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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSgtceuIoN
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSsUI5uIfB
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOWQXvx0PN
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTnjBQ62k6
"At least... I'm on my back now."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4q9jeKgVF
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLRIuyhhCM
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJEasSuMzx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e265yyCT0
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SIuuHnt9R
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlxfUS3Rpb
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiRrCmftbt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiVOm2hoWb
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiG70ZuSTp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM9HBgAF3k
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLtpSrB2CB
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NP26hS6KD
I was immediately startled.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXdvPsbwTF
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfsAV7t2va
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBV39Ineir
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnqw9U1Oes
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxXXWXiYk5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8486dOfZqN
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8ZU3RnFNH
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEL5vSenf7
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9kgCh8BTd
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFiwWprUF9
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD5oBHHpZR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzJqaMo8IP
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklUmW924tG
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzmZpe7gFk
"Do you feel any better?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7te2MR0mm
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcATvBQO6H
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNfrKyTGZV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqhhdejKN6
"That's good, that's good..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4VxuCYSwz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqR6jbTG27
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp7rhYS6au
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljbu0kmEbl
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Q8Daor9q
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkEKb3oSGw
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbClZvRXRV3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbtnOX1CWM
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6VKWBMoU7
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNQeMvOhWq
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEB16pigGN
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Do422amAh
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWO2CKI9PA
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOJYlOeljx
"H-How'd you know?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4IEMFHnbX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7w95HhUE3g
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGbwmfuRxg
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI074PrMBH
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ784T1cRVxp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXubIBChhQs
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecHBfDNIuU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrqBJ9tmHY
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?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y7lr7DH85
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AdpnULA8y
Pars nodded.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxDHTazI1K
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV21SQah1T
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzBExvhT80
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5v45iZRLX
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0tHk1TLjW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLRjzvobtz
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO97Air7FbL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiwTk7RCWP
"Mutual what?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriqy7sblhX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj17iSzm7Yz
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Llb6TTQaH
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4Oi5tLwtM
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUPnhouz1G
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuCbFZp9QD
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxenBGPgNP
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GPTx53aUB
"Really now..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVeBicnYkU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j9QedV7Pu
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGUUM2pcgZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tu9L6vcT8
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Bm4q2feG8
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LAppGQ758
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb70skivBFA
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4y7wdkfcq
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHuYIK5aYj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgimQduE5m
"Wow... it must've been bad."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW2MK7m7Pc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjK5bWGdlu
"You're almost as flippant as I am."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl21ZXuK7hV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomoYwZXWXz
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOCTTE4dDx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0Jn03OJ6v
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu9EcwXS6R
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla5PZlxjkg
"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..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XSOaHHH1C
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJYaHjQb2Q
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZghRx7U8Nj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgzEzi6JIR
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv30fNWYdu
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2fnc8br4h
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsAN0s3h18
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3Wfbd82YK
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCLdJvygYO
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8T4JoZZH4
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm2mpcXeqt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfsZ5ux1hQ
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz9wb2lBmE
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfYRo4gTyh
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAkzbCpQJq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtBtQg6xhx
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rSRF2OeB7
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYChgIaeYq6
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEh39xV7Dj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85WuS7atrm
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmspdYOcUPY
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl37UObOG9Q
"I know."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhilG6fqZSj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllfzWJDdBF
He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq0lbGkQNg
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFtAiXj87K
"Tell you what; I can't help you."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWigAKRKzdf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QPOQSaiUl
"...Are you serious?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV06aUj7pC
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM04QSTpeIr
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZwq3tYFD3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh3VEK3ged
"What? What can?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4J7OZAxby
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhf7sgAwFQ
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HUNKfdno9
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TJSOrYqgJ
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRevWAZA1d
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzr5zQYhyn
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33QLKiODoX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMovpKODkV
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOHiGQahXa
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF7AFVYxRl
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI5OaTTp15
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBUJX1qBFX
"Give it a try."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vkWW3Cmhc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4AEMAoYCe
He stood up and patted my shoulder.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9F2id5pBZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ83rDWUqjM
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8g3QA1ptA
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu6ItgwqDA
"H-Huh? Right now?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhqsELXMbp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdvA3HtYAg
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZI5eMM4ND
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bfnzL6RuC
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UraZI5tpT
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8ECXJIszX
–
–
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lqfQQGy99
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95u2PfulEb
"Are ya all packed up?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTVJ5uGcbw
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5djmxX8yq
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJAa4dmhJY
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBImwQ0Hsc
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefSph4JQ6H
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPxk2s8F5n
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVVKHvO2Op
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e1RKQKoh4
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NX8ur3toW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrxA9J6UGp
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhO7nyDRFj
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7IfdkBsMp
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWjHINjW2b
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZ1LIUjDpV
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSkft5n7XU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqQABK28og
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzLwl5tmFh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHvJ4IjLzZ
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyuCTeBXeK
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsv3AhdhAI
"I suppose that makes sense."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH8fSiWi0p
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5JDdi9Rit
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemmqNgRwqs
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZUBGfJNKM
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP80Gxbd3p
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcFYvt7FRp
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgP1lA1unay
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J1oEjgjd9
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB9mLBah7X
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzltpxBy4k
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8VFgTS9EU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLjDnrFj5w
"What do I think...?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsbaLy5r4H
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppPoACoiM1
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkBZRsUou5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvepCh7tt85
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC8vT29Kn5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83ohKl42Ha
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVfhBz12AX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsniOLbe2W
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqBOW4ZF0S
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOEGngBbes
"I'm asking ya, kid."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyHQmqZmfZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jnybKBoUP
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxn4SBqVhr
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT0i8WDcLh
"It had to be an Endowment."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTxR3hhgjw
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL4s9fJC2W
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoi2D3xP64
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf5zXLQ6H4
Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcgMRw5x7E
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGQbRyokQn
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb6MA203PQ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4fUnFwHDX
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHnUPMtkxa
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBBURZ5SIh
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYwQ1alD0v
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPSYzPSEaM
"Why not?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zwY14zgjB
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYWn9D9mH9
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bW6JHLoFV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iCNSZ4249
"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPcEpVe3wL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn6YBfynTs
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07SdNnPqbU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTEHhHES1t
"Surely, there's a better option."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ4cwIB1cZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir2CpjVdJT
"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnrkgrPVBH
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxkUsO5SL3
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBAx996n6Q
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHLjrzX43Y
"What if we spy from a distance?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayt2xAKbkI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4q29adCK9
"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN0wv4lmb4
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSZmIeXeNP
"...Point taken."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnhubqCSjL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rFHxhJzVH
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbPkU5IQmi
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV8f9uTfES
"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ56wvYvzs
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHH1ANycsq
"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfeCsa4toM
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjPEb0NvQR
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItESbzZt1i
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXtNL6Njpl
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g9kRLkGYt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw7Q3c5Aej
"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hL37yhNdC
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L5SJwTWeV
We nodded in unison.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZBSblVVJp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzYjhMfkB9
"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6PBJERMHw
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkndBYm32sQ
–
–
–
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR5muFSSMh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtUbNylxcg
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2Mynja5s2
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxOyiVXWDG
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8inrQbnyH3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN2rnl0hMy
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb3q95vykZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQCdeJ3aja
"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?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeLQTfENvz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPeoN1wFXw
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0byXwQK7qh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4f6q0aVhY
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29YEWlpq2v
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI6y7rNn7F
"Well... I won't deny that."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkRaQEqjMt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ5SWvTo1g
I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N6QISIDw3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VvBYPg70C
"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWTTL4jE23
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iodq3unKl
"Again? What do you–?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOSjBxiYDB
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS1Fs2RDkf
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9iZoZFbH0
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3657aT41ES
"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCgLzFeyzh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4FKeLoSLA
He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2rIlJOW0k
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1GptVntHp
"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNr0aGOr7C
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmZEfWNgqN
"I didn't ask ya that."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP28qBnxlrP
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0QGOzDF5g
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEeJ16P2KZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRnKjRU4hs
"That ain't surprising."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG31rsGnKcv
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDvWmzG3tn
"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshk0RP11v1
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1aaMJC1zA
Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxAALP05BA
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmioUoSevdq
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3rnCSQJy1
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNjS4LAx8f
"Yeah? Like what?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOTZoqvWu4
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4afm0t96s
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9v8Sc75Uy
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2Iz01JkVI
"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QdYmZq97S
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjXKOXDFZO
"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3F8EGFSY3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qnA2IztMI
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO57eUH8INk
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDfii7APo8
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7t01ADNF4
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgHSrxqB8s
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4HK9g8nk9
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuNMx3sLvB
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARvrstbdZ3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Nu7GYoZPG
"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMxOPcvUCU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs7bCfCdxs
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–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TzPCFumtv
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu9yKeyvOW
"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNsgVqcxIJ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25wWmBLF8C
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
