Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.202Please respect copyright.PENANAoQoFon3IEX
202Please respect copyright.PENANA2GGBMdxvVX
"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAqzM2FYO4k2
202Please respect copyright.PENANAsDNDDzAESS
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.202Please respect copyright.PENANAp4PxCFBGdO
202Please respect copyright.PENANAN07ynqH6rZ
"What are you doing!?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAyf3Ukji7ns
202Please respect copyright.PENANASDX6k4sdHa
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"202Please respect copyright.PENANA4Lui23tsPk
202Please respect copyright.PENANAbEW9JlYAkq
**BOOM**202Please respect copyright.PENANAXgvY8QUHEV
202Please respect copyright.PENANAgUF9l7Fn1c
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.202Please respect copyright.PENANAWSAbO54fjv
202Please respect copyright.PENANAO7TM5Sxsc1
"Ngh, damn it!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAoqWRLwDQE8
202Please respect copyright.PENANA3peSIHQgZd
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.202Please respect copyright.PENANAe1bbctmCJm
202Please respect copyright.PENANAHCnhERZ8BS
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.202Please respect copyright.PENANAoCobjQnOaX
202Please respect copyright.PENANATDcaST9mmb
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAYH1Bft9sES
202Please respect copyright.PENANAt9JIvFqTMM
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.202Please respect copyright.PENANAXctAg20v6N
202Please respect copyright.PENANAJYuyVe6i5X
It was like she knew I was going to fire it.202Please respect copyright.PENANAeGxxx5wVzy
202Please respect copyright.PENANA4BiuILykuZ
"--Damn it! Rover!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAIaxNjnpqrF
202Please respect copyright.PENANAEJzAw5DIry
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.202Please respect copyright.PENANA483cqWf4Hd
202Please respect copyright.PENANA6pcsbHe67H
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAl4YgATiMZ2
202Please respect copyright.PENANArTv2b6Nixy
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.202Please respect copyright.PENANAPnGo6XAnV4
202Please respect copyright.PENANA6sYrr5P4TA
"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAfxte6Scsj8
202Please respect copyright.PENANAHj7m4zF8Pg
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"202Please respect copyright.PENANA9z2qdxX30S
202Please respect copyright.PENANAtpCHcn367E
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.202Please respect copyright.PENANAiQk87LoCk4
202Please respect copyright.PENANAQqVzqqdzxB
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.202Please respect copyright.PENANAEXeaP3frG3
202Please respect copyright.PENANAo8CRc3Vk3C
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"202Please respect copyright.PENANAIa5TWy9Wgd
202Please respect copyright.PENANAxnU2pRDmEu
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAhspzBHQ2kw
202Please respect copyright.PENANAhKiKk2k6rQ
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.202Please respect copyright.PENANAjkQCMNnQDg
202Please respect copyright.PENANAyx8w6gf4aM
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAKjZ3tJANu9
202Please respect copyright.PENANAROFJpYrRms
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"202Please respect copyright.PENANARAVaoery0B
202Please respect copyright.PENANAVV4D3lNeNn
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.202Please respect copyright.PENANAd7Eono32pZ
202Please respect copyright.PENANAMnF1AghOoL
"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.202Please respect copyright.PENANAkRZGmVYFdY
202Please respect copyright.PENANAkkt9D4pmdY
"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAy4LV2vnAaE
202Please respect copyright.PENANAlFbMM5o3Yq
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.202Please respect copyright.PENANAMWPultPLtL
202Please respect copyright.PENANA9hFngutmMu
I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.202Please respect copyright.PENANAwp32H2OSUq
202Please respect copyright.PENANA6Y9f8d5xhf
"Hey, Kenny!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAiDtRd1Lujj
202Please respect copyright.PENANA3gJvzleOVu
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.202Please respect copyright.PENANA3umNTrnjfl
202Please respect copyright.PENANAx035w7o22J
"I-Is she okay?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAFjfgDT7FT3
202Please respect copyright.PENANAOMKz4bPRLS
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"202Please respect copyright.PENANA3AmvOFSIYC
202Please respect copyright.PENANA2QJhnvqpLI
"I don't know what that is!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAjDixGjuIJt
202Please respect copyright.PENANAhZNnOqI9Vv
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAT2Pu1tgji9
202Please respect copyright.PENANALQNUXZ8Klz
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.202Please respect copyright.PENANAssCof0mMhb
202Please respect copyright.PENANA8v9ttXqseB
Though, that did raise the question–202Please respect copyright.PENANAwZFcnSjCVh
202Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6Ij60UpYz
"Do you know where you're going!?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAUnfTXaDjhc
202Please respect copyright.PENANAPangyTHLif
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAComepGtibw
202Please respect copyright.PENANARhkAc9fnWq
"Ah– where is Dennis?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAPvzKy14Hcw
202Please respect copyright.PENANA11JoQQy4NG
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"202Please respect copyright.PENANA7BYCk82Lac
202Please respect copyright.PENANABphO9wbsgK
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–202Please respect copyright.PENANAwOT1G68KB6
202Please respect copyright.PENANAiiyy8qWUa3
"Shit."202Please respect copyright.PENANAJnc7aQR9Wv
202Please respect copyright.PENANASTLkkRVwHw
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.202Please respect copyright.PENANAbYbIxeZ8Mf
202Please respect copyright.PENANAyPD89nbuic
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.202Please respect copyright.PENANAN0F1VYvPog
202Please respect copyright.PENANACtl2LGRSK7
"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."202Please respect copyright.PENANAnbjYWyNDvK
202Please respect copyright.PENANAXqecHvzHW2
"...Alright."202Please respect copyright.PENANAUWiE8m3tgy
202Please respect copyright.PENANAfZ4wP7mLnD
I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.202Please respect copyright.PENANAzbUba6thIG
202Please respect copyright.PENANAOYQLXZd74K
"Alright, I'll take yer question."202Please respect copyright.PENANAEXkEpaCqBk
202Please respect copyright.PENANArJYJmJoPwf
"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAV19ZZPCqGT
202Please respect copyright.PENANACjyIabhdY9
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.202Please respect copyright.PENANA5N7Iz42eSX
202Please respect copyright.PENANAqkYx7BwoIt
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."202Please respect copyright.PENANA72ylixqOCX
202Please respect copyright.PENANA1AdzH7UCNA
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."202Please respect copyright.PENANAavijC4MsWR
202Please respect copyright.PENANAAjUrcmh9i2
The man stopped speaking.202Please respect copyright.PENANA5ASYmEZdOK
202Please respect copyright.PENANA4Vbog0OqoH
"Alright, carry on, then."202Please respect copyright.PENANAe8lDspDf5m
202Please respect copyright.PENANAesHiiPXS9R
"...Eh?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAx2rBNv78xX
202Please respect copyright.PENANAGj8BMJOLqC
I shared in his confusion.202Please respect copyright.PENANAAPqa5lWMGx
202Please respect copyright.PENANAqtcAuycN6e
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."202Please respect copyright.PENANAWIRFwwXDZP
202Please respect copyright.PENANAbcDPT6vMD5
"I-If ya say so!"202Please respect copyright.PENANA3XLtZPhVf6
202Please respect copyright.PENANAKjLQXCpEc2
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–202Please respect copyright.PENANAGWEUTMyaIV
202Please respect copyright.PENANA2ZVaLUVnvO
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."202Please respect copyright.PENANAYISl7DBFMI
202Please respect copyright.PENANAfEcuIAmhzm
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.202Please respect copyright.PENANAdkEzvjtRKK
202Please respect copyright.PENANAh74SwQ01Kz
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"202Please respect copyright.PENANA3jpF8BwxJw
202Please respect copyright.PENANAMIsm9krh5i
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.202Please respect copyright.PENANAqNi7NCUnNW
202Please respect copyright.PENANATcwOtHvg2h
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.202Please respect copyright.PENANAOdO2XUA8dv
202Please respect copyright.PENANA1ZLwUGOXfA
I had spilled it in such an unfair way.202Please respect copyright.PENANA70ktbdtH9a
202Please respect copyright.PENANABWfyyL0Dlj
"Damn it, kid!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAAIIHtRFDU4
202Please respect copyright.PENANAVcBik69D7M
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
202Please respect copyright.PENANApUmUFsAult
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.202Please respect copyright.PENANAOMUqhRvDps
202Please respect copyright.PENANAqRyGP59V9q
**SMASH**202Please respect copyright.PENANAyu0ZFrWKel
202Please respect copyright.PENANAliWLSkL6bP
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.202Please respect copyright.PENANAGUtN4xlTxt
202Please respect copyright.PENANAHJ5VCYerGH
"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAmS2Kxg9WHz
202Please respect copyright.PENANA5f7xZO0C9P
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.202Please respect copyright.PENANATj82h1iE2S
202Please respect copyright.PENANAEgE9dLLtcm
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.202Please respect copyright.PENANAG5Gfo2x50I
202Please respect copyright.PENANAtxW5n0hMOE
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.202Please respect copyright.PENANAjWkhAPFVb6
202Please respect copyright.PENANAG1DwenHTdE
"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAafa8WtAB7y
202Please respect copyright.PENANA6uYffm5sCV
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.202Please respect copyright.PENANAW4zInV6wnk
202Please respect copyright.PENANA0oTbVGVDzg
Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.202Please respect copyright.PENANAuG5Aewps9m
202Please respect copyright.PENANAYkmqUsvgtH
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAhbuwxsgFgJ
202Please respect copyright.PENANAp7t89FbREe
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.202Please respect copyright.PENANACiXiMaB8aC
202Please respect copyright.PENANAyvg5Ct7xTb
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"202Please respect copyright.PENANA6LN6gJTak4
202Please respect copyright.PENANA9NeZPmdYYD
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.202Please respect copyright.PENANAyqWbenguHN
202Please respect copyright.PENANA2gBBzXzzi6
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."202Please respect copyright.PENANAHMIuqCh3wP
202Please respect copyright.PENANAtPmjh8bpcO
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.202Please respect copyright.PENANA8lWILH2Agj
202Please respect copyright.PENANAR8HNv2VWiI
"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAJKtwogzNx9
202Please respect copyright.PENANAnH0TcZG8nI
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.202Please respect copyright.PENANA8ZAwXfnQq0
202Please respect copyright.PENANAyLOWx0GcTy
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"202Please respect copyright.PENANA24yhmjSIx3
202Please respect copyright.PENANAHNM2jA0oGO
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.202Please respect copyright.PENANAtPTq2SyI9Y
202Please respect copyright.PENANABeUhaCDBkQ
"Like I'll let ya do that!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAW1MRBh0Jee
202Please respect copyright.PENANAkMUNLkBSEU
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.202Please respect copyright.PENANA69YEiGDiWt
202Please respect copyright.PENANA8pbVK6M7KG
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAWYWB5xevkQ
202Please respect copyright.PENANATHOm18Gj2r
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.202Please respect copyright.PENANAOQDTVN0YCP
202Please respect copyright.PENANAA9EATSD3qM
"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"202Please respect copyright.PENANA7VCxO8HSKO
202Please respect copyright.PENANAuLuokKxtW2
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.202Please respect copyright.PENANAIAsLPqA57b
202Please respect copyright.PENANASojzGmktBl
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.202Please respect copyright.PENANAE6H62CroSa
202Please respect copyright.PENANAkx0eArfJcL
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.202Please respect copyright.PENANAs9ppP7A4gl
202Please respect copyright.PENANANpKTFMv1YO
"--Hrk!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAufn3T2XQsm
202Please respect copyright.PENANAOaA2SQFE0B
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.202Please respect copyright.PENANABzSEuXfvwb
202Please respect copyright.PENANAonf6aQPunB
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.202Please respect copyright.PENANAOsaSDoo8A1
202Please respect copyright.PENANA0UbfJZoXwq
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"202Please respect copyright.PENANAtw8KRYFUSR
202Please respect copyright.PENANAaA6Urv9GB5
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAaxkBRaB2f7
202Please respect copyright.PENANAasM98pdQgS
"Whatever!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAfjh8JtLDjA
202Please respect copyright.PENANAlleRfloW9C
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.202Please respect copyright.PENANASBmcft19DW
202Please respect copyright.PENANA0Sqp2ZN501
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.202Please respect copyright.PENANAdZu1FNlzTc
202Please respect copyright.PENANApWdKEL8b0T
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.202Please respect copyright.PENANATfopv4tR1l
202Please respect copyright.PENANAg0X6dsFJy6
Dread, worry, guilt–202Please respect copyright.PENANAuFOD6eTtS6
202Please respect copyright.PENANA34TkrOUgvj
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAUnokwviYI3
202Please respect copyright.PENANA44ObNun3JV
"...R-Right!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAa8mSBik1ko
202Please respect copyright.PENANABtAqxGi4sN
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.202Please respect copyright.PENANA1JaFHhld7A
202Please respect copyright.PENANANz3bjDQkm8
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.202Please respect copyright.PENANAHKKT6ASEaY
202Please respect copyright.PENANAAZXlgHEtvJ
**SLAM**202Please respect copyright.PENANApYeRO8N8lc
202Please respect copyright.PENANAh4AVNCSccy
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.202Please respect copyright.PENANAfJjyZyPIlO
202Please respect copyright.PENANADFCnyKSsxV
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.202Please respect copyright.PENANA8vyTtnGS5I
202Please respect copyright.PENANAqmtfuzPZMs
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.202Please respect copyright.PENANAMe01MUNNhP
202Please respect copyright.PENANAvXKS2eII1h
"--Ugh!"202Please respect copyright.PENANABah0AhwBZy
202Please respect copyright.PENANA0u7lVbkbPr
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.202Please respect copyright.PENANAcLuj8Ay0PW
202Please respect copyright.PENANAEXnkbcpclQ
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.202Please respect copyright.PENANAShCosiDzE1
202Please respect copyright.PENANA7CgIy4Whz5
**SMASH**202Please respect copyright.PENANAifd4QxP5kH
202Please respect copyright.PENANA46pkYjVvZM
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.202Please respect copyright.PENANADEeCGaa9nU
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.202Please respect copyright.PENANAufLYeqeKEO
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"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAnw4LHDBpJT
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"Ah! Sorry!"202Please respect copyright.PENANAGu2KmMSLUJ
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Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.202Please respect copyright.PENANAKMnGrHUHmr
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"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
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"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."202Please respect copyright.PENANAvfvkf77f5s
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"N-No, that's not it."202Please respect copyright.PENANAHxtoyGR8G7
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Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.202Please respect copyright.PENANAkiRtrLc49G
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"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."202Please respect copyright.PENANAq0TSiD3OHw
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Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.