"Hey, wake up."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpWCoFVSIt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7tkwqxmzp
"H-Huh!?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzrlVO1EIs
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pJD0mxPle
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPTQhdMIRm
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYXSB4EQNy
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC9HpfPjyl
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM3Lw9AHF0
"No no, it's fine."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSryEiODil
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg3NGEgpU5
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KF8ehK0J9
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduvRtJ6pJx
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuF3phZ4kt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKZScaYg7f
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJe1lQObVC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWYDvj6Eib
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIQuDki1s3
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNuv1Rj0ES
"Are ya sure–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2b1kfJsDm
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdhScA0Z67
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirQOBKeXZv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4XEVqiBZR
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ky37euouC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3qkht3liQ
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtFuof3R5T
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uLnZm6eNr
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAqUHJYCV1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWCOoOvqeH
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKaiYmGzM7
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Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLiMBcBuf2
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoeCPtP6kM
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BS0YrI4CH
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHIZUjviQE
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvDuxtCESc
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzRkg7ww1h
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p6NCN49cR
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9lZgdbyDh
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsY2Edh7Xa
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His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0Rd1Qz8MA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWeCuQyUNk
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4SVYgMbbt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzGwltkMiy
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3FeyME4iH
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTVZf27oRf
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWBI9d7zNG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaELpkrYSlS
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrZXtbFfAK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8fUOsSqKs
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEdXWKn5or
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtREPgas2MS
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapcUAGfZ34
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJmYmHmnAJ
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–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9J5Z6tVRL
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7K19VwPUB
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsyuNkIOXb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRamMs0FAWq
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuK6mU2s9i
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxEo4mVIth
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVIcLlM0hJ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv622Nb7ZS4
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAinJbVVEh
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuEr0pRnzZ
"What?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cveT0CTSt
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He sighed and flicked his head.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIk60uFx8V
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvx0UD1Fh6
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6smWAR9iV
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJmiMsYgJw
"Last... yeah, let's."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQen03RICA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tUcXXjkEx
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc05w9R5k5Z
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqazZvkKX6g
"This is good. This is really good."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetJJ8DE7zM
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aDi8dsKAm
"I told ya."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcDTvBbpgZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77IC1RYzj4
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6RPyAeO3o
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovoAdBfW7d
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikHMSNR6U1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztejrpAjLf
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyY1lAja41
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdkAf54iVB
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAskiqnW4zr
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQVJxQByx0
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcft3wKphny
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQakrr4PfR0
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2EJXQZ2wz
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–
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–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5392eWrvdd
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXCUlzsrYz
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdESLtPXHTd
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1NBGZJOnh
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH188jdyTa0
"That's right," Juke responded.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWwhlXcjl5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3sJYWy1Di
"I see..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjFLfmLTgR
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEa93HvIMI
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaA0Wdculs
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeeX34Vfi4
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFtYIyIflt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JoKKMd20F
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyCbyFyZc0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfqtnawNR5
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEmktK2DJI
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"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡna6wPy3R16
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWzR53iB0G
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwLE7P4XBY
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep3X45xqgI
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi4Zj98ikN
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvs74xNlZC
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQizT9XN9w
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLp9fhBmtP
"What are you looking at me for?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPk3p3T8Za
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfn1zwFo3D
"Ya got any ideas?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2XDcVEJms
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz7kf42nMt
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F3RjLh2F1
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He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE1Il1r9bP
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"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwW42ZVmpH
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyA9pwPz7u
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPotKB64qXY
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp00sYQvla
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwFZuz83qJ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns8veq4csM
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf5q0bDANP
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYLE0Fhs6F
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVwxqWrciU
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbCvpprquQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToZzW4TR2f
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrA943LzIs
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnLfvfBc97
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxdyxjcXWZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdtRDbWSlM
He shook his hands frantically and.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF8z2tb1us
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92EMZnwPCd
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefBKNzGfwm
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"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknUq6jqB5H
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWjSXKYrUZ
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3NbEV1xCh
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"Pray for me."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFwInm8nW5
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"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR63nXjOJJJ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65rhKAFtlU
"Juke!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnBUN1f5xq
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNsLQoN55j
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gaaTbUs9M
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eY31TWUff
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxhcft93qs
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqP2mkYtLf
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3klqqxrDgp
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRixr8iq3QX
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXIXdu0ELN
"Still, I appreciate it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LNHGrWwWA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoheigDEXU
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcCQyVYviy
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSSzsucApV
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZyhb5ZUii
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalKUFULLf8
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuLhKEDk1K
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qa5ZMiMo1
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfA5u6PRSZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdrfOD3Ufc
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhl1e9ek1m
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSD3uVDYFD
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMZQouS3t8
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsvvG4zyrz
"Thank you for your help, Hank."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXJvCJgbaf
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dFTNdb4wc
"Yeah, we really of ya."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYg0FQaOnbO
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV1p0jJVtE
He gave us a light smile and waved.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39T9tI3NJb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2oTWc7xCu
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMzXnhmVhs
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoC6UOFPcY
"...Y-Yeah."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOAzaYTV00
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A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKlJmAyC5Z
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–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunCIG96kRl
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKuRBxnYmC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OtwZjOU8R
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg1SGumvec
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dTGqF3mBG
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0MXgA6fLN
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0f0c5vLr4
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7fYSqyyEL
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGjKad9TFB
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpuJyptJmO
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGSuwoBm3g
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fVOSazVHt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrH90ZffID
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA99SMJ3bK1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD9kMW5uST
"--Crap!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk7aFvEzgr
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdBWRLuG1p
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDWshZpZFV
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9xxJU8P2j
"Crap. Crap!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEXo1jfJaV
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlv5Xo1dqVf
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV84FRlbz0f
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCQ5vfQduQ
"People are heading our way!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H69Dt2JTp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUV5BRI7Qd
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO6YWsAYWU
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3CrCovGxS
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR2NCeT2AZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbCjhENg0n
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18IgdeuRsa
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVtvDrYit4
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYdZNlmuLS
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWqYnm2Kqb
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTb43wYd2C
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYAEtwXvXL
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BnX9g6CYi
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCLLoMcmGM
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vmSBbZIYX
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYO6NMdPxg
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt1xjrSo0p
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQImFoHwPZS
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrnsyBYkrS
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSfYL8vrHB
"Ack!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu7TUZem6T
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hINsJt5dM
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElZ8AHCOnu
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2RN5zsNOo
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNd0huNe9w
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gDLcGR0hO
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5Qk2sDerR
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ415X3i7eFK
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm28IJJAM5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh3KRFr4bq
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWoChBTihB
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vfX4r6pym
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeldTOAy2lu
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZbuendZwB
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0xIYWIxeh
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdIHVqnp5V
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP2TGrtylB
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x4n3tc0yW
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNFBYZSYEG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYluO0xHAq
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedfcQQZOMg
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbuaKdmFWm
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–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3HnCyiqzn
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUInb4U8xG
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWo9ceJM2M
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztPCYCWQHQ
"Huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG62rnY5H8U
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8m1KC00ra
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWAZbKLFjF
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1D7LA9MKU
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp0xamtqOv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBLOpaRQPp
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qohyNJlHq
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eSXI0fCBz
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly2uAmp3ch
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzmFi7OcFC
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdoO6UxkhM
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1ShT79ZMq
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXfff71yF5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWFEUOx7Ar
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMdEfdhX7H
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxFRbrNhOy
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUuh3IGzuN
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkixP6gFWtx
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ogrwluMd4
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOYK5IgmQe
So, I let my mouth run amok.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT102j3yfft
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9KsYTcH7e
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpWWJjEMQY
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmioddUED86
"Yeah, I know."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKoumoUZBK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcjpk1CK0n
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQsVRVfcxk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqv8QSLxXB
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwfYCbrePw
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN3VlWElvm
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3orJk5u7y
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1sQkhPVi4
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CjLU3GrkK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MldJP7yui
"That sounds familiar..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJndqUzzFob
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw2ob0XlVe
"Huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCaxfuum69
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeIDRAGKUO
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlbeoIsnv3
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAfd6iWytL
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9iIL0khbS
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYnaw0zKo4
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpFYGsSvD7
"Well?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcAsmYgJTa
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwafKoj6cEr
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EIRNbrDp5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRpfyjHh0d
"Ah."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepU7Mv49Tf
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXF9jK0Tjb
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqmFrrKRYo
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEa6B1II7q
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeP7opnwfi
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQLOOwDbdZ
"Ah, the Lionant?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlRRKneQw4
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKJy67SiXb
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aZuwfK9WC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI6VBbr745
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTHuVM0kkT
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYefQkNILI7
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzMg03NsEO
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4ITcUo7BL
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflw0WkXPf7
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uP0xSUBd8
"...Yeah, why did I?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATybE38QRp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HSOTybx7t
I didn't expect to be met with another question.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrsC2LxO7E
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjkTGPVyLe
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EYob35yqg
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSrippXUob
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue0hYfZv5E
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvDoVNGSsI
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk4jgA42HG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxRjSmD28R
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOWKTGUreT
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxU6KSw44r
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuvvtADi0s
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttVEiKhPW0
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZYCa1U7gz
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf7N8Zb8s6
"What?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpieMOuM5P
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK64UWq6Qv
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLSMNSQqAv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmBXwPLlOU
"That sounds... boorish?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX8N0IDT14
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqwibWUbuY
"Pff, yer just too young."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxyJjW8mSV
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvzy2EYi2V
He paused for a moment.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNeMcUMWZk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S96cqjeW0
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALy8wMWSOp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx4VD7zV50
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluYuPVCb4G
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXIto2lIG8
"...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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedktp0nnnd
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryVaSqy4Zm
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCHBgC0Q99
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ubxVBPRRa
"That's silly... O-Oh–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH4JbDkrBk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULCKXiC8GQ
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW5eY57tyr
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PDZaODgWn
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOChdIKjNn2
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbSIEzPsAH
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWkgj7EZIA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XDr5gjSsm
"I... yes, I suppose so."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg88KpwMoL
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIkGXS8xMA
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZzLab8K3g
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSj9clRgr3
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pXhOjARGR
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTn9LBisxV
"Yes, I know."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMDk4xgEwa
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UHqSpw0yV
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5fD3xnP88
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPlo7jRYqg
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnSm9VCcy3
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjCLVPInwb
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk7lo5zVwe
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfk3EoGOYd
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLojnqGSrXa
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6oIF0P0v0
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvDW9nEXMG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gv9yowAVa
"Ya hear that?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV0cpCBqeG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcw6yn5SSc
"Huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWpd7Xkyhd
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32wyh1qpg5
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaE42AsFFw
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGlw2Mq7Mu
"They passed."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiqrv2Exv3
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmlNrgIUDO
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5eSDQvrcM
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42yseqzLvd
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKv0kpbnqou
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvBL7CtDAs
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee86nNrqAm
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38ipxnElyG
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDDrrLWIc8
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVJ0JqBMpT
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RTtpPN6mb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEmCUCHYxI
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrPNtEc6q4
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEhGAlTVGf
"You've been saying that a lot."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DOLHMYSQM
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMajBufHfo4
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPTqxUamtm
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC4Za0Q57X
We stood stock still in silence.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IBiwFK8zJ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T1htvFizH
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xuUnp26ad
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5UK8S1w22
"Are ya sure?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVyPVqU2Bn
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4BfmMhcpc
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrixt4J1IIQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6ww7BDiiD
"I should be asking you that."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiGoXbfIun
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglJTZ3pbPi
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwL4S9XmHc
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAa7SJWyes
"Yes. You get it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvN0YRhvKy
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7Rjth77V9
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm18S99tyQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVdBH7Ejqn
"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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnB28cUCsX
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqQ5PAYVXs
"Fine by me."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx5fO8jb74
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v4UURVELS
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLEnmAptMe
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b3fGi6OXy
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLpvPKVo67
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUYnKzhrBl
"Yeah, we're almost there."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklO9Np0766
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbaLO6Fskv
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLpF8gpoI7
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEdHsp0nzh
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE7aFmrNcT
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"Blurg, what was that?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4ealZwgBO
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOddmgS0knv
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"What was what?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKzCHgFxRy
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"I caught a whiff of something."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgiemlShOZ
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZQm09TOrw
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr6ufHdAA4
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxGYiOjOoI
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbamXOPUPSA
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMjuLHCOXm
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fDcPV8iai
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1M6TvwuVc
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6yMfatVl3
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE6mpHCAkR
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv5PcVD8Oi
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QiwZF1uR6
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0Ilt2OvLU
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC5kYHOvkr
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJUVfrUh09
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGMxXE5oe2
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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–140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8E7p6Y092
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUntQp2TIin
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3qGotupFp
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"Who are ya people?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjffhzDHgQy
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLaxHsnEz0
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"Buddy?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQagpOCIuZ
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxyNNRYIJI
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05Ra058pNI
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"Quiet now."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHlBi9aiAV
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAugUD6vvR
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdIqHEYmrd
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfoDgLQThC
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEN5aubjPt
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGmLUoNCCF
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7tKcNduIo
