A buried memory resurfaced. At least, I thought it was a memory. It might have been a part of my dream, of which I remembered very little, but I was leaning towards the former. It was a memory of my father. It was a rare moment when I was out of my room and speaking with him. He sat me down by the table and went on a tangent, as "men his age do," speaking of a phenomenon known as restless sleep. It sounded like nonsense to me, and I told him that I thought it sounded like nonsense, but he dismissed my remarks. He said that I would understand when I grew older.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nfdDdbpkB
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He wouldn't have known it, but he was a liar. Because here I was, my eyelids turned to stone, gazing at the ceiling as if I hadn't slept at all.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw8iXgEWZY
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESZz2uszpt
"At least... I'm on my back now."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4dKz6IcdW
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTatoEsFws
I tested the waters. My arm rotated just fine, and I could roll from side to side. I lifted my legs one by one, then both at the same time. I wasn't sore, I wasn't in pain. I crooked my head; all the perturbing sears and tears had vanished. I heaved myself off the mattress. I tested my leg strength, and I could keep myself upright without issue. I have undeniably made a full recovery, despite how groggy I was. I didn't know how much time passed, but it couldn't have been long. I walked to the window and pulled on the blinds. It was bright out.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVPHgNiaVd
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZDtAGDnZK
I closed the blinds and scanned the room. I spotted a cup on the nightstand and reached for it, taking a sip. I sat on the bed with the cup in hand, periodically sipping from it as I stared across the room. I had an urge to stick my finger between my teeth and gnaw. I resisted it, though. I found enough solace in the way I sat.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjlFEIuHiv
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiujtjXTQO2
It was quiet. Inevitably, I indulged myself in rumination. I was nervous, I knew that much without even thinking. I was also relieved. I was glad that, at the current moment, I was sitting here and not outside the city walls. It freed my thoughts. It let me sip the water with a motionless cup.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOynkNiK9N
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH2skGU2HA
"..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbU6FkKndk
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqC2Aa1I7N
But, I was nervous. I set the cup aside, rubbed my face, and stood up. Staring at a wall would do me no good. If I talked to someone, my stress would surely subside. It would help me stay awake, too. I stood up and ambled to the door, opening it.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg269J25KD
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I was immediately startled.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLILQoM9rM6
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpxCDQ05fE
"Oh, Kenny. That's funny timing; did you just wake up?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkrGJwdb2V
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrlDdOfSxN
I jumped silently, grasping my chest and taking a deep breath through my nose. I stepped away and looked at the man conveniently before my door.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqjJtdW83c
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3MOuYHRJ6
"I did just wake up Pars, yes. Did you need anything?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQMxxCqhT2
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoTMHJLqIf
"I was looking to chat. Mind if I enter?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj2KsDft3I
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaeI1FMxeG
"Of course. I was just meaning to talk to someone myself."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvbYh5BfVC
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ9biev7oC
I let him enter the room. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms like before while I sat on a nearby chair, turning it so it faced him.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprBT9JSagO
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0aPdgsgZL
"Do you feel any better?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJhzxgs9s3
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmwluu5sQA
"Oh, yes, much better. I'm still tired, but I can move just fine."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwBdWPWdil
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ057lXG3JuS
"That's good, that's good..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASbzbtXSLs
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6GAGF1gIC
He tapped on his arms with his fingers, not uttering a word and filling the room with an unpleasant silence.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXJjTCkOwh
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNQ1a0LgwF
"I'll just cut to the chase here, alright? Why aren't you with that red-haired girl?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXmxKoGWJt
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx9ieiPgvz
"..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU34lxGX5dg
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ350Uc7qUvH
To my surprise, I didn't react to his inquiry. My body didn't jolt in shock, nor did my eyes widen. I just sighed, because truthfully, I was expecting a question like this.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAumCKKxH2
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVY8xRa81M
But it didn't mean it was easy to answer.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW9KeSol1Y
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4OX466YAZ
"Judging by your reaction... It must've been a fight."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6PB3l3MEC
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Vt5QElMBW
"H-How'd you know?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoEH0hI38v
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPEb68B50B
"I have a lot of experience with quarrels. I get into them all the time."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7Hm2JMDTo
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHtNmzNc86
I smirked at his statement. His esoteric wit didn't irritate this time. I was grateful for that.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLZpLilBo9
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn5CWK6qmF
"It's good that you said it out loud. I don't think I would've been able to answer so openly."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJkWy4szte
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jLnB6wMjq
I leaned back and firmly rubbed my face before returning my gaze to Pars.
"It's funny– I was just about to ask you if you happened to have seen Rover around. Is she with you guys?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFp6KisgYm
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQlulP62ty
Pars nodded.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvpuy1DH9J
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8W2H5ZB9b
"Yeah, she's in one of the split buildings. Unfortunately for you, she's in the one where we're going, since Lola's there as well."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvOwacnfTE
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ4SOix5sG
"That's great," I replied, unsure if I said it earnestly or not.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYnxszhOLf
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLBQXOl0J1
"But I'm still lost. I don't get why you two separated at all. Last time I checked, you weren't the best of buds, but there was a bond formed there as mutual battle partners."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rsl7lVPE3
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlITEQ2IpT
"Mutual what?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2PcseZun8
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA4uiqHSfO
"It's something you notice the longer you're in the combatant business. You can make lifelong friends in one day just by battling alongside them."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxS5HjC0QH
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA1yMyhqW2
"Is that a studied phenomenon?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFKzk3KLNl
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡls5MYJeZ5W
"No! But if you ask anyone with as much experience as I have, they'll tell you the same thing."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlQjzIqHDz
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9HwyC44aJ
"Really now..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7ur4VmGMF
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4hu2tMstJ
I felt like we got sidetracked, but the way Pars spoke ensnared me. Fortunately, he was a man not easily taken off-task.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy9MlMdZAr
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnJJHzkwup
"That's beside the point. You must've had a pretty bad fight if you two separated."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmu67nMxJb
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V2bhdnyGi
"..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0KsiiNLLI
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCExdcNhBpm
I fiddled with my fingers. I thought back to yesterday and viewed my memories with warped eyes. Even though it was recent, the magnitude of the event made it remote, detached from my mind as if I were reading a stranger's book. I remembered the outcome but all else I could recall were caustic words, drastic actions, and weighty, suffocating feelings. My amazement rivaled the strength of my jitter; only one day had passed and I had tucked it away. Yet, I let a little piece of the memory stick out of the wardrobe that harbored it.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeulETfl6B8
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYVJtvOvUc
"Wow... it must've been bad."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uBXvS467f
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt17QjZqIS
"You're almost as flippant as I am."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKcAVtFbo2
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvqMRVudRT
He uncrossed his arms and held his palms out, pushing them to and fro with a nervous gaze.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ9Le7kZP0
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSXuKW1T83
"I didn't mean anything mean, you know."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon7zK8U85N
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoInO8jDXIq
"Yeah yeah. She and I disagreed on what to do. She wanted to stay in the city, Juke and I wanted to leave. After learning of what you and Dave told us, the situation is different now, which is why we're still here. But..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIfxnjdrTE
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkYHWDCB5b
"It won't be easy talking to her again, will it?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqy2Ls8Znm
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MxX34BxKd
I shook my head no and kept fiddling with my fingers.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszk4BoAt81
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jc3a6rPeT
"I'm not sure if I can do it at all. Or, if I even want to."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5TWbVWZpV
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGnyftSGzz
My gaze turned into a meek look. It wasn't a plea exactly, but I made sure my face invited advice. I had too much shame to ask what to do with my words.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXPfHpedi7
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxyWXcPego
Pars stepped away from the wall, crossing his arms again and nodding his head.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUgkxW86kB
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXZCJQP3tN
"Baby's got his first fight on his hands, huh?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnVTIdKUVY
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiR0QgKI7T
"W-Whaa? Did you just call me a baby!?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknrCh0IEDE
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e2VtzxHqs
"You're right, that was incorrect. You were a baby, but from here on, you're taking your first steps into maturity."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt26roMeIqW
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVJdumKBRZ
I wanted to correct him. After all, this wasn't my first fight. But when I looked back on the other few I had, this one was much more severe, so I kept shut.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq43vYiwfm
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6RQO0go18
"I don't want you to liken me to a baby, though. That's frankly rude."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQQhMURcp9
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"I know."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8IA7As26n
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He took a few steps towards me and sat on the floor.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ocu48yeOS
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlOQDJaT02
"Tell you what; I can't help you."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcg46ncHHP
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTXUbNm5PE
"...Are you serious?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFkm6GgkM1
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz5EAalTri
"Don't be disappointed just yet," he exclaimed while thrusting his palm forward, "Because I know what can help you."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR1sWkQaYN
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y2OFariD9
"What? What can?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBBFQpd5gt
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngCdq9V4V2
"Well, I'm sure you've been told this before, but I do this with Lola a lot, so I have a bunch of experience. I just make up with her."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVoOBFHRlv
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q6YlUoLjY
"..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jwweKXKnh
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXj0q1WFFG
A little explosion happened in my brain. Clarity washed over me; all the haze blew away.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBNn1rMf2U
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGds0zlIkHD
His words, I mulled over them. It was really that simple, wasn't it?201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPua6t9H1J
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhh8Swinlm
When I asked myself that, the haze immediately returned, and as I skimmed through possible outcomes of speaking with Rover, I was filled with more and more apprehension.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMihZtsv0x
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6cBTjqj33
"Give it a try."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFokhf3mcFV
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He stood up and patted my shoulder.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiEpbUF5lk
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVjvC64Lf4
"Come on now. I think it's high time we start going."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rorF4QmFm
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceNf4XG9BU
"H-Huh? Right now?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kG975t06v
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhk17zk5U4
"Yes, right now. I'll go wake Juke up. Get ready to head out."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHReq3yIvF7
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFojlsWfFRy
Our conversation ended. Pars exited the room and shut the door, leaving me unsure if he helped or only made it worse.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew4N25xDgi
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–
–
–201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddablrNyrd
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"Are ya all packed up?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIcpYHOlu7
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbepfpO5oq
As I made my way downstairs, I saw Juke at the bottom, his hands gripping the bag's shoulder straps. I gave him a bemused look and responded to his question.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdx3peGbfk
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpQwjuuDkk
"You're the only one who's carrying anything"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWJdwPmEbv
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi03qoiMH9z
"Ah, well look at ya, yer right."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKFc2KngTH
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtww2GHAYut
I made it downstairs and scanned the room. It looked the same as when I left, only Dave and Pars were engaged in conversation. Dave was rubbing his head; it was clear something troubled him.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN33Ouvb1EE
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU7rFPVhwg
"Did Pars relay our discussion?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HG07047T1
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLaw7sQ9BG
"I dunno. I ain't listening to what they're sayin'. I'm too busy thinking."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhA7vdVOiT
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3lof9lvkY
"Thinking...? If you don't mind me asking, are you also nervous?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40JiyMlcqo
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjOt5zCTcH
He huffed through his nose, like what I said was ridiculous.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPHKwNLJZS
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln62yvIzPX
"I ain't nervous. I'm just thinking about the whole operation. I ain't gonna fight Hard-Bringer without a plan."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjHxX8fsOC
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqri7Pmz9v
"I suppose that makes sense."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJXrOTuGsl
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwiRh892OL
"Ya remember that crazy lady we fought, right?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4yOyGJvcv
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45bWAPSEeV
"Yeah. You said you figured out her power before, didn't you?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQokKk8wUO6
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylBxvdbOJo
"Good thing that explosion didn't hurt yer memory. But I'm afraid I lied to ya."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg9d1hfWzG
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdLIlU2XT2
I blankly stared at him. I wasn't surprised to hear that, but it still was a blow.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAViOqJNEw
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGFhaiiNly
"I have a theory, but I wanna ask ya first. What do ya think her tricks are?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsODt8DbI1f
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GyA8m9FOf
"What do I think...?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDq4Qc96RP
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TWQC0bqIa
I raised my hand and pinched my chin, gazing pensively at a random vase in the shop. Though the craze of the event made it difficult to remember the details, there were two oddities I couldn't forget: the Harbinger could strike Juke from a distance, but somehow didn't always do so, and the Harbinger dodged and blocked my attacks as if she could tell they were coming.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAhlF8CT0B
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz99x2YwRSy
"You suggested foresight. It's a part of it. I don't think she can see too far into the future."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIrZHuhpvx
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iI1nijrvG
"I don't either. I'm thinkin', just a few seconds."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckkGda3mft
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjpcERjoCr
"That seems right. But then, what about the kick? How did she pull that off?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgjGYdSiIc
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRimnjTaWV
"I'm asking ya, kid."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG62jkais8R
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHD3lNqrhP
I rolled my eyes and continued rumination. Since there was nothing rational about her power, I threw ideas into the world and saw how my better conscious would react. Was it wind magic? If so, Juke would know. Was it an illusion? Illusionary magic has been stated to exist, but no corresponding mana exists in this area. Was it an Endowment? Likely. In fact–201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtetSDzsfSW
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwWYW7MA5I
"It had to be an Endowment."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW4lsoKwPZ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMMllzM27y
"..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3kkm0hmvT
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Juke was silent. I took it as a signal to elaborate.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y9SSEYH1u
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE5RfCBIr7
"It would explain the inconsistency. Endowments can have downsides, so maybe she could only strike from a distance under special conditions. I don't know what those conditions are, of course."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbwgobCsrY
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuhW46yPFS
"That's a sound explanation. I just don't think she's got an Endowment."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1kUVUS7HM
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L0uuYveFA
I looked at Juke. Though I couldn't see his face, he looked rueful.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQKVtLoHbl
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT2EeSgMxU
"Why not?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WIuD0WOMq
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPCOZB1Sq8
"It's just a gut feeling. I ain't sure. But yer probably right. It's a pain in the ass not to know what's goin' on behind her bullshit."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfNJ3ZheTM
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"The task at hand is to figure that out, isn't it?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvTMU3YW3d
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgn0TESjiU
Juke nodded solemnly. From the tone of his voice, it looked like we both knew what that entailed. I sighed and pinched my nose, then spoke again.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2G6KZR4DZ
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"Surely, there's a better option."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdoOJgSsGY
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"I don't wanna fight the bitch either, but all the roads are pointin' that way."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK80kqxRXin
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoZfA32O8V
I wanted to refute him, but all the other ideas I came up with were ineffective. Still, I decided to give them a shot.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MW6IKErgd
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"What if we spy from a distance?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyZwp52FvN
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"Yer crazy, kid. Did ya just get possessed to say that?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHswfywVBn
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"...Point taken."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDAAFdesn5
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As I thought about it more, the idea of leaving people to fight the Harbinger while we sat by the sidelines was sickening. I discarded it immediately, thought the reality it meant I had to face was frightening.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NyDffzFEO
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"'Course, we could always bank on others fightin' her and doin' all the dirty work."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkXvYEHlyG
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"That doesn't sound too different from what I just suggested."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGyOCZRlED
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24jmTFNxrt
"That's cuz ya ain't... nevermind."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXAZZmKYhM
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjypXxyWsI
I smiled weakly. I took comfort in our shared reluctance to do this. In truth, what Juke said about others finishing her off would be nice. If I could, of course I wouldn't want to fight her. But, that wasn't for us to decide; that was up to our luck. As I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best, Dave approached us with Pars in tow.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEm3h2nhGx
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"We're ready to leave. How about you two?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzaCZhvgaS
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We nodded in unison.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeic4TOpupZ
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"Good, good. Then let's head on out. We have no time to lose."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yRr50wqGJ
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwngCPChsyI
–
–
–
Out on the street, the sky turned ever dimmer. We went through the same motions as before, scuttling in and out of alleyways as we watched for oncoming Bringers. I no longer felt like I was always on my toes, dreading even the slightest error. It just became tedious.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuA3si0ekf
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At some point, we became comfortable enough to chat. We spoke in whispers, of course, but exchanging words at all made me think we were getting careless. I didn't voice my concerns, only chewed on my finger as I darted my eyes around.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnOqEKAys4
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVBpdERZhR
"Ya look a little nervous, kid. Are ya fine?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH74f54kYB
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K8fmZIdw3
Juke spoke up in a whisper-shout. I turned my head to him and replied at a similar volume.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruwSgDQVg2
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjmewRrfyP
"I feel like that's all you've been asking me today. Of course I'm nervous. Of course I'm not fine. What part about this is fine?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP2B14rZsb
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxnDThCNqM
Silence came for a few seconds, and I realized that I might've spoken too rashly. I didn't apologize, though. I felt no inclination to.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmpijYzHAz
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE4R9vmnIi
"Yer right, I've been asking ya that a lot. I must be naggin' ya."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueOLDoLIYH
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"Well... I won't deny that."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9JQetwF11
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I heard him chuckle under that bucket helmet.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfynHu6XH3
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"I'm just keeping ya steady, kid. Just makin' sure ya don't grab yer head and curl into a ball again."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8r6dBBQku
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"Again? What do you–?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtunE5rxmZC
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As I formed my question, memories of my first mission with Juke surfaced. I kept quiet, but I could feel my cheeks curl into a smile.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWeEY9KFaJ
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"You're surprisingly kind, Juke."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnRm04yZy3
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He didn't respond verbally, simply nodding at my assertion.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vmHe45x6o
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"Since you asked, I'll tell you what's on my mind."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8MIuKFjo2
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"I didn't ask ya that."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtPKC2SV6K
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"Pars came into my room yesterday. He asked why I wasn't with Rover, since I was with her when I met him. It was, well, a difficult conversation, but I learned that Rover ended up joining the Retaliation Crowd."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWXbmvBqpp
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"That ain't surprising."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JTmeQvggl
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"Yeah, it isn't. It really isn't."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaLC1cvJZW
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Juke and I stopped talking for a moment. Pars' and Dave's quiet banter quickly filled my ears.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvo8a7cfpM
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr40mKW4tZ
"It's funny. The thing I'm most nervous about is meeting her again. I realized that quickly, and then it made me think about a lot of other things."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbQ0kLrAX8
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxWuZ68tYN
"Yeah? Like what?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKVeN2OSRX
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"It made me think about home, and coming back to it. Not just Buffalo Village of course, but the Capitol too. I was so caught up in the state of affairs that I forgot I even had places I called home."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HAodE2H9l
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"I can't blame ya. All this is givin' me a headache, and I'd wanna head back home too if I had one."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl3oa4Nl39
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"No, that isn't what I'm getting at. It's just..."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9iPr9b9KE
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I stopped myself and pinched my chin. The words got stuck in my throat. They required tuning before being released, yes, but there was another thing keeping them from leaving Before chaos broke loose and the three of us separated, it was the robes of that woman.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a0aJWUpHz
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I had terrible thoughts in my head. An abundance of worries and I withered because of them, but nothing I could do would make them leave. All I could do was shut my eyes and look the other way.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6aP9BRIoY
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VCiTDSHy6
"I hope they're doing okay, is all. Flinty, Annabelle, Jackson, and even the Tea Mage. I hope they're doing better than I am here."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnOdqti4c5
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I let out my thoughts in earnest. A minute passed without a reply, and it never came after. I thought I would've been agitated, but I was relieved. Dave and Pars continued their conversation, but we stayed quiet. It was a moment I'd be ashamed to spoil. With how easily my mind wandered back into contemplation, we arrived at our destination seemingly instantly.201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QakUXsj13
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"See that," Pars pointed as he stood by the alley wall, "That building is one of our bases."201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcNWeghQ6H
201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pgz4vIzpH
I moved to his side, squinting my eyes to see through the darkening sky. The outline came to me quickly, and then I could make out the building's details. That of which were–201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pwpIHNGYz
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"Is this seriously one of yer bases?"201Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRq8AeDfd8
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Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. The building in question was a flower shop.
