"Hey, wake up."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmAKvy6hz1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5dQbuYQKL
"H-Huh!?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodBCKmkQqf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE5hORcDNi
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmb9q8z1fp
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h3tDfg1lE
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLX6uWrw5D
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqkkKaEAwb
"No no, it's fine."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkUoEx4HnQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL17PreaiY6
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxjfbD923k
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxTbbol3TS
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnUjQDXdcH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ51OokU4C
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPmlBcYa4Z
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNMq2Op3lE
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIZVI2D6IB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTf8WYzMfm
"Are ya sure–"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8RXGHZPah
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbmQANpEef
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfcbfiwpu5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rNnda83FV
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaHBW6lsrg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4lUp8MTUY
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSJxb9D4mk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJalM5Bh92
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7xfvAdrp4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA80mbvtb0
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3ugQ15wIh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KmzhAC5al
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyQOWXaYEi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmWf2CD5PM
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQV4LfFnkR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4RRiGRMGL
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhqL2CKwuT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSMHJsX8rl
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu4orxzySW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx4vMY3oSe
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4Sus7nWVo
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOyf3SbdEB
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoOXVWXk60
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu3XFkDBQ9
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwx36NYIic
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XBbuoVSMC
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTksHVURiK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn8BSLc0rb
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmelBdX7aT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDzjptnIY0
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHVmdJrW3j
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctD5e1fr3f
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LNTuHVrFp
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5YQ0S9EUc
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nalXhGxqi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yhejgBAVs
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxvbWxOm0m
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhePGAFWob5
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipsQNTta5y
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvNwbM55eg
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJJunj96TE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9JLf9e3RY
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5TXmJs4pa
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HEysQl2JM
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5s4Pvw4oj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUGpbX1Eta
"What?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIKnIANust
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80zPAJ7ixr
He sighed and flicked his head.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl6YyefLHn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl24Tp8pk3
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8mffgnbSX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbYvu8JpDC
"Last... yeah, let's."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Yg6MMZtn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3IOwn3Ag0
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTYeSo0DsG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ruXptWtLM
"This is good. This is really good."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSLE8srq9s
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMCzXyrJC8
"I told ya."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uYL0oJ63l
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADoaLl0MeR
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1ybBZdAMM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSg6NrUv3w
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPCf6mQXJD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKPFFRXDZh
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBvRW5BuvE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNnYIPZRV2
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g12tWDN72
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQhW7ZqYUo
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYiaH43KEB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveCvIMJZkm
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ0gvfz9sQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKpymg4cb2
–
–
–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdRIoTf7vk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpeJUrjFct
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ7jRTEvPI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzObur1BgyI
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgijIRXR19o
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFK96hN7Y6
"That's right," Juke responded.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNuub13704
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn71xEXFtIy
"I see..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUm0ozrbPS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumrYlcEVJI
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GOEGq0rBi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vYQLXGuUA
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbUgPaHTi6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOX0i37SAJ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcty4woDDEZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8AeGXa8um
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR0exmXBU1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOiyohQnqz
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJD2pDJ4KQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9qQORkTJx
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu9iQrSAPW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzHiOUIYlA
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsglx6ASkF8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwDbFJt1Hh
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWv4boAoG3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETrmEZzZmg
"What are you looking at me for?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL7oImAwEk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIheQa8Tv9d
"Ya got any ideas?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8kEMNzexl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3Mv8pnPkA
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRVr5GB0SK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvdXge22V3
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKPwsw4y99
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuQiiuiWOx
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSpxBw2vws
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcL8Xv2MFv
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTWGqoiClc
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfjocCq2aG
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5byQmr8Kl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5tZrdOYD1
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOkFzdxy0p
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV17FcSvCO
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVO5NhXqYV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdltC0UzEc
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxk1aQqg3F
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDaCGaSNfP
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6U68GlQWrd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8KmR0qUsk
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRktwtSNhnN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X7K68BW1A
He shook his hands frantically and.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkcfPnaSXe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPBfihmJgu
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83f22qNjgo
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6tLlZdg5U
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM18WvmIee
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7ST6dSbrI
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJG3Qwt5C6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94ruGcZLF8
"Pray for me."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIb5hTDMcz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp8UlM5BGs
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOXw8dktwf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wpaNzblMd
"Juke!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XGl1bgCtz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpblupWMRoL
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd3cFpYvvP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr85AuDh4np
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfbtc5H2CY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3drBITdKwI
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRJMg1Jnsx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCRVAaA4Du
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvnO7FXOsb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrej3B4sLVR
"Still, I appreciate it."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KRwR2cqF0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT066pvjJp
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aYBL4BMXE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd5NCPJS3C
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRViMV1SZk8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUZ4YqB4k2
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJBKU71vxS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rMbSx77Xj
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSLGnySDKe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5d6GuJzoR
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe17sSbNSln
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4spVqhFn5
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RUXJU5pOH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOGY2BSARW
"Thank you for your help, Hank."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qJq49gZui
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYsTcgiHv4
"Yeah, we really of ya."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTewWpNT7YF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBckLNjA8O6
He gave us a light smile and waved.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGDv0W6cYt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGSdoflP2O
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTho8UGz58w
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgCsxv4LAm
"...Y-Yeah."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrBFCwtbOg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7apum4P5P
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgfvsWVvUF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSQlwHb9oZ
–
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SCj5duqhj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIAspu1Oym
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw17NKO3IDs
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHbtunoi0R
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWVPtAF8mv
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z0YJWOiHx
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKgcYN7XaP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEZF4T3vZs
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT4Bz0NXSv
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbmcWYexZL
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqirucfVDm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6LqdKJdFW
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQkG2pOnW9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1oEeD7IM3
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7trH0r4Ix7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnCLn69fqy
"--Crap!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7TOYb55pC
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwmxc8QMyj
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUta5KTGDA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99JYIcPTjc
"Crap. Crap!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea2yJxNu5i
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdPynzdJqn
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00SEnasIsA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hSZImuMcf
"People are heading our way!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OKDiEvJpM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcydlVoLZ6W
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dG1KyKXzD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ521RZ64m3m
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJ35tTVtYw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI71fCSgZvv
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMWjGvivlq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY3Q107yXy
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KwJtDN3Ve
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRMseW0eUu
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8YRZen184
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhP6XnnWOX
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydWTyXJ38w
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeexdJsLxB
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9au6WnnF5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiuXwkRxQ5
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpbBAQ9ZhP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT8gU0eHd2
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVB6jTQ9u0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9rWAJjVx3
"Ack!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX1uGCqmPO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nMFXtaQdi
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9SHR8srOk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDJ7nwxZam
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikIwZsuxZ1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECEuuQb2Rd
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3TqonF2ah
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPSvU8nq0f
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ1eStJdkD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ61G37oMP
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjown3yXFP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAZXC6oSpQ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9FmAkPIQg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhJYa2LcSU
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfWSiMbDTS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFClZYUzdq
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VusGZF0ZM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrWCdOSiT5
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5fHQ8XDWO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklEZziUUUh
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUo9Mv4ewT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMwF4sTYcc
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrGe4IjZR5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmKDxiXzSg
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJAJPfHEBn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBpZFaLSeG
"Huh?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJyvPYb2wj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEajl4cVZKf
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZk0DuWjXn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTkuw3HjnD
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KUit3hBKv
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKdaAfaqlX
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm516S9vIg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrB9dNeYGh
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodna25nFNu
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05GvyNf75t
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcWnGVcO4Y
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9eJmbl9It
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5piFVl77S
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpM5cAwVCX
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsYYoknrEo
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsAzKeXxvn
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3rfLxQbaG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zzp1VcBjB
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBzPDdHGi0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1biB7mQvm
So, I let my mouth run amok.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvrNYUctxd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qbqarroCM
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94jphy69rm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL3Aj6CCid
"Yeah, I know."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy3cgF2pRB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6AT4vysDi
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaV2PLd4xZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ejchonbnp
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX9rAtFhaf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGevCrzn6S
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VaYY5x74u
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnMmfLNuwz
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ465dG8EeLM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm5FLkYHMn
"That sounds familiar..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq47VxaZs3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3SqPEMdaR
"Huh?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZvyAKuB2m
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFjjK3f4NL
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiaAy96HN1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkML1jZJP4a
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9VF9cB4qq
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KdsQ5ul9s
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcjX2wU432
"Well?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8Oyv2dCnV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzBurHUSVu
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9iEJjtCNi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ett3d2Q6I
"Ah."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPhGtKe6iZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30OKJVjQ8i
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMYRPZgY3I
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtGnm1RdIW
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJQ8cXD3tE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsQiaylvM9
"Ah, the Lionant?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZLfsSsCoy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EMw1RPom8
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbe5Eb7P96U
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H6GXbvO56
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpiYCjCktX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1lv0qXLPy
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp76dqiOnsN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8065dnscZ
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkQPB4RmBt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvYXXd8bA4
"...Yeah, why did I?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdzp7bFnbl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleaMKCWOEU
I didn't expect to be met with another question.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTneAagMxuW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzkSvVJQZZ
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh7RFKeADr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo1YVq64SS
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQjsuAFgJN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcByvS6MmYr
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMTiZK7BXx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTrXSvRBW5
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8weZKA2MUV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB5JAH4Ilj
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWT3nifIfp
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH6Azs1F7n
"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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACrtuMz4vh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofwdKoIA2o
"What?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSXS6Uh8hh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA45tVTRhad
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL2ODAQbjg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AF088uPwy
"That sounds... boorish?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SJ0Zx03PV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6MSJ7h20T
"Pff, yer just too young."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViNN6o5AvX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdrQm1AQhm
He paused for a moment.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb5XqMRaJk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7dgHWvw8V
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu5BnmPP1d
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdMQVFpxj0
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNkOWi3wuM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RiNxV7r6v
"...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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtDmSvrART
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvmD0pNbqE
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZhzL7v0Ug
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzfO0idF6A
"That's silly... O-Oh–"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dLHWkIlX3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyQxIT5DI6
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM4GVisLbD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhcJoE3SwH
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKdqGtZGgU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzbP4hnYNq
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5YO8lnu0s
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcHxLWrkF8
"I... yes, I suppose so."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGLrRt37Wm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4iMjZaR0e
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzsYoNOgo5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECduSBvX7n
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIv9FVX80u
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE0dOYv77R
"Yes, I know."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOHG7hGHAr
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUcFdHAQE5
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02aentxnY9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJRodA47Q8
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJgeByqfbU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ81yug3Qh
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mWnRMyB3Z
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB16Gfd2P3
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJZPGUAO4S
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o3lht6uaJ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJM1tSnPgw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIqviBkhjy
"Ya hear that?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvTgSlhqSc
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOLa6q3ffP
"Huh?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAxCU79ZTb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjhz8NGKvI
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSDbNsZZpw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlggWyANM5J
"They passed."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K4K7kfHLP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJMu0F2JsG
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA0wfWoy68
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsnhGF0lXH
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1nYqPYz6V
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NgwvicVXs
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefVk3msxiA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFGMpkyh1A
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJttK16dvhi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaldODNtpy
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZV0GJEShq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTmu5iKrH2
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLvUHyOmFA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARjjuuh9AZ
"You've been saying that a lot."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHgdvgtLMH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrbepUlDUM
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNCgFQAsuq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3ohNBk6Fl
We stood stock still in silence.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JIXoowNJG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEhWcBkAXg
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjy5Hh2NPV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEVE7K84nH
"Are ya sure?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZWwnRHx9T
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hpF5vTzTS
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNeraSmd3V
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbouXdhb0g4
"I should be asking you that."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3zj28bI9C
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop7g5TAX1T
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtsrPC8xhX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTNpbRDTw7
"Yes. You get it."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuDyatU8mh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTmOA67WA6
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SIsF9TLeA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPYGT1Ycvd
"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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISH0FxW8wO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wv09kNnRC
"Fine by me."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy26hApBXU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj41juo7HCL
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBDGCI6Pvj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KYYxhvivE
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmaQQoyrjT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPLGcC9WYt
"Yeah, we're almost there."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkij838HTcR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUOn9Kl4Jo
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjAYLAjWzG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoVWF5iOfM
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOsdxaOYhx
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEZCed9gwT
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"Blurg, what was that?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0CMLhtYwg
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5HVR6Dp3A
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"What was what?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznE4glcmn9
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"I caught a whiff of something."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwloCRndzdo
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVaw5U27k2
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOmWX1avPv
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVnTb8MttY
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ116HCazIVW
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnjlifyv1T
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OyblmJ9U2
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoR6ptxg2G
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzuSSNJa5y
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnv3rSlDx7
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm33dz1ndq1
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ134mmsd7nK
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zcS5jSJwF
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM4M2R7SVv
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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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3DTO9SBEh
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YaGB5QvnP
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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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs5uiYARnX
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR65Qq3Iai
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqjQX4AEGq
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"Who are ya people?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChUiQGvgZK
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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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPC6o8prKo
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"Buddy?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwAVGaoEqb
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA1YR257by
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyJtBaUHhC
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"Quiet now."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAyB5siBO9
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlKeEr4rBw
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u3ApSorCr
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69KWodxFaN
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRzyP4xirX
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf24HMDtL3W
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliDyypSDYU
