"Hey, wake up."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFF7PSEXn0
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHnHgBPEp3
"H-Huh!?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvDArSxmiM
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLbezHSnpS
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwAfkR0uOh
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpZp0HEtEX
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OO6Ahg31x
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJg95ncRnV
"No no, it's fine."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNZBpOYTO6
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINtILSStfa
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTVq9oShGh
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqVhsgVCcu
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QVrYFDW0R
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjihzmBAkd
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQawNr9J8tB
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6IYcDs01Y
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x3i00eZjV
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe0TKNVtkj
"Are ya sure–"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Uz71mSbQ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwm5rK7UO2
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlZTTqxlc0
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx4d7Ind56
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZwtxWYWu9
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx3I7Md15Z
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQlmwKu3x4
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlZPombpSX
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdUf3dP15u
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs7ENGjYZ5
"..."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN4LJfJIee
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8bmTDWEvW
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu3BezV7sU
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t075tmjti
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41TEsZ7hEG
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcRxQvX33z
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWGaM44I6Y
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRBvfdDy9h
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZtTeNxE6m
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGHOsFmAUa
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6001asrmE
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLLiecdy39
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS45AiNrqUQ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0CjRa31l2
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOhxVyYjlO
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiVh3osHl3
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmCeVU1Uog
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaEHwt4rUp
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx1hiqmHCG
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3gvnSE74Z
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxvIRmf3QJ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVng7vU9jNn
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeuWs9kTQO
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAEsJ28dzh
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpBTfhdcJ6
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPnZZ1Iki1
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–183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPQBXlWbfy
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUxPTB9QqQ
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWrvCvgZJ5
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ2bBQ7uRE
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b0Nz0xzIo
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm5pbQ7JzV
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE8zPK4Isw
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCR1LBrBDq
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYdsd8D9zo
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaDibBqMKS
"What?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSdNBGL4Gu
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8lc4hvHnc
He sighed and flicked his head.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgSRq7s6hm
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8mayEFRE9
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYJritvXx3
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhRhdnMQ8E
"Last... yeah, let's."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPxtB9Ynjj
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYe6EZQPMn1
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P3EoXoL1W
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKO6Nlmh0R
"This is good. This is really good."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnsReMv6iS
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn1ju2E9GC
"I told ya."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYF41hPIdC
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i4kFxbJQT
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaBqkUmuPB
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPurUlXgrlh
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLaUcmPA5X
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtbWGVMk2w
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCeD3nas4h
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4pDFoJohv
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeYvtA1R6c
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z8bVCj5vH
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MVtLWcdyq
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkzVqj9Auf
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA9ba5Ee36
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjZ4fdCaYC
–
–
–183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYw2tXHSFH
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q9OZfIVcp
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGtpnVI5bX
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTipoD1uB9
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nvmths0yc
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhBUP7sOaK
"That's right," Juke responded.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPhDNKU7WX
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K0GsRqjuW
"I see..."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1xVI72ETc
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ethJMWS5o
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYJEYltrGk
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheuDi0RpaJ
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvofrUiEYk
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6WmdaZrqA
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIjUCMoSCK
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOJVjTPmdD
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy5obgkBiD
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKW0lildjC
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTJnJeQrIi
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26y3hGliKq
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte4vHolWGJ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SNoXCYFHS
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7Hc4nBFwM
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPLCy7zEmA
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjtQ6J87MM
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndavZynwy9
"What are you looking at me for?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lAcjcKuQd
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ548SAZGX5V
"Ya got any ideas?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRxTRyEkar
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXrJZHZfxs
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUTbg6Lczr
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVcqc0pSEQ
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQNGXyIk6x
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapYkS6KFVk
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9GzsMwfuV
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR3MMcVDAS
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzKLq1awUM
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIIcHC5908
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEQlyaHYEM
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj4mouwuLG
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE4qZNY9bf
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieXyJZ4c6k
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjFQcBad94
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsAdAXxTS2
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrV2U0uR3A
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6Ly3sdwlo
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIYXAARAWn
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3ouhmrgp7
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EvOM52Vxi
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxk3C0i0OH
He shook his hands frantically and.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAZefBXDDN
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mtlozdM3N
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUQeyOe0Hg
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIydwpqMuLZ
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6U2YCcW3q
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc02o4F57i
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9SP4dUByM
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFszxq5eRKc
"Pray for me."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C3gIFG7V0
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VFu7xoTzl
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj0oPDhUyU
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNilgL1unX
"Juke!"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf6ym6ZW7F
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsqN0WrFoQ
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg30TiMi9Ta
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PKqEbHBV3
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF5K0pKz6U
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3RWAa1MhM
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfNcgUvoAg
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGMOoETCrz
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLbOUqctUx
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqjzGpK7ng
"Still, I appreciate it."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgf77QPMzf
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpvTdXMfOm
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf74xh5H217
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqPJTzRd28
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lAagu02pV
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBpoaOt246
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5IiWNAQWV
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGgL0tQq1y
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00qHRcSL9w
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlICTEW4hg
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6oJfn3EYJ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNfDya99lX
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfWH5XTz0S
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTOsBSCw9h
"Thank you for your help, Hank."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGa3sbYVZq
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7Icog9GeM
"Yeah, we really of ya."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOJOg6NaCq
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX8bk6JXXl
He gave us a light smile and waved.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73ue3jtQYa
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn2XPMRorI
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiJEB1ocdh
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR02567ZRD
"...Y-Yeah."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5if9lFyTWN
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoFQY61KVb
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqMR00rVbB
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D65CIFbVm
–
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–183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp7NHcT6d4
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxh7M8tx7wF
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0L7KmUCdF
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJc99KGol9
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBwZOJBoZz
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCZQYkvHor
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJr17sK2Ex
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxqefUWcOs
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FL8f7bonQ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJGdgFAZEb
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6BFvnZjs1
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmESVjVV7V
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6RCQmla75
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb2YxeO7Vu
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6QEbF0EGT
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ3XEe74Kg
"--Crap!"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM9jo623ec
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQfAAGOrV5
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzmnsmW2HX
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fzJ2yBZCL
"Crap. Crap!"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUkVv9VgJd
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUhF6IypP0
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJeSDT0wVG
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgDr0j0Nuu
"People are heading our way!"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQvTR2osSI
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqtjnHyNIs
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgHjXLFUEr
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8uAwCsf8X
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTDC1FuzN5
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3ctBkApwV
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC28sipILXK
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin5XuFeiIi
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuSN30DXi8
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3xMe4t1JV
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QmUQOA0V1
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUi2wVCGMy
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6e2ejffNQ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hfdNk3mka
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTpJ6c8u4T
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmo6ovII60
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzbCK8liIk
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01mJt1h90N
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4eKg5GnHr
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVhiUghr5v
"Ack!"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrrdkCcgu9
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuafYFMwqe
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlHDvauANv
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxG6cmGJ2R
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4drBaupp7
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw3JZ6fKG8
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI0f25vG9E
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjaFVk4el8
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4KnISbDR8
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwWkqWpyMA
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ428DsvTu9M
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2k77qhel4
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7bPj365Wb
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan9EQxPPi8
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoqsfdion1
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpKaOhiYSK
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57AKrNuFXN
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrjwP0EvlA
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1RYifyfQB
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XHQx69OHu
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QMU7A0vGS
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN1d0Yytye
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–183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Mk6BVPcMy
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGiwORDSA9
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vF5FCgzeV
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5amQljFOjV
"Huh?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrqZ8IKaUM
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WCqGVpde7
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2yi3u6tnk
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodSpZCW4mE
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S72fKEb9W
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiIowhVpQA
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo8uAXDD2A
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBYqokVlBT
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1reeqpxR2
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fwTvF7SNx
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKNVsp8XWQ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEjKtAQhNX
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSZpgT81wX
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOmhyv5sI0
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH6UDaSV2o
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8ZJuYJZY4
"..."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wJB0uqn9C
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkr3bR9Gph
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm2kyWItWx
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNIdxmw8Ea
So, I let my mouth run amok.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwiFvfRWGu
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdozzaw9Lh
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOyIszxYPq
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ODVxJZQPm
"Yeah, I know."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWiX1BENCw
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWJHTO4e1c
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxZ5gXJ9HK
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVWZ63KNIK
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSI10EzX5o
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1T5LP7vLT
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWgenc86J3
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GIqkIBWSl
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ26jrgnvC
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsakqv4p7Ni
"That sounds familiar..."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP358t8mcL7
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4HgkJgHam
"Huh?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSngkqrJu8
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0D6BlEGtx
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbKMgJRRWi
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLULkW2UGpy
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEyZDw8AxY
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJXPRBbWUV
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fLQcqFHI3
"Well?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xHWeZQjaC
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hEi4QXPUv
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1WkUG8JS8
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouetOa3olG
"Ah."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8LXkyHvko
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTYljxERiA
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMpsACzgr2
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcx91xlgMwh
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnWlCIzSbJ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHiYrU6bgK
"Ah, the Lionant?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFsDQeW6ZW
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KriLl6GWC
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmJLFoVr5o
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JS5xCqaGB
"..."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dhieluCRw
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnbaoQ7JAl
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UbvsbOFkm
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBriCRD2Yrs
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzSnAWvnw4
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qmBwCXZ0P
"...Yeah, why did I?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwCdeVAwML
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9VhiTgelD
I didn't expect to be met with another question.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSDuyxyM0c
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRVcDXM5A8
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylVABaDLSY
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmC3lMBySTu
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrVYPaTdXK
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0E0gYRbS0
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvQozyaBOo
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgXpXtPyZP
"..."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GTWmLfscS
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczK9Yn2X7i
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQbmUTH01j
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97IdrNWWhX
"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?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBVqId6UFL
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NrVm5XEOe
"What?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedoGcHlei8
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2YuP65rYE
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRraLom8oC
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyCHwYJ0Ls
"That sounds... boorish?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKNogwJxgz
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygnDxcFBTn
"Pff, yer just too young."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2Y4vC7SuK
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntT5IRxATc
He paused for a moment.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rQamGCHSk
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcai6U2jun
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAu36nxCjN
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy21VPMqxzj
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm2D4ThYzf
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguQLpEg9bl
"...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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWYNHtxKql
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rgCyyNk8X
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Mar4cR2K
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzbcMv4iz4
"That's silly... O-Oh–"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu7HIrpvAg
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vZ39XfElk
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1dd0XR9mp
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q9UIbP5Vn
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5pETmTG7n
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDtSfOoBRh
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1rW8Dn7EJ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nqCfvz0WU
"I... yes, I suppose so."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTnFIk1i3Q
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUptY0oMFAP
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5VQMVTc5O
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijdpUosGGb
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT033lw4UPR
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4D7K6n4Vq
"Yes, I know."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7Kt5aBtC7
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oJ5jPOvwN
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDoy2KIk83
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUc72olJCO
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTagketqnYa
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7nK0j05JX
"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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o7mjPdtgS
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg57G0lRQte
"..."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe30k3Zwpi
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKEVhYzIjZ
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwqnPehJbb
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJlDzxvyJt
"Ya hear that?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaLEHYOTaZ
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5xkfJhOsW
"Huh?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBVENVdPUp
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL92vGg7N32
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5T3uBWVfi
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvET6sjLvKe
"They passed."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotJJCze69I
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv7MTAsT5W
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqiNlnqSMz
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMEO6DkdS7
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmhXjIePLo
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uMJxrhHHp
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EbhFGV1O8
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlerlyGzyQ
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPruzG8SmdX
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZz0HM6x5E
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyA7qbmA5I
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYNQY9Zz75
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q3a48LR26
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGJQyB7gBF
"You've been saying that a lot."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpjSC28joA
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrBqf13ago
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIub62Ggbq
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDEk86AJPJ
We stood stock still in silence.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TXFkpQuBy
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeesgIvmkm
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuQuhWjIz3
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGwtbHc3G3
"Are ya sure?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdtMFqOSfB
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeJWZ9h0ei
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbLwtf0hIM
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MleCxvKK8
"I should be asking you that."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2obUlLyzi
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxFBX0CJuk
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPW3yVYJuE
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6ijsmEiuk
"Yes. You get it."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAeSMIjvXr
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VME8QL84J
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSUtm5KNfl
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiHVddlRKE
"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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ2ELDlYPS
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSoOMDrkmW
"Fine by me."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeA2NmikQq
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcITzA2cAHH
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4orUBoYbD
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONgJEzZrmF
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1k4vSo6XG
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CRcL9tcq0
"Yeah, we're almost there."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NuVIMTa8F
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdQsrbZx3o
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrAq8VoRGm
183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMzbsML61A
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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD0zh1G9q7
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fwSZQxdCF
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"Blurg, what was that?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorAiNbys0g
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnIQfFEU6V
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"What was what?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdFMdxcWcv
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"I caught a whiff of something."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj1SLiSpm9
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfcL6Q5zef
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrbnwttCgS
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1H125O7RX
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhOky2K2J2
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhfTR04q7B
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESA1SrAiw6
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvn0Ww1I6W
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8P1wxQq7Y
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkjQGI9DN9
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8s93S9t8U
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb15nkDXvKh
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24Laz0qHEL
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq126409ch
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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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDaI2o00EE
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfBMakFdSE
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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–183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm4hbRE7LV
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn2WP0fN4t
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNncfOc47KC
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"Who are ya people?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxBkuPm3JS
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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."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4t7eafpQ4
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"Buddy?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6BPwwYcmp
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt8fwtHDx5
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeXbHhVg6Y
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"Quiet now."183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80DbN2Pqli
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZm3e7dway
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttWLo5k8Q1
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNToIFscbIB
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelhf7uyNBZ
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGqMvhEUC1
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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.183Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw4BAv3WMh
