"Hey, wake up."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02tGZ4LTex
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB9E6Zfc6P
"H-Huh!?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61hqrns1Wl
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEGSzxt5Ed
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gGnh8p9di
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvGk9yZICr
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOAvogLChl
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtFKmXPWeu
"No no, it's fine."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CExebTad2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsYQiKd87R
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZEFfpUIOJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdJXTCnTGm
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJsBpjZbGr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSIMZ81LnC
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMfYsIocdt
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj7yKeHF3G
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MoquWfxwR
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDo0N9M2p9
"Are ya sure–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wjtonpbNA
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5RNYEzSPK
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xCPhzQQiY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl62Opj2NTr
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsxK5ZZM9H
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6udzVQq1l
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcB7rSXcAb
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYfJeb3exe
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOB7GyMvHQ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsT7W7VtSu
"..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqy7XSLScs
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG1Jcfv2Mo
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjjZnpqZqT
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6TjZJjcxC
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXaJc1Ok34
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVfqLwVvmu
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEGtVpXmmn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzFjJZd3nS
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTCq0vCff4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagTvoaJ9Ci
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQpitpBxx6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPqa10mL5B
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0mAOeZIuo
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5Ub0Arbbi
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A8r9ZS9ir
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D5B4zAAz4
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRhgUuuPuc
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HoKXf4LAL
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaZkcrkAka
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kbsOw6bxg
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mdbCTaXIJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjNhrRZ7Df
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NhDbkbh3o
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLww2GQgB8T
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze3haRZ8sM
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PAAvNCa1W
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0UmLdviRL
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h0aZRvGRd
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xmpfWAFId
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0VoKetLmV
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmlX8CQHxi
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVobw61KuJ2
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbjLQLuVnU
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBVuQG5AL5
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAMNeKw9Vm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMed16Y14o
"What?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqFuVB7mQs
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YZN6tDPu9
He sighed and flicked his head.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPxUyWwabm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQCQNVqKcP
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjocycWFdO
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOstW0pDp0x
"Last... yeah, let's."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtjICTbsDe
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQrX0ZDnZM
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakZVNcFWKK
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNxQh2fgGr
"This is good. This is really good."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSA3fhTPyx
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ7pqpb4YZ
"I told ya."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgcIZIvDXS
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97m6VnkC1U
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDPcDtW1hC
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9Bowh3F6P
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWizdUgA1w
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2mLWaZv3V
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUORmVRNanf
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqq11KnVGZ
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGBryQwpdv
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZjVdQHWsz
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKruv8OFUa
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tuVMe1Sb3
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqt6O1hVwt
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVSHykhYTc
–
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0Yx1N8WcC
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBYXwA9oEA
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXtfNmcACL
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJcsSQG9n7
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEYV7t3owD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauEQV40GRx
"That's right," Juke responded.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrczhYVy3d
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyMJ5hMME1
"I see..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO7WpOfezf
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVIAPjFzN3
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtYYoNxoQ4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eeNsoVSJR
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t0hemN3vF
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqVVrxy4Rx
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwW9H0bifWU
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3nH0EltN4
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhtG1SfQv2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYIYYm3vOS
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv008yIppc
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb1MtgbfSu
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIg1wIVD5S
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi26PpEv6Gz
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOyiyw12rG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbG4CBIKBA
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAwODM6RFY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZnopm2hQA
"What are you looking at me for?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3i76o669b
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMyZhe0oaJ
"Ya got any ideas?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosScCIRVCY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA8NCCIPKy
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYK3YANQ8g
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ezlAGUPzZ
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0RPjeDuH8
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjuz1YsmkT
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97KfDnhLXu
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l9SpG4ytk
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDWrQ1SlAX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uAi99PEXs
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bAHRk6ef8
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHFWqqvXb8
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKS0I2mH4Z
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbydEy0KGPh
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp5pN0qxnE
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9egkVtsUtH
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCtdu9vH3P
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzF26pOtEp
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09LGlJWdLm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvbaPyqOv4
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT45Qkcwmt
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWtGK8IpW3
He shook his hands frantically and.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kFu3H4NMN
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN4k0QLvDf
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt85x6Ms4xJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfgtBetwsQ
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ557wyYvrEL
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLC6a5ulpi
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oQWXYDZVt
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNBpBpOuFl
"Pray for me."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxadvApFJM
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR05E1xff4c
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGPmsgcILk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtiXh8J3q9
"Juke!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvztIyQIFv
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qwRzRueOf
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBCgzSwYb6
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BquO3SZS0
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvik86hkhms
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnoGOLWo08
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqLS7ZBwNJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQD7PELmlY
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwZ9v5oqNe
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhcJEOJsx8
"Still, I appreciate it."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJPghiRcHk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46Pezmk87z
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzqk3DswcD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85LcxcqDpH
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx7u4MJaZM
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgqps6Hoj7
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3GP1mMP4a
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiezdZNGwO
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQmHJn9l2a
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSFACZqHp2
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZT6a5LZnQ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzKeyjjHPd
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdzPxEUaeB
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaoW7QbHxW
"Thank you for your help, Hank."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgps14OtWb
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WjetPCLbP
"Yeah, we really of ya."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X3occAee5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL8YizJO5Z
He gave us a light smile and waved.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFlJsFgcmT
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmsbFyRJhZ
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdxLk7mY2c
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNIlez0LFf
"...Y-Yeah."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou3Oeqgfpl
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iH798aUWp
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybgq6toC51
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9AOmDQvH5
–
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcKC573Ud2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGskqIYNNr
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcynb7KyPHd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M7QFVUrPZ
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhhPiINZGE
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkPLDMtMNE
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKALJ2DkL0
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7bNUixwCF
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY2xiwlPAe
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjGiWWXgyO
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXUEnl9UFg
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtZeg5cNjL
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhUIEJ4Od7
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjL9AT6AnG
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaotKuW2Ikr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvwBlVZzQt
"--Crap!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZW0KglMFq
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5i4LHB2Ox
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI3R49FFXr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIy5yOobDp
"Crap. Crap!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeL4sAoWxx
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCxdpBlRVR
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GXfuILBwz
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA0yKHyABu
"People are heading our way!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW3REhTt2m
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLshQoeuCG
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUBOsEuwd8
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQrHvOY9Fb
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpQo2IXZAk
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MstgJXcch
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv1q2iqPnc
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuDGKqPIlk
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhZTNR1Qxx
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0TNWxXgBI
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9NfqRv7Dg
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjsjUTbzPu
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlkPZJ1SGi
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOwkNjztpB
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0xZC4K8es
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcivPifjUh
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGytNuM1eQ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEWrgehkyA
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTdMgNEu46
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtKcAAPNxc
"Ack!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXzWYxOgOy
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx1yJa5O5E
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA2FUHGxak
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMelBdmfza4
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklVL2ySCeW
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD0UIs8vCw
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKXCvO6m7K
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY8agCVvoB
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUFglzpogd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PpScwQOs1
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47YTskkAcU
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIspvr0FE0U
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2N93AKu4u
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYGVhscFDa
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLkFcV0Bx9
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKPLFvqGf7
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRoUQhlazO
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdfHYOzckg
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pw7WTJDzr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiIG7adIH2
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7kQ2YvzDr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03pP1UBe4r
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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuMR5LTZJ5
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWVEg0bznk
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLD7WApb9a
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbvey91rLf
"Huh?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6qj8yIB5D
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsEzql012M
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWh2XeL4pC
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UVvAKu8tK
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVFUr4jIh4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFu5jpamEt
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrzuO1ueen
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSL56IvBz5
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89jc0DVbXH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT4OL0HOqO
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrVd6smPdG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOYHz2zwDi
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyVMoVVSub
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tdr5ndYxe
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVmgVjJVmX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUhkjnjLv1
"..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePCoG8Dai2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRGPkzK59U
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXT2HQ93UY
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6xAHqcAJk
So, I let my mouth run amok.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gTNsmvJBR
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuGvhEGJ3p
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgqDTm1djr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pMm115vpc
"Yeah, I know."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG3tsmyzDi
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAmWsScNq5
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDtbWCc4ms
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85NMtI8MN4
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfQP5L1tx0
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihyWYmkXEi
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKUG7QndGp
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDmBoJkckT
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeLp1Oj0nj
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu5PjGmFzy
"That sounds familiar..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjcBlAHQRq
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGISDh6g2K
"Huh?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjJTESCxzy
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9stMCEhAK
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVUoay3oW8
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvnArm9EDH
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQLYIQaxdS
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtztJ2OiEi
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnnflmohNF
"Well?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMdhIcnJyp
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPE6PBGLnZ
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnxX8mnwLT
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpQtVRrDRV
"Ah."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOA15ICJ47
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTslQvtPDzP
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvyznL8Lov
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtT6WonfgX
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioBj2JHA1B
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkSa6OMuq4
"Ah, the Lionant?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vX0gJ1x9Q
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpBusFo7Ts
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3zmuoWH6h
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiS3LEaHT5
"..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpVvZE7f57
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibm8yHAfxz
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc76rywKeom
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FohL8ciwK
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMh4YB4oem
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuYHmWtKNJ
"...Yeah, why did I?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc8l7WTly2
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjcPtipP0N
I didn't expect to be met with another question.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuh2oCtSqx
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmneH7vGQic
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSodZw4bul
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMwiyMg9w0
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjasgcnVV4l
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAeIQYljrt
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vnWEPzG93
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfHPgcXd9y
"..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoFz6pacBn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8EQ0DYhte
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4QGQt4Bmw
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcRu0CZSux
"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?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjs16jj6kr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm8LR0MKit
"What?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu43Ihxu3C
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO0HGOX8oy
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx7BmWNsOV
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGDeHDjr08
"That sounds... boorish?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWuU1b58l1
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSIUKrLVpG
"Pff, yer just too young."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fD1T8fYtD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzHn9lwVgA
He paused for a moment.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6dKIIWHs3
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD1jrpEbFy
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySMriotU0D
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1p1J1bNMF
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeN3zLQ3IVH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PaJuSjxVi
"...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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PlYVQTQKD
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6lbrkQcqA
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1bPoN3ehI
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOObOtvmDbH
"That's silly... O-Oh–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdWRhnry08
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghABh2hjhj
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V9cRskBzQ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlrI4BgYcO
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQtho4yiEh
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSRQzrzVDO
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hQhphZfaU
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3AKU4UkFJ
"I... yes, I suppose so."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXQaDGWDPC
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf1iGX1IeV
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJKiIKWLDc
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH6gpZ1kbO
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39JgSJbDYU
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ckKF8Ut0V
"Yes, I know."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr5nolVdoI
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtywsF9gw8j
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoAFLYYpBr
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCyva4V8qm
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlIwIohHiR
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo193u8clu
"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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoIlQ20Wuz
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmf8Jag5fd
"..."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxBu6vewTP
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrUZAqmWOU
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIeKm5hY7u
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKuvM8c7js
"Ya hear that?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK11RsA9vHa
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGIs0l8yB3
"Huh?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMAI4ktF3r
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bfa7udOa1
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYL7OEdWRW
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4KYYm7FCm
"They passed."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6KPJhQydm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslQqQT3aGb
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbcdMp2EEd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlghr5mS1t
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm8hsFsOgv
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjm7tqHWgGz
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXMu1nQ7vg
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUizcPy74J9
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscssbNWHJn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY53fkC3LT
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rBmE5zafn
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvmtcShiw7
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgL9YHrzqX
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIRArT1rNQ
"You've been saying that a lot."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUb9kFee5m
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsoRconsXW
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvaBB6Yz0f
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHvRvCj5pa
We stood stock still in silence.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw6rHbA2vH
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYhdEdudac
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGYUG4BDdJ
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnmhLMqi3K
"Are ya sure?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqFxxRskK9
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wEAub3oQT
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHvZzH5Kmc
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh7hhdr6iX
"I should be asking you that."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O7Q16V8Bj
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjyNR9qorU
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUm3Cyxc9T
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgH2KcIXQC
"Yes. You get it."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nJMkk1PFl
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PTlEXdACM
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPW7WPeHab
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvhSL6RexY
"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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqdZGNdQqv
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnySUjuOoMu
"Fine by me."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9cbtmt7jd
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YfCuaA6cH
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8osR0Czv8
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQBuFqt8ar
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA6u5G8ksG
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZuqGdQKjG
"Yeah, we're almost there."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCODnaYjEm
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe3hzyEEYj
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G6uLPjCX4
222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC8uJLdO58
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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RIuKvsGlf
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4QsH7HMSb
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"Blurg, what was that?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TwgbN5jpY
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNkykg9k3w
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"What was what?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScuzgOxhDx
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"I caught a whiff of something."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUUcuSpflM
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKCVDJ8mEx
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6LAIIuTxH
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWfDUfiSJ0
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tvlOGjWP3
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh2x2PgRuh
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HL3Tbx9Hc
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF28ghRAZt
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFUiHdBWSJ
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwFCI9CkvX
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhef1BFtGPG
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgHJnxgkEW
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHza5cIP80
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7Ske3PKFn
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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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXa0x1TcUl
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkwBarS2oa
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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–222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T7CzaW4MZ
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3vy7t9ZPk
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG61yfGTovW
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"Who are ya people?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI974Z0NU9z
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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."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3gLbIu1Q7
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"Buddy?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEbhnTJA0F
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZV1I8ByOf
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT4G8b9mbn
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"Quiet now."222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVLGWYQPNY
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BFdckgn2I
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrxcNb2UxO
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbgbbbpohu
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVBJpBOJ5R
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cM1p3y6Oy
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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.222Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCxG0Ty02G
