"Hey, wake up."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZnVUSBkTD
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA8fSSFKLe
"H-Huh!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSS07oCJG7
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZF3tAcqoq
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"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9CmV4dvOP
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"No no, it's fine."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPkr1hPJbs
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgmZ18J1Nw
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDr5LXS9Sq
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQcofG2C4Z
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIXs8Mm6DN
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3ZCj63DET
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr9qXlUSRu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PVcS6ZGGk
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54orlQW9kG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvdULfbwat
"Are ya sure–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOwlTxxRoQ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoQo3zO4lJ
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki0hgXAdz1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3sfnUUXST
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KmSw90MMK
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"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRNAoEoxPj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeESFLUFGxE
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI7uLR5JED
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"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wwxxOJ2BL
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Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RyG20I1Dj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv60SNVBOR
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3QceGSXhl
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBsaW3hJFc
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pm9EffYIy
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The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDCUP7b3BB
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFJYrd1Hum
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPYx0k5zab
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadKthNXY6Z
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG3auxfCdq
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"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XzBlqaq3w
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTdhX9H3Je
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXuok63mFP
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"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZTJj7jOte
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeVPlSgn08
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQT6nl0ob8
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpXeuSKSLJ
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUKIuEHL0I
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgwb0NQgqt
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRS9RW8oVh
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7DUocy6nP
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–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyHeGXDWp1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQej0TG70vn
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvNONgTbxy
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Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKNRr1hCTE
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerMQF7MQUR
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sAFrKV9hu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD232EcufI
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlgfxYHzYu
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"What?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QcoPAsASb
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He sighed and flicked his head.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S2aHPjZ4r
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"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMJLI5gv6j
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jBp8ch7cZ
"Last... yeah, let's."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoeRS8ssKd
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgra0KJknO
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnK6m6mqLd
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBP3QwR0Pp
"This is good. This is really good."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRigsiWVMo
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"I told ya."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lVb593ZIK
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodj9wUGNkk
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcOg7XUX26
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRKpC5XDP0
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7fzqZXvSc
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS4lCTlPuK
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZKYclS55M
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd71IeUmDBO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9r1wiKEK7
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd74VkaHaha
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u63DX1RjW
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp7b8p6Nxy
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–
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–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdLT1qjTgL
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKvUwkOfgc
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhqhMyVZ8p
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDkJj3jiOs
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ROvYqILP4
"That's right," Juke responded.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q6rekSlCG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qlEu6hxqN
"I see..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgugy4cYDh4
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He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgLHfiiSv1
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5iPGFQJR4
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb6JQkQO8R
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17sC2PdHkU
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwRZKAlqoQ
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTxJj7ThlT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaKkYEORmV
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLimLF6dej
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2getNTBtNJ
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrEoC7N0oZ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NPmQ7E0Vi
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tIbfejLAk
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt3noiRcOu
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JDcs5Afdd
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"What are you looking at me for?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUy6DVfvin
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdBPRJ0XY6
"Ya got any ideas?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBNitee5q9
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIH7laoMwx
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eXpooJYo5
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He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF8Sowka2B
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ004MXCEo8o
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJXZNygpCK
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYs6HpOqHy
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2Q1mRQlOz
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"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41UqWnL38z
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mfy3qXaWD
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gc1GGmoSi
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I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6XHNmyy2P
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Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzceFZOUkE
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6wtvM71TB
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"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11LdpYM4OV
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He shook his hands frantically and.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZEL7Do7F1
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"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpLNmJxoTn
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"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxw8UCSUyS
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElbRyskNwW
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6whurSRe4
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"Pray for me."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6rGfOREvP
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"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOiuvyMNGD
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"Juke!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FwPWNpMMD
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpIdOFoHzB
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"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9hZz6E5uG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfRpiKVmcs
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxSBL6JoL3
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBtoKiIhs5
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevmmHZmTEH
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"Still, I appreciate it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZT40H5KAB
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I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddT8m5lCQg
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"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu90N2bdJim
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm73HfkxRkf
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9NPqoAPCX
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ871KyIb4Lz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRBtDY0res
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl7SQQbSUu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPWzXqeGE9
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiaf0tFhDV
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"Thank you for your help, Hank."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGeJgzVrmH
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeegUY5cLJ
"Yeah, we really of ya."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiJS4tRoDn
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He gave us a light smile and waved.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb5kAcZPci
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXml6f1bNBv
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd6otmndWt
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGXdRj1Kbq
"...Y-Yeah."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaBQSgxxhu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoK3Z0WLQt
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TaDfskQ2c
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–
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–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz3MvaIM3E
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3DnvTilnu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsvAX7fORk
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BN7ydoIZf
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphvMXNdUWr
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6ZBjJBIXx
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWwSwIvExJ
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"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5tBTnEM8v
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlga6kvcSdK
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgqz7qFNSn
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZB0KLZwAv
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLncTiB3NVn
"--Crap!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UW8voxzSc
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMlK1sEYrZ
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufqWTabEYH
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"Crap. Crap!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnpM0lBQdq
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH8mmzlOts
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER89bFQwWQ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90kL8hbGwj
"People are heading our way!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sOKrAB6DO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkla0CyEwgp
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhkWZPDkd1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucW3LiWDxG
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzrnMZbY7E
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1yiaGouJS
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0RlsQz3Oy
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4peqHRSLor
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwsUKHJKDi
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrUbKFO5GQ
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3wqo7JMo6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGhsU5F1F0
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPsM7zmmZu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjSMNDabVD
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcJnieKiEU
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsjaWK1oGI
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFkkL7c2BJ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuSq4Y29HV
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaDUG2nkq9
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHbPBisTVy
"Ack!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FL92oS4Qy
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R5gZmeVj1
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmih5cjTv0
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDVSJ2wUyc
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3mlqKsbVF
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe12eNoGan
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEijDKDIRuT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5hK8hChGh
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStgad54eTR
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxNIMohcYB
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzndaddFU6M
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLisDD86YH
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7wGT4RXbH
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9D6VudPlC
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpky8Ntat2
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMnirFQ8pD
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoYZV4zOaa
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjYQ9Bz2ic
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHilYMxwkl
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3qlcMU93g
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXQJ99qdnA
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamkL91BYlF
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–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF0PQ8djLZ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACbAv2ck6L
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQ9RtFwMV3
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8Su3LX4kg
"Huh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IxVsXDO8c
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP1vlhBC9c
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQumwMaF7VY
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVkQLP6lWs
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2m8NPMgIQ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwbEtoJu56
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuubMtpIoy
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VVx1UzUqd
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYMN2EsaW5
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM6ieg53s7
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBQg4PurLc
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcL4XrHLRk
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIczIoRoQy
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIZqBTWpb2
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVn3wSC0k8
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3AMybicZ2
"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfc5jraoip
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueWDh489lI
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y414oqucT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rT6cjetu5
So, I let my mouth run amok.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ep2f0Werw
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcTqejf9GC
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKwxIOATI9
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZFFHx9Khf
"Yeah, I know."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yv4d2fDCj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3TKVDx2ng
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2ZhmMpIUZ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPlGed9a6U
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBFqP5dpuG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmuo0sOIOI
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmDSHj7GIB
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4qHU8mgJF
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIc32Pe4pz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5jkrX6kdt
"That sounds familiar..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEugDqPngb
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cg4EJEblB
"Huh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCIU0Ty7gt
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZOKut3PfW
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs5nLldjwm
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWp8hs6KbM
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTwTeU5cCa
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhAPR3NxaF
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgarrjgbKfz
"Well?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkwPNpzJaP
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoRN6YyLGn
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA3n9qqIGs
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItI21C9b93
"Ah."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhjZrWAu6Y
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7LQ0xLwgF
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmddtOjpRKc
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcfvMBXmGL
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbNx6FrYiz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0l9ECauiP
"Ah, the Lionant?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkFGilD1wu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEUuCAeLZt
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiAuGAkdL3
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOmNcNdt4s
"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B16aeGoEp
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71k2e9wYoD
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65C94nThym
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11Qs2VcEeb
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkqUuRfjfS
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXgHpwsmOw
"...Yeah, why did I?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uaDqUnqjp
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWiwLeMQSl
I didn't expect to be met with another question.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqVbh0UIi6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNo8weBuAN
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM1KZwIeke
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTWKlavghA
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gXQoh4Yn7
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aGAWYKD7g
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar9HxPHrSj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TWj9L1lCs
"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFLLYctm5I
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvfHWOIRlj
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh3iNhQHop
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUkGmiha1k
"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x91ppkoOX
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYygtYbcTh0
"What?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu3CVrkz7W
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwEBGI6eXs
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuHX7uf3K2
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfKIQ6q1tm
"That sounds... boorish?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLipXWbkO9
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZpxgNQ67F
"Pff, yer just too young."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTveFlbzgng
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej7JXKHLom
He paused for a moment.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A5eWmfRuw
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndCWMIljDB
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TTGhl2iY3
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9G4Lsttwg
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3PG1GcC1B
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEthILgyDE
"...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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrloGm8yfxz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIAkpRjyGQ
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8DaiFgJVG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaq4NVSjNX
"That's silly... O-Oh–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG85DVgCiPv
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fGrJP00Dq
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL8zWrSZSs
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqfjbYODzX
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVxE4rrsfn
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9scmPyfsDC
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgVTh6U9JJ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbys5X8MF7c
"I... yes, I suppose so."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d2eN86M8b
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp92iF4qLm
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq1PWGfHEa
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5HASUjW4S
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguF7qBa1yf
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3nWoIj9OJ
"Yes, I know."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhe1xG6Pr0
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD3IkBino0
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tnue9YQqh
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwrmTdeWHP
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwNprvFpmi
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD8X90R4Vv
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ahn2A0rYp
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMPoqjIGm1
"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmy24oWSdm
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7evg5MDCU
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWDQJgr8At
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxizLkgxDId
"Ya hear that?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTreRfhvPpR
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF7XMxEudk
"Huh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTL5asqJXf
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oIVp0OKwj
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlanEC4qsbW
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9subT6GNp4
"They passed."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ip1vqJpfw
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoXNOKC8KT
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcOFgTEVwq
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu7TgWFRzz
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtvplvhMxY
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1C4ZfrQsdt
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJNo45rEVj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPUjNHozEm
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj0hpZyNyf
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWgP7yND3q
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FsxTH8c9K
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3qXhMccJs
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2xicF617x
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Hjlz7tzvn
"You've been saying that a lot."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXS0VuHVRM
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hCPzQIFUD
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8egMUVhn9g
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqf43qRjRC
We stood stock still in silence.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQ1QfIuxyr
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfaDiWIxcQ
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0Hk2U8Udm
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JMd24bd5X
"Are ya sure?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSWmCIbNYP
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c10i8SPPb
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBFfEwlOUe
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMclAkfKp0
"I should be asking you that."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW8KEGQ41R
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoai3A2cwV
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSE03HQcSI
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W82nDn0Tj
"Yes. You get it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9BREzUf1Z
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mCfKg65vW
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflrlXAlOJ0
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRBHv9GvKw
"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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda6zv6Dqi8
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnD3JSeX4uf
"Fine by me."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI6TufgNNT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7LiFDJzwl
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB45tO8KY8J
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwzNShR3jh
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ041MkDldEX
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sIG3OdHlT
"Yeah, we're almost there."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxr73sIchv
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZQL1oPu93
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5fueS9wsT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze4crAMPDE
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixYNdTPBoH
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN66LPz67Lo
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"Blurg, what was that?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJktSzuujs
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHsJE5T4L1
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"What was what?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd1zxBMHIY
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"I caught a whiff of something."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzfoYcj4mH
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskfmjQY6sY
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBQPIyuxBT
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2qeSRg8Wa
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUhvj9aJ19
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cLIdWV1Z6
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFIqdG75t3
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHruvOSuxk
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iSRCMTzJD
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc6pxgHdib
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg6JxllaED
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWqcx8xzuU
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKIxLgjf4D
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOFKwbk7Rz
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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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsJrwUTZN2
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM9qempSRv
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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–205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp69SomqLt9
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1YMOaVc5s
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNFQiIdHHA
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"Who are ya people?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSU5WJXs9l
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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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwTAc7OVCV
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"Buddy?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelaDJTfcY3
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPYQwNCPzo
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx4LfbxF9t
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"Quiet now."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U1WXlUAsB
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YTwpAHM3M
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaphr2PtWLL
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yMentG0Yf
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgP7fkhH25
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2GDt21L87
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk0MkWhkt1
