"Hey, wake up."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBdRvXfx2x
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqgF2ulH35
"H-Huh!?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenZaw63KNq
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qEVmnO2LG
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBIldq4q03
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Kc4O5Fh4
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ6jjNVVmY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9cC4OlZzu
"No no, it's fine."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xumevyqpE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz23bbopxO
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNSut84J3t
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmebK0smXf
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYsMMIEhsE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HO8lnlymu
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEtsIKFvg4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRc87iBYzR
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3igoRF4jh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ0fuGxqLt
"Are ya sure–"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjPl7S1cTS
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtw2DBi2X2
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSlzDimVyh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGibPfSBoh
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBueIbeTuw
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAl6VZ9UWS
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSWfsdPcit
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Fp7IhpmAj
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUonucREQo3
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuJLqXLvr8
"..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJZIQtssEM
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xV4JE15Z3
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgx2N2Gaop
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1vScWgTFX
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77knfeerW0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALuPJ4rUyt
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf8nBjCIc0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxtp9noLIX
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnMsXbciab
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X1QgVeH5Z
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstFwizGgJe
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiTeSuWbyj
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIgc7IY1uK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGpxbiCRE5
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5QhryUsC8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEghqRBOrog
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWJlK32KQV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYVxuuUtER
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yEKdvEj0g
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNZ8mxVZi2
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFSZLJmqxi
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyrqkKugbf
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqq2XAbZuc
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbAuVm9B30
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAELF3hh1CU
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG3RXLmUoz
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–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQoaMUKQi4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANKnviValO
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx2fFR8zKL
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKp8628k8I
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC3koOthR0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCOY1PkImJ
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR6fsjVRuT
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngarbqlVQZ
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7ZO0IDoUv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwMqAx7Vhz
"What?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomT7Klnrmz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKsWtfzGPY
He sighed and flicked his head.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ240KRuhRDx
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFQuH663g9
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcCH8yTE8Q
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgDH8s0s7O
"Last... yeah, let's."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAlrLj2wh8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk3BGNFdga
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIap9joWOD
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTH7JUmYCJ
"This is good. This is really good."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyE48bJR5l
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35B6H6aYc4
"I told ya."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR8wFFyv05
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vj8nRDiji
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeCLJwHa9S
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5v8JJP4Np
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFveC4ZCf17
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY8625nwru
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuhAs62Qaa
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd85ejXEoSG
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjV3AoSvry
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdy1YWrpHF
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVdJYiEBzR
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqdnyiEadG
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaorL6f1rIe
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwmriIijdL
–
–
–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOduzEFE5YV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJTLOt1zrI
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeYJOtxWis
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteqncDyZhh
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PdQEsLCmk
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPGGuciCcg
"That's right," Juke responded.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihLvGibp0q
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomLBZxoCXd
"I see..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazSJ77NJKI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWbB28mq8L
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvPKDmNduP
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0McTkryA1f
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaCtbHwaAf
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWz4qYxI8v
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73X6LAp6wr
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbWhEfju1A
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb6Z3yguqf
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2FA3Ae4w4
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15EOiNTgnG
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6SVdZnZra
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2j2RZcNCK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU00jaZeXo
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ0Cr39PxO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAqe9IYIf5
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6Lrr3l159
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz07UgGJWq
"What are you looking at me for?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLmgIMPKSY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0J57jDQsc
"Ya got any ideas?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkPiZWDnli
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCVZU09OTL
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRCs7gNV3S
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh64CcVwPX
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyS9ceTk6A
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wci7DDd8G
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBx4oXO20v
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lpWgMr1CB
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVlazXuXxD
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSdG9jhrre
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJYbx0Ahd1
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo2gtMJ5A6
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEBsvWvtqQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0ozMiiB5H
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTgaUvTNHr
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmoyGMf9L2
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZZO8Tp6Nh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7bU3dRGxK
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHCyreGzkJ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVXqpRnRZ6
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgap2u00hkf
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNIiaGfK5N
He shook his hands frantically and.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJKD2cRIVQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEMYuw8OKv
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xwB4brAAx
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqPPaA91WH
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMb6ns2Mam
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW9HIaUQ26
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPBM2jTnHl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC18p3iJcE
"Pray for me."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVB41d9wc0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlbfG0i43b
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqGLDINMf7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe9tf5bzeM
"Juke!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSVTGl5k7F
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR52TLbwzw
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQT5hmvjnB
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ef7C4sSoN
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEg79UKFN0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC658C8Xe3N
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhC9HyZntq
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9VjHQzuKo
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaRvJjyr1P
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgNNccLQZp
"Still, I appreciate it."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0x4mCiIRA
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemrDvpZ9ms
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93aKryPETn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJMGsfHVUh
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02cmNYVS8v
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa345bzmrY
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGnvJtwZZN
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunSRzOMA4e
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AKZmRWtQ9
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5phrM09gC
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok8bQBH1NR
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5GtOP54IP
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWPskJXInj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8znnGwN5bG
"Thank you for your help, Hank."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4lCWZGiBP
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1tlqMEIDK
"Yeah, we really of ya."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoEts6cRFh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlReNmvnoKX
He gave us a light smile and waved.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5XybmhQha
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD7pxEPdFD
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uYk5RMJMl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrkGkaQMFO
"...Y-Yeah."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuOw5ONqcY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsCZzltUTq
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv0mo6mrHR
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZCHGy8ntg
–
–
–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoRDfxrLuE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpuO1dQgSW
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6qnYPk8zc
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4N5aT1UP2
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCMy4f7Rw2
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZKKP7eCHs
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KKCnpLqtl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnQc5wxXRw
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxfyyJe16D
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg3UBqkkQJ
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PIBQUBUVg
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY6OA436Xo
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOcW4v08Ow
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLNjwa2yGH
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU8KI4vaVo
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CYPK8Wa48
"--Crap!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnrYD8EtTM
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKsKZTD8R8
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRcCv9dmxi
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp7l3ZJs7L
"Crap. Crap!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNOrigPH4h
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD0gB8aELl
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm9zYVc5Pw
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuKfDTRKTK
"People are heading our way!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuDqyXwiVN
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMczcSNOEM
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zoYIViPDm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiummEgTpS3
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtuclDwOLg
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfnOWythOB
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPD2XJJIGn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIItXLqMVPj
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5JsgzDjUa
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONrt81ROZs
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl3CRLKnTL
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGg6i1senB
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4xXIBpJSm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhlECNpp5B
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSneYCgzaXY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNlQ6rTbvA
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp1XiZPoSn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIt7zWK8mJ
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sDu0RzPKl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD74dBLtUfs
"Ack!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPAs0s0iRU
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMV1TPhCuC
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bbkNmix58
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMhB9ZTGLJ
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUrOO2jugm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuVfa81sqA
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5ZaOUE6Ww
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5A4RUyuWF
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X4ktMOPUH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcWEbcpWCT
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzCi0NwBrV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfMsYoCmHw
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95riiDOISL
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTJXxzsgcG
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hx7dB73U2
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNJhe0ylOJ
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIrz2GY1Nl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN0AWKcE4a
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidcbhB2TiX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ661WbGuEUL
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mPUG5a4cW
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yvsXfCumQ
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–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsxdXS09T3
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPkAv47WqV
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZClY7609Pp
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzBq0z92iU
"Huh?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU7sNnzWQN
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG1pJQp220
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6ZTncMjqr
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYyJnpPblc
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrykjDLysJ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIw5czdj6t
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTNNL1l4qF
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChyKs3ZcFF
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9A13BMVh6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNJNImbwO6
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfqPPweUkf
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XwmQ1d5dB
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgNQ2N3wrv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFDnik1pqz
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQSt4pWx4P
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFTgRwHF0c
"..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL89qMmpt5
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHL7d9OKQo
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMWHdkXRPA
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxv7o0g2Qf
So, I let my mouth run amok.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYqakR1upB
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNG7hME8Bg
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUc6rMWSkk
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXXVT6zXae
"Yeah, I know."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hWA9B2poY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkHZZp5Pa8
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqamdFlwa5
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdqFEnmGbo
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iJOPVgHCj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXlQO2yMjF
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ppEQLGNLL
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuynfQ8ybrq
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr94espACwY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDXTPLHz3P
"That sounds familiar..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqaDET2fWt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFntYrzsb2
"Huh?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y1dNMp28q
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhiUBAUywO
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM34aIJkuc
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOowHzUJEW
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN22PbeNW6
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeazZJppZCk
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSXYZj0Aao
"Well?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64qlaldwQt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm1G8mGMxl
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI14X7ZUR0y
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RyTIgSjdj
"Ah."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLgv2M5qPZ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOuS53Kl54
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh18hGJVUy
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj8FybxyK4
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnM4iy0qJc
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7KU79ep7e
"Ah, the Lionant?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09hIKeVfT7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX4RMAHLs5
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ676bnukaEM
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r5YAGD4J6
"..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE2Bun0aq1
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlW9F1Gf9G
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ho3CIKteP
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUjkdG0tJ4
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaDJM9EEoO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uxx3SSH9p
"...Yeah, why did I?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa75vocqqEY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcFnWkU6eu
I didn't expect to be met with another question.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaq84agNBX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyQhI2R1Uo
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzu5dbwBjX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iPSlmmcyE
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdTUak6uBa
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVXGAou4nS
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq09dH1QF0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphLCcgLnXa
"..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbFfd41cOn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5brn0xS2Gw
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPokurxpp7D
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ739rvADM
"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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqbgKyeM9X
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdhlpLAQHv
"What?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLBnBfe1Eb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1xDnryAQ0
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoTl1oEOXE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSdWua0ICZ
"That sounds... boorish?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIXcb7KXnQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vo39jhRgG
"Pff, yer just too young."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiLUruhF4F
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtiAZLw3QQ
He paused for a moment.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVADcZEEgz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdLvLongLE
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhTSBvwmAu
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSfdFnuwJy
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUJGzBe8uh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK1dZziOCC
"...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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5Et5P3uNn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW9m09IGLH
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69xYMvhn5N
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDrIeANsBK
"That's silly... O-Oh–"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWZef2817T
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnHekqwXoQ
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAnv4oEu5W
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmwj7nLjBo
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3KPnD5BL8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNo1cQosOK
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoOPB31jVT
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9jdRoJ94W
"I... yes, I suppose so."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DOJreqVwl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh8w5vNZry
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ472JeS8vtP
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6PKUHOZ38
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTwM8fVZp6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG6yDWUIkh
"Yes, I know."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOylVm7omMB
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhul3P0OWcm
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡna40Db21jZ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m3OvuBC7v
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWX8lH2Otm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyZgeoutDa
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0nX16BghO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjQG6Zp00w
"..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDiGDHXoFL
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqVA5sbKOL
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBM7gfws45
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7quXmQ0Kru
"Ya hear that?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF12tklNAo
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzhiTYB18I
"Huh?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt1WPe3lMh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV8OSrYl6Y
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVk9ExSV7j
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb9fYAlN2P
"They passed."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyZMzdfPeO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9If5icioaJ
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4skMlc7v8z
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrOeitNV4y
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHVspFpsg1
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u3yzNfq0Z
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtmjCY7SlH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOSUA7G4b0
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb5ie88jTl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTctm70rhdF
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XWygncTm6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiSZ3MmCGx
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAx2xYRHh1
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0c5rWfZdH
"You've been saying that a lot."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpE6RefwP7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkiNUc23n1
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7moXcbjGkh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXjR61Xldu
We stood stock still in silence.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzz5Dgij9T
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoryba8Pa7E
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBv18ohGLP
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAgHFuTZBI
"Are ya sure?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hARG9FeKr
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrukDKhJMR
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91kI9WOxvQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yIDXIDY5T
"I should be asking you that."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerppUtbYIv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdu3Jtduln
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIupJTrjBfz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBagEdBBnaK
"Yes. You get it."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYEOJyMR3F
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR5azxMh7L
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWGfPUgR7N
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrO10DceH9
"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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdr9HQFTwm
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtxu2Hd3sL
"Fine by me."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz22ZyGVGYX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAXM9OG3iz
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOURlzrkm5u
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLly7eBbZfW
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5Jn9ZQtlI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl97JStFmlh
"Yeah, we're almost there."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1nm2d4e6Z
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vPIBweNfz
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJOAmaRpop
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkdpANpvAC
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQAK3Rru8O
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu9GEhW482
And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMlr3HbQMa
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"Blurg, what was that?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPwq7i5aXu
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8t2GqkYWr
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"What was what?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtwzVAPkSD
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"I caught a whiff of something."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuliw272yf
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSo6XkpnFw
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSGIlXAxcZ
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIh2wa3XO9
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGODL8Gd2t
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxO40cwYXA
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvdgkS18XL
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gNs92jYVe
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrtJzHKMwi
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHY1vzdt6A
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv2xdPhaVC
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE1ie8UhId
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7U4rZRxrQ
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj8GXYy1PA
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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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHlkidiyYD
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SNaNFH8FH
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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–211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjhcgqxQv6
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"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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE4jnWj6RL
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5EEvMK43F
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"Who are ya people?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pIOewqIhc
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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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd5hhOh45v
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"Buddy?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoPyXkFJVY
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aL9RAOrGG
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3DT8GHnpy
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"Quiet now."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODRjt8azLu
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzwGtfWzko
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMUtbWsXFZ
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu9NgAWiYH
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ4AWPMdUo
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpKs49S09L
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCAl8limSV
