"Hey, wake up."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQzp7VVN2e
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7RoIoJDTo
"H-Huh!?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFObI9x4Rhp
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtBygh9QFT
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78IZq8n6r8
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"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR14yIUV1Oc
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74PqoozOW5
"No no, it's fine."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlntOpMcYV7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qgaovQtne
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNyud2RA81
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo8Mkl4jpO
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qI1E6Otmz
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoIQJJBbYC
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHs1c0OpIF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwJLsYD11s
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKRo6ZYkja
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBFDNvVIwL
"Are ya sure–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDOwsKmDxT
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7qUHskKZU
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqLTEATDsl
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8liP3foen
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8h5G9bZIf
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEVVD2XHBS
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLKbyRBmwe
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEWCLp0xr0
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTsWz01Wlo
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5C8psCfW1
"..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1gvLKblC5
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Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OZt8kDgD8
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNCBWl5gC5
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7ZT0Dykp6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdmg4jkFeX
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8kYWvDGxf
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CdlSG6XSy
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgahM0si6ah
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzHgDnX9Hw
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXwXn5y4WN
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq38B6mUcM
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2EHBPeYNq
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqXPqSLq6n
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCEtz0OyDN
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7j4xqvNNi
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHSEdQ0X7T
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrPxbyU7de
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0gSlEvbYU
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oT12BThT5
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T6vAXrhKv
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hIQxiqNKI
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOiD8xT7Xe
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRANOaJvzxu
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28G4i42Hux
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwad1HpLMn
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PKF1TR63n
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9Ltc2Em4B
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUJ4YcJy9q
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pjNTXq6Tx
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv6JPoSDHR
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks7RNeASsW
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE9ULMMiQI
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUOJQwKvSi
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepJXjvvwGk
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"What?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1IfeDR0e1
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He sighed and flicked his head.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i6wVjXgmd
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAMLgJEr07
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH34npuGNJG
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv5aKSCIof
"Last... yeah, let's."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6x5ebRRoU
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkVSujc0EK
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz20UPMnOL
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqsWQwkaGo
"This is good. This is really good."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubbUWRln2d
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"I told ya."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FQ9mAyzTP
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrauObH0lB
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvgBIj54BG
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5HYrzkpw5
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzxZK07kx7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwY5ObsFvt
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3dyhfNu6U
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75SZEgD5vI
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58GYTqn3H0
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH5iZLzmAe
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNk4G6Ph8w
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcwMayB7ay
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Mj3NtJn4s
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–
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaBGNSh1Eh
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurtWsBAXdj
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgoFTAsU3K
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtwNNnQasm
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21BLLoKkMc
"That's right," Juke responded.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOuVjFAYfi
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNyHesZLPQ
"I see..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj73nbWGPv
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He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkDV4TslkG
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP0zLFkGLf
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsrg7yW9t0
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrIqDT7Oj2
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqypBpqEPeC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c1qVJjg2S
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1CGqv5OI6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VPyKrozgj
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffgSgY7ftJ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoOtUXXTeu
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmPWCUjw3X
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRTio3e2PL
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9NrCx6Kph
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Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ172bI85Zzg
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"What are you looking at me for?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0b32vBnFW
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"Ya got any ideas?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PDNCyfbQZ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AvzPHcN9C
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GSdU0eFZr
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He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVPskjV7WW
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"I suppose we'll have to gauge just how heavily the streets are being supervised. If they aren't in every nook and cranny of the area, we can probably weave in-between alleyways and whatnot just fine."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9DRWrcyPb
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OrKZkgU0L
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BYvV2SV9S
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"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk0yq5iakL
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJdCDQWZn7
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhqbmn1SJP
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcKEPMRlpV
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj1oDo2cVs
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rBnTyWv5z
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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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRANm61eLX5
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"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQoBZNRZSA
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He shook his hands frantically and.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGPFkTg9xP
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgjpqUrJUO
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN2etqpE1c
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"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI89PVwDKs
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaIFmG1QHJ
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fK7M85i0o
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuKPn169bz
"Pray for me."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGiEMF5a43
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScwSYWEnMF
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbRjVhiUBh
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiigzQdjmR3
"Juke!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8oRJ40lO0
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWaPBDmGJP
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7RVpWiGgd
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNQmiih9i2
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXNk1ab3Wr
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QqXdHfmiK
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwfW3LczLq
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2nCFGz4Dm
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjzd35XQzq
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaJogUHoDv
"Still, I appreciate it."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T7JQWbZgA
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I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd3alp0flL
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMDBgSSPKm
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnoWJQoLv7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GKLjwtYAA
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYMYnw5JoY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9az8Ecvjf
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO1paK0Bli
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYurDXtdKZ6
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3mzgtpGXF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuScJlYRWga
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOjk4Mt5Nl
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngTX8FxS2s
"Thank you for your help, Hank."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhS50vNvu4
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbVpijaocJ
"Yeah, we really of ya."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb4KhhASdu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHFzDocnI2
He gave us a light smile and waved.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XJvHgb4Fx
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedDRtjbBld
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeMWXn8Rce
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CYGHdcNSl
"...Y-Yeah."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlk0Zojoms
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A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiCHxbnKQp
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWh745eBB3
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYDTfGVPvw
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSAYv4KPAk
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlJcSju5aL
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNyRTu3w6W
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGkxQWOhif
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE0RVX7Geo
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOc36d4PHr
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRKHi7e3vD
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVgJILCgD7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GL16NTgJt
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk4ukhjG3A
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt09tXodSR9
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNZ3zu4gaQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1z6c8oljE
"--Crap!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywzjrk0jHx
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28RQbTSlKv
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKCY5B3L4u
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyTzSctLm9
"Crap. Crap!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBFmEmcBwv
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSYNYgxust
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JGBmPmnER
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNmbCawIEZ
"People are heading our way!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F6tyPo0N6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9NC3LUUVa
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXQCvb1n3Y
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"I guess we gotta jump 'em."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePZiGpuvOa
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSBERqjAwV
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5fv2sCMKV
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu54sIxRdq
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB7rXTtLdN
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUnGH31FvP
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydr2BQ8JE1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3BQso7zf2
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc9RiGxPdC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFMxpQBGkO
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pXFexJ6m2
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wdVaYLrXu
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AEffTsxcn
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifwLoL8SO0
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLlgheCqHK
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrCg1nqnYc
"Ack!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bu25e2KBA
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5Of5PjPqT
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGQnEfGidn
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnBby8xuVM
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd595amJc8t
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTW0dkLqcp
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kS6T7NqnD
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpbid3gVXL
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU3oEJ8Wnm
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVFSSqVfu9
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6Mwnoe8Kl
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4cFo7Eqvl
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRKVfsvsS6
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAo1WlKEA5
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWndmA9rj78
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgshRWU0ubM
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmgvtGHQZU
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCTESW1KWw
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPV4BBmHrf
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uq9Sl4khu
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkJw8eAT7z
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqydRho5rPH
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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQtpGc5kZe
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiUQIzrK0D
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sff7YSKoG
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjKTL7HsIL
"Huh?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NOTc3b9n1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJXWUOwHX9
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE2c6yXGtz
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbogm2vo5SS
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWEtFnhR3H
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU9XJepO7J
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9od6fQtWuc
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d4XENtDQk
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3qFBFG7rC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUcwjJ3E4r
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg4qY1w8xt
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIAMBNyf0j
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVekwzCRtZS
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaj3ZL8plf
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6NIAqYBXH
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzDHyMxZqB
"..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1muoYTgFb
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7s7qzIK3U
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ8WOehSq9
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIrnQeDSqY
So, I let my mouth run amok.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbzjm4PRGo
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx6gwDYeKI
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxxbJbYO4u
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MSbTE28A8
"Yeah, I know."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dJ5K33hdS
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpKYH4z95I
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUfcrnNz3E
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiJN5CQMj2
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2RcyJ6cOx
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDHFtXW1fx
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7VYMu9vCi
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWFXIZ9rNI
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa9XfSk9S4
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUK7ukMIhJ
"That sounds familiar..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeA6t0CDEk
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTmcXjaVwb
"Huh?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAoOG4s3XY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkiW51qLoO
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjP3sHfIGK
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT9bA7VYmB
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnACpdr7j6S
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwdjadQNM8
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6Pe90CzmK
"Well?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob4ZfvixGm
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtpM1S6lFe
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlekhphZWgb
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnuCwh3JxW
"Ah."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39eqVSTlEQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17Z6I8Y0Py
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsQb4uMnB5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUaJrDvJBE
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUCnyJgZXX
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DpbnjTc1q
"Ah, the Lionant?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRd6WLGkoC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkxkiRdu7k
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfyj4v6dt5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmywKmWoOqa
"..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImrBPQHK3g
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiGRqbFrZu
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmcE6jPDH1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWH0QeeTEV
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WkMr5psJq
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl0CMR8uuj
"...Yeah, why did I?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRP23ek9H5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vwdtqfy8f
I didn't expect to be met with another question.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVlawXSbBW
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sAO4esD0P
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QvrSwlj5Z
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvFGOWb5qU
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbygd3XsQG
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx223Zmn4MB
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTh3FiiNol
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCV9jFgUpZ
"..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8nILGr7ye
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx7d06JGsq
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N92T1ae59
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRcUmDs806
"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?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYQL3JLJNz
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbD5iL76ly
"What?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJM9JE480Z
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqvldOZzrt
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLm64gq4pf
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK797eYdRag
"That sounds... boorish?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnNBhrMJls
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0fYbzkaTe
"Pff, yer just too young."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDrC0K8cLw
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9kbsNaalL
He paused for a moment.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOtKueqxbF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVp0uI6UAt
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhLYcWCpXT
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TBnsTsQ3A
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ66Ln7lZ5
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB0cbZeZeW
"...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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin2Ncgl6Ga
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe832PyRSx7
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtirhI5qszO
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ826uBUMnFG
"That's silly... O-Oh–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0Cj8WzeIC
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3D7HR2XSz
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieIXCAUq2G
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2MjUmmaAV
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMuLBEok4N
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dqXfw69Yb
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSnR1SdDG1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydB1rqt8sA
"I... yes, I suppose so."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbuJKQmWKx
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKteZuAQZFA
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IDXjGHwgV
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dbM9lYe9S
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1OYXXYuVE
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZMVdsBndL
"Yes, I know."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsd6g574Dz
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc8AJEIyiz
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8vTZ5pkni
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZaBpgPzPf
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOf8skO7tw
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xrc4gJ5u5
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJPkGqypx1
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsztUMJNtz
"..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G7LpiCk2Y
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPPv3kWFb7
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJSbcBXlLF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyEvreAQnE
"Ya hear that?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6CNO66peq
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv45j4WQnuk
"Huh?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg70Wk1EQHT
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPTL6ivicN
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5dILpr2PU
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61uiL8xpFA
"They passed."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOrcRqErwj
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡectP7JTHPK
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5luZxkgRD
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzlZqZHb0n
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pHIJo1ADb
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2pkdEL2Mo
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeA6vkzELm
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORFBZFesQ2
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrFxPt8bAQ
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5bB9fCX3p
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV2shRnHXf
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjiibEsZvD
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDOIXH5R9H
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbiBYJnOIF
"You've been saying that a lot."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj117Kf7tz9
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxqXyStvez
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPImTPR3BV4
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyembeQr24Y
We stood stock still in silence.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliZSx7UDsX
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6UEX4ZmtV
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFltqWylwGY
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBa9OB5lpP
"Are ya sure?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc45NPBU9b
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iGFqrR2bb
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJUcWWVJ76
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2a0WshMLT
"I should be asking you that."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSD4YavlLc
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWiiggW8hc
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JPvZ7O2hh
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpJh3rhdit
"Yes. You get it."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3f9h1gX3t
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hS49Tdk2b
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8cGSovRkj
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHZMPH9lRZ
"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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqjC9ZXNnc
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhAz3yBTSt
"Fine by me."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfGNBlvpJk
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhpofxqz6k
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DEVOBbbR7
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNsnhJF9ka
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvmC581fZL
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58zvfs0Pt4
"Yeah, we're almost there."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAynAQc9pI0
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg9S1CsYMe
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElgYOOrVfw
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdepl125MeF
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And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWFIlkoYaZ
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"Blurg, what was that?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbpsnp90TU
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjkmfKGsov
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"What was what?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiJIZT1DXK
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"I caught a whiff of something."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zELLq0bEg
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"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXKFtoo7xX
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Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkvorDhjL4
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And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPjzt5kaiG
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"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkdXzZRHig
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ016G7Yj3fx
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But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY5bk4tUGH
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"...This is fuckin' horrid."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CXLBDdIOP
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFWzWkow2c
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh29dHIwdR
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Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFHA0qHjY6
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"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vuz5DLeMt
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"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fNRiE1rMK
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1AB3cgQqg
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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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgLOOA3pNs
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoUrphQYxJ
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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–403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKURGsTZHlY
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mu2DvPF0t
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Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K6WdFbfmk
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"Who are ya people?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3b7Ti48O6
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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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9M9i4Cldt
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"Buddy?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1iSp26JHB
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKMWxjLgnl
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81xEg9K58u
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"Quiet now."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcgWgG1HFq
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBTzFufa4A
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4VZGhAxwO
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"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ735rmKb7a7
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiLXCK4wQP
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"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeGeD0nB0k
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TtVHZIUT1
and then Add to home screen.