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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAv63YIn4Taf
24Please respect copyright.PENANAalFQPAHzhm
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAPGexAPa6KK
24Please respect copyright.PENANASjYDRAQDfT
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAzzRnDbPOfm
24Please respect copyright.PENANADVwMQRpvvS
What was truly worrisome, though, was the lack of Bringers.24Please respect copyright.PENANA1rLqPqhhQZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFLOBDUL9Hw
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA5Y1tEhcwO6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAOh6goLPa6y
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA7WY3tGHZer
24Please respect copyright.PENANAKSHGtIHr7H
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAKb3epq3LGq
24Please respect copyright.PENANAsmFZOLfMEo
"Exit's here! Let's roll!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA0iHnSvifR8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAnP5XbkWbYa
I had a perfect line of sight from where I stood. Pars' forge ahead, and the sudden figure that sprung from a blindspot.24Please respect copyright.PENANA4ya2KeMtDY
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2801EVRtw4
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAB1plys6huv
24Please respect copyright.PENANAwwtp5on0dQ
**BOOM**24Please respect copyright.PENANANMS6UoCVqR
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxsvr1STJb2
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAV90PHIkWMF
24Please respect copyright.PENANA140ISKRMSS
"Ack!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAnmgUIssCin
24Please respect copyright.PENANAGWq1h8Hj02
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAYa5cDBLKXp
24Please respect copyright.PENANAR1Kq0YE3N2
The room was a catastrophe.24Please respect copyright.PENANAWn46TLod16
24Please respect copyright.PENANAr4dUOt74Zo
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA8CTCTS00w3
24Please respect copyright.PENANA17sJh3Q7xo
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA0GhV7FK372
24Please respect copyright.PENANAb5nO6vhtd4
"Everyone," he shouted, "if you can see, help the blinded! Get a move on!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA7iq0k0klmo
24Please respect copyright.PENANAmJ7DxPFH8O
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAyv567RtM2F
24Please respect copyright.PENANADiVByYN6yp
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANA4PQ6WGnxdr
24Please respect copyright.PENANAuevGvZS2EW
**STRIKE**24Please respect copyright.PENANAJp1uJawsJJ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWZsZ4ad0I5
–only to be immediately interrupted.24Please respect copyright.PENANAakpuVFP0l7
24Please respect copyright.PENANA1q0XVR5Iip
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAfdrTJ6xwBX
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtWTwuNwNoQ
"Stop standin' still kid! Move!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAcUNDyyKKlr
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJaYkpISybv
Without a second beat, I scurried away. I continued mana expulsion, partially out of instinct, and weakly lobbed a sturdy stone at the swords.24Please respect copyright.PENANARCaErtJtKR
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3p6tyJ8JOx
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAXprKizCeOh
24Please respect copyright.PENANA7cD7333XgV
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAUEfn6sv7jF
24Please respect copyright.PENANARWdkRwyloY
"C'mon!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA5PPpJhmoRm
24Please respect copyright.PENANAzl7U75Q5i9
"--Ah!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA9rX5fv7clV
24Please respect copyright.PENANANDKrACGetK
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAVAglrg3cSi
24Please respect copyright.PENANAaBcpcphAwR
I made no effort to inspect the ones who weren't moving.24Please respect copyright.PENANAZpa1SprZgO
24Please respect copyright.PENANADfsxrPGDXs
–
–
–
What a moron.24Please respect copyright.PENANAR32FoGNMwS
24Please respect copyright.PENANAcVrMk4kJj5
It was to be expected– it should've been expected. The signs were so obvious that he knocked himself for being so remiss.24Please respect copyright.PENANAvDRYAvd7x3
24Please respect copyright.PENANADRHzi3A2Da
A large room, utterly silent until the decisive moment. An ambush in a guarded building; what a concept, wasn't it?24Please respect copyright.PENANAMfG2DGycPR
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvxgSkF9ViM
**THUD**24Please respect copyright.PENANAo6et7O5AhV
24Please respect copyright.PENANAcvoGo5CQFD
"Ngh!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAWpLzGZ5uVQ
24Please respect copyright.PENANA9krcqeplPu
That quaking strike brought him out of his scolding. He slid across the floor, biting his lips over his bruised arms.24Please respect copyright.PENANAELk5w1oph0
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZd7mDibhjo
"That thing on your shoulder's a real blowhard–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAgtY5A9YMxG
24Please respect copyright.PENANAs5qzP78aon
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANABzCFJ8moy2
24Please respect copyright.PENANAP99Sc7TH0y
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAkZOTMuYYub
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYutwbEUyop
"--I should've known!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA4FmgRjrY0W
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWF9DbPnlx7
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAGJrGWmv4Z9
24Please respect copyright.PENANAI86yNknxgC
"Two against one, huh? I should've expected such dirty play, but–!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAeaXDclvGht
24Please respect copyright.PENANACIoSO1URpu
Pars had a tool in his disposal to even the odds.24Please respect copyright.PENANA98B9x2YvUe
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQEgRnuKbUU
"DAVE!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAZ5OP0XF1cC
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFXcJumQzhq
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAzt4c08dcH6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfriVYi6yv3
"Dave! If you can hear me, I need some help!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAY9t9XClCdv
24Please respect copyright.PENANAHgXCsx6pfh
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.
24Please respect copyright.PENANALpTsvmlbWV
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAemoaD1FsP0
24Please respect copyright.PENANApxKZHhV0MP
"Dave? How'd you get over there!? I just checked that place!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAcuvbHMEqIg
24Please respect copyright.PENANA090dtlNwrR
"Shut up, please. From now on, talk only with regards to the battle."24Please respect copyright.PENANAMSh9uZN4zd
24Please respect copyright.PENANAHxSpg46dOP
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAwxePPdKb5G
24Please respect copyright.PENANABPjXOpp4iH
"...Those are our first casualties–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAgGS2kImLYa
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtdgAlRgqRt
**BOOM**24Please respect copyright.PENANADcbR6J9YHk
24Please respect copyright.PENANAbYP4bVQKUG
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAE0wIgXEIYA
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0LvW7e1vGB
"--Shit, I lost my focus! I owe you one!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAPASfKcc6IZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANA7czpwqZA6h
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAiR7BElQcDa
24Please respect copyright.PENANAW5B9e9ZZ8E
"I'm here now."24Please respect copyright.PENANAEB01eQ692g
24Please respect copyright.PENANAGMWAOnpnSx
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA4xeSxsEPYH
24Please respect copyright.PENANASLg9e0P6Hs
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAmn5CoSWNer
24Please respect copyright.PENANAKl6iy8bUcP
And thus, he dashed forward, reaching in his coat.24Please respect copyright.PENANAorUwL8sUmL
24Please respect copyright.PENANAL9zwJ2Yn46
–24Please respect copyright.PENANAMoq0DjhgaW
24Please respect copyright.PENANAg0sXYex8wd
–24Please respect copyright.PENANAOUPJ2GoA31
24Please respect copyright.PENANArCtTjrWgbv
–24Please respect copyright.PENANAQ92DNdYWIq
24Please respect copyright.PENANAKWqhWodl4w
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAvQE8WTODGZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANA39gYmZrQK3
He thought it strange that these were his thoughts right before the fight. Pars pushed them aside, but they already left their mark.24Please respect copyright.PENANATIMeQZcw23
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvY7Lc2hU1W
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA2wUhFlzzcJ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAG8fOPTjwlV
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAy573SRlYEA
24Please respect copyright.PENANAnznlQzN9FV
"Armor. Much like the others, huh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAoD7CKJp3RT
24Please respect copyright.PENANAPwHYP4UAUb
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAT3tQzjUgVg
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfcwD766QQM
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA16IxGt6UjY
24Please respect copyright.PENANA5vZhNQY0Nv
One loud boom sounded throughout the room. The air around him, now dappled with cinders, guided the blazing arrow right to the Bringer.24Please respect copyright.PENANAr9XrVyTjZt
24Please respect copyright.PENANASxGfa1ItW9
But the Bringer's contraption fired as well.24Please respect copyright.PENANAvKNYxTXdWt
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxxIMmiyu76
**BOOM**24Please respect copyright.PENANAtDJ332WCYy
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxjxopbMcLl
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAf4gCOYUi1A
24Please respect copyright.PENANASWmIikE9xT
"Pars!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAGdE7YFuLlW
24Please respect copyright.PENANAIDJbcbERE7
"Huh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAXzg7fQrOhA
24Please respect copyright.PENANADJ3iho9a88
–24Please respect copyright.PENANAVzEv3JLoef
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxb350uDIp2
–24Please respect copyright.PENANA6KOVl6KNX9
24Please respect copyright.PENANATuAGdBBDvi
–24Please respect copyright.PENANACtTuRUiv1y
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxyrtDE8lwU
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAygmm5PbbHY
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWnwnWHUTI2
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAP1fM8w6its
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZFENA3I4GP
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANACcGkwAVJiW
24Please respect copyright.PENANANKAeov3E0A
Though, as much as he'd like to believe that, he wasn't so stupid.24Please respect copyright.PENANAqptGPYqoqd
24Please respect copyright.PENANATnoXQgtEyT
**CLANG**24Please respect copyright.PENANARkY360rNtC
24Please respect copyright.PENANAUIaJiwR2Tx
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAodOFScTGSz
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtLtDKFzSTX
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAsLO2jJanV5
24Please respect copyright.PENANAEXQZNxdnHW
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAoanHNQTRop
24Please respect copyright.PENANAMW9Tx4XYnO
**SLAM**24Please respect copyright.PENANAVOHvIsfoBE
24Please respect copyright.PENANAyYzp4nsbsv
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAvgGqmr2wfF
24Please respect copyright.PENANA7l93P8gVtE
Though, by the way he was sent to the floor, it would be a stretch to call it a block.24Please respect copyright.PENANA1iNRZSDMP2
24Please respect copyright.PENANAnWliCLnWZW
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA6tRc2fXDrA
24Please respect copyright.PENANA1rCMRpgG9Q
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANA6CWOXHQVmu
24Please respect copyright.PENANAa9low3kuHJ
"Ngh! Shit–!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAzHJnYNjFaS
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgjcDowTMEk
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA9WlLRqQDxO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAztbIDj1lbS
But then–24Please respect copyright.PENANAdHi12wq6jl
24Please respect copyright.PENANALvuxk3RQ59
**BOOM**24Please respect copyright.PENANAUHk9z6Aad8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAu25X3O07a1
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANANq4lq35EiL
24Please respect copyright.PENANAyPkq7IEugY
–24Please respect copyright.PENANA72W4BqSX7i
24Please respect copyright.PENANAKLg2IXGoAe
–24Please respect copyright.PENANAiH0s6XjGvc
24Please respect copyright.PENANA5KQcSycoI5
–24Please respect copyright.PENANANtd4XZv7NG
24Please respect copyright.PENANALaZoyfCUvl
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA9DOVZjCaU4
24Please respect copyright.PENANAU8zC07j290
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAUBYGbjAhI1
24Please respect copyright.PENANAiKll7rTyty
"Gah–! You scared me!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAS4TJnKwuAZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAMVWRUZUYgc
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAor8zTfYpUI
24Please respect copyright.PENANAEaH0vTdA31
"They're hiding," Dave muttered.24Please respect copyright.PENANAr47pl6B0mO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAiPguheLQHr
"Yeah. We're at a good vantage, though. After all–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAX3jvCLHRkD
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtjgnmeEzp2
"No, this is terrible."24Please respect copyright.PENANAMdwaxYDwz0
24Please respect copyright.PENANAeGCeKaWBNy
Dave interjected with a rival statement, giving Pars a confused look.24Please respect copyright.PENANABMEpaJezl0
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3n4XB5Ty9d
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAOmtxES2T8E
24Please respect copyright.PENANAar947VBki9
"You're... you're making a good point. Tch!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAOil4moTQdO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJmjmn65Xml
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAVIy2B0lQ5A
24Please respect copyright.PENANAafpPeziKPc
"What do we do? I have a suggestion, but–"24Please respect copyright.PENANA2hGjccYgYi
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2iW7GnDWie
"No. No suggestions from you, please."24Please respect copyright.PENANAz9GgqmLsgh
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFzQrs23G2e
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANANuLmWXVxGZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAM8YoPo73Qt
It was standard proceedings, as far as Pars was concerned. But something about it, something about this instance, made it utterly insufferable.24Please respect copyright.PENANABjzjMgQsBn
24Please respect copyright.PENANAAkavqLD3p3
"Why not, Dave? Why not take a suggestion?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAlOP3nYc50A
24Please respect copyright.PENANAMN9bpRFAWH
Dave's eyes twitched, but he still held his head.24Please respect copyright.PENANAqSDbuzgV4o
24Please respect copyright.PENANAoB32Kfu7S1
"Aren't you and I a team? Aren't we fighting while staking our lives? Fighting the same enemy!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAlUPfSP77yR
24Please respect copyright.PENANA9UjaET0qEI
Still, no response.24Please respect copyright.PENANAFeMYNIJw5Y
24Please respect copyright.PENANAA2EetjtKwd
"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–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAFpEpnNsgdF
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYho6nHm2KM
"Because you're entirely incompetent."24Please respect copyright.PENANAj7LD3Uzw6V
24Please respect copyright.PENANACv9ZHA21N5
With a low, but stern tone, Pars' rant was cut short.24Please respect copyright.PENANAbTXh2DtM7k
24Please respect copyright.PENANAl9qe4MlMjb
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAAqOjCFUAzY
24Please respect copyright.PENANAGLQ53ZtFV8
"..."24Please respect copyright.PENANAISeDda9OBb
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYqUONbfq6q
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAo6DDKqcdep
24Please respect copyright.PENANAPpCWkdlgnW
"..."24Please respect copyright.PENANAhGBBsp4Yi3
24Please respect copyright.PENANANHZkabdVJ9
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA6O27F49meA
24Please respect copyright.PENANApko93N5vc1
"What?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA30YBbx5wbJ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFxFT7CXj0a
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANACZV6EvfaLE
24Please respect copyright.PENANAHE6ztGp4pu
"...You think I'm doing this only for reputation?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAmPNjDWF7ZU
24Please respect copyright.PENANA4ZDHytZf16
Dave didn't even grant him a nod, but his silence was affirmation enough.24Please respect copyright.PENANAtp6CyKx7Hp
24Please respect copyright.PENANALPwI03MflD
"...I see."24Please respect copyright.PENANA9brf9xuijY
24Please respect copyright.PENANATn2WHAsBF9
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAinegEmtLdM
24Please respect copyright.PENANA6Yntn40TTw
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAIYKJifAtBA
24Please respect copyright.PENANAOAdpw0rWMe
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANA5wRJCLjFMS
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxJuXmecLpq
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAm54YShaSKN
24Please respect copyright.PENANAVYDBA3kj7c
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAlHz8EUk8gv
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0kNSjcZmZH
A restless, pulsing blaze formed in Pars' palm. He held his arm up and split the flame into four.24Please respect copyright.PENANAZl6sQ4IF1a
24Please respect copyright.PENANAql7XCWhVaO
"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–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAXbcB8OH8yo
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjd9QHSD4nW
He slid his feet apart, reeling his arm back and aiming at the booths.24Please respect copyright.PENANAW0vlatJtSr
24Please respect copyright.PENANAts9Af7BgvR
"--then there's no hope for my wishes!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAvXBN32mdup
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQMW2N9ggzJ
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:24Please respect copyright.PENANAKaRmBqzJaq
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJ8CzAFXAkj
"I'll take the one with the cannon!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAHw6Hd3y6FH
24Please respect copyright.PENANA7CoLH9ZBp9
"Alright!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAxTbHPTRpq3
24Please respect copyright.PENANAMD0UeCZpOC
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAk8YCjcXD5j
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7zLR8HXlf
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANABGOLJQ9WUx
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2TVYL7lEuW
–24Please respect copyright.PENANAgGVe8hE1MN
24Please respect copyright.PENANAdGhYoD2O3B
–24Please respect copyright.PENANA0wkqjIU6m5
24Please respect copyright.PENANAqrfMaeR74i
–24Please respect copyright.PENANAdFr3gdZWPN
24Please respect copyright.PENANANROvfwtTnh
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAgJIYPmo4xs
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3G9nwYwGBB
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAJ1L0xA5MK5
24Please respect copyright.PENANA1KCdCBJi7b
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAfnPb7phH2o
24Please respect copyright.PENANAyXL27UcvZU
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAyKOzGTNa9s
24Please respect copyright.PENANAwE4SGOFmts
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA9FOjliKmCE
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWbV3FsxzCn
Thus, he skidded to a stop. He flipped his dagger and jumped back, spinning on a foot and kicking the weapon with the other.24Please respect copyright.PENANAwcUUnLFnDF
24Please respect copyright.PENANAURuG7X9J56
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAyb9SAYG55r
24Please respect copyright.PENANAiN2lR7Qwvu
"--No!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAz1opLp2cbB
24Please respect copyright.PENANAM3IuHoMUWN
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA7UwBDMpVba
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0xdkAIevsg
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAE697hqFGTg
24Please respect copyright.PENANAX5Thodsj62
"Hyua!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAviwVI9iOLh
24Please respect copyright.PENANAwcR3pzsnJo
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAie1GddEjp8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAGDPwvBaSBY
However, he did have another sharp object.24Please respect copyright.PENANAD4G1k3JI21
24Please respect copyright.PENANAdoLtYRIygS
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAhEttdOIp4J
24Please respect copyright.PENANAG7g4xfEzP1
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAfH8IMSgllm
24Please respect copyright.PENANAsjUcbZnEzZ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANASDoOHZ2M1z
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjbGWHnARjc
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAtGdd0NMVn0
24Please respect copyright.PENANAW1aJuXGxrX
And what came was–24Please respect copyright.PENANAg8jrX91P49
24Please respect copyright.PENANAoNeg69lbK0
**BOOM**24Please respect copyright.PENANAwAfvQvUaYr
24Please respect copyright.PENANA9IF4Uo8TIw
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAyYiivv4fod
24Please respect copyright.PENANALSpLJKhUpY
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAUewBmV4WKz
24Please respect copyright.PENANAc3ajY4oSZC
"--oop!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAoy6upbjaM8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAAWqpGPBNik
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAPdrLc41glQ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAd2gypOLQJS
"You... you're a sick jokester."24Please respect copyright.PENANAr5guD6UqxS
24Please respect copyright.PENANALvwisEB1Gv
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAuL2sRGoUJp
24Please respect copyright.PENANAv6A1P5t11R
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAx1ds2eQzuS
24Please respect copyright.PENANAW81A3YZvFI
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA8AKdfLHgqg
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJgctBRUTf3
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANATsayJHFV80
24Please respect copyright.PENANAUaSoAMlG1n
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAdSjPDlhisW
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQ4ftODKuDK
"What the hell... what the hell!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAa2RddDlYc2
24Please respect copyright.PENANAplkgSJ2AhC
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAl8OiTel3xV
24Please respect copyright.PENANAC51fbY3fh6
Pars grityed his teeth and wiped his brow. The blood was getting cold. If it was on any longer, he would shiver.24Please respect copyright.PENANAcpGnoCHS1X
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3lGlR50mov
Though, his body took those measures far sooner than it should've.24Please respect copyright.PENANAHt5vZNz1sy
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0y0829i1ic
"...Heh."24Please respect copyright.PENANAv09utewDdP
24Please respect copyright.PENANAw43EkH3WgF
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAkhNtnKTQD8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFr1UhrQIdq
–
–
–
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA67L159PGR4
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJHxtos3qAU
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAjFm39mDopm
24Please respect copyright.PENANABGRn9mfAlo
**THUD**24Please respect copyright.PENANAgZ9zUwDEaD
24Please respect copyright.PENANAT5kiHD9Xqq
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAOwTJ33nMHd
24Please respect copyright.PENANAqZxp7JUDVE
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAUbX66M3lBy
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0srtxrcAaS
"Though I have to wonder–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAUFsZXwgBRN
24Please respect copyright.PENANAG58HHfC3oE
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAPanyfxl23h
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0llGIHRS9p
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAZuNGa2rO4g
24Please respect copyright.PENANAETC9KzZ8Jx
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAXWCNnWvpUq
24Please respect copyright.PENANAum5xe9w0Vz
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA0gIpduC0MW
24Please respect copyright.PENANAiChbJy0XRu
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAsEytzzw7dg
24Please respect copyright.PENANAF3TPNF7nfJ
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.
24Please respect copyright.PENANAnxvzfHysdE
"Irritating...!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAl01mLxxMBg
24Please respect copyright.PENANAd3fARpTrsF
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAds5zemBarJ
24Please respect copyright.PENANA88mcGlnu4G
Dave didn't like to use spears.24Please respect copyright.PENANAZjefxX2x1E
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZqJ22K3CLS
"...Haaaaa."24Please respect copyright.PENANAEwcQVhlp9O
24Please respect copyright.PENANAzpTTENvJOB
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAjv6m2KAkOi
24Please respect copyright.PENANAbm3et8yDN1
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxW2QhVjRMz
24Please respect copyright.PENANA8F94s8sIsP
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAGRb2HV8sfu
24Please respect copyright.PENANAqrx2RpLlf5
That's what he always told himself, at least.24Please respect copyright.PENANAeG4fcxcLyV
24Please respect copyright.PENANAXNZfUQdDYJ
**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**24Please respect copyright.PENANAKelvP3haq5
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQFA8qnvQJI
Foolishness. It was plain human foolishness. And though it pained him to confess it, he was as much a practician as anybody else.24Please respect copyright.PENANAjYPYu9ApOS
24Please respect copyright.PENANAefpTG1lk72
**CLASH**24Please respect copyright.PENANARBgeIvbGOq
24Please respect copyright.PENANA6bvf4U4ajd
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**24Please respect copyright.PENANAHWGDReTE8o
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFSnil3zYUP
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?24Please respect copyright.PENANAEk9asLEz00
24Please respect copyright.PENANA6uqpDZuatH
**CLASH**24Please respect copyright.PENANAiM10TpysJF
24Please respect copyright.PENANAsP8UvIh8oY
Frustration, fervor, fury, ferocity–
**CRASH**24Please respect copyright.PENANAGQCUYZAC98
24Please respect copyright.PENANABDCfGEgTbt
Adrenaline, adamance, anxiety, anguish–
**CLASH**24Please respect copyright.PENANA0yjmyrzPKw
24Please respect copyright.PENANAIj4oriDQWx
His chest was a twister that forever picked new debris.
**CLASH**
24Please respect copyright.PENANA1yzs3XH4RG
Confusion–24Please respect copyright.PENANAvhXxVLUQqr
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQGss7Ko8k1
**CLANG**24Please respect copyright.PENANAlCWIrrE9My
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgIVqIW8oyG
Delusion–24Please respect copyright.PENANAP649RZh24u
24Please respect copyright.PENANAeGW1HRfORL
**CRASH**24Please respect copyright.PENANAKWhCHBySF6
24Please respect copyright.PENANA5j54TcbvcU
All lead to one conclusion:24Please respect copyright.PENANARXGLniv0k4
24Please respect copyright.PENANAGvVQzwVp32
**SMASH**24Please respect copyright.PENANAvC5w3r0O6n
24Please respect copyright.PENANABgZdr8ZnfJ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAG8PzVmOhOK
24Please respect copyright.PENANAptwnJRAXRq
"...No, of course it isn't."24Please respect copyright.PENANAaZ8ovPOc4P
24Please respect copyright.PENANAhRMJeVcMzV
Dave had a smirk on his face. But he was a torn man under that expression.24Please respect copyright.PENANANNM86cwl2f
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJB36vLS7id
Because, didn't he long for a more peaceful life? Is that not why he made that pottery shop?24Please respect copyright.PENANAZ2vMR6tEHn
24Please respect copyright.PENANA4rbbN5i4PD
Then why were these blasts of nostalgia laced with such regret–24Please respect copyright.PENANATQ7IcEwGl2
24Please respect copyright.PENANAbFePcBjnBz
**THUD**24Please respect copyright.PENANAr1347aEufb
24Please respect copyright.PENANALumKVopcVn
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAeyM7W1sgx3
24Please respect copyright.PENANAAwT3msgcqK
"Pars!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAiRBhc96xk5
24Please respect copyright.PENANAX4W1xaqvTT
"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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxhZp2schL2
24Please respect copyright.PENANA5WiYvGi5G1
"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.24Please respect copyright.PENANANXsoxFQudG
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2ia9LVNNsK
"Fine, but injured. Their tricks are starting to exhaust me."24Please respect copyright.PENANAOUMmHg4vqk
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvHROzL0RZU
"Likewise. When I think I get 'em, they just pull another thing out of their ass."24Please respect copyright.PENANAXjjlMK5DZl
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWSSlaaTr0k
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."24Please respect copyright.PENANArWe6T9xzwB
24Please respect copyright.PENANArghA10xR9o
Dave sternly nodded at Pars' assertion.24Please respect copyright.PENANAP5tVDUBnvX
24Please respect copyright.PENANAz1abjuXtNw
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAEC88tmHG9W
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3D0o4ovO6t
"What do you propose?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAF0Qju7Y3kl
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0moaQFiDLO
Pars closed his eyes and took a deep breath.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxj42zKjnqZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAVHqPc4JYfr
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAuUMEpcZNei
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtXNE4F015o
To be competent. To be confident. To be strong. To be a man who inspires others. To be a man who saves the helpless.24Please respect copyright.PENANAK6v1h3EbDT
24Please respect copyright.PENANAaAjJ8TwE7r
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAajyriDxw5s
24Please respect copyright.PENANAF0Rz3zaSII
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–24Please respect copyright.PENANA2zUvnf31V8
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"Whatever we do, it would be... smart of us to do it together."24Please respect copyright.PENANAE8eoTl4arG
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"--Huh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAHNaWrcyQVZ
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"It's loathsome to admit, but you were right. I was stubborn, and I can't refuse to tolerate you this time."24Please respect copyright.PENANAG5lUBAOvIO
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"...Always backhanded, huh."24Please respect copyright.PENANA1KRhAGOyF9
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But Pars muttered that with an idiot's grin. To hear those words, and from that individual, from the person who sent him into such a mess in the first place. It almost made him laugh24Please respect copyright.PENANA91N8H0CDLd
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"Just like the old days, huh? Alright, just give me a second."24Please respect copyright.PENANAWwes30vogi
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"We likely don't have one."24Please respect copyright.PENANAuU5bpQhBVe
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He locked himself in thought, into a zone of his mind that split his focus and sense of time. He opened his eyes so his instincts could at least defend a surprise attack as he turned the cogs of his brain. He churned and churned and hoped for a bright idea to spawn from it. Something came of it, but–24Please respect copyright.PENANANTFKo7FfP4
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"It's gonna be an uphill battle."24Please respect copyright.PENANAYpJqGkkbni
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"So nothing has changed. Go on, spit it out."24Please respect copyright.PENANAKOmUPYzeSh
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"Well, if you insist."24Please respect copyright.PENANA8uduPhdfhD
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–
–
–
Dave and Pars reinforced their stances. They moved their retinas to the corners of their sockets and nodded at each other, then swiftly swapped spots.
"Go!"
Pars and Dave burst into sprints, charging at their respective opponents with nothing but their bare hands. The Bringers inched to challenge them but hesitated at the sight of their armlessness. That tiny moment was all that was needed.
Pars' opponent dashed back, but it didn't dodge any attack. Pars never made one. He kept sprinting and sprinting, and his ceaseless charge compelled the Bringer to keep backing away. His opponent eventually got his grip, because he planted his feet and brandished his lethal fists, ready to counter.
But, just short of arm's length, Pars lunged forward and tackled the Bringer. But not to the ground, because he made damn well sure he kept a foot on the floor. His right foot as an axis, he spun his body and released the Bringer.
The Bringer flew just a few feet away. He was completely unharmed, and only more cautious now. He dashed forward to hit Pars and struck him directly in the stomach.
"..."
His looming silence professed his query. Pars answered by grasping his arms, and with a toothy smile that leaked bile through its gaps–
"Gotcha."
**BOOM**
–A great gust of wind erupted from his palms.
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The bringer soared, rendered a bird by the speed that he flew. His attitude never decreased, he only moved further and further and further, completely opposite of Pars' direction.24Please respect copyright.PENANA6OyQbHPkDR
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANANJrkQ4ThtT
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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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAC5PZUATAbg
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**THUD**24Please respect copyright.PENANAQyzrZpdz8S
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And then it came to a halt. Or rather, it was a boost. After all, this burst of speed was impossible by ordinary, human means. A feat that made it appear as if Dave was being pulled toward him. But this speed came with a blast, and truly, what good would it do if it meant his feet dislodged from the floor?24Please respect copyright.PENANADzrd2NsB9X
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"--!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAFVMIw75NkZ
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The two Bringers tumbled towards Dave. Dangerous dashing, utter discombobulation. The Bringer's heads hadn't moved an inch, yet it felt like they were closer to the floor than their legs. Flying and flying, but finally, they began to fall.24Please respect copyright.PENANAayZ5O8q1t8
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But then Dave put one foot down in front, and all their dismantled attention unified to that appendage. Dave began mana spinning, forming a tool out of his clay. A lengthy shaft with a pointed head whose tip grew thinner and thinner, because this tool only had one purpose: to impale.24Please respect copyright.PENANAzeRqhRcb4B
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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–24Please respect copyright.PENANAlvCsI9hU3v
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**SPLICE**24Please respect copyright.PENANAGiapU0GoNP
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And it was that clay that became their stone.
Dave glared at the Bringers. He couldn't hold them long; his paltry tool was a terrible skewer. He released the two to the ground.24Please respect copyright.PENANAVHWs5epDqp
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"I missed one."24Please respect copyright.PENANARxaznjXYC6
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He took the end of the shaft and quickly transformed it into a sizable needle, then thrust it directly into the neck of the other. Then for good measure, kicked the two away so their sides touched the floor. Stuck together, bleeding together.24Please respect copyright.PENANAcuY7AELVIk
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At that moment, strangely, Dave wondered if they were good friends.24Please respect copyright.PENANAuNU3cTCblX
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"Hey!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA9bjbUZfSJR
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The voice of Pars roared from his side. He turned his head and saw him clutching his ribs, panting once he came close.24Please respect copyright.PENANAokQCp4DHpL
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"Nice! You really got them in one hit."24Please respect copyright.PENANAgj6SbvgBhP
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"Of course I did. That was a specialty of mine."24Please respect copyright.PENANAyzqNiy9poV
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"Well, it's as you said, rust can make anything dull."24Please respect copyright.PENANA91xpUKxkfN
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"I never said that."24Please respect copyright.PENANAcrCNXqcxvn
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Pars turned away from Dave, looking at the two new corpses on the floor. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one wrung from the joy of victory but from the ability to still breathe.24Please respect copyright.PENANAz6p2LqowH8
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"It looks like working together was all we had to do all along."24Please respect copyright.PENANAwviuqImtG5
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"As if. It was your weakened state that let him underestimate you."24Please respect copyright.PENANAMST3jeYKYY
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"...Are you saying it wouldn't have worked if I didn't get my ass kicked?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAukU0HdHMGA
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To that, Dave merely raised his hands and smirked.24Please respect copyright.PENANAMEXYpPjfAj
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"Haaaa. Damn you."24Please respect copyright.PENANA4mIRyu6hVO
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Pars plummeted to the ground. It was clear that his legs were failing, and all those beatings were catching up to him.24Please respect copyright.PENANAMPvN2Xxp0b
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"They are dead, right?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAYrFT4iR9VG
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"I pierced one's heart and slit the neck of the other. If you doubt that, you can confirm it yourself."24Please respect copyright.PENANAsKz35ehRQZ
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"I can't muster up the strength to stand. Seriously, I might even pass out."24Please respect copyright.PENANAM8M4eUoHIn
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"I–"24Please respect copyright.PENANA4kjh2wl3Q5
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Dave opened his mouth to offer help, but a sudden wave of pain told him that carrying a live body would be practically impossible. So instead, he sat on the floor.24Please respect copyright.PENANACtYyZF3foB
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"Huh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANArH90J9JllE
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Pars looked at him with a raised eyebrow. David replied with one of his own.24Please respect copyright.PENANAYprJn7MJe2
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"I thought you would leave the room. Not join me."24Please respect copyright.PENANAIJ1dpBZ0Bx
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"And leave you here by your lonesome? Why would I do that, anyway?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAYWpIL2zmpa
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"Well... there's bodies we need to bury now. Or at least tags to be collected."24Please respect copyright.PENANAurZWwyqGMa
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"That can wait. I'm too weary and weak anyway."24Please respect copyright.PENANAbLgpkohnqL
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"Oh... yeah, that makes sense."24Please respect copyright.PENANA0iTm5QbMCq
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The two men's gazes rested on the bodies of their enemies. It was gruesome, certainly, but their heavy robes hid any trace of their humanity. It was akin to being around a fire rather than a couple of corpses.24Please respect copyright.PENANA3y7pkJZHbI
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"Do you think everyone else is fine?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6I45fJZfD
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"I don't know about the ones above, but the ones below are likely well. These two were exceptionally difficult."24Please respect copyright.PENANABolhSFnXiP
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"Huh? And what about Lola? She took on an entire Harbinger!"24Please respect copyright.PENANArFFmFzBPTD
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Dave tilted his head and stuck his eyes to the ceiling.24Please respect copyright.PENANAvFCw3B7z0L
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"She wouldn't falter so easily. Not in this situation. And I know, because we haven't seen that Harbinger's face yet."24Please respect copyright.PENANA14OGFitTUP
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"You raise a good point."24Please respect copyright.PENANAJcDawykknO
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"But, I must admit that you impressed me, Pars."24Please respect copyright.PENANAW383mo8g4Z
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The sudden shift of topic caught Pars by surprise.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxhFenxscSd
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"H-Huh? Hold on, where's this coming from?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAU1IpNAARkz
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"Nowhere but my sincerest thoughts. I didn't think you had it in you to abandon that charade."24Please respect copyright.PENANAcZCCzods6e
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"Ha, abandon?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAIEaCvZe7mP
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Pars' gaze sternly hardened.24Please respect copyright.PENANAKzOfzqkXEf
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"I didn't abandon anything. And this isn't a charade! I don't want to be a man who inspires just to get girls or something."24Please respect copyright.PENANAVcK9dfRlUa
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"If you were, it was backfiring."24Please respect copyright.PENANAjbtBbUypoj
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"Harhar. Very funny."24Please respect copyright.PENANAcp3YBrMbB0
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Pars rolled his eyes and continued speaking.24Please respect copyright.PENANAFGWCrpfVYE
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"No. This? This wasn't working, you were right. But I can only give up so much of my attitude. Otherwise, the kids of this city will look at me as just another cranky soldier, and the members of our force won't have any beacons."24Please respect copyright.PENANAVlCTMuqdtd
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"Aren't you conceited."24Please respect copyright.PENANAZlFpU1xalJ
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"You think it's arrogance?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAmJI2mHYoNh
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Pars began to stroke his chin.24Please respect copyright.PENANAy3fY6Z3CQX
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"I don't see it that way. Greatness inspires, y'know?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAfW4ef4n2Gx
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"But what you want isn't just greatness."24Please respect copyright.PENANAChcUv7KBCm
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"...Yeah, you're right."24Please respect copyright.PENANABiwrsEKb2d
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Pars slacked his arms and stared blankly at the Bringers.24Please respect copyright.PENANATT2LdT9FtY
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"I guess what I want, is to be a hero."