"Hey, wake up."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNa0RrtEor
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkpG6fPlCJ
"H-Huh!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzNsneOmfL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqracYKZNP9
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ8xyDXUfV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RCeu0e2jE
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgOjWjOykb
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR02DU1TZPe
"No no, it's fine."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9RJIt61ra
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0wT4Nl3Mf
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs703Asbyq1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6qLc2dmVm
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzEUoEMkYf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh7oXUBuCn
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZNdMWYoWe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9VWWx3jkS
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomuqeKZjg9
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vnd2TrxX4
"Are ya sure–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIS3rM5iDA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7xW7Qj2V3
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1vMALvNBZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXTncaUhnL
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Vhv97r7VF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VDdfSs2J2
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvhT5RdLVP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7qx0ALfIq
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxbrjlsuqV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrWwiQKpos
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9KwvcuyaW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgA64j1Z7f
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uZKuXsE6W
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCLcW7RFst
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZyq7VNZPD
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG75NoXhwkA
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUS95kPV5H
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcGV7LKNhE
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0lTAheidf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPA0I3RH9d
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk5OUx5z3Y
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqrJjjuAki
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHJFhW2XMA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRUYIUC0mM
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu900Un2VQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGI1U6sY0d
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNGbO8iNPL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2r8omxLMu
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWXHe1OSXv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KLdc9WMjL
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8DDE7W0yy
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkuTGFCFJv
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1i5CLSoIc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZffg0rdwfp
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJtryQbgzX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8XpS41AZf
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–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9g5lHu4o1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSaiEaY4DF
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspbVOM51Ui
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1NPwpvp1t
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJe23kKTDz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EKXMAvb3E
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6tU5nDS1r
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETj8Wbc5ug
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATCsb42mYx
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5xiPedPY7
"What?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85LaxBtSR4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XcJANOXkU
He sighed and flicked his head.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueslWuKIeJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPHF6kxlma
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg6wc247up
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF9DgHHhSM
"Last... yeah, let's."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfIEGAcez4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS21OFiv6i8
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4keewT8Ud
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWS4Vu2lYp
"This is good. This is really good."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNk3PBmNAv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9JFNwpmfq
"I told ya."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uols77icf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ7CWQJDay
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7cLHU7MFE
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaDq8IbnAh
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT55QyfqTt
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DJItkZqZ3
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbalBzwI6NN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDbWgXEXEZ
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqr6y9N5pI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBSqxywDei
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpQJMdTcgI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tQiTbwkzI
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY3RVOXZ4U
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO0cGTUtHa
–
–
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTE9Ek8vh0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifsB0nHmxV
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7kHDTgqji
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnSRJtJUav
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKfi8ixKR7
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEsBFvuYUA
"That's right," Juke responded.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ARJoouf2S
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG54HlQuKye
"I see..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KN8bRCsoG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiuyYwuesB
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs51fAehVW3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7EDUhk2ti
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFr516NOpU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE9c52d0rj
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqJcP6b7TX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOLl9eVNSj
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTh1nj9qNJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLASeOsD0c4
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiawA2NYeeY
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGSqOVk2bE
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIfTFu2nGJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmYpqxa8rr
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIK0Oc6P30
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWEetTCcxr
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUHXt5vEVB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjxoxf0C2A
"What are you looking at me for?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kQ9OlHF5G
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSgUtbT4lm
"Ya got any ideas?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Uf5qw7c6o
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSM2pAjcNA
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeUEOPktLY
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y85sGvY32
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmYJzETX3a
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7vBklLqyB
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVbtLE2pMj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjtha3kp9L
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmGF7K9Vxa
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHoo8KDgV9
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyd7r0UXuW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HIrk3dbsi
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPabTtpf5I
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgWZ0Q9tny
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxVUnuq6BB
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKf3GUsysA
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv94mxk3Cn
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q9jrk4FKf
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLs9u3fOgz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUIo8UpdU8
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk5IRMZp08
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6maAJQZuzt
He shook his hands frantically and.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN543YZvGs
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzepZ2s4IF
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHX6ygTdR6
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhbDrrxrFu
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWHUlGkGnm
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iLjAUEZ0z
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkaS1RVu7W
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92ZG13vbbA
"Pray for me."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFsS4dLfN6
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMdIaevfQg
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1IqchGUOd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UQRT6kX7o
"Juke!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG23JSRsR3N
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3g1tK9lzD
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn79rzZyzF4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmCp9mlFfj
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhT2yakvea
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTUKm06uCh
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZXuKfhvwU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpwhvD7e4p
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHlDSmC3On
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfKCfuvopO
"Still, I appreciate it."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GOKCrvuFe
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF82TBUtfVL
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vqpveldgr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mkUBQJRHy
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOv7sLT46v
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61mXQmJYMt
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81uzXXXlch
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkeuLEKIGb
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDijohk2J9V
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzFsjKiBpI
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nHSrXrpWa
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiu4FgN19o
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb4vpCDTYL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfemqB5g0UY
"Thank you for your help, Hank."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiITmaUzrZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulKRqwdUxV
"Yeah, we really of ya."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb44m4vpzSZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFrY8HCa9M
He gave us a light smile and waved.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RUSDXr0Ix
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ54JrL6Bq5
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9wHMRCV10
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIEJ5LYnX1
"...Y-Yeah."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK0JMHfRLU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefYYaIIDvv
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1mQwSJs3M
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtWbfxWVON
–
–
–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHC8iI8EyS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzASH8LMsNq
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxK8n4Rjgd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8jnO0DaHR
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDfo0tLphz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0qKWu0KhA
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jlreVfsYO
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrktrOHC1bw
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR77aK5Z6r
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZkFqXlpOP
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekHRjqyDwj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5GTaBXEY6
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArU3BIs0bc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXlM2r0rJ0
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZvQSpKplX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplmelqNMfW
"--Crap!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HcttyBAtF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeb17u5QBw
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4fjDSnRPZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRnJuXYML0
"Crap. Crap!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXneMWmq0A
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStpN4VJCci
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6Zg98GNPn
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWbOXD9cNH
"People are heading our way!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0tRfYuXig
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMB376y3xx
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGQfvB16dV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p05ur16Hn
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hdoxrf1iZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmxXx2PFkr
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOcw3SS5Yc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIT8kyeW7T
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVDBmN9aaV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjKCjcGN5p
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EhCKNz2rb
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCCmVuBeEa
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPIc3Y7v5V
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvUR1BDmLf
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZldZhJPmd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpUB4SsREW
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYy0sRnpZj
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg4OzVywPM
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuia4Qov1zK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE2V19oi1P
"Ack!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qVq76OU8d
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWGpG95ggL
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJKYX7WtGq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1u1FUJk0r
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkXuRMPmIS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DjFyEe279
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxoApVIfR1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0RAT3YWRO
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4DpLIbgDi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdYEQAHeCc
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d7cLgsTkf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rKF8GiCrj
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJmbG02e2I
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMddhotU8Z
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz230BgzMux
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroG1vqq3Sj
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg11ZrJ7u3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGic4NQMfR
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNRhYzl84d
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb99OVcz0Y
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRgoDFTm1h
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwUDz0Ok0o
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–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik6sCZuiUy
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx6bNssQtd
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVtrpYP5Xf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ0NBw0UlW
"Huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8y8FfWRGF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMQDk7h0MV
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXPAZlls6U
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRQEzdPzV3
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwehh1HYQ1
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhCeZ0CTpy
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDK7rP7BTlv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSwW0d9lby
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVsb5CzdkP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJizBef4GCv
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnQtwg1thq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLXpDxcwas
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEObm4VG9b3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHZmBO10ge
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAODFS8j98
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P5aSqtqWq
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe4nnPrfQc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsr8XNhndj
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NWcDoUTFh
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuGuLQkIjx
So, I let my mouth run amok.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf9MCTBuAP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8SC2GuGnF
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9D7who4WI
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1v173fgXh
"Yeah, I know."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnUmsSWmDs
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16CjlnaKY2
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pkqR0Fjtq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8V3y5gTi2
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgqrQeOWHJ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNGrFOF81F
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAxfMxkY9g
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQ8Qmw0iMO
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrud34RHqSq
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO5hyDtu6O
"That sounds familiar..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTw9XCOszU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAUKLKeMyv
"Huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrJziVCNf8
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT8go6JztI
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh4UdhHqwH
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvnvHNLi2A
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65eKVIpS8g
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNca7fVa1x
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xKQME5tNa
"Well?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUIiQLPbTT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21L8X6jlWq
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrw3JUP8g4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMdzCfG2AU
"Ah."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8Hl2jH7Jg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2atAs0Fhjc
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONuzuQlbdp
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzRITDCfPV
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CCBfHkNFE
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27HWOAdZCC
"Ah, the Lionant?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGVbH92rZN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXjN3zlxTX
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPq3JmnlqT
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXyBlpfyq4
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOeMfDfn17
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwymuBhflMi
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DDYbeW92M
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41AUA2LSnT
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FjbgJfxNd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuUNL8Wq8W
"...Yeah, why did I?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5WU0OpGQR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT9rdJWTiv
I didn't expect to be met with another question.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7lHwTFUO2
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oiuyf66r1
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38EujwOSgd
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd3rHLH180
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HaqUCv4SA
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcfUxIPtCR
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBtzcItzcl
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWi7lTvaKm
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QLEU6DIoW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m4GzAQfsu
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE39UQIDwdG
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iParwlMbw
"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?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSC2Nuk4zC
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dsx6RzqpM
"What?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5CZRDu97L
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI0waJ75nh
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uyIlBMReg
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMDJs1FOSG
"That sounds... boorish?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvnxAXov0Q
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqxHTbBSkA
"Pff, yer just too young."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToHJpBykZ5
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVquwSUVPzy
He paused for a moment.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuFBTJpBPE
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidY6LhuXM6
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTBe2KL66B
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNs6wCx6N1
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWgDDEjoRU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1tMiRfqU1
"...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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwMaSm7FQ4
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hJ0btrF5K
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHgwlCQgoL
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNysKnDe9q
"That's silly... O-Oh–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT3RzDjguU
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBRsw45jUb
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ7KVfuNrP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj2r5uRtL5
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrawsX6OD8
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoY4bbSzWF
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTviEMrUKEN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0E3M0csNt
"I... yes, I suppose so."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjUARb2sYE
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfWNcqKRRG
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGBc6s3oUW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNKghJLqns
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIknmTmmFR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKgHsNzKha
"Yes, I know."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKFHPV4bdK
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXHdxTGGty
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMz0UbUbsn
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjgkx0D5Zs
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP0QEBz5fQ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsvpfDG73M
"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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1qyIksIqM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGK5rjp6tG
"..."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQRjqpKPck
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbAND1tzrA
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIk6gcAfGS
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmCrZXbTsp
"Ya hear that?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdLBURwc7Z
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUvSpT3YJH
"Huh?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKBCTjQZMw
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNOlZLSkXf
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSjUUAjcSr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNIfkCEYQw
"They passed."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSpq23x9DN
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp6gviwsDI
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONq7RrRRYo
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i3t0EuZZN
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHujCrYzLqF
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8jditrReU
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhmCemfwnZ
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDJMGt30dX
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYFhOj0aQP
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFlnYTG2LO
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh32r7EYQwi
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSQYNDDjBq
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdYuzhcGBc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6bnN7xwIE
"You've been saying that a lot."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiH4CMePtr
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWf5o7bqJY
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea162VQPSv
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIqOzbGhhv
We stood stock still in silence.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDcHiMOd6b
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpx4h9ZtVn
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoWxnvrjmR
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eEIlZAqg7
"Are ya sure?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGyMzUyfn8
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcY78ykLuK
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPfrCwmduz
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGk2ydQ0xY
"I should be asking you that."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG1SDVfqs0
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD46mGe2JT
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr41Dun5IX
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CP4fWnSqm
"Yes. You get it."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG6WIVxvIM
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwdY59d39S
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXLr4KiVoc
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OkzLkejef
"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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdbyFXbl8C
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A78BFguMW
"Fine by me."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fqid8GdLW
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1QVJfigBf
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREL9o9z4vf
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK5WfHUgrC
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEluZ16T7A3
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bj5KBlMMN
"Yeah, we're almost there."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzRID2mTGV
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9OzWiJFFE
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DR0utow7E
238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeiFv1bNCB
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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW1Awi705Y
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknpvbsoTjp
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"Blurg, what was that?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRMbCDyT1w
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4WOo30zpH
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"What was what?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZbLF82anR
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"I caught a whiff of something."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlzye83y12
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhCHst57hG
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0R1jNZMYur
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GCsiRrKR5
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmg2wLULYk
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6OClJetOn
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhqRXfNcOF
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqxUB5QGZJ
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3CD6gb7T0
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIghsvgxha
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHmO1Wbm9r
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLePSmEnbV1
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodKwneSkbN
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuOIVAPDZv
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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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ9OM4Q59x
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBGfKcFVvW
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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–238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWl5VYWWug
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSE1ilhjoMx
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaRDeGhGHQ
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"Who are ya people?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtUf7tUgqx
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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."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt870tyZfw
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"Buddy?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXfnuUTRp3
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE5xY1MLnl
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw15ft0VwJ
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"Quiet now."238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy5XcjjqLK
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5APKnJp7h
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnSk8QkOAj
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1CZu0yJvt
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiwZPYZkav
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zx4SwtmED
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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.238Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFKsQ0goEa
