Once I uttered that connection, my brain fused into one, and then I caught what the woman had just said. I was struck with even more disbelief, and looking at my teammate, she had an extreme reaction.403Please respect copyright.PENANAxi2SE2HoP2
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"Did she just say Hard-Bringer?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAAReKrnj39q
403Please respect copyright.PENANAElVOHNjDUp
Confusion, rage, and fervor overtook her whole being. Even I had a similar reaction, though on a smaller scale. I could tell that she wanted to jump out, but I wrapped her around her arms.403Please respect copyright.PENANA5CCG3J49t2
403Please respect copyright.PENANABLowy3kDRQ
"What are you doing!?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAQLNA5ow60J
403Please respect copyright.PENANAYDU9E2fSXz
"Don't go making a scene! They could just be lunatics, and even if they aren't–"403Please respect copyright.PENANABrzCdPqS9K
403Please respect copyright.PENANAtv62Q6onW0
**BOOM**403Please respect copyright.PENANAzQRvltYR7g
403Please respect copyright.PENANAC7Pyh6I1A6
My hopes of this being a farce were instantly shattered. To our right, the top of a building blew up and caught on fire, and then an adjacent one followed suit. The crowd panicked and a cacophony of voices blasted my ears, deafening me. But it didn't paralyze me, and the same went for Rover. My meager grip couldn't hold her back, but I wouldn't let her face this chaos alone, so I followed her into the plaza. The people dispersed like a flock of frightened chickens, trampling over any unfortunate souls who had tripped. Eventually, the wave of people came to me. I lost sight of Rover and the speed of my chase slowed down considerably. It took my whole being just to not be knocked over, let alone move forward. I was shorter than everyone in the crowd as well, so I was unsure if I was even facing the same direction.403Please respect copyright.PENANAFIR8um9fbw
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"Ngh, damn it!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAJu0e2V4H8l
403Please respect copyright.PENANAv2YjkjXN8R
Eventually, the wave of people thinned, and I could finally see what was happening in the environs. Buildings were still being destroyed. Some citizens fled from the plaza successfully while others were trapped by the plummeting debris. I spotted Rover in the distance fighting Hard-Bringer lackeys. The woman was still on the sage, and beside her were three other figures of varying heights and builds.403Please respect copyright.PENANACFDFCdodT5
403Please respect copyright.PENANAqkib6JxkCO
I began mana expulsion, creating a spear of stone and gradually amplifying it in rotation speed and size. Before I even threw it, the woman hurriedly ran from the stage, and the other three dispersed in different directions.403Please respect copyright.PENANA7pOpgMA3MZ
403Please respect copyright.PENANAegaBaVo8qI
"How did they– ack! Nevermind!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAplyn3IerhZ
403Please respect copyright.PENANA7pZDqiOTnf
With their clothes, it was impossible to tell who those four were apart from the rest of the lackeys. All, aside from the woman. She ignored all other combatants and rushed toward Rover. I raised my hand, trying to align my spell with her. It was difficult with all the shaking and sudden surge of nerves, so I just simply shot it out, closing my eyes as I did. When I opened them, I saw the woman stock still, waiting for my spell to pass.403Please respect copyright.PENANAa8G0VVAGAs
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It was like she knew I was going to fire it.403Please respect copyright.PENANALiwiuIhv58
403Please respect copyright.PENANAvC2SUvoAJN
"--Damn it! Rover!"403Please respect copyright.PENANA6g3TTGmBmE
403Please respect copyright.PENANA2snXG1Bu6X
I took out my tendril and was about to rush forward until I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around half in fright, but a warm feeling permeated through my chest when I met eyes with the person.403Please respect copyright.PENANAxJT1oR2AoS
403Please respect copyright.PENANA8OcVzl5yNa
"What the hell are ya doing here, kid!?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAZZmZ1xHw9U
403Please respect copyright.PENANANOLe9RXYZW
Juke, carrying his helmet in one hand, was standing there with a frantic expression.403Please respect copyright.PENANAkl1Cvx2qdd
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"I could ask you the same thing! Forget about it now, we need to help Rover!"403Please respect copyright.PENANA5cOMGov1z7
403Please respect copyright.PENANAATmu3HHyGd
"Gah, everything's out of order! Ya strong folks are crazy!"403Please respect copyright.PENANABiEHirdV0p
403Please respect copyright.PENANAXv4lQZjxaF
Despite his complaints, he put on his helmet and drew his broadsword. We zigzagged through the crowd of combatants and lackeys easily, but by the time we reached Rover, she was being beaten down by the woman.403Please respect copyright.PENANAnerMxXoiRK
403Please respect copyright.PENANAcDRXYdaf9H
"Ack, you– how the hell are you doing that!?" She yelled. The woman didn't answer her, but simply stood idly by, allowing for Juke and I to get by Rover's side easily.403Please respect copyright.PENANAOmh5uBU0gW
403Please respect copyright.PENANA6zxZSFTCNh
"Huh? Juke? What are you–"403Please respect copyright.PENANA2NByaUcICf
403Please respect copyright.PENANAMVHhMXDYjc
"Can ya drop it? Aren't ya fighting someone right now?"403Please respect copyright.PENANA5IF8HlQJjd
403Please respect copyright.PENANA0ruuwg5H1s
Reading between the lines, Rover faced the woman yet again. The woman took out a short sword and spun it haphazardly, looking at us with what I could only describe as disgust.403Please respect copyright.PENANAUle4JWs0FM
403Please respect copyright.PENANAeIp0ZVqjGJ
"Ah, so you do have allies. Tell me, are they as trashy as you are, girl? Or are you just using them as tools for your survival?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAMabyamRVOf
403Please respect copyright.PENANA9211u03H9j
"The hell is that woman rambling on about!?"403Please respect copyright.PENANA91q8CggK1w
403Please respect copyright.PENANAcznBflDNgE
Juke yelled, and Rover rushed forward. After her first couple of steps, the woman kicked the air in front of her, and Rover flew to the side. I widened my eyes. Juke and I both stood there, shocked. Rover struggled to rise to her feet, rubbing her face and panting vehemently.403Please respect copyright.PENANAbCf6Z0HLVZ
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"How the hell... are you doing that?" She hissed, her voice gradually growing weaker.403Please respect copyright.PENANARCkLcxsrw7
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"Like I'd reveal my secrets to you, fool. You two, isn't she an ally? Won't you approach me too?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAw2AKkhbyEF
403Please respect copyright.PENANAzfvtI7HOvh
Her taunting words invigorated something in me. I began mana expulsion, creating a ball of fire and splitting it into four smaller orbs. She didn't look intimidated. Rather, she was amused. I ignored her expression and flung the orbs in a scattered pattern. She dodged three and cut the fourth one with her sword. I didn't let up, producing a Freeze-Dry from my tendril. She widened her eyes and backed away before I even aimed it, a slab of fire forming at her free hand. I didn't mind it, shooting and encasing the area in front of me in a giant block of ice. However, only one-half of what I intended had formed. The other was liquid and vapor.403Please respect copyright.PENANAVgOegn7rnk
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I adopted Rover's question into one of my own, repeatedly asking myself how it was that she was doing that.403Please respect copyright.PENANAa5V8VxbrlI
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"Hey, Kenny!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAuYiBYclx73
403Please respect copyright.PENANAqp06QefDRz
Juke suddenly called to me. He was carrying Rover over his shoulder.403Please respect copyright.PENANAj6qDGVzYX1
403Please respect copyright.PENANABfPsjG9Zlj
"I-Is she okay?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAJJG6sr58hd
403Please respect copyright.PENANAg7QLLhsc6W
"She passed out. Let's get the hell outta here! That woman is a Harbinger, didn't you hear?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAOsaytW1mP7
403Please respect copyright.PENANAHcNRyPO4o3
"I don't know what that is!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAnq8typuguD
403Please respect copyright.PENANAREk6xX5R20
"It doesn't fuckin' matter! Start running!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAXigrBnvQpr
403Please respect copyright.PENANA0DtTwizNcy
Truthfully, I agreed with him, so I had no qualms with turning the other way and running. It was a nightmare navigating past all the lackeys, combatants, and confused people, but Juke ran confidently.403Please respect copyright.PENANAS0ryDusY6X
403Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZaC1jYatX
Though, that did raise the question–403Please respect copyright.PENANAD2SNa3QjaJ
403Please respect copyright.PENANAmMBw0tmAuG
"Do you know where you're going!?"403Please respect copyright.PENANA0R9zM5a4gq
403Please respect copyright.PENANAkDrQGqcg0j
"'Course I do! We're going back to our lodging!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAM7p45rv0G9
403Please respect copyright.PENANAnr0ENDn7z0
"Ah– where is Dennis?"403Please respect copyright.PENANA3yXPDYWZNn
403Please respect copyright.PENANAFPyU9LJuXJ
"Hell if I know! I lost him in the crowd!"403Please respect copyright.PENANA04XkjJwXot
403Please respect copyright.PENANAX5QWbyUsmP
That declaration made my heart sink. I almost froze in place there, but Juke narrowly avoided a stray fire spell, so I set the thought aside and kept moving. We made it to an alleyway, running through it without much hassle until–403Please respect copyright.PENANAzBIJ9s12qq
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"Shit."403Please respect copyright.PENANAxPC1ESlugi
403Please respect copyright.PENANAM6ZyLeYY2u
Juke ceased his escape and so did I. The end of the alleyway was blocked by a robed figure. I recognized him to be one of the ones on the stage. He took his hood off, and there stood a man with terribly fuzzy and unkempt hair.403Please respect copyright.PENANAkcZNbn3o2u
403Please respect copyright.PENANA4bDLfwdVxO
"I have a question for you two," he spoke in a raspy voice. I readied myself to perform mana expulsion, but Juke put his arm before me, signaling me not to. He stood in front of me, blocking my view of the man.403Please respect copyright.PENANAvqTa6Cf352
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"Kenny, stand there, alright? I'm the guy with a helmet here."403Please respect copyright.PENANA39uGUP3IKL
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"...Alright."403Please respect copyright.PENANAJRYTVB0vpW
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I didn't understand what he was insinuating, but I had faith in him and allowed him to take control of the conversation.403Please respect copyright.PENANAEkIHNd1qg7
403Please respect copyright.PENANAFza2zTEusr
"Alright, I'll take yer question."403Please respect copyright.PENANA8LQJ6AONA1
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"Are you two Zarielites? Better yet, are you two the ones who are delivering a letter addressed to the Eastern Country?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAD6ug0kr2aB
403Please respect copyright.PENANAT2ve70ArfZ
I froze. My face must've contorted unimaginably. In a moment of understanding, I thanked Juke for his quick thinking.403Please respect copyright.PENANAqCYA2DBWrB
403Please respect copyright.PENANAs1KtPEPAlK
"Nah, these kids and I are just passing adventurers."403Please respect copyright.PENANAz0UgfFj2gs
403Please respect copyright.PENANAWQyh7BtT56
"...Passing adventurers? That explains the attire, at least."403Please respect copyright.PENANAbjJCgGMy05
403Please respect copyright.PENANAjSsQEsNfQY
The man stopped speaking.403Please respect copyright.PENANAq39YtHLB6O
403Please respect copyright.PENANAobufCv5p5X
"Alright, carry on, then."403Please respect copyright.PENANApKfvXPGIDH
403Please respect copyright.PENANAQBTYTQXXDC
"...Eh?"403Please respect copyright.PENANARImYw2Mf4p
403Please respect copyright.PENANAWA2BbMsKcB
I shared in his confusion.403Please respect copyright.PENANAao1KIdljCA
403Please respect copyright.PENANABEb5THeHFL
"I believe you, so carry on. Don't test my judgment, please."403Please respect copyright.PENANAkHpu6dwINY
403Please respect copyright.PENANAy3p6CVHxMN
"I-If ya say so!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAr0OPlfRl6K
403Please respect copyright.PENANARh0EZsPokM
Juke and I hurriedly scampered by the man. I tried my best to avoid eye contact with him until we made it out of the alleyway–403Please respect copyright.PENANA5uqr8gZeeJ
403Please respect copyright.PENANAao5imSMFQL
"On second thought, I need to ask that kid one more question."403Please respect copyright.PENANAAeZBq7R3Wc
403Please respect copyright.PENANAeZ4mTIz1WU
And then, I froze. I didn't turn my head to face him, but I had my ears open and my mouth ready to run.403Please respect copyright.PENANAcJtg4ivzmA
403Please respect copyright.PENANAwyYaGXup64
"Your visage resembles a description we got of an outstanding Zarielite. Tell me, kid, does the name 'Bison Frost' ring any bells for you?"403Please respect copyright.PENANATNumKNoCFt
403Please respect copyright.PENANAAqStjVIrpf
In that instant, I felt as if the pace of the world slowed to a crawl. My mouth was ajar, it produced a sound, but not one of coherency.403Please respect copyright.PENANA7sXCpAExwt
403Please respect copyright.PENANALblyshrkt5
I didn't say anything. I didn't even show him my expression. I didn't have to. I was stuttering and gibbering for far too long. My eyes met with the man's; his pupils had contracted and his calm mein mutated into a face of rancor.403Please respect copyright.PENANAdaul4kvkUN
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I had spilled it in such an unfair way.403Please respect copyright.PENANATclHs6kS2g
403Please respect copyright.PENANAcBD9xA0mnC
"Damn it, kid!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAiLizpS4x4b
403Please respect copyright.PENANAXW9DkL4lO6
Juke's vexed yell brought me back to the present. He shoved me aside and sent me plummeting to the ground, and he narrowly evaded a ball of fire flung from the man's palm. I unfroze, drew my tendril, and swiped it at the man. He blocked the strike with his arms but crashed into the alleyway wall, forcing the air out of his lungs. With the man dazed, I got up and joined Juke, and then the both of us turned around and sprinted in the other direction, casting occasional ganders by looking behind me. The man recovered quickly and broke into pursuit, chasing us into the populated and rowdy street.
403Please respect copyright.PENANABBvLjH2JNv
I noticed the man performing mana expulsion, and from the lack of any tangible objects, it had to be a wind spell. As they were quick, dodging wouldn't be possible. So, producing a Valencia-Bloom, I skidded to a stop and veered to face him.403Please respect copyright.PENANAmkqdEYN3Zz
403Please respect copyright.PENANA3cF108JKnf
**SMASH**403Please respect copyright.PENANAKw6hBOvbVj
403Please respect copyright.PENANAIWlNmVNkoz
I blocked the spell successfully, but though I avoided being damaged, the force of it sent me to the floor, and at a tremendous distance. I discarded the Valencia-Bloom and produced a Blover, aiming it at the man, but I didn't utilize it. That was because he was engaging with Juke.403Please respect copyright.PENANALbwZ4LWrHV
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"Ah, gonna have to forgive me, girl!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAM3MnhsWdwh
403Please respect copyright.PENANA0YQISVDfuE
Juke carelessly threw Rover my way and pulled out his Broadsword, gripping it in his left hand. The man reached into his robe as he ran and pulled out a dual set of curved swords. Even under his helmet, I could see Juke's lips shrink and his eyes enlarge. I ran to the unconscious Rover, throwing her arm around my shoulders and struggling to lift her. Then, I eyed Juke's bout with the man, waiting for an opportunity to interfere.403Please respect copyright.PENANAxdkFx0ibVF
403Please respect copyright.PENANAd8OEZDydgK
The man raised his two swords and leaped at Juke, bringing them both down like they were hammers. Juke blocked the strike easily. It was obvious from their builds alone that Juke was physically stronger, but the man had a freakish dexterity. He retracted his blades and swung them, spinning around as if he was dancing. No, he was dancing. It was at a level of elegance unexpected of a man as shabby as he. The flurry of strikes quickly overwhelmed Juke– but, he didn't get hit. Though his sword dance was trouncing and enchanting, his speed suffered considerably, so Juke quit his parrying and ran backward, flipping the man off.403Please respect copyright.PENANAOWx5ydG4XC
403Please respect copyright.PENANA4sdoqhze4p
At that moment, I began mana expulsion, conjuring up a dense rock the size of my head and throwing it as the man reapproached Juke. However, the man managed to jump over it. I bit on my molars and tried again, but his battle had resumed, making it impossible to safely shoot another one.403Please respect copyright.PENANAz95lFWfL1j
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"You've impressed me," the man yelled, "I suppose you aren't a combatant for nothing!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAWcfWQE62q6
403Please respect copyright.PENANArDVDh4CMj7
The man sliced and hacked at Juke, each swing of his either being blocked or narrowly avoided. It was clear that Juke couldn't keep up with the man's speed. Sweat ran down my brow, and at that point, I started to believe that just throwing something out would be better than waiting.403Please respect copyright.PENANA15yoYrvHNJ
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Then, I had an epiphany. I removed the Blover and produced Dragon-Maw Jr., extending the tendril to the two.403Please respect copyright.PENANAnwUwXEVZXZ
403Please respect copyright.PENANA3HIGmmobR7
"Bite at the homeless-looking one!"403Please respect copyright.PENANARZqjmj8rU5
403Please respect copyright.PENANAyVwReo1BeK
Dragon-Maw Jr. followed my command perfectly, snapping his jaw at the man. Though he wasn't struck, the man was forced to evade Dragon-Maw Jr.'s attack and gave Juke air to breathe.403Please respect copyright.PENANAkxjF7BRtmA
403Please respect copyright.PENANAzjLkSYvKWZ
"Thanks, Kenny! I got a word I wanna say to this lunatic!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAPgKhUHP78x
403Please respect copyright.PENANA1cwo46FZzi
Juke pointed his sword at the man, straightening his posture.403Please respect copyright.PENANAHDZnvl4uUj
403Please respect copyright.PENANA6rQOhXpW36
"Don't get the wrong idea, I'm a pretty weak guy. Frankly, I ain't got a clue as to why I'm the one fighting, but I've accepted that these kids just operate like that."403Please respect copyright.PENANAWjuj51kSod
403Please respect copyright.PENANAwYCEEX90rQ
"...What are you saying?" The man replied. I had to confess that I was similarly confused.403Please respect copyright.PENANA374EzCKvfW
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"Bleh, ya just don't get it, do ya!?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAcWpVBswKkk
403Please respect copyright.PENANAPT20tG08Cg
Juke altered his line of action and rushed at the man. He swung at him, which the man blocked with one sword, and as he went to counterattack with his free sword, Dragon-Maw Jr. nipped at him. He backed away and clicked his tongue.403Please respect copyright.PENANAprnaJWZtSV
403Please respect copyright.PENANAwaMpm6qYlF
"That kid is a real problem, isn't he?"403Please respect copyright.PENANARPVpJM3jfR
403Please respect copyright.PENANArd2jmmZbXb
His smile grew sinister. I immediately knew the devious action he was about to take.403Please respect copyright.PENANAytJRYsj0rk
403Please respect copyright.PENANArce6koJhEV
"Like I'll let ya do that!"403Please respect copyright.PENANA4hm2a92NpC
403Please respect copyright.PENANASq8dY4phzf
But Juke interjected, throwing a soft wind spell at the man and making him lose his balance. Dragon-Maw Jr. took advantage of his disorientation and nipped at him, this time, successfully tearing a piece of off his robe.403Please respect copyright.PENANAxvXhK1eCVH
403Please respect copyright.PENANAsKoGPmb1yu
"--It's not the kid, it's that freak of nature!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAUbhc1zneUM
403Please respect copyright.PENANA2GiPYsmzdL
Offended at his insult, I let go of Rover's arm and began mana expulsion with my newly freed hand. Juke and Dragon-Maw Jr. changed turns attacking the man, and though it was assuring to see him on the defensive, progress to our victory wasn't being made. Thus, I created a spell of water. Instead of amplifying it and shooting it at the man, I spread it across the ground.403Please respect copyright.PENANA092ljIAU9J
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"Eh? The hell are ya thinking, Kenny!?"403Please respect copyright.PENANAxPO10yntug
403Please respect copyright.PENANAZc5dXVmkYD
I didn't respond to Juke's complaint, but I understood why he made it. The newfound slippery ground didn't just affect the man, but Juke, too. The two were disengaged but Dragon-Maw Jr. had free reign to wail at the man. And, indeed, wail it did. The man couldn't back away from the plant, meaning he had to challenge every crunch. I smirked at the development, sure that man would be done in.403Please respect copyright.PENANA5qRhfwFDpn
403Please respect copyright.PENANA6FWx9KNWlt
But, that hadn't happened at all. The plant clasped onto one of his swords and the man used his free one to cut it off.403Please respect copyright.PENANAs0fVyV2atW
403Please respect copyright.PENANAWBoASmtmNh
Its head descended like a leaf in the wind. I watched, powerless to remedy it.403Please respect copyright.PENANAtrNsBTugXg
403Please respect copyright.PENANAlyofbW3V2m
"--Hrk!"403Please respect copyright.PENANA4dIh05RyJ2
403Please respect copyright.PENANA3PMYQoPD8e
Then, a sharp, overbearing pain permeated through my body– but I could immediately judge that this was nothing like my time fighting the beast, meaning that, even though I was still grasping at my chest, feeling the purple fluid leak, my tendril remained.403Please respect copyright.PENANAqZoE2tG1XE
403Please respect copyright.PENANAc0mKz1tfey
With the man free of any pressure, he took his shoes off and dispelled wind from his feet, blowing away all the water and dousing the surroundings.403Please respect copyright.PENANAaXegBM3GEf
403Please respect copyright.PENANA6Y1NPhiEIZ
"Shit! Kenny, are ya alright!?"403Please respect copyright.PENANACc2auqE7av
403Please respect copyright.PENANAKU9VDlrLOG
"Y-Yes! Sorry, I couldn't get him!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAi0pyoExqwB
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"Whatever!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAwOPuNOBay1
403Please respect copyright.PENANA83dgREJQIu
The man pounced at Juke, who barely blocked his attack. They returned to square one, Juke and the man engaged in a lopsided dance of swords.403Please respect copyright.PENANAaO5avqAfYu
403Please respect copyright.PENANA5iKJi5PjkX
I began mana expulsion– but the creation of my spell ceased. As I watched them battle, Juke progressively getting weaker and weaker, my body froze.403Please respect copyright.PENANA15gX8wNXZx
403Please respect copyright.PENANASgreuezXWJ
I recognized this sensation. It was stark and familiar.403Please respect copyright.PENANApKOdOAyEwy
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Dread, worry, guilt–403Please respect copyright.PENANAFqMah1U6rV
403Please respect copyright.PENANAeEd1IR77yr
"Kid, back me up here! I ain't strong enough to handle this maniac alone!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAyhSf7dR49y
403Please respect copyright.PENANAdhgIQioxks
"...R-Right!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAdirgLRW90q
403Please respect copyright.PENANANRWvoLSLAL
Juke's frantic yells yanked me out before I sank too deep. I shook my head and thought calmly about the situation, taking deep breaths. It wasn't over yet. Besides, if something did go awry here, it wouldn't– it wouldn't really be my fault.403Please respect copyright.PENANAA8FNbgkTYR
403Please respect copyright.PENANAis0magoJrH
With that assertion, I resumed the creation of my spell: a sizeable chunk of water–
"I got you!"
As I was forming the spell, the man had finally bested Juke's defenses. He broke his stance, and Juke momentarily lost control of his arms. That moment was all the man needed. He spun a full circle, slicing into Juke with both of his blades.403Please respect copyright.PENANAvhdqGI3Vsm
403Please respect copyright.PENANAxMJYLWqUic
**SLAM**403Please respect copyright.PENANAYQFjv5btMj
403Please respect copyright.PENANAzVBYzhwdoL
That was what should have happened, at least– no, saying that wasn't accurate. Indeed, the man's blades sliced into his body, but Juke's skin was not cut, and the noise produced wasn't appropriate for an object hitting flesh.403Please respect copyright.PENANAwdtIR9ur2n
403Please respect copyright.PENANAQcSsMCSnYn
The man looked just as perplexed as I was, stock still as his mind processed what had just occurred. Juke directed us to a conclusion by raising his right hand and tapping on his helmet twice. Our eyes directed themselves to his metallic apparel, and I noticed the two narrow dents at the side.403Please respect copyright.PENANAOzaoyUR5HP
403Please respect copyright.PENANAdhcTLE9Z3z
"How did–" the man began, but Juke raised his sword before he could eke out his sentence. The man noticed the action and backed away, but he was too slow.403Please respect copyright.PENANAzThddGJNaY
403Please respect copyright.PENANAFDjyVpKao5
"--Ugh!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAG5u5aI4EB7
403Please respect copyright.PENANAvJGzgVuYvx
His arm was rendered a bird by the speed it flew off. Blood splattered and gushed onto the pavement. The man clutched his missing limb, gripping the air twice before connecting with his body.403Please respect copyright.PENANAMh6Z2ehhCJ
403Please respect copyright.PENANAZpsOddeYcM
I felt the bile rise to my throat, but I couldn't afford to let this moment pass. I aimed my palm at the man and shot the ball.403Please respect copyright.PENANAbyaLM3Lr5g
403Please respect copyright.PENANAmiJqx2mDLH
**SMASH**403Please respect copyright.PENANATmuljKbjPO
403Please respect copyright.PENANAap5On2YnNn
The man collided with a building. Juke ran up to me and took Rover out of my hands and ran away, but I didn't immediately follow. I stared at the cloud of dust and debris, waiting to see what would appear once it cleared.403Please respect copyright.PENANAYamcqKOtvG
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I knew it was idiotic, but I couldn't look away.403Please respect copyright.PENANAQGcuB4Us8A
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"Kenny! Kid, ya must've lost yer mind!"403Please respect copyright.PENANAee0upV8J4g
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"Ah! Sorry!"403Please respect copyright.PENANA0ObRvJSpCj
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Then, I turned around and joined Juke in our escape. The chaos on the street had cleared, and judging from the lack of noise, the one just a block away was dying down, too. But, I knew that didn't mean that the situation was over. That would be just plain stupid.403Please respect copyright.PENANAoV4NENEWra
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"Ha, hell yeah, we're still kicking!"
Though I shared in his enthusiasm, I struggled to even nod along.
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"Ah crap, are ya alright? Don't tell me yer bleeding somewhere."403Please respect copyright.PENANADnrmBKmPqy
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"N-No, that's not it."403Please respect copyright.PENANAdLfzxfreFJ
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Admittedly, I felt queasy. It must've shown on my face. In fact, thinking about it, my hands covered my mouth instinctively. I was able to suppress myself, however.403Please respect copyright.PENANA8RUburTu4t
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"...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing that much blood."403Please respect copyright.PENANAQVrTdEuUiE
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Burying the resurfacing memories, I followed Juke back to our abode, leaving the pandemonium behind.


