"Hey, wake up."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwjrtSiOmp
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPY3RgE6su
"H-Huh!?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30UfwjRkw6
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I was rashly wrung out of sleep, jumping at the sudden touch on my shoulder. I fell pathetically to the floor, groaning and rubbing my chin as I got on my feet.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBFvWOINjm
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"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaIXm0dFfa
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"No no, it's fine."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaaJf7DetG
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPqkHLHi9j
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEBRhj2yxs
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZK6F9BRkg
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowMVfnqJGj
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N4aBdmoJb
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PI70R5er4
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEO1Vdkeoo
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OtUGMpjsM
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VO22wYRoj
"Are ya sure–"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPzxm4Vrps
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNqUsYzS5x
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5YhyPH5kH
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ho6FF8i8D
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAUbyGtP1G
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYZuIaHp9e
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQii27gPkud
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3CEb2LWpW
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZI3KVz9Py
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"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR6gIOc4fe
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Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIjOpHFWFB
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlY10yRrnN
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYqCv1JLGn
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT0iFhmKfd
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yapxGZcqH
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lDGBKoTmv
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNmYAlpjTU
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"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFaYwzyoup
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PEEAKcSGq
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfszvUg71Y3
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhRGOhLwYe
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgkzwoXFWS
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc9V1v6aqz
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS7yWAhZD3
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTeiKZ5rGs
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWRua3mj2a
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYErLrfJXt
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3GT4dndqk
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMPjZydQDR
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha7FQM2OpO
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSIK1DUs5b
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF3BlSWCdK
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI73T2Cn6s
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–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05yqtSvUTU
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv5rMwGC9V
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PwpZ35Rng
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwd6ymdBIN
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyK1Echfev
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY6JrYjwTL
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UxpKKO52F
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ586YY0PkxV
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3cwjkL4EV
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"What?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPGdNuyNVM
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He sighed and flicked his head.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGLzonxLoD
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ6JA5PaSy
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lk3B7JVdH
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlle71HQD7U
"Last... yeah, let's."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSMDvmfehO
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMiSUBvIT5
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6P1ceKJSi
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowubL8nVQb
"This is good. This is really good."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeavCRJzurs
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"I told ya."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57ubewos0B
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaahAGBan75
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejw5aTpOSg
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgLhd0fHJw
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskbUlTHvsM
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxfpN0ckf4
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVse3f8VWm
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP6B3ZghZG
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM22RusiL1
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLazDonduJi
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxbxO1gMda
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvIt1JGg2X
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPzANZdBiW
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–
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–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2zIjAcaYE
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Once we put our tableware aside, Hank corralled us back to the table. Juke and I sat by each other. Hank had a pensive and nervous look, giving me a sense of foreboding for what was to come out of his mouth.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicKai6g3PV
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh6cucA4c4
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhWEQv0j0t
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s83GeQkgP
"That's right," Juke responded.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlZ9RkcAWO
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDgfYReG6b
"I see..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnKsKgCgz9
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He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaffeeiYr2
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09Rhm0Bg2u
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm7MkD8JZU
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aeG3htNGe
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQqMw5YKRo
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMb2VmYBgs
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMsTdpy0AR
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"Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. I doubt those Hard-Bringer bastards got the staff to keep an eye on every part of the city."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQEFdBahzw
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYfzjsmavH
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMJM2GFk5X
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc8V7kevsJ
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡculdaSVBKw
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZJxNzB0lK
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyxED5IKCd
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhtYwstOMW
"What are you looking at me for?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fa4GESTPz
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ2UlrxtqM
"Ya got any ideas?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMGGkMctGV
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouLQZhr1x9
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT6rQ7Fjo5
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He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2L2RkpgyC
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"I suppose we'll have to gauge just how heavily the streets are being supervised. If they aren't in every nook and cranny of the area, we can probably weave in-between alleyways and whatnot just fine."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9FmMgwXrP
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cRv1jfx7P
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zSKziCDia
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpPZaXKbEF
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33x22AUw9p
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpgGbCJt0Q
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstuT3En5zB
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I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkLuOzliH3
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkszF4WdnIu
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND2JMqAOeW
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaHXmcTyBJ
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ucsPDKLKk
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47IpoaMlyg
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZIIiwRsgV
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He shook his hands frantically and.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppj0HOTt1w
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"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6XIKdYMG3
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UPnOO0Djh
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2aUbCQXq5
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tdsj44tCJ
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdfQZcDkJ5
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"Pray for me."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9K065hhB6
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"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdClt2fAGN
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisHOXECLTx
"Juke!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sHaW2Ce0e
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Juke's comment vanquished all of Hank's efforts to pump himself up. Still, though, he rambled to the door, taking a deep breath before opening and exiting the building. Juke and I were alone, now. An awkward and elongated silence permeated through the room.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZuAOlq1HS
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW1nbiVZf8
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV1F49zM6T
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxfTIe8jte
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsax6lS5IX
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2KFMt95PN
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBQM3FEKtJ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm6D83mR8j
"Still, I appreciate it."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjZG3005HO
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I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXug0XZxrV
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"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L9CNArXcy
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU8jXm42jb
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW94QybE9gQ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez9J9BvAD2
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVs7Zbm1Rx
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqwTPUw1jw
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBkRYsM719
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMtL9u8Ga7
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EPw7Y6Dy9
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KG4CNXspO
"Thank you for your help, Hank."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEAdmo6WAn
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUApmJTGLV6
"Yeah, we really of ya."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhvPkXnEUj
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsuKQteWrM
He gave us a light smile and waved.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B4wwJH9DN
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhsbFY8ojB
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBArhQS0QsD
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2goZA2Ug2
"...Y-Yeah."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIWYY8tpGv
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0C6DhC7Oa
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk27iyaW7ry
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–
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–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGbGnteeYn
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The streets were void of any busy citizens traveling from one place to another. All inhabitants were inimical people in robes. The only remedy was the relative lack of them.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeL6lnNUQpm
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXfbSkcpqx
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN3dnNMSoD
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwSV7kQWLi
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDptdCJbwR6
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wGRB925nj
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE16ISabSz
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"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0zYrVKqur
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbR9qb31nO
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH63cbpI2RZ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRkCJGJg8j
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkilJXoDNb
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBSSQUc4jD
"--Crap!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGIq8k03uS
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYVAfZNHdu
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHHTCZauAw
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXb34vGOoG
"Crap. Crap!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzn1dTiVXV
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLu0cWS2n7
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqduTO9ncSe
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXL5UtEhbB
"People are heading our way!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p3zd6VvLC
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc2jSyUvNF
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj3ltz7y4v
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"I guess we gotta jump 'em."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvGUBKTt1u
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lDA3oeNZu
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkoQDzsfdO
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdewrxwp9Q
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoJiVpHikU
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkCBSu20dj
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGCTztCzYM
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeuYCre4YA
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxdwivOpYl
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfI0xgP80G
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnibn0IhNfh
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t3QGJ6zvq
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNysK15iMh
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnlgOv7DnZ
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh6V1i5rNH
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQnm2Y9Ahs
"Ack!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwOYsW4Aiv
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2INRI4uPZD
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y9I7SmPyf
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMhzsEUNrB
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHrCgHnMFB
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1mlkf0Po1
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb1s5HyjVB
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpl66ezStU
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeqXqRG4RN
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbJd99Qi5c
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxT0oxwEeX
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CCrPEhzPh
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvwjcGJskW
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J1aA1nGck
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2wc0Fwvwq
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNhGo6SkXV
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3E9WQxt9g
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaxMTLxGI4
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmplr4SZty
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5spKuBr7i
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyH0K86euH
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20uk7h6hXO
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–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDuJEzpUMP
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx9qeYB24D
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnjWvrZcXX
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5dPkS6VlQ
"Huh?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnbKimfAAC
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXMp4qxTrg
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIBJWdOZOl
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGJuCYjM5b
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOQotSlQIs
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto1bNaLNYZ
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQulxe880Fy
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3xZif0HjR
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJEiRTqpgz
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNWgtqaHT1
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVxGZ4nOGH
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54HVHPJf7H
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKAtzFaElV
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSCAS9734H
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI0vLYRxrz
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnkKUPJoOs
"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJcGQBX4aP
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdfFVUC6On
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cwVOqqB9m
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3G7XYdT3y
So, I let my mouth run amok.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxy7HPCBQi
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lkCKO3w1J
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ931qKE8vRP
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42XiuyHxuc
"Yeah, I know."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboBN8XFTXB
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMryIDk4oQV
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWk8G6JuNh
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5mTfJyZvq
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2s1wFaTe2
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8cuCkzt1D
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxhpmQqfo1
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilDImVUQQ3
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ7D74mbkO
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H3cAwdGRC
"That sounds familiar..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKrygYPBmg
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluqwPDqDyp
"Huh?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXulGn6FyYl
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4GqgOzf5f
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua91uliA7V
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLWqsZgHNm
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7f90t6iwq
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ6LjuAiqf
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyIAZ5o4Gt
"Well?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA76Xqmyr2q
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXxP63ps1Y
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gCBfXqFqE
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyD09BIlU9
"Ah."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNybavJcZf
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovCEPc0tu1
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY6rWsav7w
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9rY3DyyC5
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9R1tYpq7t
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY289dhrd6f
"Ah, the Lionant?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq0Q6iH0rv
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGS36Lg53b
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSco5p6ncJ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPKJcAYuiX
"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ335i40MzpQ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTLDacmOiq
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxJoKwtzAn
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnbVMZUBqY
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThAX8J8X5X
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOrfZ4wVbe
"...Yeah, why did I?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnZaRLsM4a
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqw5jhcg45
I didn't expect to be met with another question.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZGaMmK76N
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh5gjMVijC
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa56gdbFzq
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbwATzYS3r
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum2kCV9ssE
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eWVNJbu21
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFSBoBCm7Q
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQYlmUaxf4
"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLCzBxyHgc
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxFtB40RrV
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8N18f3Hni
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOJ6wkpApy
"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?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxViVnc1QWw
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTBJmFqhJO
"What?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKJKTKZmYP
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmFY8a4aar
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTTsZmUo0y
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSItTc8Chi1
"That sounds... boorish?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrq4J7CO6j
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe231n3Uzf2
"Pff, yer just too young."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSslWvXQ9Rz
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvxxzfjEwG
He paused for a moment.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqVUQCDEBQ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru9yDYwXJL
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQCY1q6XlV
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD51eeIMbkr
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8nLtd7tj5
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQfaOWztAJ
"...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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGhteXjWpq
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVToWzJGC8H
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8joJTsKY8m
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDN3OZvNHn
"That's silly... O-Oh–"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdacy3agas
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tFODRqiSb
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCxctKYI8w
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOnKdhP7NL
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2YxcFC6OJ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAa5IG9rNL
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKPtaoNMlP
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZH8JfnvIt
"I... yes, I suppose so."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXzPw2eZ0c
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgt329oRB3
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxdjVC2aBU
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHU42RaSx6
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1LR1IFm1P
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCgOmwextY
"Yes, I know."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0ZGlbA5xH
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFLwH31iSw
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VMPkHOLCe
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YFivUfsE4
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbVos8Ifct
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjL8eHNtWT
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFku6DSi3u
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0tWR51PA8
"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms3v5fdfls
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeXhquajg0
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40XLScqHNZ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kGXZZMY0c
"Ya hear that?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmxPJsupQn
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot2O3E9ip9
"Huh?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgxmv9m8mD
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiXGIWrqgT
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdseH944q88
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulKiSqz3kY
"They passed."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxLOSe0Stx
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO41M5TRWk
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T7s62CRCr
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMr2TYYYx1
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB26l0T1hri
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUt34OmtyZ
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRfmPqTzgV
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg7tL9GGxR
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJVbiHPled
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqO2KkQu77
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBGZa2Oe70
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbzW0EIeZx
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK8h4mOscB
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavJiYSqZKC
"You've been saying that a lot."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n1WT2XUaB
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3H7yyVhBB
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGGfo2sG87
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN94hsWiyq8
We stood stock still in silence.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixoaZECiN5
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKuOYueZ2o
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobX1IurrAa
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5OF3W6pYu
"Are ya sure?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikDq513bFB
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7fhykMLjv
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAtmdi3pe1
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQryglZWL0z
"I should be asking you that."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKLFDYekAv
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQMWLApEgz
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7ZTxc5v6u
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw7eL284zs
"Yes. You get it."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN54zLXKl0Y
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNtxOWqNym
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIsBcirxiQ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdATEI2zKI
"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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdUO5LOnjt
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejGKFHpqre
"Fine by me."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHhjFGGIX7
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMnFFWOZd5
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG4LWWQpO2
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDidSrm8FL
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD3fJWWIaN
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W6s8c8ZdZ
"Yeah, we're almost there."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wsUXxK8pS
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmcjwoam2X
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVbkLkQhn9
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI7sHEEokV
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSKRGYyfuD
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKVARZtcbF
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"Blurg, what was that?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvqrngn1JR
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMakgxiCJoT
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"What was what?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpo0dOhREZ
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"I caught a whiff of something."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9f7Pr4Fq9
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DoDSwMrm9
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sFyRHSPGW
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNlzS9h1EE
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklXONfPdzj
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYTFZQpxOS
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rask566bl
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzg6C4oVqO
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIpawdVqhq
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImA9OrCFMb
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ4KvCeTpc
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRPyY7wtvY
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYJzKF3MMx
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarUickIYpG
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7jNAWLnVo
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalhqG03hTK
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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–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtv2U19GDf
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5cS4dJ27g
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1xY9PHppL
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"Who are ya people?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUDmdMR6Kb
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfLj3Go84W
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"Buddy?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kbiJl17xv
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYVXcYqNhP
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Hp1CTVn43
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"Quiet now."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGT0A0BXtn
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYwczHfVPw
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtymmKcmtsI
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvON2THfRf
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzktabL4XOh
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpYa5Bj94N
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWtiiH6oiF
