"Hey, wake up."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILlS3TVh0i
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZbHtBuMxI
"H-Huh!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvPLbglp0s
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8IvihkChy
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAgDkeFjsX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnDiuiaYn7
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYsJtNGlsf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DMQHhfmbr
"No no, it's fine."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4nlIH0F5z
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5OVdPIRmE
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F9rbLR51b
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdMJH0FzJv
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1kmKryQ8i
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB67MSnYJE
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE5WVO0VSl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FTFIIzWnl
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLJ4m0Bjax
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHBk01Wn7n
"Are ya sure–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlC4p0tt8t
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3uMNw3p6J
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1k6zIG5nz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV1XsF0goD
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxik2dshAb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l2s8HRwCw
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWxYxWVxfv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBRmaXvbxs
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS6B2AQIgO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrEm1KECy9
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6kjTtJvR8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV6xZf6YYW
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5QZebWDcH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgujzrWsxig
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2jsfItqpC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b3FXd6KKq
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMExXR7Tfi2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVj6A8HF2an
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1UrM8k6bJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8rMiOIdaH
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eOXUZ060S
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jihZLa0M2
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv9S4SHwcC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rNNXFF26V
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUK3gaWQCA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn59ZPT6lG
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH2rOtfxFf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrFlKBvO04
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoDUxNrMQa
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m4WaWH1hE
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz1M5jTvJi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfitoIUbnV
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe8Ow3kPwu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNMDycaq4V
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDvhRAUpZA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1akXa41KQ
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIZhtRz3gt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJxFVNrVrT
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgivf0ocGoK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWcXAqbNOK
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFFU4xtZlN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskLgycMdPA
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq384vQs82S
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6dL6sZMbA
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYqvvYHvsb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Jj9hbASsk
"What?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqtgH7gjfn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDzJaKkT6I
He sighed and flicked his head.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejPORanuyq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqBwubuUJ2
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrwwEUd8nN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvK97Mg6M4
"Last... yeah, let's."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MShT3zCTZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K17C7r6rw
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUBRCobzIc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuwgzZI4he
"This is good. This is really good."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPO3Aw7lBU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqWMlMHfA5
"I told ya."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9mL2ZFRNy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ250NGDsr9g
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPKXuf3CDM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi8dYyayPe
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswLATtDiQB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE3p2g0mW6
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGW5obR4dS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4k5sX6nD1
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4bxIWeKoN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdFhr36mfV
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4LldKNXNQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uCNQUPT4T
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXF3ieMlGZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWowW5cvD4
–
–
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhK40bHHEv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqPg7WCxl2
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgn7D46Ahh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFpbsN75KS
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uOfXwO0Fk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQtaRFwHEB
"That's right," Juke responded.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUZN15T4FN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUeNgH0UAY
"I see..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKartREhwi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEFek0ReB6
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVgVL4Gpal
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKFishlBoz
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClvEXDSz1u
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2ySPNSLZJ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfiCHCGomX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi8XfldfLX
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdDVVklEh7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmoa4w2myW
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscuVaTy2CH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo3EqtQaw2
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsHq5mpSwh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlzjkBL8hz
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsFQWXDEoI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU5WwHwqvM
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0kluuq9NB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgrSOBZ8P0
"What are you looking at me for?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtXHCae6Ij
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgp5GPfjbO
"Ya got any ideas?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74qYtuatx3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB60qJBE9NI
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS04BGWVSp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeOPziSV2A
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzIy5aB6Wo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh6sUHf6ny
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkZQrh291b
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA9tX9rBxR
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTkhYhXoGz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HMRRbinID
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tnzhMKgSO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMue4pnKiZe
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUjOY8zObG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlQzLY3x1z
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnHNniuVhG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIDdRcuggZ
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9vRCPt4QA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC27esMgIe
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaquwvP084M
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRLFoWRbbu
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuCJDgSRe0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5C5yb8hcH
He shook his hands frantically and.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmltEhlnTu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFczbtEGOzM
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJhFJ9U332
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSsLj03eYs
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoPMySuypL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYok0B9552
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBQA8mAC33
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9Ou1gM9nE
"Pray for me."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGGFqykSNq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmaJa9Dkl2
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPDH5bA7nz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGqHDJA7cZ
"Juke!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2J5krYHoC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mL7xMxy32
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ933tHV3DEW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARSJX7yinh
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXBH10ZsS7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qcf3MwZ2b
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSXJEF7joN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSqa3tyuK5
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKpNJixdpH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbpcv3Vybg
"Still, I appreciate it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7EIcB3Yil
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm7VShQnfs
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZucxHAjrD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPAB3nIhER
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKtL2Ntscl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5d9kp5LUm
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMVffKsx1C
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh10R9zojPq
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqp9uret0D
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8wiBboE43
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVwLt3hfae
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiS2hnYqoC
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9cXB7GsI7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M2GaLhLDD
"Thank you for your help, Hank."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBOZljr01D
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrN5JC97x5G
"Yeah, we really of ya."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpo22brRyd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2f7uxDkgU
He gave us a light smile and waved.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIhtCGFRje
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktxpKZa0R3
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qBryKB2J7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSwmHK18Fx
"...Y-Yeah."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dEEdHQ0e2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pWyz0IFlu
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIDoHJ3u6H
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw2oAqYgEf
–
–
–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKpKUeBrVc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGn23dRiw1
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaHVOZNbzL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wtLaRn0db
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfPtksHlx8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZZlbvEb74
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYXI5UpzxM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbtvWwKGRk
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDzhA97Oje
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjUvrImiwg
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LfCJgMTiZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAmHbwUXCQ
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFTDRRcNMs
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEygkivEdkX
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7WZ8Nxspt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaJi0a3KLX
"--Crap!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS21f2sEHkf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0Uctdnkdo
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL78PYpI2P3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR90kWpyhbc
"Crap. Crap!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN9UgNNOui
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBkOtdMfVT
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2rlIFL6ZX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl0nS3oujd
"People are heading our way!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIAiTQX0XM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzWXt74zAe
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpBcCU0ifl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP8j7jT41H
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iBmzxj7aQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRP4Demddh
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuf2FBtms1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla8xxE8n0t
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt00OVusWXn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DAA9BK6Rw
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7miSYFDfTV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAy4JJVSm8
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFUfdSbcf8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPGmKVGzZ4
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcXiia9hwQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeruahVK6Zc
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtzbVMKb7E
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoi01sN207
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6RgFxDM1V
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE4g9tlAyw
"Ack!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvnNnLo7is
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIp2xPAEtp
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4qRGhv2AP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsMKLVrHw2
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66guUfeHHL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrUEK9pPP7
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW75Uvkls0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCmVjgD7TY
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDFWGm2geS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25jfaCPHvX
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd66pXTHnJF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHxF6RUMQ0
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKxZroNwCP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOjcqUEgyX
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCVmDpuDjn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7s6FAzS7G
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5nQ8zz1bi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tf0MYoVF9
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1RUE3WfpL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BS7K7VhAt
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyQtt24T5q
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcEl9csEeH
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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2EPmKqUKl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuKwhOIwD1
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcJSxvAwrJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GIxaUtgoy
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kvh6Rz9iJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EFkhKi6BG
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJujTObZwP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1eanzyY1V
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaqJ6pljIJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyxSNkalB2
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHn5sUceCE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3snUfuT1Z5
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAolcjZkWuA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfyclGdfEo
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0ibcXMVIr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgO4ox7pT0
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFB67pS6ZE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iRH4P4H0Z
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahJbQFenW2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39MWdFGupB
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjBXbBJesS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyGQgILlB4
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhifi6oEhYg
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJgec6taDH
So, I let my mouth run amok.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qOsEHOCaL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVWTsqF0S7
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJA1KaKa7R
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiDnp7RuMD
"Yeah, I know."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FCIL4m9bS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCKz10Weqc
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpQbMwRCyF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfVJnJ0mvb
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nqe557sl6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VnSpt548d
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r5VJvr0py
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxudXYTtG0p
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv23um0lx0Q
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamCSRiNXv2
"That sounds familiar..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvgknQoarS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHsp6rNxtq
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdpp28MSom
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4msGrIslm
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcTKRXkl2q
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vJDd2r7Vw
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfup7M9nPN
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BJ6fxWvgI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku32g7VGHc
"Well?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbpIP8HAmw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnPSTxw76S
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynShuzNVWG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZluocBwiZ
"Ah."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCeIZd9aVz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEWJOzopJr
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7oCNnfOzF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oOtQU3U2o
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDn9fvSMHd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfD65vG5ts
"Ah, the Lionant?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsjkEOgAI7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡey0MEicb3d
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaivkMix5zz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY526y7Syd
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZEhEItK0I
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ140Wa6DDpS
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6UOYCoCDi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasxjq1x0Hq
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1v2sjMqnr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWplLpz4Bf2
"...Yeah, why did I?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5nHDUBMAN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgIrbSYQRO
I didn't expect to be met with another question.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wEmV8gOji
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEDmjyxb3n
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO30iLskHi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0BR65D7qZ
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhgLpLi036
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxXPe66PSG
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jbct1H15r
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vy9IozL05
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpJFYU5CMa
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr62X2PGqc
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VbDyerq2y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcimHRPVwO
"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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ah14gCFpd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6oMKtTDiB
"What?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aQW3hJPlA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBaOIUuA81
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOnvwhqQTl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9hE6MbwN5
"That sounds... boorish?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2xHCRVb0d
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3uVUEi1JP
"Pff, yer just too young."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWkWWO6jVo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfKPYQHuvL
He paused for a moment.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPcx9pcHyw
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZvVedgqii
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF1Xd3OZDB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy5FGnVKxQ
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5X660tXh4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmpUlZbGUy
"...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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMzYWF1M7Y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFrSZP1SSV
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrZnPYlycp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3LZMaYiME
"That's silly... O-Oh–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt0OJqWXbl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduCjbhHAli
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG38RmqNBqq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYjeRxwOUl
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbva8zTLC1
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq3Q3yYfwY
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L8jE3WpuA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gh6Vv70lk
"I... yes, I suppose so."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sFTEcn3Z7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnY0NgoI5y
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMlLIEuczN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbdbuXi5rO
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNVk78RYfp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcjTVQzBJt
"Yes, I know."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO61vDeXdp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zCsp3nJps
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejSIJ1KDfR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwpghYATSr
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRK5mgXqWFf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYr8eMCOJj
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBunDFzDQaK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGk3LagqI3
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2LEOTmcXS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacutriaG7s
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbOAnVC5l8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpZykZNkNI
"Ya hear that?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vIQaLfep7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt0o84Bfwt
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrsPU8HGdn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXytb0ejPv
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK5XQROJyQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZM7G1ei8H
"They passed."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBzEwv5ZW0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenNu7hTIYL
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvoYDCp1ei
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzCF5fvVeF
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7aIQptHOT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxhcYHeJ7u
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU73ywlzmnK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xgcOJkb8K
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnSKWIj2hq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkPKhUyNxE
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZD8HM1sNK
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkstwuMIZCK
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DjrfWVwpz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNYWAfoqnD
"You've been saying that a lot."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3FVnn3muu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ7KTIqTCF
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDZgJlrPFd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeG5EGzCKN
We stood stock still in silence.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv6NQqLs4t
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn91s4Pgz9h
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahVbnLy968
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDZN6d7LRT
"Are ya sure?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZn7HBjTzQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozKpRCAl7z
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkep5JDsXR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4THVJcmyj0
"I should be asking you that."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6524aZZq3v
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Anj4maMl
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKAXndbwJG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yMvEh5AMP
"Yes. You get it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aL4Ueg9sv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLps8jinCu
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRlU2sdNGD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpsoOVoJS9
"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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76Mcwnyv6y
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD587rDDigY
"Fine by me."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2R8n64hq9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz3Zbna5Xl
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM2AIWMEtc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRntsGh1rjS
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLNhurPKbT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPnzPMeqNo
"Yeah, we're almost there."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF5CUHBf89
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt8W2YPXkk
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS3tLSqcUy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXhXdCgpiq
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB29pxThcXb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qBZ46vd9B
And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhen5CI6Ln
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"Blurg, what was that?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPFKuNhtbn
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuKthrx8UO
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"What was what?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAK3ULTZkW
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"I caught a whiff of something."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFxya1qcY8
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum6Ozg1kOj
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnlnNYuD7O
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DeqPAlxI9
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq8199BUAy
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8tZWsc2UN
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFScuRC7Yq7
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8TfafSiVg
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonUFyw1H9Y
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHj45hlkKw
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ646buzP2On
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMLnM82D7j
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PizPeIfpu
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp51ZYNtF7
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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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLYcllx73M
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqohYO6k9o8
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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–241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBHLquVZgr
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmw9nQq6s0
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdN6LfMQWC
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"Who are ya people?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1PMyPXHKi
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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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg9tHPpNDy
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"Buddy?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN179X8oqU
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m2dguKGJ6
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXon0NDu0Ia
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"Quiet now."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGicQdmFH6C
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cGTwRevhG
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9ucpWNpaR
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSi2RSWgcv
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICTky5sN2p
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQV5NmW2e1
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklY1ecv5u1
