"Hey, wake up."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLNmuzq2As
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IKgY8wbMk
"H-Huh!?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0sEFEYFcR
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplSFRsCzU1
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIJpI8EKgp
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnOTOkCOOd
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X4yDGWzEN
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nM263FM9E
"No no, it's fine."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq7xjE0Teb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxelC1tjQKM
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu5MEbGgcq
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt33U1wONmS
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT9V7oSF26
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ72x2PyYan
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwImolFR49
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtInGRRsqO
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTBjRcrPQJ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMsfP2E7yq
"Are ya sure–"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bfe9yxhUZ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncqAJy2Xyi
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ465woHrtCr
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRE8dKT56D
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18LI9ifqsk
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDbf1c2VyS
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTKGlJKPCX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXZFzQebrY
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuSDTvnlRa
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaadW8knnJl
"..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8A6bdnIvJ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cbKh8Qhbl
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSlD7HrvCX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlkOP1Dgkl
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1imfH5Ks89
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9joAwgmcLB
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLb84xN4FP
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzuuMZYPRW
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusxULRTNCi
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d4nrgPVA9
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR4eYJ40Xd
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclaABGMRKk
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteBzysX2Lx
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4xMUvDOoH
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVXqdhHzT9
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh9zTWFT0a
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaVse1ZkmY
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdyRBj8lWp
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy33mwzSxVg
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpR77JDywu
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyuOe86Cd9
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquElCBzUD3
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA12sq6wH1
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dsImVKm79
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oirF7OHiF
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IpprqdbHL
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–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzQegzTD24
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CT68LFQwW
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY3GaFl7Kb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdklsEt8D9K
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO4NKKY0F2
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA1egdnYvZ
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaZSbPf1cS
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUcW8B66Z3
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uqGCQATys
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApwuhRorem
"What?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6dZAwqbas
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ENCFQG1zZ
He sighed and flicked his head.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgFjrTMCdV
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfbfjyYJu2
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkGt1G3reK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDKkGA5zgc
"Last... yeah, let's."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu2yI0ldto
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIPXfWh4XU
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJN64euv9sG
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVmtgZZArq
"This is good. This is really good."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2DMWUJhxT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1w5wnZqcE
"I told ya."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiLfJi2G8B
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PGlh5qQs1
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HAYoo64cg
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMXH5GyKPJ
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAh4pAeLSi
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KvC5fKqJ0
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHntPZAJYoP
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC4FVhrrff
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3icClsWRvT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡje9tzDpJt4
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidBiL8Xoaj
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFljfbZJW5
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YDByquWAA
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJLEusBrlM
–
–
–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AvhpRzPB6
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDrorOfRHP
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE0ifwSy3l
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahQs8RQJoF
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7AFDzddcF
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fDFcNfgy7
"That's right," Juke responded.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgJEfLRPWU
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1U5RGKBy6
"I see..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8rsx7JPcc
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCNaybaUaX
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqls0AbNtA
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWgI820Myz
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JmX35WFao
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF4q9uasEx
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOjHiMGr9y
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtwrZdulVw
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCjgTgu1L0
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVSd4SGc3x
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8f0vjHSia
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oHrmOp0tK
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7a4p2FkNT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR1xsS8vLc
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGJXIRWPcT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPLphfLW0X
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJAsev6jlm
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xEmTku13I
"What are you looking at me for?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0aofh634f
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf9AcmYBS3
"Ya got any ideas?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlPOicX4K2
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsioS1gzyAO
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKzq7UTZYO
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBrydO93Sc
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5Ki5yCYLl
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEpea4d2Vo
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfEps15wCP
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd79wAtrtOc
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7Wpu2Xobw
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3rGsmnUMM
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KRFlSa8Aw
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptH6M7aWnh
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqnG3YsC7J
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0EKkJuVO1
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9TB5X2z9H
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwfHO09S4J
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMw0V7QXBi
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRN1fCnt9U
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMnr7zhvQI
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIua09GVL2S
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRnQIXPCcW
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6BlpLt4ue
He shook his hands frantically and.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90gUcpQGpd
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR2j48rwD3
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfgo4aITw1
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LHoNQlCxC
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiaVBwhcwW
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jXi7EextS
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYE6YqQ9Zy
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGPpS53FG1
"Pray for me."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBNOeCJvT0
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fwLVWL6Bn
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqd8Oewv4i
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn0hEtqqjf
"Juke!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0Anywi84Q
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTamev1bRG0
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LXBvR1DTE
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp8Tztgoe6
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzGlojMmkf
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQe8DzIwc6
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphmgi390TH
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhDK3CTJQp
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI7Gq13HNv
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrNcYmCvR5
"Still, I appreciate it."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKNDW22cK0
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHQ3LLF5Dg
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlheXXrdasv
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCz2UkLbn5t
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5MzkY4DhM
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm7g6D8Zxk
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q93zMkFTK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0G2q36ezq
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh6Xr2wz8b
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAGkpsf0cV
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDj2jsBFgo
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tDxuC7xYr
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLzJZF26p9
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxvBXkynNM
"Thank you for your help, Hank."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLZqL7vUZT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vSOLZPDf5
"Yeah, we really of ya."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYKkDfO0Jf
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93udJCRups
He gave us a light smile and waved.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrpXG7DidJ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjm3J4AYzI1
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVkTQjV6IR
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLHT2SiSUa
"...Y-Yeah."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd41U1TZOFi
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghRGld8Tx5
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQZVVYv3eQ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc1fHrSqs0
–
–
–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0eOMmP85P
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMsVfTw7wl
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwzgOROzvv
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1CN4gxeiK
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCpXCn431g
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjGVihwWam
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBsTFPdkqn
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhC4y5NpvH
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqSWide21b
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jpH99BXr7
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIb0DD47Fm
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqu6FxU5Mm
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PSBb5Dg6P
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq4lqHW19a
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXMXu39pGe
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZQ4OhLd58
"--Crap!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbttjbXBRkE
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UpRc6aiEZ
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDQPVx0xzW
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEhx9CdETY
"Crap. Crap!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxXT3hRUY1
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnXbZNsaja
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaZDJVJfDz
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAfANcSlo1
"People are heading our way!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR4mLGVNih
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIB1QN97dg
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelnvI61sIA
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwBomzi4H0
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ1DEyxuDD
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzNGN71zIH
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAXMZhyOaY
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFebmGfEIni
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i71SAGztK
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBiUjvNBCI
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFuWFRvcRI
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57T0vU48X9
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UfmgC8VNs
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXsZ6svrcU
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1efV6my8hr
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXQDqCrTxF
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJFOX3lrFM
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9KTyHTRUL
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxihaLBU1B
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpfQPU05yT
"Ack!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OwSam0qh8
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQDOueHgaM
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXW8VxiBOu
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZJXf5YUX6
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl3TLWXJpF
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76u1gKWam8
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD8yoSQJhs
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN9evF4kTW
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhZKmop8Ry
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvdL5CMVpC
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2vTaNbrnV
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkmCybue3q
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdZUQJl4zb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt7qCwq0Pr
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmB5f4VDN4
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5reQmlYMaV
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlwubi8yqR
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSgpaYaP8x
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBqMctRdxe
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvZqMagZhR
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPTjU85wcN
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT75KhWStP
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–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vLI9mFfZl
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2OojjJdf2
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPugPnFyYtZ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDkkKG0Y90
"Huh?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdPyL44bGg
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9exzp1Qwu
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJejYSFJsza
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURNuFrE4yh
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Yefx5dIH
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG56pgl7BM
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H1wyFXnuw
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDLGURJCqR
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAozm34D2I
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1zqc0o6Ob
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbU8tnmjTm
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPKkGuaSqN
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU1O66AEPj
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjjnixI2FK
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyrn8oO334
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTHfxXZ4JU
"..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K9zmvkvJQ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsPHzQdPm9
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxYSfbIxwL
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgx23EVxlc
So, I let my mouth run amok.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexnZR1BeBh
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjanRQLUGJ
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbQoZlTB10
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1rLNfpeHm
"Yeah, I know."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIvajqb7jX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfFQAjerE1
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu0MCKvIfq
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXrBEgSzSN
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfziWfXB7dn
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBKQJcYGlZ
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchQ4PnVZVZ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmKdEvsfcm
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxHahJenhB
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5BGWOdO5J
"That sounds familiar..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Xgs4q5Ak9
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D05ZBOJA6
"Huh?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0O0WeameO
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAgQC0mNgw
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDskKu8Jzb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAmpOTYPDw
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cM26dM3iS
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnWz3nYZZd
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7UmvepQlm
"Well?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljfCFNRHRf
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP7q0XTC7G
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrGe8aDpID
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD7GltWHOE
"Ah."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7HPFehWDc
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVDQMNL5ZG
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR1pmtgInQ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l5Naw31e3
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEa5RQoZfc
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ipAUNhD46
"Ah, the Lionant?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzJdy6bM2C
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7zL1HvlU6
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk6jFZDcBT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1g97QvHees
"..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbIF9KuPA4
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRinAPzjjWK
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek6kBpWFQx
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNozfKCm7gS
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfzJUi0xRj
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUInhxUPIcL
"...Yeah, why did I?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuZEY87gEW
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCer4iGjmh
I didn't expect to be met with another question.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEJ66V6JbW
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gHdrPrVKB
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfaN6wJG0o
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXcTsyipL6
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTlZezLQOS
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVjHEfO1PB
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD4cMqrOBX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3TFhUqx2n
"..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIjA2KbBEk
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9tB6cbBQI
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ643jnSl3mm
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAzmHDgJm8
"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?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd4sbw0B2Y
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K8jsCBWV1
"What?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv1Qt9Yonk
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74DxK2U89b
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H0l5I93Y6
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA0fO17JBU
"That sounds... boorish?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzxHvGU3OS
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0S1QnYrH4
"Pff, yer just too young."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ22tjo5HG
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5BeoWzNO9
He paused for a moment.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaAAokZsxy
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlqh4TuKv7
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2gkjjKlOA
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMSQM3RXh0
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmN1pVfzPu
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxk86w1jAr
"...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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyRL50pEJp
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAgoIUPSCS
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATb0oGbkoL
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn4bGOR6oY
"That's silly... O-Oh–"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc4xE2pr7l
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i8XyuZNCS
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnJRKFmQ25
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43Vnth2QGp
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirAUo3Ay7D
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2VoFIvcvY
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVJQ9deTT0
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdKRvlrZwf
"I... yes, I suppose so."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMYqkmpn7A
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5INEpW1ktM
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdLKQ4HmDC
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP4NTGr1wT
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswC86ezfTs
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJflbf7h1H
"Yes, I know."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7jFSrdWAq
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DnV8MHrFu
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOc7C2HIhW
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxXgAYopzT
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGubVuMBUr
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpOyAL1t6o
"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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfllPxAeb9
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaveBaYvd9
"..."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrNCgsqhlE
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByiQvZ0ola
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qWdeaEMGc
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35xkcVrIAU
"Ya hear that?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwApeGMmZF9
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kVRFdZaY8
"Huh?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVQd6XgShy
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vs53ZNtDY
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qgLjNv0Mr
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdW4uVtIHJ
"They passed."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcpbYnR4G8
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1WXAnTwH0
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY7A9r8pLX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3UsJyNYqZ
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XuweSTKYb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHhnlLkUg9
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqcQjAzUo3
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwVRQnMNS3
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexNuH15Jkk
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaACw1ZrB6
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNPn5aKQBf
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgd8Bosbe8
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxkUXPo14H
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16GErHeCiO
"You've been saying that a lot."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf1n2ipKNT
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m5IoqOsQ5
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLwxl9ogFw
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrefGzglLCU
We stood stock still in silence.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFCyBlAztw
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtGNv6aFID
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUPdE7iO95
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyowZgGPP3j
"Are ya sure?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh9Gt7PMdb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hMs54BThl
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE8AFewBGJ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHCz4br4FE
"I should be asking you that."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUnc66Bljw
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM5GS0vhNL
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqcnX10nkb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9BLW4AHuM
"Yes. You get it."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkqkFX4HJ1
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoDEDAQNV2
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1eBzZ6wAR
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0bW91klxe
"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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm9MG0vcgZ
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAZdAd1p04
"Fine by me."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfhNFvNNJR
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKHPFbw82f
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqzqDWGubX
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZipgMK5zv2
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAFK3ctCGb
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9I5dIWCy5
"Yeah, we're almost there."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxrHuD9R3T
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXq4arNfdB
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVC6a7UeIk
239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnKlZyqqiy
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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjB6du5FCh
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZtJKynJhf
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"Blurg, what was that?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbE29M5lEC
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MrA6IFKGY
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"What was what?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PxSKdA0zZ
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"I caught a whiff of something."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgldp23yC1
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s8WpOhGuu
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKh7Jbyx1M
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ysnkbDk55
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNJTd0ZCSF
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxOqZGCd3Z
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI5PmHTlLC
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICPN9uWZuV
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYNJibTpgI
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE8m9xg76u
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBX80r6Ii8
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoapRpupH6
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY48B9J1VG
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsU4h2XJSr
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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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggslHv2XwU
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrCjeIdDhS
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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–239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wGMcBKALh
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb1Zf3XHeZ
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9itdJbL2jI
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"Who are ya people?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyNxSVbNMC
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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."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIbxVk6wSi
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"Buddy?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuSS0EjJbh
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGSPc6i4fu
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTmATzJilj
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"Quiet now."239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk62BU3jFt2
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUL1zaSmgjk
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9ei7ajafU
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwyK0gZu07
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpY79hyOmn
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY968QKsyZQ
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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.239Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxbGmi15h3
