"Hey, wake up."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOwaiAwBba
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW85weaAi7Q
"H-Huh!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4WqFC73GE
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQboXKzOoq
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"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGUgnRFvkq
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"No no, it's fine."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgC6iilzNg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3JKDW4Byh
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEODyxoBPP0
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1faqT5uNs
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBttlT5HrNX
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuMhyQqXq5
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9Y3JWc3IR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOseuRYSda
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheXctsfLOX
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"Are ya sure–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfFu1AZSyx
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"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0983t5rC3F
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjIpgDn0NN
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DvvgK4Uor
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"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzGm2SRug6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNQF6oGJ4Y
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3ErgJMsPf
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdoiPROqeg
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L5cnybccz
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Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavKqj7yogB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgKHhbuAAy
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6eP3SZI3t
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSDMQzFdy0
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4rCUo3mG6
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The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVzpEN8WFD
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"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEYqWKaL9P
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His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6u6aiYfgY
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BM0CBrdIy
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB9EQyKfgY
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The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF4AEgkdeX
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"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVpAr7g3jk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2ZFWaEmKs
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVq4ebkNRe
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLybjPPYg2h
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxizOxcL9Q
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92EyfeqcJZ
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2y8qEPyck
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvm4DgqmQi
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWeXa5HQTQ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5FsAqhCHO
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZESh5JaY8
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKK8Lp5xNV
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvbIcpZ6LC
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"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTPlROFzvd
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWo6o2MAOO
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q56KtJSut
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"What?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76XhDCplRy
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He sighed and flicked his head.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggcRdnvH94
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"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TDPxOcxqG
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJppNDTT8L
"Last... yeah, let's."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzroQJORJZ1
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8A4dYcVhE
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5vyjYIwmx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhs9D85ors
"This is good. This is really good."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS57y2fj80
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"I told ya."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLanAtDpNXK
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rb7bH6ywP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPNoDradf9
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDSI5MhvI3
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uir5xGHZW
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiqU7Eiwxz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBdmchWSAX
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OegqMGALR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjFPNEAhe0
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSeOjoEoWN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSwjPhIhjP
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QshSudsXD
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–
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSCqN31cMj
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSToNNyNyJ
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"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27p54sTV6a
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ddsIoz93d
"That's right," Juke responded.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHKA1wBEtA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHjsoTrKrP
"I see..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hq2Ugu5ot
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He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiJAI8n4r8
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"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKD7sMqIZP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfg9WiaWUy
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvKkkOurS0
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt7EKY93ke
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupLKnaphHV
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"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWeqWnBspS
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMFwowMdQw
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu77zzD0zf
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOwGgIxt58
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8w6tKYIT6
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Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqRa0vjhhM
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"What are you looking at me for?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPMiQjKCBm
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"Ya got any ideas?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qr8NfgfmC
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"Why do you think I do, anyway?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXUJxS7Cjz
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He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NIudLjj7S
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"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXBYY2Xgi2
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfedETG1slH
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"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnHqIPCvFV
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"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiiqA7GP0b
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I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uyqhvXlzU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wu166McUc
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tG89gMm9d
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"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXxy4b0AZP
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"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VhDOWnAWt
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He shook his hands frantically and.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sEf5X5QaM
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"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeG5SiDXMy
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"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldvGy4C8EH
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Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPZczN2My8
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"Pray for me."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPkZfFNeFc
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"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURX8tw9ktx
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"Juke!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0LemW2Tic
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt4ioce37H
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"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeO1k6jEYw
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He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMqYmlutJE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuxkmmBtOn
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmumTW5Ij6
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"Still, I appreciate it."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgMHZePAE7
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I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq1NxuS6JA
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"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOvxhlCxtP
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xUeQWrdcM
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NKQFtKLwm
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhq5tyhWCs
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kkNuoIvtC
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdTYxxbBct
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0wMIxAvyP
"Thank you for your help, Hank."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqKQiPT2N0
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdqu82HZGT
"Yeah, we really of ya."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQZAjDGfln
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He gave us a light smile and waved.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWEest0lws
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"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YFqpPSw3q
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYmBB8sUo1
"...Y-Yeah."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLThXDiRav
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A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVxqHGQy38
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–
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijxjksoG7R
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw5UHSd0qJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5D6Itomm4
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iKUPuPMxl
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69wGD2Wbvs
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjrL91ihsm
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjUt50SYtY
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR5LUyGX9b
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"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRtgLLhp8n
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo9gJ87mQZ
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UT7ZpI5RE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFOUzVq81C
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXORZWQqmWg
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"--Crap!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zzq5adfsO
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLDPa92Xcu
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowsLv8rzc7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMBlOJhpyt
"Crap. Crap!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGxtSGyeG1
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvQuXMH80X
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyvOlq6bhF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOEE70hW43
"People are heading our way!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL5QK9pdFB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMSQubVriM
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28h8phpNFO
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"I guess we gotta jump 'em."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsH5jFGAyF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKoegpzFWW
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWmlCwtmR5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Y36RXexW
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25WVQrk2wo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQLCK0Z7DD
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DQHefOIgW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG80yivr428
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinHpjvmv8W
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki8tIK063Z
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZia0rUE2mB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4X3Hw19Uf
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaFcWGZKiu
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPYjFPSoVQ
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgPBtNxIav
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzHc50kvEH
"Ack!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0IteVogX5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVofGdVFfpM
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaVcyqgF9P
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oxVsCzBh9
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIxKrDrGVU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJFhv1ATiI
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBhnMD5mou
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHIF9UGQXU
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEicCUULlt
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcXpHaK61Y
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx8PYlhfwE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC2rtUmHPz
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6347hkBCiT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4tyhYmJ5a
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEL6Sdo6Rw
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEhHeOWXCc
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnckcMsbHN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKIEuD4tcW
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjORfy9YSm
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjnVcxIDMR
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43b57Y5Y1I
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyegnPxW6p
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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43afjbAhzo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2EV3SymHM
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQbWzGVX3Z
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYimi2hWJA
"Huh?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxrZZSJBL6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIxbPCKNrt
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMvXsTm1Kk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfWDGmXkEE
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsvlfaUzGS
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfhy2yRtjk
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq4pe59anH
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmO1ArGNtA
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmvKjfQjO2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4JaM71ycw
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpsSMoMj9j
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuRqYO5kmH
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWdhsR9k2Y
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRVUTlu8JA
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQIteKAs3t
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ15KzPgPXX
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrvisN7byR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqN3mYg37M
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP1YYbhWys
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZFvXSeMbW
So, I let my mouth run amok.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DH7aM8MJa
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNkrCjzfVi
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxBIKmKgIr
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTWuG3h4D9
"Yeah, I know."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wEkNjiJ6D
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAiNwycr17
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGdjTcMilb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KQxzHEnXR
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wOllJdxtH
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgKMxYLIzI
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzEJCtpGUJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4CB5F4u7v
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY9FOL2fzW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX8hU0vF72
"That sounds familiar..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY1l4SA0y9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtIPpefGIZ
"Huh?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2QKOSNymo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa59ppeKtN
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzvCYuXFnE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5pPhW5E5D
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdq38BgONA
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLLCD69Rvk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEeDp0znTj
"Well?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KhvCUcXsS
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtno6ZTFfVc
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXDvQG0UdW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDrqMU8Cb1
"Ah."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbqIynhR2d
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkPFIRlUpk
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJypO7qU7L
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W79uK2MCT
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lZOTD91x5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTUmRpphJJ
"Ah, the Lionant?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctIKQNBC5R
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1fsydBi5s
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqWovXErF9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1WVnr8XxV
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv6Xobr2pZ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7TywbQTBV
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5dBmhE4WF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5suFNgAIGq
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVJjvGOxZy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8uGr9pf5n
"...Yeah, why did I?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SaMKRtYZg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KdROx27Qz
I didn't expect to be met with another question.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmupqKxYsFk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDDG5fd4ot
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6xwzYOUFZ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTU0Mvdujr
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbm5vuL84c
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVvJdBJnyr
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXxqOAiiGY
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2lZT7rr7X
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YbhSBz5a9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98QZ4yqG4Z
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDxH3UWi7Y
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXMWsXyxz7
"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?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlBw8SepGc
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllmlQygFIK
"What?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fuxYFkZoR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPsUyMXKFO
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W7EZEjnYX
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIPSSpRQPr
"That sounds... boorish?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNHQEJtkuz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHwqmUqHrz
"Pff, yer just too young."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCynCT2lQkF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvgyPo0yzs
He paused for a moment.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8J4g7s9nu
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI2tlZN0jT
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwnWw9geXJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ753XiAfB5q
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO0R6YlQw6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLhqsZA17p
"...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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hjDzOEX70
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgl49g5p5U
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xNs4bpJCz
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogy9R0jEuz
"That's silly... O-Oh–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvIyIYElvM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2xpw9Muku
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt7WIfcZI7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADe32j73Ly
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzWnp4ZuRH
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLa3hHwyH7
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvSxinurp4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8SCIiQ4Uj
"I... yes, I suppose so."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Cx7uHF54L
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpownB1vY9
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B653SVh62
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJYNJ64vQ4
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HRR6e5c1i
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4pSVRSSMF
"Yes, I know."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddswr4wyyR
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLisyXeaW3t
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcDHb4dIk0
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0GZTh3sSg
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfVbkpmyWb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX705CF8Rh
"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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEfE61rYOP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecdM13BxrE
"..."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNC8rROqpeI
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NAJ7Z4Nra
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRaHekzo3W
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNDECm9C8o
"Ya hear that?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtJ6wqkFqX
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcqDaEwETW
"Huh?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA2AdfNXaI
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMUWRVFr3S
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ga247S9Vq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nv8mokEss
"They passed."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRue5ZYtVxm
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGviEWkSwQ
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EJpl9C8xh
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ENcBpJ0wx
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaJdJrGzAk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPIaPsMcyW
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VQkGaRjmB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZklGR8fth
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMdDwmyiDy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvxL5H8ZRE
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUe7NMAx4X
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm60u75Rr83
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJDfS6wRtw
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQVRuoVwHV
"You've been saying that a lot."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7lCjYTgKd
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy01X2nsA3
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYjTDJqFnr
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfRyzeFhje
We stood stock still in silence.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4qwBOvLoM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdY8iiLVfo
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsn1s8KObV
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCj6XzoNhM
"Are ya sure?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMFUOs12AO
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLwYQ9am9m
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX8u2h6FGi
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe68DedpWDa
"I should be asking you that."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhAOfHWVei
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nU4MXiRNL
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDRSgsFd7d
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoCMIkMCWB
"Yes. You get it."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEru2VkEewd
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZCGZ68yhL
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVXZ3QEzxJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLJxymKoyw
"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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz8AGLYTgY
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UVI4fOOtp
"Fine by me."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGfyjq09oq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnH8FSP25I
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdlOnCtJ9h
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKzijIN54N
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2Uc3nzjiW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg14o1xqfJ
"Yeah, we're almost there."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM9OyqEyPy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw4zc9HCoX
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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmLN0V0Ovl
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbHt6d6jPn
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnkGeSA53d
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"Blurg, what was that?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kHMrnRrbo
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwJX5AsjZ6
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"What was what?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZMgltE3fD
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"I caught a whiff of something."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9Fu7JUSKq
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX44Op0x2l
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TZvRoHicV
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgsBsLYgGu
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPbOBpyYEx
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5amoM8mLd
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLGMPPDwuc
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MId8wPRLh
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYrIHGPyeT
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2CWkwXTZR
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFEP28g5sh
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGA6pDyIhx
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjiBWJpSJ8
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1zTzl3oDR
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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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGr9lh73tE
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvNqUY2mTA
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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–145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2I1mZ4tMB
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz1qBtKl8s
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjjNDhpVJW
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"Who are ya people?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XixBoGpYW
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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."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9cKaT863A
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"Buddy?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vqKRR7jHa
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxDWlTOAVu
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2E0kx1Nnc
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"Quiet now."145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdfILQNpQn
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaD0dk3yCw
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UmJfIOgX8
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJos6OzNQaU
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx1yL2Z3jv
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5fNRUbhp4
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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.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6somt016fH
