Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.24Please respect copyright.PENANAohA42TVJmY
24Please respect copyright.PENANAntX7adYxeY
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"24Please respect copyright.PENANARnDJFnCxpj
24Please respect copyright.PENANAuBP8Rlllko
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.24Please respect copyright.PENANA7PlnDbdiLV
24Please respect copyright.PENANAul13XQipXm
"What are you doing!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAKUVnYvr070
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZ3endn8rMB
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAvHLuXiCNy6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAq2pFYjd98M
**BOOM**24Please respect copyright.PENANASUqAtONXSO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAz88aY9eeWW
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.24Please respect copyright.PENANAhhVkNBGrQn
24Please respect copyright.PENANAbeMZ37C5m9
"Ngh, damn it!"24Please respect copyright.PENANApInvR8TXiD
24Please respect copyright.PENANAwFPHeOchoM
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.24Please respect copyright.PENANAfnnoAQE6Hd
24Please respect copyright.PENANAUKv9rlDnlV
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.24Please respect copyright.PENANACVJPcHEKUO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfH1cikyYP0
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA2DevuUi2g0
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfhHxE7tsFU
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.24Please respect copyright.PENANAJLtJlzwhPc
24Please respect copyright.PENANAB4HFvo2MWu
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.24Please respect copyright.PENANAGmnselhcdL
24Please respect copyright.PENANA5VHyqcoDXL
"--Damn it! Rover!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAxsXzfnj4y6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZjKC1SvNam
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.24Please respect copyright.PENANAeUy72GkyEg
24Please respect copyright.PENANAs6sZnld8z3
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAbSBdBvgVJE
24Please respect copyright.PENANAs3VbCayrvs
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.24Please respect copyright.PENANAIbJUzwvgUF
24Please respect copyright.PENANAV5lZnqQPb1
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAcjLENsu3hW
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWyeVWLJBX6
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAEKb9xg21s1
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZaKEAE4ZfZ
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.24Please respect copyright.PENANAwopOIn7Qyd
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjEEkTX5jZX
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.24Please respect copyright.PENANAXngB2smTGt
24Please respect copyright.PENANALNuRzTv3uh
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAQHxZkwxGs7
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJtcFaRYc45
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAV1kvseF1L1
24Please respect copyright.PENANA9JzmpqroJq
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.24Please respect copyright.PENANAAlutTzCaex
24Please respect copyright.PENANAnRDV8r4vm0
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAJumOpkDPPs
24Please respect copyright.PENANAELV27fN8R6
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAPWkRvWVAoe
24Please respect copyright.PENANAaTQ0nqTaTe
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.24Please respect copyright.PENANApCavLmSe4R
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgPP1FAgnAa
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.24Please respect copyright.PENANAt2NqDq4boP
24Please respect copyright.PENANAhTdvtJm6e8
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"24Please respect copyright.PENANApItOpLDMfk
24Please respect copyright.PENANA83Q9N2Kr40
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.24Please respect copyright.PENANA7wy0khPORF
24Please respect copyright.PENANAirlFbgUQCI
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.24Please respect copyright.PENANA4kWfyR110u
24Please respect copyright.PENANANeFQpBp003
"Hey, Kenny!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA0c6ZSAf8jm
24Please respect copyright.PENANAzNQhaBlkD2
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.24Please respect copyright.PENANAN0j4RU5tRG
24Please respect copyright.PENANAq18C0zTeKO
"I-Is she okay?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA10DNbgj4QO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAUMrrR8fMn6
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA0M9dLkhCQ3
24Please respect copyright.PENANAkQsiXxNJJZ
"I don't know what that is!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAP59on24Uc0
24Please respect copyright.PENANAiZ1uL9bU16
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAdII0LZCi1N
24Please respect copyright.PENANAAKb9duPYMf
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.24Please respect copyright.PENANA1I1b8NMWJi
24Please respect copyright.PENANADfp5nn9fHV
Though, that did raise the question–24Please respect copyright.PENANAfq0DaAHf7k
24Please respect copyright.PENANAuVtWShIyse
"Do you know where you're going!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAJT0ipnMyzG
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3KeNC8hjip
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAsIAyRFos5T
24Please respect copyright.PENANAlTcWmHdOMD
"Ah– where is Dennis?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAWxhdpeRvIl
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFf6N1wnU9o
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAzeRiqXk4M6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAzOOq4Yj1RP
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–24Please respect copyright.PENANAxSPQZhdPUT
24Please respect copyright.PENANArrenNYwo1y
"Shit."24Please respect copyright.PENANAueM7BWZAFO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAAODPfJGNto
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.24Please respect copyright.PENANAP6mgvIHTMD
24Please respect copyright.PENANAI24GTEKayK
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.24Please respect copyright.PENANAoRBCJS5883
24Please respect copyright.PENANAk3Dy9P1pdY
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."24Please respect copyright.PENANARAW7JLq5Sa
24Please respect copyright.PENANAAUI42S4EcN
"...Alright."24Please respect copyright.PENANADoeg8SNbJu
24Please respect copyright.PENANAO6gBz2YVOz
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.24Please respect copyright.PENANAIkKYjfguru
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQEPEeTitaA
"Alright, I'll take yer question."24Please respect copyright.PENANAJauVn3S1Iw
24Please respect copyright.PENANAqGYp1XnwcK
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAr41pgfhozl
24Please respect copyright.PENANAomlUQ4iInq
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.24Please respect copyright.PENANAKjVUvrlply
24Please respect copyright.PENANAOI2A7THpnD
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."24Please respect copyright.PENANA8lPFhUp9Mr
24Please respect copyright.PENANAukk8Lc2ejM
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."24Please respect copyright.PENANAUsm6fpgKXa
24Please respect copyright.PENANA8RYhC2WWyf
The man stopped speaking.24Please respect copyright.PENANAXyd7W1MUsZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANApTYAfAvr5s
"Alright, carry on, then."24Please respect copyright.PENANAjhTUvF15Ro
24Please respect copyright.PENANAkK0XFVAdPV
"...Eh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAyJafjufwRx
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfQs79bBysl
I shared in his confusion.24Please respect copyright.PENANAZY8X57HO5T
24Please respect copyright.PENANA5Ao7Jl3z3V
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."24Please respect copyright.PENANA6ckI6qOi7i
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0IzWSqqBFf
"I-If ya say so!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA5A5WQyw0HI
24Please respect copyright.PENANAD7iGPTEnUn
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–24Please respect copyright.PENANA1UKS1Uphnu
24Please respect copyright.PENANAf18C21cXi2
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."24Please respect copyright.PENANA9BdO9NZb2l
24Please respect copyright.PENANA4fgVNNndE7
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.24Please respect copyright.PENANA9NqerWu7X0
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFg0mgZpDQC
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA92cNyURz47
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvPfeSTrgHa
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.24Please respect copyright.PENANAq7ubUVELUR
24Please respect copyright.PENANAVS6utCxDog
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.24Please respect copyright.PENANAlzM1U5JR8N
24Please respect copyright.PENANAsXsPO8iCcP
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.24Please respect copyright.PENANAnqoWjdywvD
24Please respect copyright.PENANAhUe0WPQMoq
"Damn it, kid!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA7v5VMoIkJU
24Please respect copyright.PENANAf4LLYSGqmS
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2u9Gm8iVft
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.24Please respect copyright.PENANA3z10FWPXz4
24Please respect copyright.PENANAKBpM4Vwx6Z
**SMASH**24Please respect copyright.PENANA6U5IyhfyKQ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAElFU3FMzFI
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.24Please respect copyright.PENANA9STXGOMIp4
24Please respect copyright.PENANAaYH7Dut8XX
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAJH4OZYpnTk
24Please respect copyright.PENANA7TQLvl5uQ8
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.24Please respect copyright.PENANATwKIWFkl0o
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfAZSTQNCME
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.24Please respect copyright.PENANAq0Hd9zkSYf
24Please respect copyright.PENANAXBprjlXp0r
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.24Please respect copyright.PENANA2OBbZjhJoj
24Please respect copyright.PENANAXY79784RTd
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAZiujXDdBgZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAi7NLL4YuGT
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.24Please respect copyright.PENANAiyGb1RGyVf
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYZrpKt0BxH
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.24Please respect copyright.PENANAqDjvGE7JPK
24Please respect copyright.PENANAOWlb5mGBEx
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAJNEQ0KkOIn
24Please respect copyright.PENANAru64paZNTm
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.24Please respect copyright.PENANALBB89842Mx
24Please respect copyright.PENANAVXhaRNp4Ec
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAqBFbe8Lm0v
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZYSDZ3NLQb
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.24Please respect copyright.PENANAO5DUzne1W4
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgr598Nw3Um
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."24Please respect copyright.PENANAfEr33GXYvB
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWxBeGsfHas
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.24Please respect copyright.PENANALGwHV7kLRK
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0uqQPgVcXv
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANApNDb6fKXLo
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYPHsAG8b2f
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.24Please respect copyright.PENANAi20J7ZlXVn
24Please respect copyright.PENANAqjmn3WWHjy
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAXF8wWHgL18
24Please respect copyright.PENANA6WOchLIVrW
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.24Please respect copyright.PENANAM85hFEJA1J
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvAkk93hsGG
"Like I'll let ya do that!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAWcQhX3DDPs
24Please respect copyright.PENANAENQlthMfkm
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.24Please respect copyright.PENANA2H8HEdZCJF
24Please respect copyright.PENANAhSrwDdyqHx
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAX7ZUqaqmQP
24Please respect copyright.PENANAKyENi77Nb4
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.24Please respect copyright.PENANALAd9CfmWFn
24Please respect copyright.PENANACuwknTbPN3
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAyDjUCs96xh
24Please respect copyright.PENANArUgcbluBv7
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.24Please respect copyright.PENANAXZSfHPrOCk
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWCRSGKaN1Q
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.24Please respect copyright.PENANAgRKFKMuHBs
24Please respect copyright.PENANA9SSD2ewoyG
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxZ7BSQb7M1
24Please respect copyright.PENANApLEB2L3s6h
"--Hrk!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAus3pa3nPDK
24Please respect copyright.PENANALgMjWIm1fh
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.24Please respect copyright.PENANAGXyajbRif6
24Please respect copyright.PENANADby4yiYqzC
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.24Please respect copyright.PENANAU78KThcGJv
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQqupmZPXRN
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAmQ1NrwWS2F
24Please respect copyright.PENANARDMoxtR8Q0
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAKkginrWtJW
24Please respect copyright.PENANApqar47M0HM
"Whatever!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAuPgS5ExaPo
24Please respect copyright.PENANALcu7kUmq94
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.24Please respect copyright.PENANApCNYOJbp86
24Please respect copyright.PENANAzSzyXHhkRg
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.24Please respect copyright.PENANAPAmWjXVyuT
24Please respect copyright.PENANAB5zJ6H0x2r
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.24Please respect copyright.PENANA13DFNMDGzI
24Please respect copyright.PENANAeajoYqo8Mg
Dread, worry, guilt–24Please respect copyright.PENANA5tyCaraeRD
24Please respect copyright.PENANAX3q7b4uujh
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAb5VvyfRl3K
24Please respect copyright.PENANAnpp4SjHIht
"...R-Right!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAMMzkA3aBaQ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAyF1a9p1xT8
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.24Please respect copyright.PENANADh33wnJZ6I
24Please respect copyright.PENANA6ujwbhjH1j
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.24Please respect copyright.PENANA2PSfN5OrfK
24Please respect copyright.PENANAdKCklOKNae
**SLAM**24Please respect copyright.PENANAxQucNS3ycr
24Please respect copyright.PENANAj1EtHUkN55
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.24Please respect copyright.PENANA1OuNfzvs7r
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtU3B72ZOxu
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.24Please respect copyright.PENANAMTenJFklrw
24Please respect copyright.PENANARnRwqzrzBg
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.24Please respect copyright.PENANALLCnN8c9W9
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjYqDjPvFcS
"--Ugh!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAsxwKNiffxh
24Please respect copyright.PENANAlxN9fuPYnJ
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.24Please respect copyright.PENANA5pXnPNDpOl
24Please respect copyright.PENANAT4c5Rw99ir
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.24Please respect copyright.PENANAAR9dtVXKHx
24Please respect copyright.PENANAO4JDNKfElp
**SMASH**24Please respect copyright.PENANAKpfrJwJDUb
24Please respect copyright.PENANARq7nvy2MyX
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.24Please respect copyright.PENANAyZODUhUs8J
24Please respect copyright.PENANAB1iLZwykZQ
I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxiTaGOuBfa
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"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAPAy49bhlhG
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"Ah! Sorry!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA80D2KmggME
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Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.24Please respect copyright.PENANAqksyxVQ0jn
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"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
24Please respect copyright.PENANAemxT5fSgqd
"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."24Please respect copyright.PENANAo2pDn4cuSO
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"N-No, that's not it."24Please respect copyright.PENANA90e2rROJVm
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Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.24Please respect copyright.PENANAzXYT9fuplw
24Please respect copyright.PENANAlYEtTlalew
"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."24Please respect copyright.PENANA17DdjC9Izi
24Please respect copyright.PENANA5GVKvlseaf
Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.