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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAKdFwU5FFHr
22Please respect copyright.PENANAJdl2Da6Mn8
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA01K4iWRg8F
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHznuAZlOth
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAKZvwXAlEgW
22Please respect copyright.PENANAWSLST6rb6Q
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.22Please respect copyright.PENANAWbTGrm5Gax
22Please respect copyright.PENANA96YOoeRI5K
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAq94Sud8v41
22Please respect copyright.PENANABBs5JTk7bj
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANALlhwjqDaYq
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhMIloxsdGI
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAIA0TPlPnfS
22Please respect copyright.PENANAzHyIEciPcs
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"22Please respect copyright.PENANA5A6MbyOyQS
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOAUuBeHHnd
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.22Please respect copyright.PENANAwml35a8B69
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjQTYaJdPp9
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANA1S0Ek3lc0m
22Please respect copyright.PENANA6IisFSH0FA
**BOOM**22Please respect copyright.PENANAgLnqorEi68
22Please respect copyright.PENANA1MKpAnXvrk
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAr9QNV7AwY7
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyj6bwW2p3c
"Ack!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAPIqSYtwmoR
22Please respect copyright.PENANAeRs3f9T0OY
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAKgQRc8Ger0
22Please respect copyright.PENANAWqmPitmiHZ
The room was a catastrophe.22Please respect copyright.PENANAjT1nQjQ5Du
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHJ4R10Ydgh
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAKbYg5nHvQJ
22Please respect copyright.PENANA7S4DsHJw9j
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAs8FGfcCz8N
22Please respect copyright.PENANAnRUrqhwhJZ
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"22Please respect copyright.PENANASO5QjZ0r0j
22Please respect copyright.PENANA2X4anUbrMP
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA8cL8gEBvn1
22Please respect copyright.PENANAmkiuGRZyHn
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANA3rRSjpF3d7
22Please respect copyright.PENANAdjva39kyFk
**STRIKE**22Please respect copyright.PENANAS4HtErSXlP
22Please respect copyright.PENANAIqu6mHfCx7
–only to be immediately interrupted.22Please respect copyright.PENANAg6EfLxbt6w
22Please respect copyright.PENANAPnjUfHTdcV
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANABumBtEYgEJ
22Please respect copyright.PENANA7uaAPu0kCi
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAqHNELNyCv9
22Please respect copyright.PENANAbPxccLTVD7
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.22Please respect copyright.PENANAsaOno2yTva
22Please respect copyright.PENANAVHR5ZeRtf0
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA2xIRA7LhRE
22Please respect copyright.PENANA585mKseble
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAhSX5pJ75i8
22Please respect copyright.PENANANHUMiv9K6g
"C'mon!"22Please respect copyright.PENANACFD7NxNuv4
22Please respect copyright.PENANAvWto33GEZM
"--Ah!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAw5u0Ng5RnP
22Please respect copyright.PENANAL6o7pxmyRz
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAlxdWkiuy5a
22Please respect copyright.PENANA9TYPoFzr51
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.22Please respect copyright.PENANA336VIT0Cvt
22Please respect copyright.PENANAnkutAIl1PH
–
–
–
What a moron.22Please respect copyright.PENANAIiK03cBTFL
22Please respect copyright.PENANA8WLrrc428N
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.22Please respect copyright.PENANAA81GbOvF83
22Please respect copyright.PENANAVZqjM1aKBr
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?22Please respect copyright.PENANAJEAxMfHqvt
22Please respect copyright.PENANAS6UIxC3C4m
**THUD**22Please respect copyright.PENANAT3RxfdeSpi
22Please respect copyright.PENANAApt9J0OgQn
"Ngh!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAlvBFGKfWfS
22Please respect copyright.PENANA294NN7pT5W
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.22Please respect copyright.PENANAZP8Jg9TwWg
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5ftYODJ3S
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"22Please respect copyright.PENANAid3dOZMUjK
22Please respect copyright.PENANAihLouEAWat
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAfK8UL3voIT
22Please respect copyright.PENANAY1lyNecEzJ
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA8OWULuGRxX
22Please respect copyright.PENANACbdG8vG0HI
"--I should've known!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAAkbnvImIWw
22Please respect copyright.PENANAv7IK2uy4eC
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA9sqdMtBcEr
22Please respect copyright.PENANANOvJPjtfyp
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAoKZ1RWQP2A
22Please respect copyright.PENANAuGmqcYalJW
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.22Please respect copyright.PENANA9RITVYC6Qz
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHiVj5I7VUu
"DAVE!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAmOVZAHMiOV
22Please respect copyright.PENANAqSa0KUKwpc
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANA9ErdXGMF3b
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQGIQX3laF6
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAYw93eZYDvT
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQsMfXRs4WI
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.
22Please respect copyright.PENANA4duG7fCuIC
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAShOtN6NsAM
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyaQVsER4a7
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAhCsa0IXIM0
22Please respect copyright.PENANALX0mJN6NtK
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."22Please respect copyright.PENANAFWWIPeddMa
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjvfpGgxT5F
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANALVk309MfEK
22Please respect copyright.PENANAncoByCDB7E
"...Those are our first casualties–"22Please respect copyright.PENANATe3KcJ1JC4
22Please respect copyright.PENANAFMklvfIu03
**BOOM**22Please respect copyright.PENANA6IzqTm6phx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQ9yWKtRNOw
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAzUQxG377FW
22Please respect copyright.PENANAl6oyB0CoCx
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAeBXUDvMXNZ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAdsK9oMDqN2
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA8gU0TuI5yJ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAs6VrtCD8PK
"I'm here now."22Please respect copyright.PENANAnyY9u8rhRU
22Please respect copyright.PENANAIB5roSRHfD
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANALRbkd6IOKM
22Please respect copyright.PENANAMi1D7aN1Zn
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA0zDOUxgeaA
22Please respect copyright.PENANAKzLgZIma5x
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.22Please respect copyright.PENANAuSy0dRIl3w
22Please respect copyright.PENANA6fi7woMxwW
–22Please respect copyright.PENANApUDnR1PNeA
22Please respect copyright.PENANAZzt4DGGpYm
–22Please respect copyright.PENANAiXf7NizhI6
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhckP9fsRtY
–22Please respect copyright.PENANARvHkDQsybX
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhCLnlSMCW0
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANATAtlx3Ngh7
22Please respect copyright.PENANAZPCF17s2tP
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.22Please respect copyright.PENANA7gJ1rnbjbh
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhgAHQp5ecM
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA1DAkp5JEdE
22Please respect copyright.PENANA7XYvU7LElo
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANA3pYcu4Vlmx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAsAjMVgK9rM
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAWkwH82qLc2
22Please respect copyright.PENANArx4TkR8Nbq
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA2a5QGi1Ktv
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0KGwHbrkOH
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAEg1ud4OODd
22Please respect copyright.PENANAy6KC5TN9Mn
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.22Please respect copyright.PENANAo5YDDZT4JJ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAPu7du1TJvx
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.22Please respect copyright.PENANArU5CEy1jWM
22Please respect copyright.PENANAgDqhR0l8fF
**BOOM**22Please respect copyright.PENANA2JeFkaACNJ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAi3hTurYnSr
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAwXyV9xSOKs
22Please respect copyright.PENANAontaskGBvj
"Pars!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAScH25He3hp
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjiFROUEZuD
"Huh?"22Please respect copyright.PENANA6M8WM91hCq
22Please respect copyright.PENANAlwbAQB1GMs
–22Please respect copyright.PENANAJKN51Ojd5P
22Please respect copyright.PENANAPkGZPPSWDJ
–22Please respect copyright.PENANAnqPuZjo4V9
22Please respect copyright.PENANAaoYf2bML5i
–22Please respect copyright.PENANAyYRwuUhTi9
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkTLG57VbU2
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA4FXcs1ei4F
22Please respect copyright.PENANApbcoNhpnKI
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAC3lRYqKBqx
22Please respect copyright.PENANA3FA30QCf2z
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAP1oYuXPQ5B
22Please respect copyright.PENANAGAgOD2tDsd
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.22Please respect copyright.PENANAuCn0bB39jK
22Please respect copyright.PENANAzq4DQ2vSQV
**CLANG**22Please respect copyright.PENANA4JasBwwWsx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhBJBYmW8Ne
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAQ6FkInAn55
22Please respect copyright.PENANAzUUnSNL5dE
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAGkckIdH1Oo
22Please respect copyright.PENANAtJojJ3VuFF
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANARxMA6td2Np
22Please respect copyright.PENANAJql4liyyu0
**SLAM**22Please respect copyright.PENANAnElqR2dIu0
22Please respect copyright.PENANAv3F1ILyVtH
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAOXB5YDpuuM
22Please respect copyright.PENANA8m1RO5W5jY
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.22Please respect copyright.PENANAwmZ3nQ3V7u
22Please respect copyright.PENANAxFy0zYKJha
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAGIld4wdNjN
22Please respect copyright.PENANAqeQlHtM2ja
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANAQfTG8jirhu
22Please respect copyright.PENANADSysK2WU2u
"Ngh! Shit–!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAooT1WyvB7A
22Please respect copyright.PENANARBNitdzJN1
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAKW61yf94AI
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkwQ2r6lufz
But then–22Please respect copyright.PENANAxjQivcX3S4
22Please respect copyright.PENANABfXbrfEgd1
**BOOM**22Please respect copyright.PENANAn7efeXbWcx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjABlhZhLar
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANAf1595X1Mx4
22Please respect copyright.PENANA39rIozRCRy
–22Please respect copyright.PENANAugqHjGL73z
22Please respect copyright.PENANADPlNigBujk
–22Please respect copyright.PENANASQdfm0LhAQ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAiLGP7mP1S4
–22Please respect copyright.PENANAxiqI3wqBBl
22Please respect copyright.PENANAuQLqBxOTIl
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA85wrsTPg9c
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0pSw4Y2vhx
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANAzokSfy3Ni8
22Please respect copyright.PENANAtbecDsqGn3
"Gah–! You scared me!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAGmse48XUTz
22Please respect copyright.PENANAb7k4VNuGcQ
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANApxGQQxgyNY
22Please respect copyright.PENANA66E5L8gbQp
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.22Please respect copyright.PENANAlMf3Uq8u76
22Please respect copyright.PENANAVdPvXvFoAn
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"22Please respect copyright.PENANAxvggLuc2Rp
22Please respect copyright.PENANAMB50Am5jzA
"No, this is terrible."22Please respect copyright.PENANAyTm29a5TJM
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkMWbTAIPFs
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.22Please respect copyright.PENANAImk1mIIEOs
22Please respect copyright.PENANA5YVRSPNXjR
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAB6LoawNPs0
22Please respect copyright.PENANAqC1YTiczAh
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"22Please respect copyright.PENANA7MQl0tkTrg
22Please respect copyright.PENANA8a87eIk2ZS
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAiRN4Uy8658
22Please respect copyright.PENANARu0znl2ZYA
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"22Please respect copyright.PENANArbyXhu7FX5
22Please respect copyright.PENANAm1XZsaEY4B
"No. No suggestions from you, please."22Please respect copyright.PENANAuOBVtIdsQL
22Please respect copyright.PENANAAgXkHtfZR1
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6oDUmqSRx
22Please respect copyright.PENANATTAdWgKAMi
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.22Please respect copyright.PENANAzjXF08yOeE
22Please respect copyright.PENANA8Fyub5tEdp
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAUhAnNraVej
22Please respect copyright.PENANA8IgW7FH9T8
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.22Please respect copyright.PENANAhyBAVUwbGb
22Please respect copyright.PENANAb6ajsHVNJK
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAmP8Z6rczD0
22Please respect copyright.PENANAYJnSDqw0Gx
Still, no response.22Please respect copyright.PENANAIkadXGnGOE
22Please respect copyright.PENANAwQ4CKSyv1O
"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–"22Please respect copyright.PENANA7E36Pf47Gb
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkJhJMEPFaU
"Because you're entirely incompetent."22Please respect copyright.PENANAqYR7Xy10zB
22Please respect copyright.PENANA6df2SM58Xr
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.22Please respect copyright.PENANA3iCN6TvsZx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAm5BmXlKnFH
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAHDAVbeJhwL
22Please respect copyright.PENANAO02a6J9VnI
"..."22Please respect copyright.PENANAAWnRFGqVkX
22Please respect copyright.PENANAq03prwv7J8
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAz3wvdAqDoe
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0Qv2bQPniK
"..."22Please respect copyright.PENANAjXMiAOtmKX
22Please respect copyright.PENANA3xXBdznVhW
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANATMY0HAN8YP
22Please respect copyright.PENANAxEyr3qSrVY
"What?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAtpfNabdyVS
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhPx6bgQg6d
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAUH4AZkMOmQ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAfJS2ROlQbL
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAxbD9Y2wWVB
22Please respect copyright.PENANAb28dg7Y8vU
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.22Please respect copyright.PENANAsxyHi3iyZk
22Please respect copyright.PENANAJLA6SHnr3E
"...I see."22Please respect copyright.PENANAaVnMyN3xZB
22Please respect copyright.PENANARF9Wxg03w4
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAG9ZV4GQCWv
22Please respect copyright.PENANAvENhANvrY9
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAObyMICWhwt
22Please respect copyright.PENANAfNhWJ5SYgy
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAWoQTetCKPW
22Please respect copyright.PENANAxA7F2RFQk8
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANArh2u8lL0Ii
22Please respect copyright.PENANAnIWosQbjRQ
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANABTA8UBBZ9R
22Please respect copyright.PENANANrHHxqMaA5
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.22Please respect copyright.PENANAlEpMgjomyW
22Please respect copyright.PENANAXstpompbCW
"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–"22Please respect copyright.PENANA4EfXxNvrln
22Please respect copyright.PENANAamjjopYS22
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.22Please respect copyright.PENANATRmnFhwh0R
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHSrn1CGc6u
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAXsxNXs5emu
22Please respect copyright.PENANAYIyM0HcEuB
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:22Please respect copyright.PENANADk6SKkenpE
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOWbfXINE2Z
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAjOR8oM8pPX
22Please respect copyright.PENANAvuw0sQvQL4
"Alright!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAg1jy0Pl1hx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAGxJfBYJOoh
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAYZmrT4jbMs
22Please respect copyright.PENANAcNs7ccAo0F
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAUlpd8UrK0O
22Please respect copyright.PENANA9ssGFp3VaY
–22Please respect copyright.PENANASvnl2LMlnQ
22Please respect copyright.PENANALV2IJBEcQT
–22Please respect copyright.PENANARC6Ohn0EMg
22Please respect copyright.PENANAmX1GWParWC
–22Please respect copyright.PENANANsXXiTBUyk
22Please respect copyright.PENANASGWAvb5pk5
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAiyDQW9Ytme
22Please respect copyright.PENANAA4NCSOWoZw
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAXHuGY5MSIU
22Please respect copyright.PENANAXfzSfefFwX
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA1LgtefBMoJ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAE9DLpZjGIk
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAvyKAJMpQxQ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAiDftrwvWRe
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAXmJ6HPGXTo
22Please respect copyright.PENANAnsHEv4RkIA
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.22Please respect copyright.PENANAOcXvk5ZXri
22Please respect copyright.PENANAXLVezqLY6y
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANA6JgRQunmsT
22Please respect copyright.PENANAfyFhDkmm9Z
"--No!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7UuAfHZa4
22Please respect copyright.PENANAveOMzrTV4x
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAD7I6QuLuov
22Please respect copyright.PENANAfHgJm71uPe
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANAJgaz86QBl5
22Please respect copyright.PENANAys4ocRbgWt
"Hyua!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAe21bYmjlEU
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkoNJmlmlqB
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAZDjO7npzM2
22Please respect copyright.PENANAChmwAtB2eH
However, he did have another sharp object.22Please respect copyright.PENANAIa3aNHg8ZI
22Please respect copyright.PENANABL0vbULZ14
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAiM2PaZ8ubu
22Please respect copyright.PENANArWWNHLcQLx
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAxrbh4LFR4n
22Please respect copyright.PENANAxxz0dov3c2
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAbYHQeLTGVZ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyDleawfhpB
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAy9osBTrxbf
22Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2nZ9Ah23g
And what came was–22Please respect copyright.PENANACayTBJ0Ihv
22Please respect copyright.PENANASVWRwl6NEQ
**BOOM**22Please respect copyright.PENANALKDN91Y1Tt
22Please respect copyright.PENANANisRKfeQRI
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAwfk5k3U4qp
22Please respect copyright.PENANAUeFsA7eD5T
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANA1csM7uBt54
22Please respect copyright.PENANAfFZGLZa3A7
"--oop!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAxjPZJiBHPx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAAHflS0YIuO
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAQTaW6kKMnM
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOu6k9dQ7Hr
"You... you're a sick jokester."22Please respect copyright.PENANAMqxVzha0Uu
22Please respect copyright.PENANA94fKm1UzF4
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAS2JR52Pzgx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhNU28RcMMn
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAOoR72IHfpz
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyh0TRAjCEy
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA9OuqbC1Axb
22Please respect copyright.PENANARN838F8WeS
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANApaEyzajDbF
22Please respect copyright.PENANAcAn1K1BANX
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAC55MP4Fyzc
22Please respect copyright.PENANAfFCSAndSXr
"What the hell... what the hell!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAoLvanUMNco
22Please respect copyright.PENANA2TQnc9ZDL5
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAWpF40AEosG
22Please respect copyright.PENANA4jzB4jlDUQ
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.22Please respect copyright.PENANAJ84cqgrlMu
22Please respect copyright.PENANArAgr4etoUu
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.22Please respect copyright.PENANAsbCEN3aBzu
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0N6oocSTs0
"...Heh."22Please respect copyright.PENANAEjot5X7TLK
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0vT4NHF1r5
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAbT3yxfVFr3
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhR8uI09Vcp
–
–
–
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA527h1icNrH
22Please respect copyright.PENANACKEJAqCBdE
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANASlXRiQCUna
22Please respect copyright.PENANA9iHChqaAia
**THUD**22Please respect copyright.PENANAaW8ecOTaGh
22Please respect copyright.PENANAgxjToeRsuT
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAn5PLDEHXvA
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQ9aOkkoHOI
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANApKjdtMgdJa
22Please respect copyright.PENANApbIvUS9jUY
"Though I have to wonder–"22Please respect copyright.PENANA1muqFPtQAV
22Please respect copyright.PENANAouo4Cn1nVj
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAzAlmnIwD1v
22Please respect copyright.PENANAKB6EvgmcsG
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANArBxJOQr7ND
22Please respect copyright.PENANAA0XPp1sVk5
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANApfQ8R7eL0U
22Please respect copyright.PENANAO3UusSnaEr
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAs7s32fLFpz
22Please respect copyright.PENANAj1JCE4Cozr
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAp2G3mYi7VR
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0L8YjtROSA
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.
22Please respect copyright.PENANAaeavuOLvYy
"Irritating...!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAIe9RkgCEvn
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhCNl91edHc
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA18ERSzLryU
22Please respect copyright.PENANAl9HS8ciGoB
Dave didn't like to use spears.22Please respect copyright.PENANAGPnlmNdNak
22Please respect copyright.PENANAxy0r0F0s0N
"...Haaaaa."22Please respect copyright.PENANAehODvRdXhB
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHnVX2nodB1
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAHX2rs5vbLs
22Please respect copyright.PENANADzsdqb8phE
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA1WmcbVc0wY
22Please respect copyright.PENANArO9NjYjSr2
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA9hjDD51R49
22Please respect copyright.PENANAEnQMyty38O
That's what he always told himself, at least.22Please respect copyright.PENANAone4ILVkxF
22Please respect copyright.PENANA6mNNw1evH6
**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**22Please respect copyright.PENANAbPAissiq7t
22Please respect copyright.PENANAfmiQUG4XZq
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.22Please respect copyright.PENANAFuYpVhFvHD
22Please respect copyright.PENANAlS8C1PHKg5
**CLASH**22Please respect copyright.PENANAunaxUQb8PG
22Please respect copyright.PENANAtg5l0WLTkm
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**22Please respect copyright.PENANAjKgSSm3mx0
22Please respect copyright.PENANAiWdbTUZRuW
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?22Please respect copyright.PENANAvumJmaXc9X
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0lhVm2OQhB
**CLASH**22Please respect copyright.PENANAWw9SXNObsQ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAsgXAG0enJC
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**22Please respect copyright.PENANA5aIbw4GFjl
22Please respect copyright.PENANArxXcknhalz
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**22Please respect copyright.PENANApkq0nBYc5q
22Please respect copyright.PENANAP0VvnrgRbI
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
22Please respect copyright.PENANAIZC0ggMrKg
Confusion–22Please respect copyright.PENANAnqYN15nWes
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkv119BPQiY
**CLANG**22Please respect copyright.PENANAYVpmHRbzNO
22Please respect copyright.PENANAasZ8445p0m
Delusion–22Please respect copyright.PENANArtV2j1FpUG
22Please respect copyright.PENANA00fuRCyW0Q
**CRASH**22Please respect copyright.PENANA7qpjFa29Iz
22Please respect copyright.PENANADoIXbYFPPZ
All lead to one conclusion:22Please respect copyright.PENANAvMyF7FjigD
22Please respect copyright.PENANAxYFFEaS5WV
**SMASH**22Please respect copyright.PENANAqkb4QbWWKb
22Please respect copyright.PENANAKEFGvX3X8k
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANANp1LqhjGUL
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyg8cJmtrGS
"...No, of course it isn't."22Please respect copyright.PENANA40FDAn05KF
22Please respect copyright.PENANAUxA3fz6QAI
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.22Please respect copyright.PENANAVwonnFWdrL
22Please respect copyright.PENANAPWFJ6eFSTy
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?22Please respect copyright.PENANAL1friuUuBv
22Please respect copyright.PENANA1MhIl8PhwO
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–22Please respect copyright.PENANAf6SuIEShhN
22Please respect copyright.PENANAzji9tEUhSU
**THUD**22Please respect copyright.PENANAFTaPIzlvrg
22Please respect copyright.PENANAv9Ef8HM1Tq
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANAjo3DzRl5EM
22Please respect copyright.PENANAdGqDbxSObR
"Pars!?"22Please respect copyright.PENANA91YYcSe78Z
22Please respect copyright.PENANAsP2GuAfetB
"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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAFNB37ViQDD
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHXWryIJoGr
"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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAD1FAixGKp2
22Please respect copyright.PENANA7IeP8lefOA
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."22Please respect copyright.PENANA9nusDPthR6
22Please respect copyright.PENANAtSN9nyZSFv
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."22Please respect copyright.PENANA3s6zWMEiu7
22Please respect copyright.PENANAW06cWkLsek
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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAcGrRr5WmlQ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAwqMp8q4mKG
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.22Please respect copyright.PENANAMJT7IlBHks
22Please respect copyright.PENANApQV93283YX
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAwVpYRBHm7Q
22Please respect copyright.PENANAXpJkgeTXpX
"What do you propose?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAwa5McqQGQP
22Please respect copyright.PENANAw2r0S2yW96
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.22Please respect copyright.PENANAEWh6PIVnqi
22Please respect copyright.PENANAZwNHQU2vLN
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAjBMyD3Deks
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjqqgzQUDtz
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.22Please respect copyright.PENANAXvdZieCOd0
22Please respect copyright.PENANAk64GcSYo04
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANApnrLuGztz1
22Please respect copyright.PENANArizOuhIMaI
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANAoFKGdBZiWr
22Please respect copyright.PENANAWwHZ086dMg
"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."22Please respect copyright.PENANAHJ8jJlJiRL
22Please respect copyright.PENANAXtAA8hXAbU
"--Huh?"22Please respect copyright.PENANA5sENLVEyZa
22Please respect copyright.PENANAbP3qxrr0rf
"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."22Please respect copyright.PENANAQcQamsY5lz
22Please respect copyright.PENANAkb9WvZnvTt
"...Always backhanded, huh."22Please respect copyright.PENANAmdjxFLotyZ
22Please respect copyright.PENANAwrpDI6KwHc
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 laugh22Please respect copyright.PENANAOhPe4V5seX
22Please respect copyright.PENANAn5ebMdD6cY
"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."22Please respect copyright.PENANAihVXYlfp7f
22Please respect copyright.PENANAwoaKw81Ibl
"We likely don't have one."22Please respect copyright.PENANAQglO5pyFMu
22Please respect copyright.PENANArJFBYG51l1
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANAJvVimPZ7m7
22Please respect copyright.PENANAcS0og6Lohg
"It's gonna be an uphill battle."22Please respect copyright.PENANA6lXg7CCA8B
22Please respect copyright.PENANAvM6Ww842Lh
"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."22Please respect copyright.PENANA79Nr9ohKXr
22Please respect copyright.PENANAG6Tb5UrxMF
"Well, if you insist."22Please respect copyright.PENANAgFLJEFFz2n
22Please respect copyright.PENANAl14xkusRAh
–
–
–
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.
22Please respect copyright.PENANAlkkRkVHkk0
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA7VrmcOoV1L
22Please respect copyright.PENANA30SDPydZw8
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAa3Thgrjxrd
22Please respect copyright.PENANAiLJ0f9EVFH
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANAFWdgpzwnPR
22Please respect copyright.PENANAFj5vaG6wij
**THUD**22Please respect copyright.PENANAQGFqofXObX
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOFYlByUGZP
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?22Please respect copyright.PENANArm2RBuvj0h
22Please respect copyright.PENANAx6wiSEmtO6
"--!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAA5xf5FXxjl
22Please respect copyright.PENANAv6LHzgyoNK
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAchMlYlJTWX
22Please respect copyright.PENANA7EGylOUlWJ
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAP9wHk3glKD
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjt5UITgble
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–22Please respect copyright.PENANADs3xcxypGH
22Please respect copyright.PENANAltAcEU8sNv
**SPLICE**22Please respect copyright.PENANAKK7oTFEFrv
22Please respect copyright.PENANAoZKrVNJOw2
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAJmHNRrXIcR
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQlLC9tgjvF
"I missed one."22Please respect copyright.PENANAAAGOFsYncS
22Please respect copyright.PENANAPXKWkrCjfo
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAaOm83K7zNk
22Please respect copyright.PENANASKjHEIpgYs
At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.22Please respect copyright.PENANAr38wxWn9bv
22Please respect copyright.PENANACNTh2ILfiz
"Hey!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAAy0XUTTtBM
22Please respect copyright.PENANALWwIrVESvP
The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.22Please respect copyright.PENANAlqyLmdYaWT
22Please respect copyright.PENANArfhOxV9FvB
"Nice! You really got them in one hit."22Please respect copyright.PENANAfqsfo86Fy4
22Please respect copyright.PENANA5DySuB8xev
"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."22Please respect copyright.PENANADMX1BuslIC
22Please respect copyright.PENANAl6rnHmUlNq
"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."22Please respect copyright.PENANAasunpGqEzD
22Please respect copyright.PENANACVchdS3dpH
"I never said that."22Please respect copyright.PENANAqkOPXVYgMW
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyiXEUJO2zw
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAYAuAmU9q1c
22Please respect copyright.PENANAU4W6fbriUW
"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."22Please respect copyright.PENANArUs7EdzOGh
22Please respect copyright.PENANAB9oxP4LEE9
"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."22Please respect copyright.PENANA8uYAPgFn0a
22Please respect copyright.PENANAVT29YNNw97
"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"22Please respect copyright.PENANA8p0cAiNhdq
22Please respect copyright.PENANA4lEkLER40F
To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.22Please respect copyright.PENANAghTcsUYzno
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOs4G5xvyda
"Haaaa. Damn you."22Please respect copyright.PENANAV0V7P3ySzm
22Please respect copyright.PENANA8aYUKws3XW
Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.22Please respect copyright.PENANA3r6l56otk2
22Please respect copyright.PENANAnDGp0FL0TZ
"They are dead, right?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAki6TiVDgJW
22Please respect copyright.PENANARHmVxBPkt6
"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."22Please respect copyright.PENANAdxKjJyvArR
22Please respect copyright.PENANAAyLweLOdOT
"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."22Please respect copyright.PENANAS5OetYdTka
22Please respect copyright.PENANAy70846oILB
"I–"22Please respect copyright.PENANAGatgy0mP7R
22Please respect copyright.PENANA4LcdZyNGAS
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANAtdVNovMcyq
22Please respect copyright.PENANAoYehZRpwA7
"Huh?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAYCOtRVcEnu
22Please respect copyright.PENANA6HrgHpGQGa
Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.22Please respect copyright.PENANAkHY5EHytDP
22Please respect copyright.PENANA9thExwvarL
"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."22Please respect copyright.PENANAkCaQCtaoxY
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOYmANAv9Qr
"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"22Please respect copyright.PENANApXdohQ7SW5
22Please respect copyright.PENANAJloZSfIMHQ
"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."22Please respect copyright.PENANAol2EBAAxhv
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0w5ZexGoCo
"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."22Please respect copyright.PENANAVZawfhOPWg
22Please respect copyright.PENANAjDUxZMolRd
"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."22Please respect copyright.PENANAnkNpOOyWMk
22Please respect copyright.PENANAyXykoQg9Y7
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.22Please respect copyright.PENANA9KkyiABq5k
22Please respect copyright.PENANAbwbKIM6GuY
"Do you think everyone else is fine?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAEEv0HO73nt
22Please respect copyright.PENANAUFEsgjq5P4
"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."22Please respect copyright.PENANA9BLAH934hG
22Please respect copyright.PENANA9dkgCyOc3Y
"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"22Please respect copyright.PENANAwG0uNodKp6
22Please respect copyright.PENANAk4CjaXY9Tm
Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.22Please respect copyright.PENANAj1jRb5SqWd
22Please respect copyright.PENANAd6gTeBazbj
"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."22Please respect copyright.PENANARwkAF5i2im
22Please respect copyright.PENANAakO6LGCJJl
"You raise a good point."22Please respect copyright.PENANAzMgFx3FrkG
22Please respect copyright.PENANAk5rmJf0utl
"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."22Please respect copyright.PENANAjZfYhFof8t
22Please respect copyright.PENANAUVAmqrbYaz
The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.22Please respect copyright.PENANASqxWZ8rPCe
22Please respect copyright.PENANAAmL8s4nUAk
"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAIYRiv9eIJx
22Please respect copyright.PENANAdcE2VlPsjo
"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."22Please respect copyright.PENANAEsFrtRlfOK
22Please respect copyright.PENANAeXjAwqJGd7
"Ha, abandon?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAyweLlRv0xz
22Please respect copyright.PENANAHVhWSdMDW8
Pars' gaze sternly hardened.22Please respect copyright.PENANA9aPvZQJuTU
22Please respect copyright.PENANAljoAgHIat0
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANAeIGkKPC2Iz
22Please respect copyright.PENANA9UNeUWrpNQ
"If you were, it was backfiring."22Please respect copyright.PENANABMRGX0ytX1
22Please respect copyright.PENANAKBF70p8agZ
"Harhar. Very funny."22Please respect copyright.PENANAzml5mJMqVr
22Please respect copyright.PENANA0lLb1Vd18s
Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.22Please respect copyright.PENANAEBj8FafH5L
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQtOwD0YG1L
"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."22Please respect copyright.PENANA1TSHSadaxf
22Please respect copyright.PENANA8YCwMrp62y
"Aren't you conceited."22Please respect copyright.PENANAfEq7YuJViE
22Please respect copyright.PENANAfJYXFHN8Im
"You think it's arrogance?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAPJPSycl6Io
22Please respect copyright.PENANAOJKugAhSe5
Pars began to stroke his chin.22Please respect copyright.PENANAMRmF2cPVsN
22Please respect copyright.PENANAhQcOFZnyTV
"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"22Please respect copyright.PENANAYcbhKqbswD
22Please respect copyright.PENANATWyH3bZjlF
"But what you want isn't just greatness."22Please respect copyright.PENANAxcEnjvwGYX
22Please respect copyright.PENANAXTqRvJW0hq
"...Yeah, you're right."22Please respect copyright.PENANA3vZrMkEnLy
22Please respect copyright.PENANAQoo9hJvTHS
Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.22Please respect copyright.PENANAN6v5f43Ryt
22Please respect copyright.PENANAWeZ1xfDBSj
"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."