"Hey, wake up."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZPW9ejKUE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA3f2w5e5L
"H-Huh!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sY9NyWnSw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJqi78rCWe
I was rashly wrung out of sleep, jumping at the sudden touch on my shoulder. I fell pathetically to the floor, groaning and rubbing my chin as I got on my feet.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlwLPhgqjL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcFn2PkoRS
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOecqDCu2sC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMOtOCTnFW
"No no, it's fine."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnOZQGR5U3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiiIp25zgA
Once the pain subsided, I let out a lengthy yawn and rubbed my eyes. I had difficulty keeping them open. I rubbed my face and took a seat on the couch, hoping to wipe away the grogginess.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hmwOAIP0h
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAqo5HELNH
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAECL9m6hzQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayO4eNeZw5
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aJ13RUGtK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQN6xBT5RC
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UMxXLkaSX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPBcXcQdX2
"Are ya sure–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xivHWHsyA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsqbI3fTkt
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwaaldnRTt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC9FWXvr6r
It must've been because of my sleeping position. Perhaps that was also the reason behind my shakiness. It had to be. Using mana expulsion, I produced a bit of water and gulped it all down, then began stretching my limbs.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrgjVLyl22
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguAbMfVwUW
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFB4rb9TX2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWhZKJnW7E
Juke exited the living room, leaving me alone. I wasted no time going through my morning routine in the bathroom. Once I finished, I returned to the living room. Outside the bathroom door, idling, gazing at the couch where I slept.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mLqW012X0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuawUStS7mE
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKADtGWt3z
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkbZRVABCo
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6GUbdLJcq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXt9m91c5A
It had barely been ten minutes. Since I wasn't counting, likely less than that. So little time since I woke up, yet the flow of time had already become contorted. I clutched my head and looked at the floor.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3flFWPSoeG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74n0K7XbOJ
It was no use mulling over it now. Besides, I was hungry. So I left the living room. Juke and the man were sitting at a nearby table, eating their food with a third plate unattended. I tottered to their table and took a seat.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge4nGXE0pl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Siv2bMEb
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSDkAi0vy0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2rXLioPYW
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSsdW8TLa3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGNcTWOcaV
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0RynaYPaU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWLs7MvMLI
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVbKCDMT7p
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsk9R3TTHv
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5hdBfGdPT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS8lBPwQKI
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFKC8UMpaj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOxvu7VI8k
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbDmwPLsAm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIL9vUCO8N
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDJPQjJJpJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaTt5a6nLQ
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG3fdMNp9n
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO38PE656f
I turned my face away from him and looked at the fish. At first glance, even a toddler could discern that it was undeniably well-cooked. The fish was coated in spice and–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk25bgNvtaX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFD99ktNlQ
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX1EYSr4Xq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1qN8jfIgt
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxI6ibW12G
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gsigZBJWZ
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrQM10CCuQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxxZMNxPQd
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC27VazN2Lp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBPOzbX4v4
"What?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAoRYglvj6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IJxWguCR9
He sighed and flicked his head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaCm1yGXCz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZcJGTDmFb
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk41xwwPao
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29IgLvtOY4
"Last... yeah, let's."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKYK7KQaL4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbLCSk92Ea
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3pKTzglhZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVKJlihUPG
"This is good. This is really good."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZlCl7cWoh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS59qGreA7S
"I told ya."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybPBC0NoXL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6h7IEvx1I
I kept eating. It was pleasant and satisfying. The dish brightened my mood. Marginally so, but it was still something, so I was grateful for that.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLXLQLPYfg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12BgAoxyAP
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R9OymF48q
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZZqwaWFbS
His question caused me to look away from my fish and at his own. Indeed, half of it had already been eaten, but Juke never once removed his helmet to do so.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMqQE4kVZu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRimEF6jml
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kdjk6BRJC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLWt2QBXoS
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtzz15TdLj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0ugfzMMiO
In the face of that obstinance, I smiled. I knew it wouldn't last, but at least I would be able to eat my food without any daunting thoughts.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0McX3s33Ed
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEyg8gdoAK
–
–
–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKKIRYriww
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uUZnCVl9q
Once we put our tableware aside, Hank corralled us back to the table. Juke and I sat by each other. Hank had a pensive and nervous look, giving me a sense of foreboding for what was to come out of his mouth.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1wly2koRR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4Gm78y1CO
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw1wZvk7q6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzirY3AFyKa
"That's right," Juke responded.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv59kSbAQ48
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekT5P4KkYg
"I see..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU72Pov2fxt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrS63GnVWL
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qU7S80xeY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu6hOVCnc9
"Well, I won't try to stop you, but I'd like to give you two a word of warning: the streets aren't empty. Those folks at Hard-Bringer are surveilling the area quite compellingly."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGTdxgDQrE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJk05bSTVx
Juke let out a sigh and I rested my head on my hand. Honestly, this was in my expectations, but hearing it be confirmed was a blow to my psyche all the same.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGq333SjB4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf5miiJdOb
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVpVWoRKHu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEqR0xbZxM
"Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. I doubt those Hard-Bringer bastards got the staff to keep an eye on every part of the city."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvAC1FX5KH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAFtpApoUp
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ2vMdPSlN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVOASTkTZY
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fIWTGAxKC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oaDJY8Vos
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8NROsvn7l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkjzVcNtqr
"What are you looking at me for?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3Hjshxzfw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NYTGUj8vg
"Ya got any ideas?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbamf0OuXEN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtgmQmesoV
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAvh8V3iNV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12wLy9NSIb
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzxAwdW34h
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9ljUVFTHk
"I suppose we'll have to gauge just how heavily the streets are being supervised. If they aren't in every nook and cranny of the area, we can probably weave in-between alleyways and whatnot just fine."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7P6YJv4sR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew5XyuKYfW
Juke and Hank nodded at my statement. As concrete as the idea was, it hinged on a factor too risky for either me or Juke to confirm.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW3o6TlC5P
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXqUjRwU8n
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZzO9okMBB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmSiBxcvy5
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTJirPGI4l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp31lPMFYd
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBQUfMZG9B
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rgliNbS3f
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87cyons5wn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01b58Cd970
"I'd rather not run too far away. Otherwise, I'd get apprehended and questioned, and then it would be evening by the time I come back."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm8thbGou2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl6QJPwZsw
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiK2YDMAjM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32789lIvuc
He shook his hands frantically and.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmu9NrsJSl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpULoqZZIbj
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDpu82lMrA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr1PVG5x0S
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpUFIuhr6H
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYZlbwfpP5
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYVyHuHY6K
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSGEtinRp6
"Pray for me."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eSsuZYPfN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma89W8jG9r
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO46hqw27MQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyC3334Qd6
"Juke!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiccagANDM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCjF0J6Rnp
Juke's comment vanquished all of Hank's efforts to pump himself up. Still, though, he rambled to the door, taking a deep breath before opening and exiting the building. Juke and I were alone, now. An awkward and elongated silence permeated through the room.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVBZOk07dT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYbkiPlKDS
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5G600Q80D
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiifjLgTtz
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBult0h5ZUy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgXVOiw29j
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxmPuWKoB8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IIwhu60he
"Still, I appreciate it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEMZpZ5Tau
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzIebBomec
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKeLcSn9js
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ntKOuJgw1
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHh44z99BR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rWpUsQOBm
I wanted to rebuke that statement, to tell him that he was wrong and that I was feeling much better. I would be lying to him, but that wasn't why I stopped myself. That was because of the tinge of melancholy I caught in his voice, so faint that I was unsure if I was just hearing things.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlgRt2fwOR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlBKwPH7TV
I wanted to press him on that. But I was in no state of mind to do so. So, we continued to wait in silence.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1njlO6x80Y
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMCmdLy4R6
Hank came shortly after. His face was drenched in sweat and anxiety. He let out an arduous sigh when he closed the door and sank to the floor.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBA2MAZ1Dpv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CvEUgY62M
I was expecting the worst, but he shot us a thumbs-up with a wink. A smile found its way on my face. I looked at Juke and we nodded at each other. We stood up and stretched our muscles, helping Hank get to his feet and standing before the door.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo3ESw58Ek
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu659ZC0Ge
"Thank you for your help, Hank."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2fA2TwYO9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNTfOShxPA
"Yeah, we really of ya."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Oj9ryUEkF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUPf3ES5pW
He gave us a light smile and waved.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOYMk8jp7l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3M38FT2Tt
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLEURJRker
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsHC5ClOIU
"...Y-Yeah."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6We4Fvz4v
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QU1JWkvee
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcA03ZF2aJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14BpsDNQrF
–
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDpoSr7vu3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3qEZzL1Cu
The streets were void of any busy citizens traveling from one place to another. All inhabitants were inimical people in robes. The only remedy was the relative lack of them.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7h2h6ewnX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlDv7BUeyk
Weaving in and out of alleyways was a surprisingly easy task, as the Hard-Bringer members couldn't stay in one place even if they were paid to. Though it made moving in the streets nerve-wracking with the unpredictability of these people, it was better than having to wait for them to fall asleep or find a detour as they obstinately remained in one spot.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0MUltGkV5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4rXX8NlTG
With all the pauses in between movements and focus on not getting caught, I stopped paying attention to our routing quickly. I was anxious that Juke did too.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjMw3TsWxB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwmUHhN7Xf
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rssGbsoDR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRHN7CphgO
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMUsJAv6VL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51LoRvqGNY
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlGm2ZzvbU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUhGBjE9X9
Still, I had no better way to make it to the stables myself, so I kept following Juke as we skittered diagonally across the street.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfdth4tp0N
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡainRcx7a7j
"--Crap!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXS8uJqHmj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMX6lzyGC9
This alleyway was void of anything to hide behind, meaning that we had to leave it now or suffer an embarrassing and egregious discovery. I peered over the corner and saw a duo of robed people turning a corner and into our street.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr8fAlpQHv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaSDQVeqdo
"Crap. Crap!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLhsXQ70In
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T8xnFDXVI
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoF2R6clPn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5krw50Glv
"People are heading our way!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuikGoyjPRh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2ksNBIMZi
With a hoarse whisper, I relayed the information to Juke, whose eyes I could see widen even through his helmet. He looked behind him and deeper into the alleyway, reaching the same conclusion that I did.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8JSDXTFlo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMCSdgIN2R
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGqP4TbhFk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOH8Cdcj03
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV26sJa3fEI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZnRBlXnG0
Despite the incorrect usage, I knew precisely what Juke meant by jumping the two people. I discarded the idea, as engaging in a fight would only draw more attention. But, as I sifted through my mind, I couldn't conjure up a course of action more tangible.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIUAsXGtAJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sCBYseyzj
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjUyQ15l7O
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzvkEqG5sJ
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaaOF51utM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGzEuNxedu
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2LF1LW47K
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7j6579Pcc
I produced my tendril and created a Valencia-Bloom at its tip. Then, I ran as far back into the alleyway as I could, signaling Juke to do the same. When we made it to the wall, I began mana spinning and produced a shield from the flower big enough to cover us both.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SXouhQUCN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpeAbu9keW
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWwJn4bLmI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUdJTtyQNH
"Ack!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzAdiPndEl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxnF4bjfCu
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA1zgHODfa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhEIxdPR3f
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQQrcaL6R8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U2kHkgFcs
We waited out behind the shield until I heard two sets of footsteps pass by the alleyway. Once they vanished, I removed the shield, massaged my arm, and with Juke's help, we made it back onto the street.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkW19JZeZr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYgOISKtkU
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDp0J9ytjL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp6oEEiz2y
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EwpQuqjXF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y4YETpJsM
We traveled the road a bit faster since we had to cross through an intersection. We made sure both sides were clear before continuing forward. The road curved at this point, so we kept close to the wall, using our ears instead of our eyes to sense any oncoming persons.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkUEYT253A
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgDhATSj3N
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UJ4ctFamU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wnRvZeBwV
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lUA09by8a
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHByqKUa9W
I hastily nodded with him and scanned the surroundings. I spotted an alleyway with a gigantic dumpster at the front. Juke already began running to it before I could point it out, so I followed him.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1tHGRB66J
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PtmAwmOhW
We sat down behind the dumpster. I gnawed on my finger as I heard what I could only describe as an army of people walking down the street. I didn't see them, nor did I want to, but the footsteps never ended– it was as if the hustle and bustle of the streets had returned, but now, it only disturbed me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKJN1HIuXO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWTtFZZyeu
It went on for far, far too long. I couldn't keep my cool. The gnawing turned into rampant chomping, and my breathing became labored and heavy. I rocked back and forth, back and forth back and–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv6lqS2Jfr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN4LGkMuSd
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokYs6OnsDw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0cVTUpMej
"Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkMDiz9fXS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrrd4S8I7V
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X70b9FSuD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYgGJhvC79
"That whole biting thing, and that whole shaking thing. That shit freaks me out. I get why yer doing it, but seeing someone like ya do so just don't sit with me right."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1Y0QboOID
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaRbDiz5Ik
I knew he was trying to console me. But, I didn't feel as if he was. I felt as if it was a precursor to just another one of Juke's ramblings about his ideology.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRvrOlQtez
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUaLQjlslm
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxovHKDNAfK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwuW5d3s08
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV96X3L8GN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hb3s0hUtB
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWChRdJkk9r
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8Use1RAVk
"I can tell ya got something plaguing ya. I ain't dense, so I can already guess what it is. Still, I think ya should spill it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKxmUZ560b
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2NfqSRHKH
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LCMhymPdt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbYATtMMJd
I brought my knees up to my head, wrapping my arms around my legs. Usually, I'd be concerned about the crowd overhearing us, but the dumpster was far enough, and the thousands of footsteps would veil my voice.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjzoRITcPU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJhlct3qEv
So, I let my mouth run amok.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh5CK2nfAO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLKXw1i83q
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc3Uab81o2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1HH8a2Buq
"Yeah, I know."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XE0wLbAUK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm5YA5LVsy
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B7L5alI85
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS1IFD0tT6
"It left me confused. It was like I was asking myself questions with words I couldn't understand. I didn't even know how to begin to answer them. So, for the time being, I decided to ignore them."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IhFsaVrF9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFniOTBYkX
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPtCy86a9d
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzwldpyePd
"When I was at the door last night," I continued, "right after Rover left, I suppose the prospect of going after her, of facing her, was too intimidating. I didn't get why, exactly. I just knew that I couldn't do it. I didn't think that doing so would be bad or something, quite the contrary. I just thought that, somehow, it was an impossible task. So, I didn't do it. Instead, I sat back on the couch and fell asleep."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknEZArUs3w
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIetbZthgLl
"That sounds familiar..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmxFbUZC7Q
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeIipJ8zwX
"Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf2t5YW1dT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzg4ZdikJD
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9do3MMlwOL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44cHVmDdjy
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ6Y1sLfzV
"I am just, very confused. I don't quite get how I feel, but I do understand that all the forces inside of me are fighting over the decision I made last night, to do this. And, I guess I say I'm unsure of it, but I do know what I really am."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEYuzeHhJN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BRv4g3pfj
"Well?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaVXzkrCbe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AvDqvjuQE
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwTzHdBGoA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiniOwL1s7
"Ah."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6le097pHwp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOclM27nFJK
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3r37wlPbH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONNXLJcuAE
"Some part of it came from the distant past. I'm talking about what drove me to make this decision, I mean. Another part, I'm unsure. And the last one was more recent. It was only for a moment, but when I thought about going outside with Rover, that overgrown bug flashed in my mind."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SzFvQuvrK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea0KE5X5Xl
"Ah, the Lionant?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6CXjxC6KJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQzYLpHdgl
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOa5CnaHa0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkrepYUbhs
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7dgeX7Ci4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkWWD8092S
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but I hung on to the thoughts left behind by my last sentence and formed a question out of it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YomXxFu9X
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TM5sB8DeU
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNgTGgIEZT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J6Pv6qGwY
"...Yeah, why did I?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8EHVIgghI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ugKVbK8cI
I didn't expect to be met with another question.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKrzRkk6ub
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwkUWy7A9M
"It doesn't make much sense, does it? After all, I'm weak, and yer strong. A weak guy like me shouldn't have to save strong folk like ya. But I did save ya. I really did save ya."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFivaqF80b
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhLAMOTad0
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmht1FT2kyt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoIbu4gZnr
"I don't know why I saved ya. It wasn't in my mind, I didn't think of doing it, but I did save ya."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDK3xOvdfLI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7day3xdmJ2
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0pVXp4PQ9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ420SdDufSe
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq2I7Urof6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUhdRI780V
"Rover's got a brutal tongue. Usually, I just brush off what loud folk like her say, but she was blunt and rude about it, so it really stuck with me. I couldn't care less about that 'you should do and think this and that' shit, but, ya know what, Kenny?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi8ty7ySjf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JtDxne7Jk
"What?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkHDPo33uS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0otpH4gj7
"Before I went out to look for ya two, I talked with Dennis. I had a real good conversation with him 'bout politics, women, and a bunch of dumbshits we've met in our olden days."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e7n3EoxC7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfFwBRFET9
"That sounds... boorish?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y7nmUCCQ4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D8UsuWDmN
"Pff, yer just too young."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrgcVJkixI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6IUvqv8Wo
He paused for a moment.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPJwRnWl0Y
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg2HLB5N05
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6GjN55hga
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqk7HCmyhz
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchHh86dmDK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpzjxC78eZ
"...The thing is, a weak guy like me shouldn't concern himself with Hard-Bringer. It makes sense, doesn't it? Leave the big problems to the big strong folk. Weak guys shouldn't have to fight for other weak guys. That's what I think."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sVc9CUzyX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy4rniMMxL
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsFyG8tKAP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS59TIds5w
"That's silly... O-Oh–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg2C0Ir7Rd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5siwdbwJlX
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGUZXwyjF9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1ZRaQ6EUq
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaKJCRvCNB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1masotWs3
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQln36kP8n
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHnSOfxbxH
"I... yes, I suppose so."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW94FGEd3rN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnzMrqj1lu
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIuKBsOxMh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbECOlvJ1DP
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgSck0nyaY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TAbt8wHkh
"Yes, I know."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX5lKI1a6c
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNz53Tzwn3
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnn7hZ7Ihy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91zw96f8uF
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLopvL5xO1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7jTCK5vXW
"I believe what I said yesterday. I think he's just fine. 'Sides, I got no interest in fighting Hard-Bringer. But that ain't changing the fact that I wanna make sure with my eyes."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNfgLXkJkd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHN5ubphXu
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOGMAGv6tS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhQEFCtx8d
I didn't say it outright, but I agreed with him. I wanted to make sure Dennis was fine as well. Yet, unlike Juke, I doubt I could muster the will to do so.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM9l79QDz0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHitLrlino
"Ya hear that?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYmxOwXpSV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW68kVzfAfb
"Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp90NZXj1ac
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxCLO883dL
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV05PolZNSS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvl9QwsuXk
"They passed."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbgnf234Em
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYFiAzv8DZ
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrGqgtlmCX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS3ce5GIe5
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU87UMMnC5u
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkDB0OjIS4
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R5PnvsxAz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin3UuOrmGi
I stood up and ambled to the front of the alleyway. Sure enough, Not one robed person was in sight. It was a clear indicator that I should have taken a step forward, but I didn't. No, I couldn't, not after what I had just said.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa61qgQN16W
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BQZEtUvFq
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugA1wOH4GB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPO8PK4G7p
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf8XxYgRYe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEULxAyIScM
"You've been saying that a lot."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKlufKJZ5m
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8HmQfUCQh
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE0EIaiX3P
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdoVbeKZAm
We stood stock still in silence.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTdXK5crKw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeOpGz5Vf1
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1OgaDi1WA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPJlzMNTrT
"Are ya sure?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuo27AJarj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGhzIkExsH
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fzQ98vEKz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU1KyidDZQ
"I should be asking you that."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwfr7JTriN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT5YAsgyYy
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFCv5NXbvy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ2uhur2q3
"Yes. You get it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tDbkr2Dqs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh1X7tN4o1
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYZw8JoElD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ5vsvL5Wq
"If we see something that might change the accuracy of your hypothesis, then... I'm going to turn back, understand?"
Juke released a lethargic chuckle. I wasn't offended by it, instead, it caused me to think.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rmc1AaIjP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4346tm91t7
"Fine by me."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfaJSgYmax
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9zokqIZSc
I wondered how seriously he took my word. I wouldn't blame him if he thought it duplicitous.
We kept going down the streets, running between the alleyways as we avoided being spotted.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxYafD84Kp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ48sUCWa0V
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DD6nWiIL1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrWk2VJqi7
"Yeah, we're almost there."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmGslrspUk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQYHFt5zQF
After hours of dodging lines of sight, taking tedious pauses in smelly alleyways, and having one too many heart-attack-inducing close calls, the stables were finally within our view. It was still a good distance away, but being able to see it was relieving. We were fortunate enough to find it unsupervised, too.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QGhRyAJ6Z
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhuUJFPIZO
We approached it with a pep in our step, but not forgetting to employ prudence. I turned my head in every direction as we got closer and closer.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNOhnPd9ci
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj2Fn0a89z
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"Blurg, what was that?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveiT9j9ujD
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I skidded to a stop. I reluctantly sniffed the air again but didn't catch the same whiff. Juke looked back at me, confused.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW7ranbOFI
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"What was what?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKHMUdu8Uq
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"I caught a whiff of something."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8RHAEwpGd
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiDDXiz5L6
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDfCO5b7mI
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm3VMgFdxb
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bGhwJb3SM
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Juke didn't stop to ask me what was wrong this time. He turned the final corner and already made it to the stables. I knew that I had visited this place before, but I didn't quite acknowledge the structure until that moment.
It was like an open barn house with only a meager roof over the parking spaces. Inside these parking spaces were carriages, and opposite them were miniature pens housing the animals responsible for heaving the carriages. These pens were fitted with roofs and thick gates to block the animals from wandering off. Of course, because of the structure of the stables, he barged in without having to bust open any doors. Naturally, I entered without issue myself.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjugO9NYNO
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGvO4OYsas
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlsXoJAPiv
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The carriages were untouched, but the carriages were only there for me to distract myself with. It didn't last for long, of course. After all, the stench and overwhelming, blinding quantity of red permeating through every crevice of the area made it impossible to keep up the charade.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF03xy2mo1
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The pens were broken, but the animals hadn't escaped. They were still in their pens, but as cadavers opposed to breathing beings.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxuFy33L8l
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5hQMN4Sm3
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l4GSnPDCl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoaV4E1Sqw
"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgabzcrtTwq
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I glared at the scene. It was grotesque, but my eyes couldn't divert from it. Every animal in every pen– no exception was made, none were spared. They were unapologetically slaughtered. Juke spoke of the sight perfectly; It was horrid. it evoked such visceral repulsion even when closing the eyes and glancing at it through memory.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfDCjdcR8X
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But, as much as I hated it, as much as it made me want to turn the other way and run, seeing our way out be cut off like this relieved me of a subconscious weight.
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Juke ventured further into the stables, and I begrudgingly followed. I fixed my gaze to the right, passing by the open pens and observing the carrion they contained. I didn't try to immerse myself in the details; I would've truly thrown up if I did. But, from what I did see, I could judge the means used to kill them. From lacerations to burns, to pulverizations of their bodies, it was obvious that a mix of magic and weaponry was utilized.
I was lucky that the blood had dried long ago.
"Sly bastards. How'd they know we'd try to get out?"
"...They probably just did this preemptively. Did they have to murder all the animals, though? Why not damage the carriages?"
My question had not just reminded Juke, but also myself of our carriage. We steered directions and beelined towards it. From an outside view, it looked unharmed. As Juke pulled out a key and unlocked the doors, I could only hope that the same could be said for the inside.
"Nagging Dennis for this shit paid off."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fGtfSWZj2
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Juke muttered something under his breath before flinging the doors open and entering. I followed, releasing a heavy breath as I confirmed that the carriage was unharmed.
"'Fore we head back out, we oughta pack some supplies."
"I agree, but I hope you know I won't be able to carry much."
"That's alright. This big body of mine ain't just for show."
We entered the back. Juke took the bag of food and placed his arms through the straps, carrying it like an oversized backpack.
"Anything else ya think we oughta bring?"
"...I can't lift the big bags, but–"
I grabbed a smaller one and emptied its contents, stuffing it with the few potions I had left in the larger bags, leaving me with a pleasantly light load. Juke hummed in an amused, yet agitated tone.
"Ya had potions this whole time? Ya should'a told me!"
"Oh, sorry. I thought I had."
We exited the carriage and returned to the stables, Juke grumbling as he descended the steps. I didn't leave just yet. Before that, I spared one more glance at the animals, meagerly clenching my fists.
"Hey, Juke."
He turned around and faced me. Before I got my words out, I had to stop shaking.
"What do we do now?"
He looked at me intently, or was it blankly? Either way, I could tell that he was digesting my question. Then, he turned his gaze away.
"We can't get out with the carriage, that's for sure."
"I know that much. But, do we... do we try anyway?"
"...Nah, ya should know that yerself."
My facial muscles dropped, forming an ugly frown. He was right, and because he was right, I was upset.
If they took measures this drastic to make sure nobody escaped, then the gates were unquestionably, undoubtedly guarded.
That undeniable notion frightened me.
"Yeah, you're right. But, still, what do we–"
I couldn't finish my sentence. My speech was interrupted by a jerk movement from Juke. He leaned in– almost pouncing at me and pushing me to the ground as he haphazardly fell to it himself.
I hadn't the time to formulate any complaints and questions, but all that I could have formed were addressed by the soaring ball of fire narrowly avoiding my head.
"--Ack!"
I landed awkwardly on my shoulder. Whether it was dislocated, I didn't know, nor could I afford to find out. I scrambled to my feet and faced our assailant. My blood turned cold when I saw her.
"That man is a quick actor. What about you, child? Are you the brains of your clique?"
It was the woman at the plaza. She was not in her unequivocal robe that was the sigil of Hard-Bringer but in a slackened coat, plain shirt, skirt, pants, and boots.
"Well, answer me, won't you?"
"Don't humor 'er, kid, she's got a screw loose!"
"N-No need to tell me!"
Juke got up on his feet and brandished his sword. I took out the tendril. The woman grabbed a curvy, seemingly customized, serrated knife. She raised it as she began to speak.
"So you two won't speak? Fine by me. A mute roadblock is easier to handle."
With a slide of her back foot and a drop in her posture, she burst into a sprint heading in our direction. Then, she veered into me.
The sudden shift left me panicked. I instinctively took a step back and produced a Valencia-Bloom, but before I could utilize it, she slashed her knife at me. I narrowly avoided the swing, but she didn't let up, spinning the blade in her hand and thrusting it to jab me.
That's at least what it looked like she would've done.
She did thrust her knife, but she spun as she did it, clashing with Juke's broadsword so suddenly that even he was taken by surprise. The woman exploited his shock well by delivering a kick to his chest. Juke's body didn't budge from the kick at all, though. A metallic sound rang throughout the stables and his head jerked back.
"Ack! My neck!"
"--I see."
Realizing I wasn't doing anything, I extended my tendril, using it like a dull spear. The woman ducked my attack and slammed her fist into it. I recoiled from the strike, but not enough to paralyze me. Thus, I slammed the tendril on the ground. She rolled away, dodging it effortlessly.
My tendril still near her, I switched the Valencia-Bloom for a Freeze-Dry. But I couldn't use it; the woman leaped and stomped on the flower before any ice came out.
My eyes widened by themselves. I couldn't think of what to do next, but I was fortunate enough to not have to. Juke swung his sword at the woman. She dodged it, but Juke didn't let up with his assault. The woman took a series of backsteps too great for Juke to immediately catch up to. Almost instinctively, she kicked her leg up, and though Juke was a couple of meters away, his head jerked up and a sound rang out as if he was hit.
Though Juke was struck in the chin, and though he was partially airborne, he aimed his palm at the woman, firing a wind spell at her.
And, it connected.
"Hng!"
It was a weak spell, and she was able to block most of it with her arms, but the point was that it connected. Somehow, that fact alone was enough to shock me.
"Yer power's confusing. Is it an Endowment? I dunno, I've got one, and yers sure don't feel like it."
Juke rubbed his chin. I could tell that he felt it, meaning the hit wasn't deflected to his helmet.
"Shit. How'd ya know my weakness, huh?"
The woman narrowed her eyes at Juke. Using the downtime, I began mana expulsion with my right hand and produced a Sunlight-Blossom from the tendril.
"You are right about one thing, oaf: my power is nothing like that absurd Endowment of yours."
"And yer calling my whole thing absurd? That's just–"
Juke's speech was cut short. I shot at the woman with a water spell. She dodged it, but I accounted for this and made the spell a powerful geyser, following her movements as it continuously sprayed. The woman clicked her tongue as she kept backing away, producing a ball of fire and firing it at the walls.
I gasped and processed her actions to make sure I understood what I saw. She threw a fireball at the walls, which were made of wood. She threw a quick wind spell at it right after and smashed through the weakened structure.
My geyser put the sudden fire out but had missed the woman entirely. It aligned with my expectations, though. She came back bursting through near the ashened hole. However, I had another attack prepared.
The seed was already loaded. I aimed the flower at her and fired, crossing my fingers in my head, praying that it would land.
It didn't. It didn't even come close. She ducked before the bullet had even been launched. I bit my lip in frustration.
"That's why I hate being aggressive. How cruel that I have to act against my nature."
She cracked her neck and swayed her lengthy hair in the air, glaring at us with her blue eyes. She looked ready to perform a deadly pounce at any moment.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UIMrlAOtI
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I stood beside Juke. We eyed the woman vigilantly. My prior assessment was overwritten as she didn't look like she would move at all, leaving me bemused.
But, then, a fireball formed in her hands. I expected her to throw it immediately, so I prepared to duck, but it continued to grow in size; it was far larger than her previous ones, almost as tall and wide as Juke was.
"Ah, shit."
Juke voiced my thoughts perfectly. Frankly, I didn't expect her to be so adept in fire magic that she could make a spell of that size. It was stupid of me not to consider it. The woman reeled her arm back. I had to act fast.
I ducked, placing both my hands on the ground. I began mana expulsion with one hand and performed spinning with the other. A wall of stone sprung from the ground before me. Then, I produced a Valencia-Bloom from the tendril, expanding it as far as I could reasonably do so. Juke already took cover behind me. Now, all that was left was too–
**SLAM**
"--Ack!"
I didn't suffer any severe damage. In fact, my defenses were hardly penetrated. But the heat from the fire nipped at me through it all. The spell dissipated in no more than five seconds, but it felt like forever.
"How the hell are we breathin'!?"
"Is now really the time for–"
**THUD**
I felt a sudden force clash against my shield. Due to my already shaky balance, I fell to the ground, but I made sure to retract the Valencia-Bloom so my arm wouldn't be dislodged. When the shield vanished, the woman took its place, her leg raised. She continued her assault, raising her knife and, with her other hand on the top of the hilt, plunging it into me.
I shut my eyes and grit my teeth, expecting the sensation of a blade being lodged into my body. But that never came. Instead, a metallic clang reverberated through the stables.
I opened my eyes. Juke intercepted her with his sword. He was on the ground with both his hands on the blade's hilt. Judging by how he was lying on the ground, gripping the hilt with both his hands like a rope, he must've slid.
They remained that way for a moment, engaged in a struggle between their blades. When it became apparent that she couldn't win, she clicked her tongue.
"Irritating," the woman sighed before kicking his helmet and sending him flying. She returned her attention to me, but I had used my borrowed time to regain my composure and swing the tendril.
My tendril hit her. But it felt as if I was the one who was struck, and it wasn't by a blunt object, but by a steel blade. Purple liquid erupted from my chest.
Yes, she was flung away. Yes, my tendril had connected. But when it retracted by itself, I found the woman void of bruises and her knife slathered in a viscous purple.
"D-Damn it."
I rose to my feet with shaking legs. She hadn't just blocked my attack but hurt me back as well. I clutched my chest and coughed harshly.
"How are ya?"
Juke stood beside me, brandishing his sword. We eyed the woman who was flicking the liquid off her knife.
"This ain't looking like a winning fight."
As much as it frustrated me to agree with his notion, I was forced to. Every attack I launched had been avoided, and the one time either of us landed one on her, it was more of a fluke than anything.
"So what do we do?"
"'Till I get how she keeps seein' the future, I ain't got a clue."
"See the future...? Do you think that's what it is?"
"Can't think of anythin' else."
I narrowed my eyes at her, mulling over Juke's theory. When I thought about it, certainly, it would make sense that she could see the future. However–
"There has to be a limit, or some kind of restriction. Her behavior is too inconsistent."
"I agree with ya, and I still got no clue how she kicked me from across the damn room."
Indeed, she had too many unknown factors about her, and combined with her astonishing physical and magical prowess, it made this fight impossible to win. I was wounded, Juke's weakness had been discovered, and the woman didn't look like she even broke a sweat.
"Are you two plotting something? I ought to interfere."
She broke into another dash, but it wasn't an utter rush; her steps were laced with trepidation, and her knife was raised defensively. It was as if she was approaching expecting us to attack her back.
My moment of clarity subsided as the pain washed over my being. But Juke, pulling me by the collar, had fortunately noticed the same, and–
"Book it, kid!"
Helped me turn tail as we both broke into sprints of our own.
I ran. I ran like the wind. I ran to abuse my legs. I ran to survive. But I wasn't so naive; my legs were small and my stamina was pathetic. Whether it was my lack of endurance or my lack of speed, the woman would undoubtedly catch up to me. No thanks to his luggage, I couldn't hitch a ride on Juke's back.
I swiveled my head. She was catching up to me like a wolf in pursuit, and I was sure to be caught in her fangs at any moment. I didn't try to speed up; too many factors prevented me from doing so.
So, if I couldn't speed up, then there was only one thing left for me to do.
I began mana expulsion with both of my hands, creating a mass of earth in one and a mass of fire in the other, expanding it. The woman didn't show an expression of surprise. She was expecting me to do this– no, not expecting, she knew.
Something about that pissed me off. So, instead of throwing it–
"--You!"
Her eyes widened. She skidded to a stop and leaped away. Despite that, I had to see this through.
I discharged as much mana into the fire as I recklessly could, and naturally–
**BOOM**
A Flinty incident occurred.
I used the stone I conjured up to defend myself, but truthfully, it hardly did anything. The most I could do was defend my head, and sure, my eyes hadn't burst, and my face wasn't seared, but they were still rolling on the stone pavement along with the rest of my body, picking up spikey pebbles and other trash like they were seashells on the beach. I only stopped when I collided with, something. I didn't know what and the means to find out were stripped from me. My ears rang, my nose burned, and I had to clobber dozens of particles off my face before I could even think of opening my eyes. But, my arms were too heavy for me to even lift.
So, I remained there, waiting for all the internal chaos to subside before I moved. Then I felt something touch me, then shake me, and I groaned in response. I didn't know who it was. Since I was alive, it probably wasn't the woman. Was it a street dog, or maybe one of those robed men?
Was it Juke? I dismissed the thought. That was a ridiculous proposition.
I was lifted and tussled with. It wasn't done harshly, but goodness, was it irritating. At that point, my annoyance powered over my fatigue, and I rubbed my eyes before slackening my arms yet again.
I opened them and saw the ground. Whoever it was that was messing with me was behind me. I couldn't turn my head to see them, though, so I groaned and heaved my breaths.
"Good to know yer still kicking. Which bottle 'ere is gonna patch ya up?"
Hearing a familiar voice, I was struck with an inordinate amount of clarity.
"Green, one," I mustered.
"Yer lucky I caught that first try. Open wide."
Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. He understood that too, so he grabbed my jaw and pulled it down, sticking the bottle inside my mouth. I was sure that I was going to drown; the amount of liquid entering my throat was overwhelming. But it passed as quickly as it came. I coughed vehemently, and Juke patted my back to help. I cursed my inability to voice my thanks.
"Take it easy, ya really did something crazy back then. Strong folk, I tell ya."
Now I just wanted to tell him to shut up. He lifted me and hung me over his shoulder, then he continued to run.
"Did ya get that crazy bitch? Err, tap once for yes, twice for no."
All I could exert myself to do was pinch, so I pinched his skin twice.
"Shit. Shit! Is she followin' us now!?"
I pointed my eyes up. I could only see a little bit of the ground, so I painstakingly raised my neck.
It devastated me to have to pinch once.
"Are ya kidding me!?"
Juke's running increased in tempo. Unlike me, he was able to at least keep the distance between him and the woman the same. Unfortunately for me, my head was bouncing up and down every step. I was sure that I'd vomit any minute, and then pathetically pass out a moment after.
But I couldn't afford to do so. I couldn't afford to be a burden when our lives were being threatened like this.
I tried to call it forth, but my tendril wouldn't appear. I tried mana expulsion– tried, but struggled. The explosion hadn't drained me of my mana, but my supply was so low I might as well have been shaking a bottle for droplets. I couldn't form anything grandiose or dangerous, meaning that I had to do something to just slow her down.
So, I formed a small mass of water. Supporting it with my other hand, I lifted my arm, aiming my open palm at her feet.
She didn't react preemptively at all. It gave me a surge of hope, and with that borrowed vigor, I fired the spell at her feet.
Except, I didn't fire it. It unceremoniously plummeted to the ground. She simply jumped over the puddle the spell created.
"Damn, it."
"--Ay kid, are ya seeing this!?"
"Seeing what", I wanted to ask, because I was still incapable of moving my body more than an inch at a time. But I didn't have to turn my head to see what he saw. As Juke kept running through the street, we passed by a myriad of bodies loitering about. My first assumption was that they were corpses– and, well, judging by all the red, it was likely correct.
But what really caught my eye was their attire: dark, hooded robes. All of these bodies were that of the people in Hard-Bringer.
Did a fight break out? Is that what happened? I looked up at the woman and she was entirely unperturbed. I was hoping to gauge a different reaction, but not only was hers uninformative, it was disturbing.
And then, my vision swerved.
"Huh?"
"I'm takin' a gamble."
"Gamble!?"
That was the loudest noise I had made that day. Juke didn't elaborate on what gamble he was taking. I thought of wiggling out his grasp right there, as obviously foolish as it was. But–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrm6yuZH5O
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdzBNUVEjt
"Just trust me!"
He said it as a feverish plea. It shocked me into staying in place. With nothing else to do, I placed my faith in him. The sun-lightened streets disappeared and we ventured into a darkened alleyway. We came to a stop shortly after, leaving me confused and worried.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINsWmuoYEF
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M4ojbxlmQ
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"Who are ya people?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qTXZIKuTs
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"Wow, he really followed us. Well, sir, we're here to help. My buddy will be doing the dirty work, though."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtK94A1VRt
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"Buddy?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2onxM4rKzU
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I froze– froze more than I already was frozen, anyway. The voice that Juke spoke with was familiar to me, though I struggled to put a name to it. But then a set of footsteps sounded through the alley, and a man in a trench coat brushed passed Juke and me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgIzhTzAx7
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Of course, with an article of clothing that distinct, I'd be lying if I didn't recognize him. My recognition was only solidified when he drew his hands in it and pulled two crossbows out.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ay9vO613F
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"Quiet now."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2hkn3v38k
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Pars gave a command to us all, aiming his crossbows at the entrance of the alleyway. I didn't understand why he was using two of them, but there was a tube of earth protruding from inside the coat and connected to the ends of the crossbows, so I knew there was some trick going on.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8ZkBs6xnD
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Pars kept his aim steady, and steady, and kept it up for seconds, then minutes. I realized then that we had lost our pursuer, but Pars only tilted his head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAbzSHKAMA
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5ApTWjgVb
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He pulled his crossbows back and sighed, rubbing his head as he turned around. His eyes met with mine, and he practically blenched.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAytq4BR2ZL
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhg0LEXCGf
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I sighed, and I smiled. There was something heartwarming about seeing this man act as usual, even if it pained me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAtYJcHPnH
