"Hey, wake up."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMq7dRat7F
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRwQufxS0l
"H-Huh!?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVF9B333EV
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeu0LuXGhw
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbua3dz8TeZ
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWBNi4gZoZ
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oSDg1xUIh
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2N0mqRcau
"No no, it's fine."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf0QeTaOfu
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAR3lXF1TK
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dk7M3lnnl
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0GhIoj0XX
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbKIGn7zH1
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzBxJizvTX
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ014v2eBNDC
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8COws8kll
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryVNxjmtgj
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLvwDYW3Ny
"Are ya sure–"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrjBB5nimA
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlBbgxbO5w
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCudmOtIsHR
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGpK4eerZA
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmV7ALQBkl
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwis6fyVvE
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDLlXc8XKk
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHvryVhLv8
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1mzudhJzY
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqg3HDfpCL
"..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNlquir6Zu
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Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnpLxxTp1P
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1sr3qIewG
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOGgq5Tfc6
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnOjbDEjSz
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0fkhF0HyD
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweqglkLFiL
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWIHYjSYeP
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jJ74yeKUN
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGqz2LDYtm
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c9h3925g9
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIslppb5yA
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3zCmt6VhX
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVz7wHYx56
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The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupdktxusKS
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE85miaKk7
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnikJg2Iv8
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhIiO4rmN7
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLrwow8PyM
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPNcdHBpN1
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu8mfmLnj6
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3V88EbwI8
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2stk1fjEb
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaMBfN2AIP
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–60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk82Ax5TlY
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFIWAiaWXB
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX92cwp51az
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuEXMsrupS
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFolVpWnRst
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI00gnKcipG
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3iwEI3qnY
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabYlMdAFJd
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AcveN0L8V
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dgjCj8AJA
"What?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡridpCL4vrE
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMcB3GXLg8
He sighed and flicked his head.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZadbZaEjf5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaCVhlgsns
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFAZDdlA1u
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r10M0W9eW
"Last... yeah, let's."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcotxKTGFgL
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok9Ew7ROOm
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM9qNbLzzl
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxPZircfcX
"This is good. This is really good."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisBUUin7a4
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmlXAMnyp2
"I told ya."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lnSSpf3xU
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTRNZDHdOA
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIl2Ow0c9S
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdGhK14Kbe
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCOfY4fa8D
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbYV2UjAXw
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeIQcDrevS
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhxUKKprmP
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYuUg2lvKg
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDsaUTwY3t
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGC6TUemQu
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlAYBVD8VV
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzg9jnvPzm
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–
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–60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFhRAaM4q8
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznyR4XBZ6g
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgy8Rfuet8Y
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmRhtgAXYp
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwemp16RYI
"That's right," Juke responded.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlXtK3rM3E
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFo9jNeQPv
"I see..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wYu0SrU95
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60kwyxc4CS
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo1fhdX1w0
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdUEgKfB3S
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRSC8JlHTS
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMHQiI3YK5
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ998IkU4Vh5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2cHLWZOPV
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HyUb0HwFh
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDaVg7DwSg
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkryXpxeKhK
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXOint2kSv
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5SekgxQe4
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD3ZmvAo72
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uTUAuHzuz
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrUoBC3I4P
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HQcJLOtHD
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABSmtzNdYx
"What are you looking at me for?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv19AbadPJb
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgbAmNvMyz
"Ya got any ideas?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuPQJyHEOw
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKlC55v4sb
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3Wxr2S6h8
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He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gPHHkCDNi
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fbZ0SqU9W
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYuY3Uo5NS
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhtOqm4U1P
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qWxpB9oVS
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyj4gOVsd6
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMmedZwdR6
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"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrslpYHq44q
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtokocTfxtL
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfVEa3ksFy
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KA2YCFL4t
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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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsq7EpEJJtM
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UEhXkCPI7
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMZ15Mu1RX
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He shook his hands frantically and.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL7Fe3MQZQ
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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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3BK2G7wUV
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqZ10uhpfy
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhqvbdkA2z
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVly5qweOn6
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE7yByy4wL
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"Pray for me."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHlp7LUDD5
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"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4XDojBF66
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO9ASasuza
"Juke!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvCGzIvcj9
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbJCA3PGyX
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo8U71PxBw
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcBjtXFWXm
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEmqbQTrPP
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnZKNdKpPT
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm7KanYBzC
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfultAJ5Yr
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0kQ50Plqz
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckTaXp57Xa
"Still, I appreciate it."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwTk1WmshI
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I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClC0U6gM5X
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM4cfKZ0kV
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpYAfejJG4
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAILzrepOd
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQIjvV7wE4
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zrqYSbMHb
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5n1EvilCN
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa8qq8EqXn
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6RPJmXqvH
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eBEExGuis
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrYgMxgeqJ
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4XS2cmQQF
"Thank you for your help, Hank."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYjjUaaq2c
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6C8kLQhEh
"Yeah, we really of ya."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYI7ewSIq3
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWB3M05SjZ
He gave us a light smile and waved.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrepRHeMSgc
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mA1PjNcgr
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEj8Wwn47S
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMB3RIaQji
"...Y-Yeah."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC18Q5Zhp5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVp3vMlG5u
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTXluyHeUl
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–60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiem4hEuui3
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEz7DY6KoAm
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLTxH4U3JW
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC6c3dFmS3
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAZqMOz5Wx
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLwBSMxCtr
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa31XobUEC
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2cGSlQiru
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn156hz6mBe
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvhap81WPW
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhsu4zgwbl
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZgUJlE2jh
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2UEK7KuVF
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByH6CDDzWV
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T3GvMECzo
"--Crap!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqQd8HIv0K
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7BMcBBZWV
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq2Y5DBb5h
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbTv4wARUf
"Crap. Crap!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTOKD6Ip5S
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqOotP0ofH
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjXK0DN9Xp
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDW4w9MsE4
"People are heading our way!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihKBM6xnDS
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXVBg6A2ZZ
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIXZwFxH3a
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvr3TEwNbZ
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWlk31MzHc
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMI5rLehp1
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySzuDjXNKG
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRubh8mN3T
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJwBAwq4SU
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoroUnDLvM
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfSKd4cUZ3
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZmp1tjZk8
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRksetI1mOU
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxc1oWVlD9
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHJXqnyXp9
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4dTmQwLYS
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFXthSJfxb
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuwlYgpeZQ
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan7It2j4ak
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7XFcih0I1
"Ack!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTf299XRek
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhthPmPNw15
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeDvALf9qC
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcxRP6xqCH
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk2DhZe6nL
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwICFXj3Kh
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vSwkbuyXf
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDVPL6Yq9g
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JpUUbBFqS
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ9saWxeXT
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbgBo7MUiX
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnqTLKs4ij
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk4ok6FkKG
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJmSHFvtUj
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxA3TnYJ3O
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrEXgMJGRd
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgAEjnfgyb
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiFMAIEKYZ
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X9NORNUE3
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs669RQuai
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UAqVTlROF
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCQ184kGND
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–60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xqWnK1t7R
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wduEVsSZg
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ5Mye45iz
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkexn4yYyos
"Huh?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgkXzE5VLX
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy1I3x88OP
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DFPjOPaez
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj8LPPHI2g
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4o8qNclBQ
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftmgt9JccI
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouy7nFo3ed
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupxmX52OuJ
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOx6OlZwzuk
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY54Z4wreZr
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29fqpKUsda
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKkHmXzuds
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPiTEjhvTd
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2aHjvXNY8
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV6ZE89Jmj
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRxeiox001
"..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihcu1bHUP8
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yZlDAEupK
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRfquN5NPr
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCBp2GrL91
So, I let my mouth run amok.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffjtQQyL2m
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNxZ01LdOv
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp3TUIKYiO
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsow6VcfUr6
"Yeah, I know."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ob8nBgXHy
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmyZCAxOTv
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKQPK28EFO
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtchUbLNk49
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKNhV9RrcH
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCpZ6HQRsX
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCC1foldzQ
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn8QdMukT4
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4OMIqbwaA
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRaYuL8E0S
"That sounds familiar..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIlFbq8xJG
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SPxskQm8u
"Huh?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsYM45Mpd1
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb7A2GsWwu
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMpja7XeqK
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH26gy9y3vv
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUOEx7BMoW
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn21XJaIDq
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB1ynTjMMg
"Well?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBNV8LBtgd
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwW23iwf1h
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7qv6qRDTc
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjBi53pPhx
"Ah."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalLYif0NrV
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxJNatIgvy
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRAcCF9Qbr
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFpyFJLYSX
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxedfQ5q8H
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAV01cjZm5
"Ah, the Lionant?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaVJiexhsE
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1LiZWV9Ql
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RpNIE6ZYz
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuTeAxX8qp
"..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxdyUi98QG
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bLSDksYNX
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtfeEo47LP
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTezjAIWvy
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1X5xO0mOd
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrame4RsxAQ
"...Yeah, why did I?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjqyXqSfKs
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zVISlXtf0
I didn't expect to be met with another question.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGqoON7klm
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYIupTqFG2
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYszxcSSFi
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1pDobgxYd
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARmjAKYEWq
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK41XHvghq
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZkCXVK1Lu
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLBa8L3R7v
"..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz0koSTdLs
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSeVHg8ySm
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vPs4mUj6f
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHAHDPQ6jR
"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?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK41kmYOtqB
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELQwuWyaj9
"What?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BnAW9uQP5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNjN8GbBDo
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfemgBNY8i0
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jEL4NNyze
"That sounds... boorish?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzBHN1rmWh
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUZCaFsnSA
"Pff, yer just too young."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnaRU3uACX
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmdxfUuu7N
He paused for a moment.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisQYP6O7jp
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cVsjUWZaF
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7TuPeIxb5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPdffYB2YW
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbikFI6oDKl
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hhEiqjGja
"...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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCG2uZLrfF
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGY194n6Jx
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae0osmYUch
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPooihYrRw
"That's silly... O-Oh–"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuV64NqJkD
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPvjIARBkH
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pyk5t7HUr
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHnDuQ6FrS
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKxI2jtNbw
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6HKbSXpiQ
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB6NbsdEQv
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aHuEhXAav
"I... yes, I suppose so."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPpwYF47CR
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekIwy5M6G7
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoZZJb7zLA
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQhMa8ZsCV
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZr0HoARGA
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpvFQCSoTi
"Yes, I know."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCD6JHoxKL
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwv23z3mhE
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc3NvwLlDD
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbqGaYTIeF
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10Co2Yubrz
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEqroa4ELG
"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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWR5GglLby
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsV1F3RG0OB
"..."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H88p5TiqG
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXiILlQzTQ
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMvXD0TyLT
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1BlKT1IX2
"Ya hear that?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchJAvQxd76
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2n9qPgq3W
"Huh?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Gy8vzyd2O
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sHYioGlQE
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvrcu4Fusb
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss0d41HFp3
"They passed."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E94hcWk2u
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjt065rB2r
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUcw8hd679
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pVLjLILnO
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82HFSQy5Cv
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hvoJtt3Dv
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhkRl8TBZx
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaJwGgriBZ
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhm5Sz8p4DT
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tTWxuNTWE
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxDrUERqix
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04hrLKccKh
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUX32z8GeL
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB6PctCl9c
"You've been saying that a lot."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOEQuSoxZp
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvmHxdwNuH
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpteWbdKNsi
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJC4LAfh0k
We stood stock still in silence.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93umdZQDyk
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjYzGBj6GC
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsRLuwNxrD
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqviaYg2gTY
"Are ya sure?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOTMg0zevO
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3Dl19r2ig
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvdVb3B2H5
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZUS1vDOGb
"I should be asking you that."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxooh9USm6
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHKxCxjOAA
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PYnaU66Tw
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhvBneuHet
"Yes. You get it."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw5x9JgXM6
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbypbwkjfsb
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbbS4RHW42
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XUYk7Xv9X
"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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7sOs697I8
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KWw1efebx
"Fine by me."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1731nyD0kc
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDks4jECI4T
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwVqQfAMLC
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkri2ZSyMt
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSFsngtzBv
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0TwrOgiEs
"Yeah, we're almost there."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RGrbG08hp
60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSWCBZua5I
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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsCk3UHxzv
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4XDPZYBVR
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUup8frOjw4
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"Blurg, what was that?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp59n4wJ3q
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCAlj45MCz
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"What was what?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO6WrBgGpw
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"I caught a whiff of something."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh065IkuHfs
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatmPhnihOL
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjQcMRs0vG
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nWr1O4zUV
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucCNOWgnv5
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXC81DhhE1
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgxPmT02sk
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32wdHXegG1
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UsN5UF7Ls
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhJaAHkCFl
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F1iQOMG8T
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN9GD7Xmr9
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO1zZLAFG1
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUehwFLJM3Z
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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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemEnIxnkvh
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIAxC5eY2z
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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–60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTurLLAMhx
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82nOp3cgMJ
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmnPI0o8Lv
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"Who are ya people?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrjapRQTt4
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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."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMrZGHihMq
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"Buddy?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5a4PpFyS1
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R3B6Xjz8L
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oiBBrnqFC
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"Quiet now."60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyz7nBAP1l
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj9HhEtdEp
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaromC6v1th
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ8PvGP6Cx
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56mlEI5xo2
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TKj0QEAwL
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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.60Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaDZ2lr3wV
