. Dave lost his attention quickly. He turned around and brandished his weapon, and seeing that, Pars gagged the words out of his throat.266Please respect copyright.PENANAhNWr2eZjOL
266Please respect copyright.PENANAH8S2BgL9dx
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"266Please respect copyright.PENANA7Lj7kNbfVB
266Please respect copyright.PENANA5sLXRTptEH
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.266Please respect copyright.PENANA1id6zcRE3n
266Please respect copyright.PENANAmHqMtfYhmY
"...I see."266Please respect copyright.PENANAysyu1S6LVj
266Please respect copyright.PENANAuYMCB2w42k
He assumed a fighting stance yet again. Only, it wasn't held with stride and trust, but with shaking limbs. A pose done only as proof of effort; a pose done for someone else.266Please respect copyright.PENANAfejkC6CudD
266Please respect copyright.PENANAZz5F1TvdjW
Pars realized how pathetic it was. He dropped it instantly and pinched his nose, releasing a lengthy, laborious sigh. A moment's pause passed and he took a step forward. He grabbed his coat by its collar and slowly took it off, dropping it with a clatter. He balled his hands into a fist and narrowed his eyes at the room before him.266Please respect copyright.PENANAJx2GvEzPKz
266Please respect copyright.PENANAOsRNNpghG5
"Maybe you're right, Dave. My get-up is a little ridiculous. The way I fight is a little strange– who am I kidding, it's plain stupid to someone like you. Maybe something has to change. Not maybe, you're right– something does have to change."266Please respect copyright.PENANAqb6tNknowI
266Please respect copyright.PENANA4rsAKaACcR
He reached into his coat. He took out a crossbow, his knife, and his last bolt. He kicked the coat aside and loaded the crossbow. He had a view of all four booths of the room, and angles just wide enough for something to strike them all. He hooked the knife on his belt and held his hand out, spreading his fingers apart. Sparks began to form.266Please respect copyright.PENANAjbvh36EmVA
266Please respect copyright.PENANALNTULqJg5b
"But what really matters to me, is that I've missed the mark. I know you're especially stuck-up, but it's exactly people like you that I do this for."266Please respect copyright.PENANAjFjH19grvS
266Please respect copyright.PENANAEUI3VwEMrf
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.266Please respect copyright.PENANAAlbYS6Sxoa
266Please respect copyright.PENANAMeoxFqzDd5
"I want to inspire. I want to be adored. I want to calm people down just by being there. A beacon, to signal that everything will be fine. So, if I can't even earn your respect–"266Please respect copyright.PENANAWOPwB0OAuu
266Please respect copyright.PENANA64pcH8sZ2D
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.266Please respect copyright.PENANAkoeRICgvBi
266Please respect copyright.PENANA7DXFZPbDdB
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAVYkOY9su0Q
266Please respect copyright.PENANArWJwFkHBC5
He flung his arm and the flames followed, striking all four booths and engulfing them. The architecture of the building would snuff the flames out soon, but that didn't matter. Before even the paint burnt off, the Bringers soared like flies. Dave rushed forward, but before attacking, he yelled:266Please respect copyright.PENANAf0LFNePpur
266Please respect copyright.PENANAnfCh2A9zn5
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAYF7L5o7bc0
266Please respect copyright.PENANArt1JaoLGWI
"Alright!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAYhtyDSsZ78
266Please respect copyright.PENANAdX8lauWH2m
Pars thus ran opposite of Dave. It was strange; they weren't any closer to working together, and yet, Pars felt satisfied. He had a kind of drive that warmed him and a feeling in his chest that told him he had taken the right step.266Please respect copyright.PENANA7NB6yB515k
266Please respect copyright.PENANABK5tUbR5lu
He brandished the crossbow and ran at the Bringer. Pars lost all his worries– he steeled himself, to prove his words, to break through and shine.266Please respect copyright.PENANARMrcX9s8FB
266Please respect copyright.PENANAZUePYItlvU
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAd8GgIjjLxj
266Please respect copyright.PENANAIGDvvyjyeR
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAcUTvxI4col
266Please respect copyright.PENANAsy0yKY0Fff
–266Please respect copyright.PENANAVKwOaQsIlI
266Please respect copyright.PENANAPAKuOarWfZ
He couldn't catch anything from this opponent when he fought the one with the blaster, but a sword-wielding man wasn't a riddle. Pars fought and sparred with dozens of them, so he still approached with brazen moxie. The Bringer, still running from the flames, didn't notice Pars hot on his heels. He took advantage of that; instead of a furious, direct sprint, Pars veered to the side and ran around the Bringer's trajectory. He came to a stop and turned around, brandishing his sword directly behind him, but Pars hid behind the bottommost booth, letting a single eye peer at the Bringer.266Please respect copyright.PENANAbvn838ezKw
266Please respect copyright.PENANANimCzAkkOU
He thought of firing his crossbow but that man was likely more armored than the other. So instead, he began mana expulsion and formed a cluster of earthen spikes. He moved his hand just over the edge of the booth and fired.266Please respect copyright.PENANARFQ8YHYc9S
266Please respect copyright.PENANAMAP1J71HLx
The man noticed the spikes instantly, moving to block with his sword. Pars' volley was too vast and quick for success. The spikes tore and scratched at his robes, but none of them wounded or penetrated. A great deal bounced off like the man was of rubber, and the ones that didn't were shallow in their piercing.266Please respect copyright.PENANAMYUcZbuUFJ
266Please respect copyright.PENANAO7elhov65U
Pars clicked his tongue and kicked from his hiding place, charging at the bringer. The bringer didn't challenge his approach but took a stance with his sword in both hands.266Please respect copyright.PENANAaP75aCybib
266Please respect copyright.PENANA2bh6VTkKRI
Even though his dagger was hefty, it would be a sure loser in a clash with that sword. Pars ran his brain with every step, sifting through whatever options he thought of first. A direct approach was dangerous, a contest was out of the question, and Pars had too much skin exposed to dance and stand with limbs.266Please respect copyright.PENANAwPEKWb70zo
266Please respect copyright.PENANAGUOQkqyiim
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.266Please respect copyright.PENANANiaRyqqkwx
266Please respect copyright.PENANAEHr2RIimmP
The Bringer jolted, and his surprise netted Pars a successful hit. His eyes widened when he saw the dagger embedded into his shoulder. Shallow as it was, it didn't matter to Pars. After all, such a flashy move managed to–266Please respect copyright.PENANAwauTyNTTvS
266Please respect copyright.PENANAOB9KoShOYR
"--No!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAgvcPQSzT9R
266Please respect copyright.PENANAkbhDxTvC2H
He hit himself up the head and bolted toward the bringer. That split second was enough for him to dislodge the knife, and Par's blade was thrown back at him. Its speed was too sudden, so he jerked his head as it whizzed by, chipping his ear and forcing a hiss.266Please respect copyright.PENANAlDjAEOUPwK
266Please respect copyright.PENANAD47groMOmY
Pars continued his approach. The Bringer reacted by reeling his arms back and swinging. It was completely horizontal, leaving no room for a reactive step, but–266Please respect copyright.PENANAAUMnF3rmko
266Please respect copyright.PENANAtcuqnJJ6sA
"Hyua!"266Please respect copyright.PENANASCHTrMAk3I
266Please respect copyright.PENANAMvpkwhrfbz
Pars dove forward to the ground and latched onto the Bringer's foot. The swing naturally missed, but now Pars was stuck in an unsightly position with no easy counter. The bringer violently shook his foot but pars lost the dagger to quiet it down.266Please respect copyright.PENANACq1sbqXuqz
266Please respect copyright.PENANAdRFWTPWPdS
However, he did have another sharp object.266Please respect copyright.PENANAa57w2dDDH0
266Please respect copyright.PENANA5qoJvn0lAo
He raised his crossbow and stabbed the bolt into his calf. He pulled it out and did it again. There was resistance, but Pars' quick thrusts pierced through the shoddy leather armoring– an easy weak point, and one he didn't pass to abuse. But Pars' awareness didn't narrow with the opportunity. A few stabs were all he wanted before letting go and rolling aside, missing the hunk of metal that clanged the ground he had just been on.266Please respect copyright.PENANAeUxY77w9h8
266Please respect copyright.PENANAMqYbywsYMe
He got to his feet and lunged at the Bringer. Unable to defend, the Bringer dragged his cumbersome sword as he dashed away, but it all played into Pars' plans.266Please respect copyright.PENANA6kan7utERU
266Please respect copyright.PENANASVl1ALLzhq
Gripping the crossbow with both of his hands, he raised it and aimed the bolt at the hooded face. Through the shadow, Pars could see the white from his shrinking pupils. The Bringer jerked to block the bolt, releasing one hand to cover his face– but a bolt never came.266Please respect copyright.PENANAHz2z3TepvE
266Please respect copyright.PENANA9CmUW0Wx1V
Pars lowered the crossbow and freed one hand. It was a foolhardy move with an immediate toll, but in under a second, Pars formed a mass of flames. Irregular in its shape and wavering in its form, he pressed the mass against the stomach of the Bringer. The Bringer only just began to move his covering arm. Pars felt inclined to smirk, but in that split moment, he resisted.266Please respect copyright.PENANAKzcxWp5u4J
266Please respect copyright.PENANAxLx6VAaiWH
And what came was–266Please respect copyright.PENANAPNtKiVDFeM
266Please respect copyright.PENANALsSJyvJyoB
**BOOM**266Please respect copyright.PENANAt8vNIRz3Zn
266Please respect copyright.PENANArysSxeTq8R
The blast seared his vision first. His body launched with violent spins afterward. A swift collision against a hard surface stopped his flight. He let out a leaden groan and rubbed his eyes before opening them again, but the aftermath was much more painless than he expected.266Please respect copyright.PENANAkAPLc5KOFt
266Please respect copyright.PENANAbo8MNiVtEM
Pars stood up. He looked at himself to assess the damage and found his skin black as charcoal. It made him jolt, but a quick shake of the arm revealed that it was a blanket of burnt fabric. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battlefield, but his ashen vision made it difficult to see far. He saw two figures in a duel– likely Dave and the other –but the third was–266Please respect copyright.PENANAADISa4RIfP
266Please respect copyright.PENANA46rUizrAoH
"--oop!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAeMfP9cde4b
266Please respect copyright.PENANAo1s2ZCRKBO
Instinct commanded his body to move. He jumped to the side but was still blown away by a furious gust. He stopped himself from rolling, noticing his knife nearby and scampering to grab it. After his snatch, he gave his eyes one more rub and observed the scene.266Please respect copyright.PENANA1UJdT8Hk8e
266Please respect copyright.PENANAaOwUegDmwq
"You... you're a sick jokester."266Please respect copyright.PENANAsulmqEQUas
266Please respect copyright.PENANAsTlt50OXTY
He lost the energy to click his tongue. All he could wage were weak words of wrath. Words that left with ebbing air, the panting of a hog before a gliding spear.
The Bringer from before had their robes charred, revealing a blackened plate of armor that covered his chest. But those details came secondary to his erratic nimbus of wind.266Please respect copyright.PENANAFiD3DdeyC1
266Please respect copyright.PENANA9sGHFTzShJ
Pars brandished his knife, ready to charge. He had no opportunity to, though. A bend of the knees was followed by a soaring dash. The Bringer turned into an arrow, and. Pars raised his hands to block the damage. But he wasn't hit.266Please respect copyright.PENANAnbLz6cU8gU
266Please respect copyright.PENANA2FFTZJ7HxG
A blast of wind erupted from the Bringer that cocked him back and pinned him in the air. His hovering body left Pars' mouth agape, and he had it shut as it was kicked.266Please respect copyright.PENANAt8ovKZash9
266Please respect copyright.PENANAgZKKvaEo8k
The kick wasn't strong. It shouldn't have been, because it didn't feel all that painful. But the ferocity by which Pars flew compensated for the painlessness.266Please respect copyright.PENANAuMl0dvbzLg
266Please respect copyright.PENANAHpLagciTig
His head bore into the wall. His heartbeat rang in his ears and head, a frenzied demand that Pars responded to only through reflex. He felt a liquid trickle down and down his body, and he didn't have to wipe it off and look to tell it was blood.266Please respect copyright.PENANAjmdcXYzAxb
266Please respect copyright.PENANAQCvGCplRit
"What the hell... what the hell!?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAbISWDnWNmF
266Please respect copyright.PENANAp9612IhReL
His knife locked within his palm, he eyed the Bringer. The nimbus was gone now, but the bringer had a wide and stretched pose and performed expulsion from all possible orifices. Any moment that coat of wind would cover him again, and in that moment he'd be struck with another gusting bomb.266Please respect copyright.PENANAajRWskcvDn
266Please respect copyright.PENANAEcZ60yj4zL
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.266Please respect copyright.PENANAdd1W1t37Eb
266Please respect copyright.PENANA52o4mL9aU1
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.266Please respect copyright.PENANAxtrr7vnE9a
266Please respect copyright.PENANAvDBADLoKtd
"...Heh."266Please respect copyright.PENANA3meSyXNEXl
266Please respect copyright.PENANA6bymSR4mIU
He clicked his tongue and put his blade in the holster, creating a hunk of stone with a handlebar with his free hand. A crummy, clumsy cover– the only thing he could make before that Bringer flew again.266Please respect copyright.PENANAkUbJrkxDKF
266Please respect copyright.PENANAeUsafdz27X
–
–
–
Dave was pricked by the blazing booths. That heat reached his head like a sucker punch, and like a sucker punch, it was a blow that damaged more than the body. Though, it was clear to him that what was happening inside was irrespective of that.266Please respect copyright.PENANA25Y14xq4dS
266Please respect copyright.PENANAWsUl9vcZIG
He couldn't pin that feeling down. Not with the time he had, though that troubled him. Time wasn't a problem before for situations like these. What changed now? That feeling seeped through and danced on his skin. It had to be because goosebumps were forming.266Please respect copyright.PENANAsdB8W9A9Zq
266Please respect copyright.PENANAwdPoWImsMR
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.PENANAs9YzjswQbo
266Please respect copyright.PENANAeo64uD9Egh
His clay sword clashed with the Bringer's cannon, letting out a clunky sound. The scuffle lasted for a moment until Dave kicked his foot. He struck the Bringer in the leg just hard enough to loosen his grip. Dave won the struggle but reaped no reward; the Bringer merely backed off the moment his weapon gave way.266Please respect copyright.PENANACSHUPQXgJh
266Please respect copyright.PENANAZheam74LnP
He scoffed at the result. A part of him had hoped that would be the end there, but he knew an opponent Pars struggled with would be no walk in the park.266Please respect copyright.PENANAT1Mogj0Dio
266Please respect copyright.PENANAOUFUxmyWlX
"Though I have to wonder–"266Please respect copyright.PENANAEcIYxH4iAO
266Please respect copyright.PENANA0BcXJ1jSad
He closed the gap with a swift dash and thrust his sword. The bringer didn't dodge the strike, but rather, blocked it with his forearm. The sword didn't penetrate– it nearly bounced off.266Please respect copyright.PENANARd1Wz2DgZa
266Please respect copyright.PENANAku9mfT0SwY
The sudden backlash left him wide-eyed and his stance awry. He tried a quick correction. The Bringer shot a cone of earth from his cannon, and Dave moved fast enough to escape with just a graze. But the top of his blade had been caught by the projectile.266Please respect copyright.PENANAL4SqwE0kIM
266Please respect copyright.PENANAXGd7ZNfZk9
Dave stepped back and disassembled his weapon into simple clay. He tore the pile in half and created a small round shield in one and a spear in the other.266Please respect copyright.PENANAVvIOBN96JF
266Please respect copyright.PENANAnobTAeppPR
However, after its creation, Dave realized that such a puny shield would only be a liability. Amending it was locked by the advance of the Bringer. Dave acted with his defensive arsenal at first, sticking his shield out and gripping the spear. The Bringer aimed his cannon and fired another drill of earth. Dave contested it with his shield, and though the force pushed him back and tore at his arm it was enough to stop it.266Please respect copyright.PENANA8xdx0YeuuH
266Please respect copyright.PENANAZUesXF6RYX
The Bringer kept up with his assault. He forewent the cannon and rushed with an earthly dagger. Dave had a moment of perplexion, one that lasted just long enough for the Bringer to aim his launcher yet again. Close enough for it to reach, Dave simply stabbed his spear. But the Bringer stepped to the side and snatched the shaft.266Please respect copyright.PENANAT3qqLPaQao
266Please respect copyright.PENANA3KdLNneO66
With his movements constricted, Dave had an immediate thought: he let go of the spear and bashed the Bringer with his shield. Even with its dent, it was strong enough to shove him away, but by no means did it do any damage.
266Please respect copyright.PENANAnOSK1Be2vZ
"Irritating...!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAWXN2pX1WLW
266Please respect copyright.PENANAW9MeRjCQ8z
He dissolved the shield and picked up the spear. He grabbed the weapon with both hands, and though he was fixed to rush, he stood still. Dave knew keeping his distance would just give the Bringer more chances to shoot, but this was something he had to spare. Something dawned on him amid that fight, when his spear was caught and his shield became his weapon. It was a question, though when it gained form, it didn't appear as such.266Please respect copyright.PENANA8agBOJwktY
266Please respect copyright.PENANAYeyK6VvMKN
Dave didn't like to use spears.266Please respect copyright.PENANA0zZPWqAV0N
266Please respect copyright.PENANAoq4NrIW7Af
"...Haaaaa."266Please respect copyright.PENANAI68Iiw1owm
266Please respect copyright.PENANAORvyMR9ZxF
He released a tired sigh. He returned his attention to the Bringer, who naturally took advantage of Dave's pondering and made himself comfortable across the room. Dave charged forth.266Please respect copyright.PENANA8afGCKagrw
266Please respect copyright.PENANAx3CjrgElBN
It was strange of him. Back then, his versatility was the root of his pride. The crux of his proficiency and the agent of his title. An 'Officer,' he was labeled. He retired it long ago.266Please respect copyright.PENANAnoJ1fjDbhD
266Please respect copyright.PENANAi4ktcElkJE
But, he didn't let his skills lie and rot, and it was precisely for situations like these that he practiced swings and ran around the city. That he made those vases despite thinking himself scanty.266Please respect copyright.PENANAMD6kwhiu9Q
266Please respect copyright.PENANAUadCSV8BAJ
That's what he always told himself, at least.266Please respect copyright.PENANAhVSy36Dqzd
266Please respect copyright.PENANA54uhk6VDMq
**CLASH**
He couldn't help but see a bit of Pars in himself. It wasn't his bravado– goodness, no, it wasn't that. But it was of a similar substance. The root of both his and Pars' bizarre tendencies, an attribute admonished and attacked by Dave.
**CLANG**266Please respect copyright.PENANAGWANJUQtkq
266Please respect copyright.PENANA8RYGXLLxiA
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.266Please respect copyright.PENANAjCBgum5dKa
266Please respect copyright.PENANA1pZ3QAfNZD
**CLASH**266Please respect copyright.PENANAQ4vDMl9RLz
266Please respect copyright.PENANASfn2a6TQcr
Dave slid across the room, reeling from a blocked strike delivered by the Bringer's cannon. Though his body was untouched, his muscles twitched from the force. He fixed his stance and steeled his composure. He opened his eyes and gazed at the Bringer, then sprinted while forming a new clay claymore.
**CLANG**266Please respect copyright.PENANA0ny4oQBDtL
266Please respect copyright.PENANAWJZ9urMoiX
The strokes of his arms, the swings of his blade, the stomps of his feet, and the sting of his wounds. Why was it that all of these, these things– why did they make him feel so much?266Please respect copyright.PENANAQCjZh3cQxO
266Please respect copyright.PENANArwyVlYDdTm
**CLASH**266Please respect copyright.PENANAm9OfwyIMiM
266Please respect copyright.PENANA81h44owv4W
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**266Please respect copyright.PENANAAGkjvT11wW
266Please respect copyright.PENANAf4DNIFFOzk
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**266Please respect copyright.PENANATgYVwVG3v1
266Please respect copyright.PENANAgys2F8MCSb
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
266Please respect copyright.PENANAhZy5mwBl6m
Confusion–266Please respect copyright.PENANAUA2LMa0puT
266Please respect copyright.PENANAmZZchk5nfH
**CLANG**266Please respect copyright.PENANAj0xi5pt9T0
266Please respect copyright.PENANA73n8T4rVZg
Delusion–266Please respect copyright.PENANAvYPHHL4lku
266Please respect copyright.PENANACGWIG9ctD8
**CRASH**266Please respect copyright.PENANAGnWTUlHNp7
266Please respect copyright.PENANAGh2MGATP3i
All lead to one conclusion:266Please respect copyright.PENANAYQ2A1TCPC5
266Please respect copyright.PENANABsD5Y6h5gx
**SMASH**266Please respect copyright.PENANASmXLVyg0Ya
266Please respect copyright.PENANA7LQnepCwMC
Followed by the shattering of his blade, Dave rolled across the sullied floor, pushed further by a sudden gust of wind. The blast at that time was too fierce for him to block. He got to his feet, looked at his palm, and wondered if his blade truly was to blame.266Please respect copyright.PENANAGxHjWpkbCZ
266Please respect copyright.PENANAm3cizYArQ9
"...No, of course it isn't."266Please respect copyright.PENANAxaTt7boz4N
266Please respect copyright.PENANAGfcRSLc0We
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.266Please respect copyright.PENANAn533hwo7kJ
266Please respect copyright.PENANA2Gxj34d8aE
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?266Please respect copyright.PENANAe6wuNRWnfx
266Please respect copyright.PENANAqTvhaoijP5
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–266Please respect copyright.PENANA0tmUf5k3h6
266Please respect copyright.PENANAKcCBdyvesJ
**THUD**266Please respect copyright.PENANAnhaPtKmsD8
266Please respect copyright.PENANAhbm4MQfC3r
A sudden force hurled Dave out of his muddied mind. He tumbled to the floor, striking his chin against it and prompting a thorough rub. He turned to see what had hit him, and found the coatless body of his teammate–266Please respect copyright.PENANA7ElxKUeDFM
266Please respect copyright.PENANAA33uoTQukk
"Pars!?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAwDknJq1wcW
266Please respect copyright.PENANA4ctvuwMrcf
"Ack... quiet down. My head's spinning as is."
–
–
–
The two men stood with their backs against each other. They eyed their surroundings, landing their gazes on their debilitating opponents. Dave still ached from the collision, and Pars didn't fare any better, but their stalwart stances still intimidated.266Please respect copyright.PENANAao9CRbdItD
266Please respect copyright.PENANAA4CzI4uYpN
"How's it on your end," Pars asked, his voice cracking on every consonant. Dave didn't fancy telling of his inner turmoils, so he told of his physical state instead.266Please respect copyright.PENANAtRqAMPyjGc
266Please respect copyright.PENANAqo243a46Am
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."266Please respect copyright.PENANAzWtQST3t7M
266Please respect copyright.PENANADLakuXAgkL
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."266Please respect copyright.PENANAN04PRO8Mz6
266Please respect copyright.PENANAZvWEjkrz06
The Bringers began a steady approach. No flexing of their muscles nor narrowing of their eyes would deter them now; they had to think fast and act just as quickly.
"I'm getting pretty tired of these two, you know."266Please respect copyright.PENANAzC9ng5bzVG
266Please respect copyright.PENANAZTZV0SxXAD
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.266Please respect copyright.PENANAEEyaQowReR
266Please respect copyright.PENANAiSxGp6CEcf
"I'm getting tired in general. I've been hit too many times, and I'm not built for battle marathons anyway. We need to finish this fast."266Please respect copyright.PENANA3Uw1hr4PjX
266Please respect copyright.PENANAzcvAZrT6Im
"What do you propose?"266Please respect copyright.PENANA30MBOPinDR
266Please respect copyright.PENANAzrtlFdeaDB
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.266Please respect copyright.PENANAfygqjVfPoU
266Please respect copyright.PENANAfbtbzXdF4V
The truth was that he had nothing. He was enamored with the idea of cooperating since the beginning of this fight, but he barely had the strength to throw a punch at another person. All this fighting up until now only to prove a point. But Pars realized, in his battered and weary state, that only damaged his performance.266Please respect copyright.PENANAGq4bHkE0DA
266Please respect copyright.PENANANJPbEPpita
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.266Please respect copyright.PENANATkE5xva6bF
266Please respect copyright.PENANAfvLZF1HcJy
It seemed like these were all contradictions. Nobody could maintain being that way. His heavy breaths told him so. His failing limbs told him so. It was impossible not to slip into poor habits, to make a fool of oneself, to fall into the mendacious hands of ambition.266Please respect copyright.PENANAOggSBqAevd
266Please respect copyright.PENANAHxXB64Ii8T
A part of him knew better, though. But that part was tucked away from the forefront of his mind. And in his weakness, Pars lamented only one thing: his inability to–266Please respect copyright.PENANA9V49DoVLtD
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"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."266Please respect copyright.PENANAI5Q1E26Q67
266Please respect copyright.PENANAKRcnuA2RpC
"--Huh?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAMSIDGWJwZE
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"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."266Please respect copyright.PENANAZvW2Z5hUhs
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"...Always backhanded, huh."266Please respect copyright.PENANAaYZ51A9Mfx
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But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh266Please respect copyright.PENANAJB5w1KEhFA
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"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."266Please respect copyright.PENANAfoP2DTcGQS
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"We likely don't have one."266Please respect copyright.PENANAPyf7shF0oI
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He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–266Please respect copyright.PENANAZgxE2MorJR
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"It's gonna be an uphill battle."266Please respect copyright.PENANAUWQhX2e29c
266Please respect copyright.PENANAqDztRFBhNx
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."266Please respect copyright.PENANA3QZjZvIcts
266Please respect copyright.PENANAidsM8IwmHi
"Well, if you insist."266Please respect copyright.PENANAknRSBM6Uey
266Please respect copyright.PENANAvjNBdsIQaz
–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
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The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.266Please respect copyright.PENANAgRHBgJ8tkY
266Please respect copyright.PENANAv8xTG8YfOD
There, Dave sprinted from his pursuing enemy. His speed just outpaced the Bringer's own, a fact made possible only by his lighter baggage. He clutched his clay in one hand and shielded it with the other, darting his eyes behind him every other second to make sure he was at a comfortable distance from the Bringer.266Please respect copyright.PENANAYWZG7uwExG
266Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7tVyZTb79
And then, that's when he heard the explosion. All of a sudden, Dave skidded to a stop and spun around to face his adversary. The motion confused and intimidated his opponent, who slowed down initially. But he saw how Dave still hadn't conjured a weapon and quickly returned to his blitzing pace–266Please respect copyright.PENANA4u9rbCU28g
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**THUD**266Please respect copyright.PENANAnsRTVUtWFQ
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And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?266Please respect copyright.PENANAnL1F1PW8Wl
266Please respect copyright.PENANAIeXRKdDmkJ
"--!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7sjYXt73c
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The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.266Please respect copyright.PENANATe4aV1IJkh
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But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.266Please respect copyright.PENANAzTKtTtOKth
266Please respect copyright.PENANA85Zn6PhgyE
Forgoing a spear, forgoing a dagger, and creating a great pole that would pierce even their plated armor. Within a second, their graves had been marked–266Please respect copyright.PENANAw1h7FR1cgc
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**SPLICE**266Please respect copyright.PENANA4lgJ4tnlV7
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And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.266Please respect copyright.PENANAofk25TBVXG
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"I missed one."266Please respect copyright.PENANAPthg4wsMQY
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He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.266Please respect copyright.PENANAL9TOT2QV4D
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At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.266Please respect copyright.PENANADbRwTuMjDM
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"Hey!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAwV0TKBEJLi
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The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.266Please respect copyright.PENANAhT7gziJuoE
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"Nice! You really got them in one hit."266Please respect copyright.PENANA0qH9InFWtL
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"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."266Please respect copyright.PENANAS4zKOR3YMl
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"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."266Please respect copyright.PENANAYGFcfOE4XY
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"I never said that."266Please respect copyright.PENANA3kFnnaqGsB
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Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.266Please respect copyright.PENANAtD4rSLPX4O
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"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."266Please respect copyright.PENANAEc67BYVhUT
266Please respect copyright.PENANAMtRiNu3eHC
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."266Please respect copyright.PENANA036a2A5tVD
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"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7b5AGwp7J
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To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.266Please respect copyright.PENANAD8nGU0ns7i
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"Haaaa. Damn you."266Please respect copyright.PENANAfGQpARO5Fa
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Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.266Please respect copyright.PENANAciKEGKyjPV
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"They are dead, right?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAdWcIX4VsqE
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"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."266Please respect copyright.PENANA6lHiq45waT
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"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."266Please respect copyright.PENANA6OSxFoTlcI
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"I–"266Please respect copyright.PENANAautNOqMWMW
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Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.266Please respect copyright.PENANAvZxbpNyN1O
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"Huh?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAysVbJfxmBX
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.266Please respect copyright.PENANAoPyhrG9P3J
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."266Please respect copyright.PENANAqPiWgbsB8a
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"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"266Please respect copyright.PENANA9MKUg1gDNC
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"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."266Please respect copyright.PENANAuqKi952sEm
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"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."266Please respect copyright.PENANA1sFCN97miI
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"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."266Please respect copyright.PENANAYCmeEMyj6z
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The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.266Please respect copyright.PENANAztI0BZtCoi
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"266Please respect copyright.PENANA3fNIeA5TFA
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"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."266Please respect copyright.PENANAYixrRcc2A7
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"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"266Please respect copyright.PENANAewMfJccgkx
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Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.266Please respect copyright.PENANAlRSggPlLZd
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"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."266Please respect copyright.PENANAnGRnSYHbB4
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"You raise a good point."266Please respect copyright.PENANAJfbLwdhSBD
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"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."266Please respect copyright.PENANABu4eVyba3l
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.266Please respect copyright.PENANAFlvx8AoNqK
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAdoJHdz7MBP
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"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."266Please respect copyright.PENANAkfDsagQkLx
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"Ha, abandon?"266Please respect copyright.PENANA5Mz0uyyf2F
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.266Please respect copyright.PENANAnjOWjotNFD
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"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."266Please respect copyright.PENANAVAvIAo3Zun
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"If you were, it was backfiring."266Please respect copyright.PENANAXnFEJhPySQ
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"Harhar. Very funny."266Please respect copyright.PENANAnEoKRvYZye
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Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.266Please respect copyright.PENANA9oXhSNOotV
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"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."266Please respect copyright.PENANAQsEkJecTgC
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"Aren't you conceited."266Please respect copyright.PENANAdBoKU4bEyt
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"You think it's arrogance?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAEQzTSbzexX
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Pars began to stroke his chin.266Please respect copyright.PENANAwAmt9XsZiA
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"266Please respect copyright.PENANAbkTsgMgFMA
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"But what you want isn't just greatness."266Please respect copyright.PENANAoNCezD8Qlx
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"...Yeah, you're right."266Please respect copyright.PENANAEEjGCU5s3B
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.266Please respect copyright.PENANArrFxXRPfCL
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"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."