"Hey, wake up."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO77bMoior
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTskohP1ubS
"H-Huh!?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2m8MGlxka
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCPQ9Ylwmn
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQPFsABy4s
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEvOjPnnAZ
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtpgtFfjN2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztu0DJJoj3
"No no, it's fine."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR5zr8e2pa
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89kR8cPP72
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07l718OUdC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCGCaMZftz
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl6ZCIjnXo
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNlnMhHLnM
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AsdkjU8Yr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJplCU1yaIG
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtdJr5OAam
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvzYxNJHbn
"Are ya sure–"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8zCWylhtI
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdHqGd4658
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaFXf3FHTW
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf6WLDtYrK
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ytVeMc3RO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFSrMLF2FE
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y7X9rjoX2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRjwVpcxGr
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjp9CKBwK2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv3Lf3aFkl
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgM1VHmvdY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGa2jtlIpf
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKx4EQerDR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdPcQyQJQp
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODoJqV2o0O
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFB5o27wVD
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ437qtYMfev
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64QVXomBdh
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyqEq71Lxl
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEQmHKesrP
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4WzEOc5fB
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZEx5T6E0K
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQsNryLaQ7
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp88p9P673O
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiWv7hfeQ4
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh3HGVWLM3
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfNOC7WxJ0
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9ndAlskGM
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGISYuSbZU8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoB6D1cDdf
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa3fTn9Hgm
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoHkmxeehl
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lzcnNHpEg
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb67LBHIOn
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdTFcidUCu
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAUcwfvYuz
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HVFAc2j9x
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WcAajq08k
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TPfRp7EQI
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdmvPGicYc
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE3qGg8ClM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7kv1m1gCS
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZaHuSScAA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPIcTnHMzL
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizjBWH61jn
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHfLs2GKis
"What?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7ZVXw9u3G
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTVGcidIQb
He sighed and flicked his head.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6vJyYWRm3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0lZpj8UJA
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJGFvcYGdd
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiecISnC4K9
"Last... yeah, let's."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnixG3T2Ub
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMpHoY2WFP
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaAYJfjBw2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9Wupn8k97
"This is good. This is really good."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWdjSWLAH2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhyajCo04x
"I told ya."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUm32PZrbw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbabdqjMY3z
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMWuvz1aDC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd2R9ddPmZ
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c0GMZl3eO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpskgpb4epo
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ465rlyCaG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDUuVhlvCl
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBuJTw4cxi
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFexdasZJn
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kWUY4DyGf
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfcXj0yb59
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgza0ehzelD
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmjRVnK660
–
–
–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhfQIxBLYe
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBGY5jQKg2
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6uYgasar6
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzWQ08wNJj
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jPHIkh1Oo
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOQHDcdleD
"That's right," Juke responded.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAwAkbdt0w
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqelX2K1pe
"I see..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAdcHPQnmr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNtL1jpOHD
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0CDYW4Blv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSIOwKmPYW
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYsdh5j04Z
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZOWPDKxrk
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe9TfktXdt
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP7xQBao4B
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDPHXRIO7p
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5EPspYG0b
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNspFGPgbn
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLiXrlWmFS
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARxAsLqmtP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVfSkxRFoU
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gU3fA5j22
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kvwlpctix
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA70XxvfAiF
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKxunlUIjG
"What are you looking at me for?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d8ovYRAYa
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3UMjd9nl6
"Ya got any ideas?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY8IrQMwYw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1EYKfbGV2
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah0EaFsfoQ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKQabzxvYW
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUvUOzxHjV
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWrtnqJIlJ
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AADfXJNKr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24ZH8vs9ut
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0EOs2r8gw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkimjorhBf
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ggOYoUkK2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fIp1mzqrq
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuD98zOJvq
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9UrcxmUGr
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZBHteepoz
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jfGj5Jxv5
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4tUMNVkpA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcijHv9YiG
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrYKPjgGkl
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5vtZnpWEQ
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1UNv4vDTv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVAZa5HXl0
He shook his hands frantically and.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bb33ittcM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMRruRFRgo
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmvZyUcN9q
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMTyBK0wSX
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7EI8DVeZ0
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fh33v2POW
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2Bqofq5dS
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGnMCL9RWo
"Pray for me."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst8pwPicAX
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVWPrjOKBY
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz3IlacHTY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgt9ZXGIbc
"Juke!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yhSJcDDAn
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLQHgeUt6m
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0spJNKtFK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiC1DIcMG1
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB9lNMDqaR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyjrmonOGu
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu2BvDne93
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cMhCg6kCD
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhvvM1vp5X
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnIWA6WVcW
"Still, I appreciate it."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28EkXBSmHc
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHmiQl0exB
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaVgyKeKPo
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aOXdhQwfQ
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eiME63HGO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7UR2VY4PG
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DEpmms0CK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSvGVf96ze
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD1iwZpmqA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq0E2kTDRe
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL51auVW7Iy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrKAHx7vJn
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvavAct68Z
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLO1ynqJRU2
"Thank you for your help, Hank."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6uvaFXviv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfHBZ0dsUI
"Yeah, we really of ya."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp7xhXnaUY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKUM6ealRS
He gave us a light smile and waved.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhetga3VN1
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkXQTsyqww
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpzQaKCpje
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND2qq4rZBq
"...Y-Yeah."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZe26neHgM
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkZWm7gqjO
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf161zKYKO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI19cVJimeb
–
–
–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiCyp80ZwT
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXdtDDYVWm
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9kM2ieWGS
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWha2FOqAFR
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe1o2d7DsH
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsUxq3VPC8
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9HCyaCxV2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgox6pXfLo
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz06BYH9O2T
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32xkDF8oEM
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRwrjwhm1y
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX63onOnyMC
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KuaDIZTsX
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WJzszFeWr
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2gAKf55et
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bhBFIRL1n
"--Crap!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9k05TM4L8
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TXLFQuJHZ
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SRWSfoopj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvU1rU9RYK
"Crap. Crap!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJmsHMRQki
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBOF5Bjm9w
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkyQrmDhqC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7S21PmmQW
"People are heading our way!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I4pf3lQND
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WRUSXGUvQ
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtyM0Gv4PV
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTI6gd6fCy
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ld4QM7q57
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUolblSDc92
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvIvczuQBQ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aXy7LmPFf
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquF6i2Cwmp
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzadOViPHsc
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K8mAxX9g3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3ETxD7XKt
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt1PlXHoXp
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7SzFlSANq
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmBklGENjs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XpqRlwDKP
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpORWUCn1rF
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojtaEiq7WG
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulMLEWKFop
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaykXkChWdk
"Ack!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx6eUO797s
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNoatD9tuW
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz54FarYxlE
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBWUAsVaAr
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu2jMGNuLQ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EkWRJMxhV
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpGBPlClrA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82Vt2i4uVW
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBdJHiMWHb
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6o0GfwcGK
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq5hDMzMxO
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXvzyEWALx
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeOmSg56kK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJMqQddJZT
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0MvZthOLe
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBZtDNAIco
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm3hSueK9W
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFMpNRuJrJ
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOlxCFiWEW
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp6rfWbq7A
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO5UwKGTd1
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4JxHQttvF
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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR4hy6kNPt
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62m9pVBgOn
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpHDSLjoYH
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimW54slmwH
"Huh?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QyS3iyh3t
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeXnqRxhEr
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbBnIMj5ua
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmcDlEtHMd
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtsIAVNp6a
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJbXfgnrRA
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzJmZhB8iR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhzEqlM794
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDKySyt3sv
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRpoVPwW19
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeoFwDIWHr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2AtQ5oQOm
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqlLlm2WB4
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLp9540BeS
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu26FonkO8Y
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oSC9r584C
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr4Fz38ycy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndkxZyL8Je
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDA3WlPy0q
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdHHEOTCck
So, I let my mouth run amok.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X25rdSwua
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd36oNVisJ
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg48koxkEs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZNqbQs3L1
"Yeah, I know."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8Wv58HlIE
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSrdqoIaZ2
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdq1BYj1Oj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMcIIB9HGJ
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRTDpU6xh5
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sx23iQ51J
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4IQn8Gmcl
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtc7lntXDG
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLThvtXO9f
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekkLjXICAs
"That sounds familiar..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68SVVZtWhg
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvtf7raY8p
"Huh?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKy6BOuIzm
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmywdoaFMMO
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnChn5IxlR
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZlcrepdQL
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ826S59k0C9
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxjSfsHDHz
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66Z7MkIAm2
"Well?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1eL69mH1J
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIgZCL0ANI
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QoCKRdzqt
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMcb6z3H8q
"Ah."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8bxjZ3ASE
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHpBmA2V76
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNDKVL0UnS
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfvylwcKeY
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv7fakooLj
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxdR2nsmPh
"Ah, the Lionant?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntxc1D1v7P
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sfEIlhygf
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyc2hres5N
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bRieUHGUR
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k1I2q5H7J
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE2NvKhHTW
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGNxypB1LA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfmVzhgEVw
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM3jc0ib9e
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNiY46FexI
"...Yeah, why did I?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xy1WWmNxA
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWOQa6cAjT
I didn't expect to be met with another question.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJbmZaNSEK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XNtTd1DDK
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3VauieKJG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyCqCpu5Ou
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewVk66h3BK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbsxO5LBB4
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWj2SD7dgo
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnvttuydOu
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ady12txut
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOMkvaNODI
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCATSzkTFMm
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx8Miawkbr
"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?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQP9wKAbJp
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyRFovQUCP
"What?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0NeHirzpZ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFjBN9rHpF
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tqUkyS9TG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgRffVUV1Y
"That sounds... boorish?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3q3VpCr9s
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtWFxP9qVR
"Pff, yer just too young."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUNnUqPAen
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4nvyKVm4I
He paused for a moment.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaN2PhWGEs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3KMIxp9Xy
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo90ufJQXQ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5xiSvoP9b
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0kdUtXV52
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQYHTLEjmv
"...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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWiHN0NlZs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckJP8y5tj2
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMXZuMrmLF
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdgGwelry6
"That's silly... O-Oh–"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1zoOpciyI
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm0xecY42d
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdv8NnM2PD
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhWOmfWjvW
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBDlwm5gax
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT3F3eWwmV
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdHBI0UuLH
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0UGbtrtsQ
"I... yes, I suppose so."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsZ4q4SUOk
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo85EX5HdC6
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2YAcRxvVY
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknAhDxFzzQ
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqybfUIl6iG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgzHRrcHLx
"Yes, I know."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfftoJKzKm
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7ZrCv2zkx
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3LdtQOMu2
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNMoHzMUNK
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpTNFOmEaC
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFB3vvC4hJ
"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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmraaYOn9M
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel7zWEg7YV
"..."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1Ye1eShWy
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvOCcCrN6m
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduC7eIECNw
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y8j2yrMCl
"Ya hear that?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AhaqlPfwF
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zZ7wSvgW7
"Huh?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLliNKj3da
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP5SUQzsLt
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoytlmx0Bs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVePmKc1aM
"They passed."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNCGU6h1MP
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKbzpEPMvK
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09ai4PpGN3
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv4MYTukmA
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BcszHwGcu
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFIFAb4AHE
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFEmn48wII
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63lZesd484
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIez8AJpQU
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x0ioyKfb8
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfliRKSNwm
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBjtYbQnrG
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHdLMng1hb
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3cgv7lnIC
"You've been saying that a lot."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz96SGEvKD
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTjWhRRpWo
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q8tMrckwS
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vhji6tY9K
We stood stock still in silence.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4mkqjlKGU
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYMzeaQKaM
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJo7tZgixK
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEUdzesUtC
"Are ya sure?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVCCmx4OSa
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmOHp63OgJ
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWpfbUgqD1
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIWCYbo2pO
"I should be asking you that."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6oClJkyx1
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCsU4ArYmH
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgTF9JyBb4
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpHaXtVjDT
"Yes. You get it."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ089TWAhJUu
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUJ8yvf8ze
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGiI0aDAbs
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfZgUBOoZt
"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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcpr8XP3rN
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmUHEcaOoU
"Fine by me."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNI3JO2lWG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwqQfd5Ohn
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDu568M0Tr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4fZfCfJYQ
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ038xznmcox
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomFthDAxHV
"Yeah, we're almost there."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3luo6G25j
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum4BGUURtW
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rf5UUP1m9
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnpBKPrPqi
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu9zRvjFvl
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypbfPIINZK
And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmtBaLX2Z1
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"Blurg, what was that?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrIDAkQ2ln
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLt2hrKFG4
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"What was what?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo02GV8LmQ
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"I caught a whiff of something."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X5mgkPyfu
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTKwhcxPJr
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAYgGaG7wH
Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVt1vfr7so
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliQHUBp8wU
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNe7KKMkuW
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68a2uv3Bzz
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nYmhcFRrz
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgRuLT3e3f
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qQ8ekvlbg
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC1oja8Wsi
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNxOubaNc4
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCThisEq2UQ
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S2ar85Hkn
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSCJvhdteU
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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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifyLZnPWBG
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUdxb7FlCn
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvh75MO2Bg
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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–176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo5TAcTWHS
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy1tJe2ofn
"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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRifkjBzuD
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp14kdaxND
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"Who are ya people?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG3oVZm9hJ
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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."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTMh6bhGyU
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"Buddy?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5We0W5OIs
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqXgGGatuJ
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysCSI8m8pT
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8ooSzufrY
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"Quiet now."176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5wUnEF59c
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UP7D9Pxfi
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupeuXqt57l
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMpWoLalKx
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXx2D98PQf
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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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmr7fH3Wny
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f1qxW7Q7c
176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKh5kXMM8BV
I sighed, and I smiled. There was something heartwarming about seeing this man act as usual, even if it pained me.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKohsbFGXD
