"Hey, wake up."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzQVKxhXZq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8scBWVjRtj
"H-Huh!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N6OG63WZ6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6esrt9GIN
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHurrUEevNI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8yCKtZxc3
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLvrlf02JN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwa62b3eJg
"No no, it's fine."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsfiUrfFrl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftrmKIYuwg
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OY2VOIQPD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwZ8gaZDCx
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGl25j3d5y
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWyryMaqpc
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMZlAhEq18
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJSjvemxPK
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmU3AzrNah
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUxx9oLbRe
"Are ya sure–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShvgZD1Z6d
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUufTw2qqyf
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb3je8c0tO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLKbDuZIP0
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15aMlASZRr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrQ1sqjxL6
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3CQPH4xlB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX5lPKwGtp
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJca21un77
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLGimCItGM
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpUr5TQVn9
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Eo2sPyRY
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPBPYKUlKy
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4XvIxe6gE
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRGxfaUHJl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsbVR3EY30
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40vuF5xWUn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuBKEdi5hB
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLUnZ5XkTs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2lwZLVizT
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiFO021Mn2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWHit7mJ5Z
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljvNGwNwKc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwMVi0RwyC
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUr1ZNOyOz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwcIn9yYU3
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlz4SopPcQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxheyhCQTzA
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoeS0HEXDz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmKyREUhQF
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxzFfAXtJK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg4KfF0I7I
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvWHdNXW5b
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdbt8IrQ8w
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dtedU0ZLk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh289Hbpqzz
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGq63EkGn4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke1XnT6n3U
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWth8K7mvm
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch3rElpJgP
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ34YCOYhD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6EwFmRBKA
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0zPMC2F3g
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrWQ652P9w
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5pVHwEAlc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiau285hy9U
"What?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8rsBwVcQs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3dReLKfZZ
He sighed and flicked his head.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDt1J5aFuA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP8NPFessZ
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyb6ycvP3j
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRPEEK91WP
"Last... yeah, let's."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC6yTZxOTv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO6goTbTQu
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35OIaHGJwp
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVKQvJphM8
"This is good. This is really good."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0774dwDoA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWOsE2uwuj
"I told ya."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bkXTS3bSI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXTmGOxxJM
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpXKSKk4LL
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYPMy3SajT
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGOt9Upp6f
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu33XRR2fO
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CtmWwTIrQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEzBhMRjkg
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjAcQ5jYj0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp8VmjmCNJ
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsg68CEv9z
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnT7J6DE4I
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJC282ZVFe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHDl7C9auw
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAlwmcYap1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o0r4SOAAf
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g9jtAOZlx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqSNzD4wTA
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV2lUsDoB9
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5sPfxVf82
"That's right," Juke responded.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cuMTFg3Hh
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSmrp7ggCv
"I see..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncavdbAEG6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJwb7jnvF9
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPRTWGJ9W2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL0UUjkqL5
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIERfLYrF4o
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrBS1tYK3u
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgvaSqCDjP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFRTbAXrPF
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6QyuhvZTg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO10vChArLN
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdCPb6puNd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sXV3KK1Pg
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KohQRoZRb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpQlbqYbOy
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsosudwomLV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4SzrN3ur4
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYpA11zJ9n
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP58JwEXFvH
"What are you looking at me for?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H45KlVJ4x
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyPoQdg1Fs
"Ya got any ideas?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASHcW9UjV3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsflGIexIL
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8Oz6ge0DX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuB9feZUWE
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRW5ZY7Pjb9
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0g3Edy5X5
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tJGtXrRru
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbFZNvBKgH
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtiNZxVW6j
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG3GTIeacR
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V9p7WyBYo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRDaA8qaCh
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TiWjXxgfF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVkgoZ8knY
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYessfowim
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCWcOKtXVO
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuURCQqtI6P
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGGDj33grR
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuK5UGKfKc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOX5jQG7hG
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxeAJl4Qma
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7Hy4zjhrB
He shook his hands frantically and.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAojSyvvpKN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlx01X1VD7
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfqiZhzQAz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9x6ljbHuR
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViyirZS1vp
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wXtCeOtax
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRSOL7IQ3N
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIynwkrMsZk
"Pray for me."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy67WkjTNb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCcAz99hSK
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLWzMvMbHM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5keUBdJIva
"Juke!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnhiGk5STm
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09qiYdAyIr
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGQfFIxEak
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4NjEmkww9
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjK8NXT0lT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0bXytNrkV
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8B1FyjxzQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh94yL9WtB
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZSKGqTVsd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQxXjVfPDV
"Still, I appreciate it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj8v6fm3Zc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZhWBtybeJ
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwe4xWyD2r
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvbF7sqySM
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzH92yQFdQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBYco6WDkb
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEngds5Z0qk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BZwlyCZkN
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLWmbTzuud
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HPLm9Px3d
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVngoYw41s
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTl00I6hlz
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUBLpYsqFP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLMKKPqTuK
"Thank you for your help, Hank."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXwm8hnHEM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDEpHTSpoL
"Yeah, we really of ya."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZzicMvyom
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu7VAYJR1p
He gave us a light smile and waved.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj2HUVQWSc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK9AzyKNbe
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHFdri4c3M
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bGD3J09Ua
"...Y-Yeah."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwVYNIlpxz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrctSEuVLvL
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbCIae8xbC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAbUjCophn
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorBDbbR9Rw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7oJX1FRHu
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOcvUbCG0d
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRbAIDlLqg
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM4LrjJIBb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0JBKKjGCj
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb8WGG3g2i
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRiHH15l60
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iGap3BgKz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmbXvThrz2
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGFYP4iYeK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywQHfaRuUE
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1PKnF6Olf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCCA7WXUG5
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJbkoJjs90
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0PvNbsGqA
"--Crap!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH3JvFc9u0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqa6pEB2Cv
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOjcdYouNH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXzkF1ZCj2
"Crap. Crap!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEQgrbaUl0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2o7eDrwny
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXpjtkDpeV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tNTk0l0ni
"People are heading our way!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoGfQK7oB5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnNkj55IwV
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDP3C6ZciY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpljIiPp5H
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IYeyDEh9A
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdece5v9yG
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcymlIFMhV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVDcBynUfy
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54yZFIQ6gf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5Vopci9Tx
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSjTfCS3lT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLviN7zaj9G
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r2XNuPqEq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuJ240EDc5
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4VAwAod36
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWsF6PjEbZ
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKazhjmZDS
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXy5QZTCbo
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsYzspItGs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWqbR7eZCk
"Ack!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJEuFRWtU6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfTBlF1yHa
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9A4YbrJhY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHyiX0jRvy
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ifLEMh4iU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef23VXxq4g
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi00mk9rDY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAHplR3DOQ
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIxpbKnLXf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3NlqOtC3i
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmgd9lgXPZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCbFDwAmbK
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEFvoqLtbQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsNUFQnk3Q
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsBMaKeAMP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0DpaW2bdP
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwexvKfpT0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrTMeK3b7e
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZo17cUqNu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyI45GC8Qy
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKzRMhzxa8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1CbHgEpCb
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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc80V7AFBqK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAOe7KBXof
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ecZybmHCH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCrdI22hQu
"Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMFy953vIJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4Kaiu87Oy
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g49YD4Ght
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTg0heRMhQ
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8UmLWrUOf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSKgZ5qQeL
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LDwi93szt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzXKqs2aWU
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW7A5RUGQ7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOSIWHbTGB
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK76GCvnwl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaki1Vc8fUA
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrNd6rd8Sf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92OEzQ3a7J
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAehanwu6yk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztvwfk41sP
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYW94qYQ3i
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys9ux3gM8a
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48RkGIzyGw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf0iQfZToD
So, I let my mouth run amok.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPsz8xw0B8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBnVixxEpL
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgIklGkoxz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3Zas7Ejvv
"Yeah, I know."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjbDypLrK2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XyOnDYZMF
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrvkdLiiSB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwCHIscU6H
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnz3XNhl7z
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaVFPjwHTB
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhdVnwiupI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPxFNvxbJS
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdLsmGDXME
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3hO1mWCMs
"That sounds familiar..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7ZHn9TmP2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uL8A3qwJ4
"Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuKKCjbHTA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQDkPrbZpT
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKORjpQlmCZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtBuzc2v0c
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AuAXIFPUb
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZLYY9T8Xd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWJK60HJmT
"Well?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMlcb9NmgO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a67hGrYZX
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRijpTo73QO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDOq7SVIjr
"Ah."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4BiriUmNr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mocQzYuwS
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsg98X3jF6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhxsG6C55u
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj3iX5syJT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qba3JmHWU
"Ah, the Lionant?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwo1pgkCRf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lRXtvlZFS
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK63YW7YBAZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp99nvYXM7
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecFohPDHbf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWNvwubdNq
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSepxz8vq5e
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVonYsQyRnB
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0nCxyJFco
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyalyyyMka
"...Yeah, why did I?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFoZ9VEuzj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD2WS1rir8
I didn't expect to be met with another question.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9LkdagKnD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo3djQXIBP
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY28djTtgaZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hgcJSsnfV
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgDBxBZRCk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehn6cGz3O5
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxo3N5yNqZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDjjKIi6hl
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp54SrMZ4eF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFtkeJJkR9
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH22UxM1Zvx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitE3GYphiM
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsyeueYuYY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEbOkarcu7
"What?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutF0mOKLqO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAkYpHrmMU
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbLmnCnYP7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rs4mvXyc3
"That sounds... boorish?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwk1wDA9UF1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkdxFYD9Mg
"Pff, yer just too young."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc9W2uqQgN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9Zt4cl0sz
He paused for a moment.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdPfEL8eGD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NM7CmXBvL
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8uueWwo0D
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qUc2rHz1H
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOkTUD0F9s
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMTFcaz8zr
"...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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCGHZiRou5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NZ7RDvgHv
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB2ATy50nc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosJrcoVR3n
"That's silly... O-Oh–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkLjL7bugJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmARpT4xWjt
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDDhlbLGwr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6AeobZ6P9
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwptlArPaF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZUXZ0QY5W
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2EFenpbjv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZoBcmFtGv
"I... yes, I suppose so."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuwIwfhLvz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVyiuLqFuM
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEWoBObqwh
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9vYSlFMbJ
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N8xuCAKkK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4k9t56Dek
"Yes, I know."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOdLp8GXE8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOlg4tiDLX
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixBt1xsX1q
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPvaaUkOUw
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaZscSTCn1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMptRDfHbHT
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ63Yq6jS6F
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup1X8gbZsN
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0I4kweKD8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PrnHb3CPt
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB0qX6OxOV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm19RvAoOe
"Ya hear that?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSACT7bddVK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcs3xNpbdv
"Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpFLq1pNoe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9A0nVDDnT
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMMTPfsKIx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICcweMu8cS
"They passed."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTMXMLdSOH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWCFY6bdHt
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiG1kFWwWV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtijrGH6CCJ
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqvoNn7vcp
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5WcRHZ2wJ
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdHMHm2EP4
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUA3N35UA5
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6JcAS2rwU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiREXahVsYQ
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcSYA4sa7L
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiWo6e3xvo
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPJn8cu2Zm
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNoOrHiF9A
"You've been saying that a lot."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VkuqtYkjv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfDHA3naie
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2RK9KWWYf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJwLdcsISa
We stood stock still in silence.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YbHp5A083
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsTg4uAuVf
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiRbMhrl2H
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEOhcPT4xC
"Are ya sure?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ERKihS0BV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8IEnxpxOH
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F9xqcNKxS
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9GugD5WOF
"I should be asking you that."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFIcQvQqkO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uFq77lPNs
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIc1HgcY8v
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oimpSmKeV
"Yes. You get it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRhIr8AXr1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QRJgCHPsW
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHWHYxdn6b
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz4IvCdps1
"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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr9dhN2S61
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ4pbUrpfu
"Fine by me."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdf0nG7y5a
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRwaNowlZ9
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVB1Pte9Tw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNB7KGm2o8
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEbozmntLV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KIHwtKcwP
"Yeah, we're almost there."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KIOh5nobz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGA71zMbvM
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYWPHrLdmL
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4o5QOtuuo
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TrJPHiMha
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0maZzEr1GT
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"Blurg, what was that?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wd5gdZY2O
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QQLKpBdOu
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"What was what?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIRPLVxAOZ
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"I caught a whiff of something."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9J1hDPMOn
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14nL4e8NDW
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcAOrLFq9C
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWK4uwDvNU
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdWfiNvhgo
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUhi1ps8St
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSiszmESpB
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4YaET1Tua
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdi4ugee5w
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaknoJrejpp
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGcBiTirNp
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe1LJWQgAE
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbDbaeNWBC
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoodcgd8c97
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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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU50VHitP1
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdkmyi3uUY
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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–142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaa3wla6tf
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaJzsN0JAz
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LjQ4VVLfW
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"Who are ya people?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkkqAYIz4S
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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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Btt1pnAag
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"Buddy?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHurJlVpSV
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgtJ6ZSR5B
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacpatz6s7J
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"Quiet now."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2wUVwppj9
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT5JtWMb4L
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDXjs7uK7k
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qTnlaRKt9
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprsE7H4w4w
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWfHkbBqKS
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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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDBB6DyndS
