"Hey, wake up."20Please respect copyright.PENANAHUaVTen0Qk
20Please respect copyright.PENANAMl6bguBmLB
"H-Huh!?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAlAI9vCdLGC
20Please respect copyright.PENANApzBVquvTyz
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANADeeQtyc027
20Please respect copyright.PENANAoMccHJeCgN
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."20Please respect copyright.PENANAlDdbrsdeUx
20Please respect copyright.PENANAkj2Fgx7NEr
"No no, it's fine."20Please respect copyright.PENANA7fcgF0thxD
20Please respect copyright.PENANA5v9lD296aL
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANApriy9uWt5x
20Please respect copyright.PENANAyW387C8z42
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAujRiGIKc6U
20Please respect copyright.PENANA97kK2qhRHh
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."20Please respect copyright.PENANAs9D8FogTms
20Please respect copyright.PENANAkIJx5DMHVb
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.20Please respect copyright.PENANA9lSPxFn9QW
20Please respect copyright.PENANAWahZWLLEfa
"Are ya sure–"20Please respect copyright.PENANAGITTqCKcoT
20Please respect copyright.PENANAuW1Mz2ogVi
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."20Please respect copyright.PENANAZleGqsJ8w3
20Please respect copyright.PENANAzISaggDiE7
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAPdehdYOhww
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"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."20Please respect copyright.PENANAfy0W0bPaAc
20Please respect copyright.PENANAX9uuOPoMAg
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAJp3is8RDTn
20Please respect copyright.PENANAuaJWVn2sf9
"..."20Please respect copyright.PENANANPx8dSWzNi
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Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.20Please respect copyright.PENANAluXEvlhvRe
20Please respect copyright.PENANANgdooDYV8W
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAsbNQEeAXeI
20Please respect copyright.PENANAxGUHY93jOq
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAH9VvPLV5YL
20Please respect copyright.PENANABU8cc7kBRW
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.20Please respect copyright.PENANAXoUSSXvfYy
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"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAUUWvCZ9Txw
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His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.20Please respect copyright.PENANAgVoiMiaIrc
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"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"20Please respect copyright.PENANA1FUGWZphTp
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The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–20Please respect copyright.PENANAlfT3ufuChj
20Please respect copyright.PENANAeG7sBaBRWA
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."20Please respect copyright.PENANAEErIj0ZZ0L
20Please respect copyright.PENANAxI5suMXQPZ
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."20Please respect copyright.PENANA01RTsV9ug1
20Please respect copyright.PENANAthZtST5NpJ
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAiyi9X9TBWK
20Please respect copyright.PENANAszSHK0jZ7K
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."20Please respect copyright.PENANAnsoAiAcodc
20Please respect copyright.PENANASZmX7VAA6D
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–20Please respect copyright.PENANAI0SeoUiZoV
20Please respect copyright.PENANAAA335P2IyW
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."20Please respect copyright.PENANAkWevZCo3Wa
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Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.20Please respect copyright.PENANAQvyKcx76eU
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"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAIzkiL7Yl5i
20Please respect copyright.PENANAxMUQwhXBJF
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."20Please respect copyright.PENANAZim7nKGAFE
20Please respect copyright.PENANAvRNSt8yoGf
"What?"20Please respect copyright.PENANA7v2vrqAhHH
20Please respect copyright.PENANAZJQgHVibpy
He sighed and flicked his head.20Please respect copyright.PENANAcTYLrwmtbh
20Please respect copyright.PENANACvYDsVOYET
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"20Please respect copyright.PENANA1AfovkwOsO
20Please respect copyright.PENANAbACV7uY3Jl
"Last... yeah, let's."20Please respect copyright.PENANA0sJNGfXLL5
20Please respect copyright.PENANAEGpSoTMGjO
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–20Please respect copyright.PENANANqbUnFvK4R
20Please respect copyright.PENANAU5W1fFdevW
"This is good. This is really good."20Please respect copyright.PENANASFTDv3rsif
20Please respect copyright.PENANAbYqUJcppeZ
"I told ya."20Please respect copyright.PENANA9OOq0Bn8H3
20Please respect copyright.PENANAtsPyT7Y7Oz
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANASh6FhNcsk4
20Please respect copyright.PENANAa61U2h8HGE
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAz6R7cJ07Sf
20Please respect copyright.PENANANnfqg1uz4u
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANA6uSftU8yXM
20Please respect copyright.PENANAVgmazzjcaH
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."20Please respect copyright.PENANArNt4WvAYPQ
20Please respect copyright.PENANAzaoOtX5HJH
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.20Please respect copyright.PENANAzLsnTlnB3a
20Please respect copyright.PENANAUmgDz64EXY
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAC4ozbr9OTe
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–
–
–20Please respect copyright.PENANAPKlAzeANTq
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANA5fULYHSpRp
20Please respect copyright.PENANAHSibTAMDYn
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"20Please respect copyright.PENANA23YoYivOIc
20Please respect copyright.PENANAWIBT3AIGQa
"That's right," Juke responded.20Please respect copyright.PENANAtCWfu9pmYy
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"I see..."20Please respect copyright.PENANAkcOb3MaWqT
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He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.20Please respect copyright.PENANAvPSafg82uY
20Please respect copyright.PENANAHZZYhFPnvn
"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAm6UT6TUHn0
20Please respect copyright.PENANArBeQMtc2fD
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAnFLIPizAHc
20Please respect copyright.PENANASpQ3x9iDfk
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."20Please respect copyright.PENANA52JWDgee5Y
20Please respect copyright.PENANAagLQm8uX9V
"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANALvhIQCf7N4
20Please respect copyright.PENANAz2SfVaZent
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.20Please respect copyright.PENANAmZNW2iDUXU
20Please respect copyright.PENANACl5qiW1img
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"20Please respect copyright.PENANA3KiDbm3z1v
20Please respect copyright.PENANAADw64ODUUz
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.20Please respect copyright.PENANALHfOEooO7W
20Please respect copyright.PENANAS6jIOim0Ya
"What are you looking at me for?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAoVrTk7sP8u
20Please respect copyright.PENANAPtsKiAwoak
"Ya got any ideas?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAIkQy3JraVa
20Please respect copyright.PENANA4BfH7DqpTD
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAfRXCJ5lERx
20Please respect copyright.PENANA6ScZeDQaQY
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.20Please respect copyright.PENANAQXljG9l4A3
20Please respect copyright.PENANAIPtDKUh1fl
"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7hs13LWcA
20Please respect copyright.PENANAmAtKQCa8Zx
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANApjnbSRA7Ep
20Please respect copyright.PENANAs7W40snkn3
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAUKb832dStY
20Please respect copyright.PENANA2oy1wLaQfI
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."20Please respect copyright.PENANAuJYoLhA5E3
20Please respect copyright.PENANAsRTgF3sLn6
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.20Please respect copyright.PENANABy62XRu1O9
20Please respect copyright.PENANAQ6Se4RR5DW
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.20Please respect copyright.PENANAInjcQfVO3q
20Please respect copyright.PENANA8jSdmd8TEi
"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAkDEEwA0jPG
20Please respect copyright.PENANAE8066koJXo
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."20Please respect copyright.PENANAI0QC5wEQsd
20Please respect copyright.PENANAK9hKTLeVWG
He shook his hands frantically and.20Please respect copyright.PENANA9PMChIdRT7
20Please respect copyright.PENANASKbFWW6Vuw
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."20Please respect copyright.PENANAWEWIhoJhnQ
20Please respect copyright.PENANAMMC4MwKni2
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."20Please respect copyright.PENANAG2HhwhQTUN
20Please respect copyright.PENANACBRQIp7c2P
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.20Please respect copyright.PENANAXvy3y5nnoX
20Please respect copyright.PENANAFwCc4X71IJ
"Pray for me."20Please respect copyright.PENANAmQ60qGSZiC
20Please respect copyright.PENANAJfn29X69SD
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."20Please respect copyright.PENANAQxgXBl1XYD
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"Juke!"20Please respect copyright.PENANAEojEg4BAKo
20Please respect copyright.PENANA3N3tfaJ8F1
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAsSvsKSVWje
20Please respect copyright.PENANANy3b85itdS
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."20Please respect copyright.PENANA5uL8Ehn3iU
20Please respect copyright.PENANA6RH6F2ldjV
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.20Please respect copyright.PENANAy4SmcF1rA0
20Please respect copyright.PENANAoGmsBNEh7E
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."20Please respect copyright.PENANACYbBlCt2x9
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"Still, I appreciate it."20Please respect copyright.PENANA47BRVDKtCO
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I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.20Please respect copyright.PENANAmQgg8Nn0aH
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"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."20Please respect copyright.PENANAWnxQbXdxSN
20Please respect copyright.PENANAz2M3uEnY94
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAmRlxWzPXil
20Please respect copyright.PENANARbbSBiOCU3
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAoLO01FrOzl
20Please respect copyright.PENANAmYsocgLajW
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANA2fURl7i07H
20Please respect copyright.PENANAJcgBPOY5sa
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAyCO7Jwzh9W
20Please respect copyright.PENANAISUEK07qIO
"Thank you for your help, Hank."20Please respect copyright.PENANAddeKETfKdl
20Please respect copyright.PENANAMgZZ8jQWGF
"Yeah, we really of ya."20Please respect copyright.PENANAvCMd0IyEe0
20Please respect copyright.PENANAiHs5L5StFl
He gave us a light smile and waved.20Please respect copyright.PENANAHMHVLMO8lW
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"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."20Please respect copyright.PENANAlrr5E1xbWZ
20Please respect copyright.PENANAM1QY2DP916
"...Y-Yeah."20Please respect copyright.PENANAaL9OLsDALG
20Please respect copyright.PENANAXQDGwVEZOl
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.20Please respect copyright.PENANA7SdKsWTTlo
20Please respect copyright.PENANAkY8kPlmYHm
–
–
–20Please respect copyright.PENANAEuAv2ygbV6
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANA0oAq0C1PdN
20Please respect copyright.PENANAtXhYqUw4UO
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAwUTfoNEoJM
20Please respect copyright.PENANAiYDofHC7lL
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANACX8JTJ82ao
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"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAzH5Rz3ZWfz
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"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."20Please respect copyright.PENANAekYeH0fXVu
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He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.20Please respect copyright.PENANAwTKourZ53c
20Please respect copyright.PENANA0RyTONwaF5
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAZoeDbnQQle
20Please respect copyright.PENANAZIO34RA2k8
"--Crap!"20Please respect copyright.PENANA1YjJQQerxU
20Please respect copyright.PENANAsHkq65KkIz
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANA4jrIWIZbRF
20Please respect copyright.PENANAr0E5eA3x2o
"Crap. Crap!"20Please respect copyright.PENANAtW2FtcWekf
20Please respect copyright.PENANA4E2TtdI5GV
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAaADziP29p3
20Please respect copyright.PENANAmKc671IOaK
"People are heading our way!"20Please respect copyright.PENANA9ncyRjHcHi
20Please respect copyright.PENANAzSbKaSmh2G
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAWIBxSb0kBb
20Please respect copyright.PENANAkgfAxST87x
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."20Please respect copyright.PENANALP27ODIWCG
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"What!? That's a terrible idea!"20Please respect copyright.PENANAapf8n6gTxe
20Please respect copyright.PENANAAMHqGX9Pss
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAtlE4g0eCOl
20Please respect copyright.PENANABey4SOApcv
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."20Please respect copyright.PENANAsLuXoR7MJ9
20Please respect copyright.PENANA1tTPzL4HsG
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."20Please respect copyright.PENANAMT3FXLLT4F
20Please respect copyright.PENANAhDYdBBdTRq
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."20Please respect copyright.PENANAF8PJ139cuF
20Please respect copyright.PENANAJsT5I4jDUI
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAkyBPp3PEks
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It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly20Please respect copyright.PENANAvaxlFWbZRB
20Please respect copyright.PENANA6TB2kMWKX3
"Ack!"20Please respect copyright.PENANAiVsGVWgMzC
20Please respect copyright.PENANAcgDld7nCYm
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAh5dtOdPj5b
20Please respect copyright.PENANAVPTq2kyLtR
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"20Please respect copyright.PENANA8EyqlmPo25
20Please respect copyright.PENANAJ4yINDzoXv
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAINAlgFg2ZV
20Please respect copyright.PENANAKKSjt3LQV6
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."20Please respect copyright.PENANApztjEfOLHQ
20Please respect copyright.PENANAnXb7KGmfPB
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."20Please respect copyright.PENANA80CrIgcV9U
20Please respect copyright.PENANAL9ZSCyGrAS
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAT0TKpVydWO
20Please respect copyright.PENANAK8Byjb3SsC
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.20Please respect copyright.PENANAWD9D0oS8ps
20Please respect copyright.PENANAtLOAximTbe
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAqyN1WJD9fU
20Please respect copyright.PENANAvm3EO3LkWg
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAWvZUdiUaVF
20Please respect copyright.PENANAjom1GSXCKC
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAs3TGHuWIHk
20Please respect copyright.PENANA7rjZWHnVxi
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–20Please respect copyright.PENANAVjRLfHQR8T
20Please respect copyright.PENANALeDTGbQo3T
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."20Please respect copyright.PENANAB5ciu8USEK
20Please respect copyright.PENANAQhJB3u9k2X
"Huh?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAmsKqGtYutx
20Please respect copyright.PENANAf5TbQ3fkLH
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.20Please respect copyright.PENANAt0w2fhWPIA
20Please respect copyright.PENANA4lIe1KsjaZ
"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANA8aT1TtYcIM
20Please respect copyright.PENANACLExYiOZg1
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANA7nE65Tl2Qz
20Please respect copyright.PENANAiHC71MVm6T
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAgJnDUD3waa
20Please respect copyright.PENANA4oEngNSKDN
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."20Please respect copyright.PENANA1Tu8um5QbN
20Please respect copyright.PENANANssTH8duP1
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.20Please respect copyright.PENANAmTJT0oSVxV
20Please respect copyright.PENANAQVy7l0r9Mk
"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAFUkeSXnfC4
20Please respect copyright.PENANAvW3U7f4z1o
"..."20Please respect copyright.PENANAEk5OCV5ksx
20Please respect copyright.PENANAWLiC1jOYrv
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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAVlz4Dq2ewx
20Please respect copyright.PENANAimdL8owiAu
So, I let my mouth run amok.20Please respect copyright.PENANAWD5dKB4vtq
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"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."20Please respect copyright.PENANA1HAfUpYCR1
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"Yeah, I know."20Please respect copyright.PENANAdZbJzbfmYx
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A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.20Please respect copyright.PENANAKfsibEJ4p5
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"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAEwxsdWsWyz
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I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.20Please respect copyright.PENANAAvZ16qKQmf
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"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAZefXVvoGUk
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"That sounds familiar..."20Please respect copyright.PENANAxLPyZ9iv7N
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"Huh?"20Please respect copyright.PENANA2xy2AFSiZ5
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"Nevermind. Ya carry on."20Please respect copyright.PENANAZNeVXctF0P
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I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
20Please respect copyright.PENANAaNVBJ6QJA0
"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANARXX5fxHqBh
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"Well?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAqrWcd9Uj3o
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"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."20Please respect copyright.PENANANR5IUDvarL
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"Ah."20Please respect copyright.PENANAfzNnkxofi6
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Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.20Please respect copyright.PENANA8LyBaJchyX
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"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANATpFhToCpGu
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"Ah, the Lionant?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAE5fv9dfr7S
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"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."20Please respect copyright.PENANAuXPcqEY3ZW
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"..."20Please respect copyright.PENANADjWFjfk48B
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANALbb9E0QQy6
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"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAubSMYLOcF5
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"...Yeah, why did I?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAcx4F6Zzwdh
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I didn't expect to be met with another question.20Please respect copyright.PENANAmm2myBZash
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"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAgLEh1w7lkJ
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I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.20Please respect copyright.PENANAiONXH4fJyF
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"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAy2uAdXdH8m
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"..."20Please respect copyright.PENANANsujFJlaZp
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I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.20Please respect copyright.PENANATgFNFIvhdS
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"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?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAxJIXfZB4NN
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"What?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAAtH07gC940
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"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANA3nNrmfwNMF
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"That sounds... boorish?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAP5LfG3Cb0C
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"Pff, yer just too young."20Please respect copyright.PENANAP7RG7DLiPN
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He paused for a moment.20Please respect copyright.PENANABkmAAWBdFZ
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"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"20Please respect copyright.PENANA6DbL455iSY
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"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."20Please respect copyright.PENANAhBezl1ZDmY
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"...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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAf9gXnqecvI
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He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.20Please respect copyright.PENANANsqtdc3cww
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"That's silly... O-Oh–"20Please respect copyright.PENANACBvVYs6YOI
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I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.20Please respect copyright.PENANA7ulJgAsPqT
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"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"20Please respect copyright.PENANAKo6bV7gJwc
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"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAt9gjm63xb3
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"I... yes, I suppose so."20Please respect copyright.PENANAIcrm9h0p8k
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Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.20Please respect copyright.PENANAutmRFo0vWY
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"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."20Please respect copyright.PENANAnQq74rTySR
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"Yes, I know."20Please respect copyright.PENANA1ttjxpnX9Z
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"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."20Please respect copyright.PENANAiZTOWEoKS3
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He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.20Please respect copyright.PENANA3gdPTjulCm
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"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."20Please respect copyright.PENANA6oW18htOeN
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"..."20Please respect copyright.PENANAPdx2qzRTHR
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAwNCZqG1jOw
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"Ya hear that?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAxBHO4ODLKE
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"Huh?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAX9OHGioReN
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I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.20Please respect copyright.PENANAWEmj5qUoiD
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"They passed."20Please respect copyright.PENANA0Csqk7hkxu
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"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."20Please respect copyright.PENANA1OodlLMr16
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Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.20Please respect copyright.PENANARRcutBaVDA
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"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."20Please respect copyright.PENANAEWvHHxcTe6
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANA2LKDZHPdlY
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Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.20Please respect copyright.PENANAkaqQhzcSSW
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"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."20Please respect copyright.PENANATQpXmG48mx
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"You've been saying that a lot."20Please respect copyright.PENANAbPxQlUZQ9M
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"That's just cuz yer easy to read."20Please respect copyright.PENANACqLyY2Tioc
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We stood stock still in silence.20Please respect copyright.PENANA0PsngK8pEx
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"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."20Please respect copyright.PENANAwuGWKJQ5gv
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"Are ya sure?"20Please respect copyright.PENANA7rWLpVZwpj
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I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.20Please respect copyright.PENANAwzqIbIj36Z
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"I should be asking you that."20Please respect copyright.PENANAN1i7fxqiRP
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"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAZlm8NqZnqZ
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"Yes. You get it."20Please respect copyright.PENANAN6Ey33y73E
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But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.20Please respect copyright.PENANA12HHH0oBvC
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"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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAZEMElX1vSw
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"Fine by me."20Please respect copyright.PENANAn8hj9I11JJ
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAKyBThL6XKj
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–
–
–
"Ya see that?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAARxuEEaPsE
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"Yeah, we're almost there."20Please respect copyright.PENANAQdDwToijKp
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAQ4d2mfAG6F
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANA7kPU0HVwtP
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.20Please respect copyright.PENANASVgg9mz7Nc
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"Blurg, what was that?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAgBdpHhFOag
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAKkJPJWiRoM
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"What was what?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAwMbhbKQdZ7
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"I caught a whiff of something."20Please respect copyright.PENANA5exN1yOcRy
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."20Please respect copyright.PENANA99js45pOTE
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.20Please respect copyright.PENANARbXiWge5GV
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.20Please respect copyright.PENANAoc9Gdzr3ZP
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"20Please respect copyright.PENANASVLiMrDCCF
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAZpNzEEcx3j
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.20Please respect copyright.PENANAVX3d2wfOC0
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."20Please respect copyright.PENANAPmR2Tszch9
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAiCRhvmFbES
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAngA5xOh7rB
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.20Please respect copyright.PENANAZo8bbEzZ2v
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."20Please respect copyright.PENANAgUMU4hNF2L
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAmX4r6N4sd8
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANACFQ34BbfLb
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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."20Please respect copyright.PENANACDNiU263Wg
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAeFEJR3v4CQ
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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–20Please respect copyright.PENANApXJEVhAw5v
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANACBt7eQNNLF
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.20Please respect copyright.PENANA5qQkd8ryVR
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"Who are ya people?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAc7TL04ADun
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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."20Please respect copyright.PENANAoKJbvKy0ts
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"Buddy?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAj0yOPhTLKH
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAJq3OYlxo9C
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAxC4chISEEZ
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"Quiet now."20Please respect copyright.PENANAEJofoCNg5i
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANADtg1GNHjlw
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAZ7ykhWtGks
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"20Please respect copyright.PENANASSVdcYtJMR
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAzarBO6Z3vP
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"20Please respect copyright.PENANAXpYGyEWC2Q
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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.20Please respect copyright.PENANAReI3slbwjg