"Hey, wake up."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSxAkRtoRw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIN82cGCzY
"H-Huh!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX6Jo3VZCq
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XtFm5QfOR
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WUSyeZMfW
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWpq5HYQvj
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9oq157ton
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bvHbSUt9C
"No no, it's fine."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao48yCzq6Y
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGo9J7VUEa
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncypPzaiFh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6arAcMKvh
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQBTWCSQT8
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jb4YeHmq7
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSEfwbOV49
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmBdKdU6s3
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rH3a9eK6V
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQl1LaY3Z8
"Are ya sure–"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QFKBFcBPf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG3t6APQ32
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHvHSkcGZF
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJeV016Q95
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVEVFvQGAx
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1J0Og96o1
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwqQj7ifcR
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssjEZ96NQM
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFaXN4v1Om
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGEtq5jH6v
"..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZmJ8aa8qg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuxcTMT3oQ
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK34WhpI2Xl
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5TYxCBMW2
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmrhYJ08ic
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3eRMnIR5c
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BvyrBnCUG
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6WyWyuQpy
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU6Jbegcpw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyUlQDE0dj
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNCT1ENnJT
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyfbMd0R7Y
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H1tohY4RM
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KyXkavO8a
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf4mHuPSI8
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVSXANBCJY
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWRxRbdTBH
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbnkvOwel0
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Icnc0A2YF
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKa5JfvGpo
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjE0ZGvi5F
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNTyHnwPVX
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSF0iD4WWv
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SHzea34CM
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAygn42pdu
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0TEOCEvNx
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–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPRau2r177
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNRlMJHJmV
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60umCPk38r
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCd06wGX8q
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqHnkjZRC3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPKED13jK6
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuUSuuJAOJ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0x6XWTldP
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGg0Gb4GLK
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbVflbJTyz
"What?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5anoGGrQv
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMTuN58mDR
He sighed and flicked his head.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4UwBo7HMk
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoyIrQlcQE
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgdXQqSDJ7
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFawh42xQkK
"Last... yeah, let's."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYXVbqYH6T
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEBJ8tx7Zv
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq0vFcopVo
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzKMYHDR4X
"This is good. This is really good."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIYw5Lr2x6
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12YvAE2ZVG
"I told ya."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY9qsW7vIf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0kHk5eQnf
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c3nk6gdTI
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BYPAgMBV6
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q9tx9cF0X
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0xk9aHhCo
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWQfrPmGs8
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eY29959jF
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8eur62qgr
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDX65aJZCa
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJyhx7LtOO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH3TWnZ6Uu
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncQPjqWVqa
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SN0zhfjjG
–
–
–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNNylZreBH
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDKrKAmEtV
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JGqDVVBKq
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAjhN1YL6V
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmHGA6ChXh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nr5s9URDO
"That's right," Juke responded.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSMfjFVV7m
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53HgP4x1Li
"I see..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPf4m7Iu8H
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPB74byTSM
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIyC9xGkfS
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRLOrQfPP7
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivlAvhkAMn
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDmz8KXYpN
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvbR9XHcup
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTBUw4SzcG
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4QtRkbuVT
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEmnpegnGH
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAERnzTK2qh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul7JvUidsg
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqo0skMNgV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eIqZyfc61
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6WiqTrDRc
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbBiegexCF
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2apHP9g4s
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MMzl2TMiv
"What are you looking at me for?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrYbQ2pPVa
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJPjJeaATX
"Ya got any ideas?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhH8FRBS6z
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FSuHPcHDV
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDo5ISaZPa
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivXtgTGfzo
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnekuW3FPaS
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83Ziwq2yrq
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl1kEkb7dY
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlgxx8Jowv
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXTq1aeSDN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbgOO3dt4K
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2OXNPoBbd
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM8IRQVivw
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNBuZrbElf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqSSbLtNFy
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIWWZrq5L4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbvAeRHzMu
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB2aqF43Fl
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7nGWNX8Ch
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEqdiYp56N
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCHciS8eJ7
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SMpUO8i6f
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXU7hO2eor
He shook his hands frantically and.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpa8OW4lh0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1El0rR2x1
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI89sjEzADU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypja4VukWD
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPKAva1pe9
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPiQ01QIyK
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtKaOEsVD8
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88xi4Qpyt6
"Pray for me."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPRG8qs1za
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThxIX31CZ9
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzXJUcRvds
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VNvmo5cwb
"Juke!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDRjdTRPmB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ907L4pGzuY
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOf3vjljzx
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI3TjMYfjh
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxGimWqLOM
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIxEihKD12
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkV35KzxGPj
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgQSlEHZe1
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrWH3I2zEU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnoWKOFhI1
"Still, I appreciate it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y9K9I2g8J
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaCr5sb0xr
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VLY7KQleB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvarRREgfT
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3IbZa3xKh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIrZmNm9Jn
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5Gqxh06FK
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh4D7OusJk
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSiaoIn94X
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq9J4ECkNF
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjnD6ZbprU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyndJNHhr7
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRLJrgMg5v
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUepYcckB4
"Thank you for your help, Hank."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDcEKPihwk
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG3B7ea07f
"Yeah, we really of ya."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdOQmn5cNa
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKga14MK40
He gave us a light smile and waved.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2xBR7J96v
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0txJVnYGbG
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XC3ee2oNO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZRHOVvUbe
"...Y-Yeah."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyygmV0d0d
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nLoXqdYBH
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4jvgStveO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3UVWDpZWl
–
–
–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYxsI0dbUU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAzuHT9HeE
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nrdk7A2tx
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaOoMgqUnx
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs5JQQmhAi
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYpIoQdYKb
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm53lZus7C
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpm0h6btZ5
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCbKTYMSUy
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHlAYGpbYJ
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE5QFFHzjL
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMlEN3SH3q
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOsiGEgwod
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomaJtoCAlj
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGtE8xkTgT
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmkDdcBKBE
"--Crap!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjngEWWgugY
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQNX9FgRgn
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9XDPCYxX3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwJR86aJOp
"Crap. Crap!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTUpgJNmAI
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrljBpTxHEz
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RYFfkTvEU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkZDHIXSXM
"People are heading our way!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYg36Y1dmcd
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8jZuVBs7h
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwdAPdQx8R
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PPvSkZU3p
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbnRmP9ejA
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8JjLZT28q
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kqrrlQZKh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvT4Y2Y7JJ
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlMeXrfXvn
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYELbBdff0d
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr1enihUPV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrrbieQHsw
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJlcMkTFPO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk18F1RLzRg
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s3VvC5n1Z
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbYF1LD0CW
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH8nCugzBM
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueRruinttT
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjABAL6n7dX
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99anO4QCfI
"Ack!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfvZEnp4hT
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRQdKTwaBN
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQJeSD7SEt
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcV4e7Q4kD
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0Wb85RYwU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0XBQ0tPRo
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBWMkxZdAw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTarDD60o7S
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadY9vv2KX0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6TkdhUJGg
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vh5VSjToC
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnBPmUFYHm
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oGrHwaqmn
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGXmNeomY5
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb4EAnbGgn
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNHnMJAhhc
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSRqeWzAKy
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPVBX3LlHj
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRZNNQ4z0w
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRtOlbCcPS
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRGLtFH9sg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcvNTpSMH6
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–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpfe1odaFB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPi4ef8lYN
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2sU0hKFLQ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6VQ0SlMet
"Huh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp46xxaTvg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmflfbYg7GX
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel5sRo0wz0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn34WR2sBtN
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeQe6uDS9W
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyRMxEtSto
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGHpVmplpt
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xHKnQDFSO
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j83s33qRh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw72rTnhEp
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK94mZ7JJNL
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLYr5c00Yk
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBKL3kOEoK
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlkw6Fx7sD
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNlWlTvXRB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNa4sZgZQe
"..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqihP0OaVD
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVhu9qxSd0
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDgcjaSCAh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGdAywe8TF
So, I let my mouth run amok.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmQUDTQrBx
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PJ6flvDgX
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB39MJ5w3vC
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDde5nQKh1
"Yeah, I know."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjr8sFCk9n
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01QiQdSayV
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVEyQh1W9X
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyjTTmL8sJ
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Oz2lfEMjd
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIUI6b9C8J
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1ZFqlksZc
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa1PUv7DPe
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YG34A3CUa
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtN9IPSuCp
"That sounds familiar..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqsGMaNVit
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX97ovWQPL
"Huh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwFENVnroJ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8OZX0dOlb
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib5fmBZ7ym
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHdKMIvTuW
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXw5Ypw8if
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSeg4SguuE
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JR8gN4Kyh
"Well?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyD1eKTqp7
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLPfK6UAsu
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpq7qpUuC9
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7mCEdsqyG
"Ah."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzHExf9I1L
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaX6B8nbRC
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w3czyDq99
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTZdJgkLXG
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr7gbdqNTU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA2x6dYjDC
"Ah, the Lionant?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0KE2cw1FV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtMqbNUB7G
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyBt71sVAC
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr2mzIJtbS
"..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNupFxRNwg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnRuCROAyj
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5aiFrOBwE
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEKZ1l0yn0
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5scfXYo83
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoY6DwX3jb
"...Yeah, why did I?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQOH4Xx8Bm
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVXSJ4xPCP
I didn't expect to be met with another question.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXQQQVRMy3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpyhYXt7d5
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hK236eenH
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5En7iVP3vP
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW1tiylTQs
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjQCT0opH8
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DTDefv9Hf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTXfLxVu3E
"..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJVVxjkDfa
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnShJOmN5fj
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EzAyt0vaB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajYtKfvRzs
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyw7CKL3NWi
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4wA6XPnVu
"What?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjCruIbng1
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJknK3qHAT
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF3XdgKqes
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVemIzMfKxm
"That sounds... boorish?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHQoxMM5a0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRPOO6eL3A
"Pff, yer just too young."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3pN32Z4Vy
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxGxwPBy4b
He paused for a moment.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0juTFgc4c2
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWDXjRVgCe
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23rVPUjBVp
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3sV1Uyedt
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGorhXxp6CC
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWkNPNvxF9
"...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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49WCGLVMs9
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicgwrelJps
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p7qcYsDRt
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IrW4pRAMP
"That's silly... O-Oh–"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIXT5hpmAy
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskMNdFul6i
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmhCSyIm5L
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE4H7TRN7F
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPRAGzyUiV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QyC0Ims4U
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vEEsLvRPN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGf86mIthD
"I... yes, I suppose so."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEOiayC2X0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMUFvja1f6
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdXFQ9CbLF
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3qm4SuAcT
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6oUmFfGCj
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOjhZDK4J1
"Yes, I know."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeFDkFjzCf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLWUjMq8uh
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCLbpamkTq
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE3Gw1kElc
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0sFf0XEPY
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzkGjiJTVr
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfcyT5ONa7
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AsAgRzZDB
"..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ney2F58k2
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLGqPdMpOX
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhaAivnNpr
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nplrToe6t
"Ya hear that?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58N8FU55eZ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5COCypGyn
"Huh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1IEXJVICo
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduvAssgwrH
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54WHt6VeHM
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmUsFDTzBe
"They passed."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgTNT2lZ5i
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzatsxniSHB
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyKnkpj9RI
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWHgFB215f
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5xNaWesbT
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxblSSLS3b3
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmLAIzNVNB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdn3ozCBZJ
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxhTHABxHX
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuZLuHPGI8
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBXgHXkNjK
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsiyI8HxHW
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlShbVuBQD
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx6GwWNuwD
"You've been saying that a lot."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzW30y1XgJ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHTkrAVVXo
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rlkD409MN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboe1AxH7sO
We stood stock still in silence.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGhrNxsvs5
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvboSM10zTS
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdqEnnqQqt
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfEBl1avm1
"Are ya sure?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAPkENKIl9
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs3j7Iu8MF
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CZQJ3OTST
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgJmn7jLM3
"I should be asking you that."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfQkphJVV2
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6anrGZDqoR
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezCqaUlPOQ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq6ho28s90
"Yes. You get it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDiuKBqkHy
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIkDrJe5aX
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6znUfW48J
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQPMyls8sT
"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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfGiIA83rJ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktOwPuJFVJ
"Fine by me."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvB72gmN41
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ8SM2m68H
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXYdQ1pnSW
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pGnHN2yRo
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D9uUQ30cW
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmaqMes7sj
"Yeah, we're almost there."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4TGNIYTs4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkwFQe2o2L
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ3ulsjDuM
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpetWHgAoK
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX1Wmc2wlB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdjQovaWf6
And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR4eHXl7oY
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"Blurg, what was that?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd5wiP3ft7
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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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY6np9ZPsg
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"What was what?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOgD4s1F1T
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EKRJa3nj8
"I caught a whiff of something."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yUKo56ZY1
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUeRuguh8I
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfdIwMQ4FI
Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN406CdWXYx
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KEwGK9ynL
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo7XUAOR7X
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlXRV87CEx
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqAziLq1r6
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPpeKBUAgO
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGawFvl0zb
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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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTNIUPMZpw
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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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3S9Zl7zDj
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyPlhjeb1I
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2PcHvtuWg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKQfXYn9Tq
"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqcHq4TWl2
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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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNmwLEb2jm
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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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDJ3toAcz3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz6jhZEAjU
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMNst76Hq6
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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–196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZLqjOQ7e2
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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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoCObVCAyM
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkGuRhuEXj
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"Who are ya people?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AJtGDw4n8
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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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcX8IGQ2gk
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"Buddy?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLXMKhudri
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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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVXnvFrJlO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfEfycmFCU
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDHIyizQom
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"Quiet now."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDthIfcwzR
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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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB1qqvCk3g
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFjM7xn78Z
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvNYRTwO14
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgSqWDCwpV
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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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXiSFPgFNI
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlbGYBbnd4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD6kmcrfHj
I sighed, and I smiled. There was something heartwarming about seeing this man act as usual, even if it pained me.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AyowxvCL7
