"Hey, wake up."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIm1b1K633
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid7JOeQuEJ
"H-Huh!?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMUL0cQU3C
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJUUGpIcMO
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIccTTb9do
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc55nKduC8
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare ya."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnuUPuFauV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEyAWJElq7
"No no, it's fine."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldnQ14aB9S
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrMUeTbMB4
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdPYkJvWiG
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0ni81ecml
"Goodness kid, did ya sleep at all?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pREv8Ba3x
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ipBrLrx6R
"Huh? Yeah, sure I did."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmhZQtNCI7
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSsgDcBCCk
I let out another yawn. After a dozen firm blinks, I was able to keep my eyes open for longer than two seconds.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiZpdJEqUu
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpswH4LVBRM
"Are ya sure–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoD2YlTWOo
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP2P9tCZUq
"Listen, Juke, I'm fine. I'm, perfectly fine. My neck is just a little sore, that's all."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0sHPXofir
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpva0BfacH
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOoLHyIJ4F
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0s7SW6alK
"Well, if ya say so. When yer ready, come meet me outside."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNwkp2ebIU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdryYKFy4By
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz49AsqQ7qk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbeRQ3bG51
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfdWuZgyNG
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK6NOYTLps
Now that the grogginess had left me, my mind worked at total capacity. It came with unwanted by-products.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0csb7BZdXC
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO4fa6ecrN
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztWbeDTRyV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTrSnBf1Ea
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9lbLQVqON
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda21aPOC73
The plate was full of fish. It wasn't a food I'd associate with breakfast.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLehvIzyKwc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRdzaTZKYz
"Hi young man, how did you sleep?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBxAy3S50K
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gJDKMwJvl
His tone was cheery and amiable. He sounded like a pleasant person to speak to.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zUoYF5MFc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo9JZLQTEP
"Hmm. Huh? Oh, were you talking to me?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi7twxTa1C
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGc0dQiU0p
The man nodded. Now that I thought about it–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraZ7AJZf4k
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72NsSYZ3Or
"What's your name anyway? I don't believe you've ever told us."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpYDEteSay
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRbn70W2yt
"...You must be right. My name is Hank, it's a pleasure."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAXZhJHxys
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzL8uFSCfl
"Hank... did you cook this breakfast?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukkjOga6Yl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyr6c48sK8
"I certainly did. Well, go on now, try it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh6AGdHO0s
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE0Bo5Tjlu
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–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMrZ8BneBp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiihm8rNPQR
"Don't gotta waste yer time ogling at it, kid."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyAkBi789u
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLE1Lu8H3k
Juke's statement interrupted my necessary analyses.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DzP7CDaf3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKvcypqcIY
"I guess you're right. Is good, Juke?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTly20niqp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXFUQt0sN7
"Yeah, it is. If ya don't eat it now though, some bird might poop on it and ruin the taste."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAjWA3kdCI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyQFctaqg0
"What?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28pN9hLyvn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdttwgF7BeS
He sighed and flicked his head.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfxxPpzM7Y
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnII0ngv7a
"Come on, let's enjoy our last breakfast here, why don't we?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE1MhvdN6J
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73uXXP9ts1
"Last... yeah, let's."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaES9Frj4JQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitHjh6fDVe
I took the fork and began to eat the fish. It had a kick to it that I didn't expect, but otherwise–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynTGx4rrpe
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHQ7gKwQM0
"This is good. This is really good."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNG66YDNg2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1CSmXch7L
"I told ya."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERRcIeKuEk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ559r1fsEZF
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv5MarSLxh
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eN2fId991
"Wait a minute, Juke," Hank started, "how are you eating with your helmet on?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy5cmH3wYY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e1H1G5rH5
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AWl0kI6D2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwRwf0iyvQ
"Trade secret, don't worry 'bout it. Just keep eating."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNnss36MMJ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWekEPQwOEN
The man backed down. I kept looking at Juke, but he wouldn't eat the fish in front of me.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVLgwk9N3t
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuQiv8LZgV
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnqYyWRU5I
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrmBeQQqJO
–
–
–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAvpyfRja1
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg7RMua2BA
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ATErJHKMF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfitVb37mpb
"So, you two want to leave the city, correct?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnijhU8inc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2ERjBxwuK
"That's right," Juke responded.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVaHQkLjyc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVSN4kNjMt
"I see..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZji47tGp6i
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RCezknzSy
He pinched his chin and gazed at the table.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmvfWOt6Dx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDDCdjgYo6
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1zIQFjNMg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5ah4QNcHE
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gF26BZAgS
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQXTXZVrWr
"However, I do believe you two can get out fine."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmaSyT9wpj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg1g3YfHWm
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbyyl7zdTY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR37DorBUGB
I nodded along to Juke's reasoning. Hank did too, less tense than twenty seconds ago.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W6cPZDXKm
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnwAIuMbu0
"Do you two have a plan in mind?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMz9q8Kjz5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAduZdl2wno
Juke turned his head to me, confusing me more than pressuring me.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJKTdnsEde
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24nCMvCFNa
"What are you looking at me for?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VvDOqq7oQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrzdeau0Ql
"Ya got any ideas?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYJmgAaUsZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUYVHl30JC
"Why do you think I do, anyway?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wvEMLUXON
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpeVop3SlW
He shrugged at my inquiry. I just sighed and rubbed my temple, racking my brain for anything.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLGVf1cib9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLCtWDdXwX
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ1QV3BW1h
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQqpCqw5JI
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHHuec6Cty
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNH7Zcnuzy
"Hank, can you go outside and check the surroundings?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU8kxUKrFH
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiVgnfRKn3
"U-Uh, I very well may, however..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbHXlx2aED
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1qy3irDBg
I raised my brow, then realized that just because Hank wasn't me or Juke didn't mean that he was entirely safe.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5EzwthWPd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo2tvaxti2
Rover's visage flashed in my mind. I brushed it aside for the moment, barely.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDELOlKaSk5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE44LnkmTfm
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU0sV34jCB
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEvfLlDi8j
"I see. I apologize for asking so much from you."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn02mvCjLMO
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0ScE2C1p7
He shook his hands frantically and.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRojFskS6V
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IS5tk6b5L
"Oh no no, I'll do it. I just don't think I'll be able to scout very far ahead."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVbbw1e4C8
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrMa7VmzXy
"That ain't an issue. Just the first block should be alright."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bw6T9H3w9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffex4fQGYM
Hank's gaze turned abnormally stern. He stood up and did a few gesticulations to assure himself.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTPgrtUQKY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3YbQnkriP
"Pray for me."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtq0tKcqUT
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOVy6TMxH9
"Don't worry. We'll arrange yer funeral for ya."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xfg7glNHZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM55XX38vz
"Juke!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUcHY7O1q2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXdIqWMYqm
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TYsmWZMes
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc07lrneSx
"Thanks for trying to lighten the mood, Juke."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuruBBMhi3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP7diCBnh7
He turned his head to me, stuttering his words before taking a breath and speaking them coherently.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS9I3DRnRD
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k2LwVGvuS
"No need to thank me. The atmosphere's tense, I just don't want it to stay that way."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGaSckYne3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXrOZWFcdn
"Still, I appreciate it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJkYZS0Yp1
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl6jJTJBbs
I sat with my legs spread out, lowering my head and leaning over to stare at the ground.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufNN81Aq9v
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyEmmkXg5V
"I can tell that my wisecracks ain't all that effective, though."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4Qrgfu8Gw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡussRSuxsBB
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwZYPV9qeb
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmDYBsGD0O
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSLSlxstYn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq1BX912VO
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYzw00Cyxf
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4z1xOE0fC
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeVkbdSFeW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ImtWRjflh
"Thank you for your help, Hank."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHroTXEEXcH
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbJxF2GwRb
"Yeah, we really of ya."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjpKCuHOYH
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVlP900GH9
He gave us a light smile and waved.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWonH2j4z6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYsDCs6UwG
"No no, it's fine. It's what Dennis would have wanted, I'm sure."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqWgIuAdXp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ8Nh30LjW
"...Y-Yeah."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44rXC6ZULY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5wFblKFjU
A morbid parasite was planted in me before we left. It began to eat at me instantly, but I did nothing to address it.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnAjVJnkcG
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OHu3thSOX
–
–
–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvuL2kpaJQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1Zbo2lUta
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdkmyWCO6l
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hFG0Hh5pS
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpChyW6lCq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4EgC3IGwy
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbvgr4kREN
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxZyvALtIm
"Hey, are you sure we're going the right way?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLhSV9MtOR
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9jOAfV9vJ
"Yeah, I'm sure. I remember that chipped building when I visited the stables earlier."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs82PuUWCZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3mvjmqw7T
He pointed at a building opposite us. Indeed, it was chipped, but somehow I didn't find his memory reliable.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsbOq7OSJ2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaLULK0hBR
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eXzhns9pv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjuKo7KqJz
"--Crap!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEtYs1VcOm
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEICocXFfz
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSmNju7y0A
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjfIRhl70g
"Crap. Crap!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0yQOyLafb
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81zotDoYto
"Eh? What's the situation, kid?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiwGW9iTYs
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDgr9jEpzp
"People are heading our way!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwoh3DtiLt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNwKi9C6dn
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVRCtQ9cyB
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FJ9GkjQl3
"I guess we gotta jump 'em."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5v2pJKemr
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNQQtjYph9
"What!? That's a terrible idea!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HHgg5fzup
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr2pwl9exZ
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwX9iWFCgkd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY9ajREQgg
"Okay, maybe it isn't a terrible idea, but we need to knock them out quickly."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujNmMYSHkl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThBwpBHMOe
"Yeah, killin' 'em will just make a mess and draw attention, ya make a good point."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmyYYENWUY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoTPVjlQYN
"...Murder is the first thing you– nevermind, you gave me a good idea."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhRYJOFBvi
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWn6hproYwR
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqywFhgU0QQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkChx5IrVh
It was unexpectedly heavy. The weight of the shield brought me to the floor and strained my arm terribly207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE2hC7IFCm
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJsn2S6gQc
"Ack!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3ZNHKgx38
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1ETBOkROM
"G-Goodness, kid. Are ya alright?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN5foKFp9r
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OwCBsJynq
"I-I'm fine, just keep quiet!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ70ip4bvd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimUuHsZ6aA
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgg6SBqfJi
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYy1e5LQdh
"Ya strong folk really are crazy."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX3OaofEGv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHNnIYpFRE
"Shut up. Now isn't the time for this."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgda6DY29kg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82JqJoLNVb
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIibFLSh5E
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jUm3SYWOw
And, by doing so, I heard something that made my hair stand on its ends.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkL4uxWvii
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJvc0XpTfO
"--Yeah, we should find a place to hide, don't ya think?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaTjdRligj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW21Q3gGPc
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mQYyATnuw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXDS2fv7Uy
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6WMUpnwJZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vY1QTuTuv
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–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWcBPBunbV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8Dbu23YFz
"--Kenny, I don't know if that'll do ya any good."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WjcKQDlhY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6XRGAvojM
"Huh?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYILMby0saP
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUWlpJym2A
Juke's deep voice pierced through the thunderous train of footsteps.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU06bMRmkv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInnj86JUOv
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNHlirx5jZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYjUzCgAEF
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMZ6FcWijo
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcBfQf5Xwb
"Why? Is it because I'm strong?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE2uCXfYF3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSI1sZvAek
"Nah, it's cuz yer a kid."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvFF5fa0EI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ToPOsaqLO
His response left me more stunned than I could've imagined.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4TU97ApYI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQXoAevSip
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVOCR6FU4z
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJe9LTYi7w
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD7gTnr8Ln
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCT0L5UcN7
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxebDbLOtnS
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ag8Jb4fNi
So, I let my mouth run amok.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhxsopwMcq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHIc218gfc
"I'm sure you know, but what Rover told me has... affected me, I suppose."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOcIy1OD9i
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMarV4uem6
"Yeah, I know."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvpuXGsf64
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUta0BLWTTc
A pause. I used it to formulate my following words more effectively.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHTg0V4YWC
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXWT5aFozH
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP5QODVVoq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcgeOvIztW
I darted my eyes to the side. He nodded along. He stared at the wall across. I did the same.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjUb3k4e3e
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADJ9ldd0bX
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVImogIRfE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqnjB3hxi5
"That sounds familiar..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt6Ge0xGzb
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzEJToiRhP
"Huh?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEovdlKGVw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pJNwT2ZnZ
"Nevermind. Ya carry on."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60kuC2Ee9G
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfwibFjIHn
I felt a little let down, but did as I was told.
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBm8CnbE26
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4b70SQ6u8
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CJhOJgke8
"Well?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GPN99Wby7
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz9cAixb0a
"...The thing is, if I voice it, I'll probably break apart here and now."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXisPaOb8S
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEsDBa11DG
"Ah."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL2dQ6i7mQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i4I7KnEKt
Another pause. I felt like I had more to say, but articulating it in my brain was difficult.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgukYFoHn4p
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoBUwGqkh5
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UaBqvTsYx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZpoPIRI2K
"Ah, the Lionant?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYmBW3NgzL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ST5rh8VtL
"Yeah. The one you saved me from. Thank you for that, by the way."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Eiz71gpWe
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9KAkyzyqW
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix4CjnU57g
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqgvncHf7b
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvdeC04kcX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW3AN5W0o5
"This might be a dumb question, but why did you save me back then?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdPO6j4Kq5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaZZbPG6zQ
"...Yeah, why did I?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypC5a5Lh9K
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglOXhlOY1Q
I didn't expect to be met with another question.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5ZiS7TqFC
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80RIGs6WDA
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS4Z86UrAO
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzKNHO8dxZ
I turned my head to him. He had his eyes pointed at the sky, one arm slung over his knee.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTyMiO3Ekf
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCuMOusV13
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVB1jkfeIa
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ6Tl6w9BL
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zzgcf4Aon
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEInQWxZw9
I felt as if I should have said something, but I remained silent. Juke continued his gentle monologue.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoKaFuiwzM
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByeyHUhe8c
"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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeopYFl2Zu
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AP0sCdbaE
"What?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9ntS7or24
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1YYr4vSgi
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0OYaD3u3p
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkDlwvhUGm
"That sounds... boorish?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaz2h4DiwE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrAqvjrOcn
"Pff, yer just too young."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ055dghXBOw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SSOYePqf1
He paused for a moment.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6MFBdLYCu
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3edAjl3ZM
"Why the hell am I saying this to a kid?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9V4p0MW40
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUolThnfLn8
"D-Don't mind that, just keep talking."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvYFLhRiDD
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDgRW5sOwx
"...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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXPf0FfHOA
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL0ugZGM7p
He took a second to readjust himself. I used that time to spill my own thoughts.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuhtn7vJef
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DZI3S1BGF
"That's silly... O-Oh–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm55IUfFoul
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx2OkJBCeV
I realized I had just blurted out something insensitive yet again.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI784UDfFF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHVatnsBf8
"I didn't mean to be rude, but–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUkd320X2m
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7wJKBkNrh
"Nah, I get why ya think it. To each their own, that's what the masses say, yeah?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjG4hZa52l
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBENYXkQfv
"I... yes, I suppose so."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t3sRQGFuf
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aBlft6Rvw
Another pause. Juke directed his gaze to the floor this time.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBHg7iEWa0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoBKVBfRHf
"I think the weak shouldn't have to deal with what the strong does."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhryyaeRSX9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqoJkExhun
"Yes, I know."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qZTztrql3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RxU9Bph6D
"But I wanna make sure Dennis is still kickin'."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGIvwcStOd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eVkEYstmw
He said that with conviction I had never heard from him before.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WtFl57lCm
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC7fDqqFZh
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxUiFVV3Jg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0FMHeunuR
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfpel0VVgt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDbeaTlwyq
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbgF4RFlKs
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E6Mbg4hrJ
"Ya hear that?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpSOmQhE0T
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFZICxWEdU
"Huh?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo8gjbev5F
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2tQXgD925
I perked my ears. I didn't hear anything. Then, I realized what Juke meant.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5B72eMtEe
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsynHQ1Q6z
"They passed."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lOx4mTXsX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoEaNONBTy
"Yeah. I can't hear them anymore."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpN0p87LdW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YJDkcdtag
Juke stood up first. He brushed the dirt off his pants and peered around the corner.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8Oyj0aRUu
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2EKxitt1h
"Looks like we're in the clear. Phew."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBJfoEODTN
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0uyW4AUbY
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lESjaZR2m
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CjyTA1Js6
Juke had already taken his first steps, though. He looked back at me once he noticed I wasn't moving.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TYNO0MX8b
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxuqEMC7qj
"Shit... hey, kid, I know what yer thinking."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u6hyx41wc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxXa0B6PPM
"You've been saying that a lot."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxole7zluy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy0aM78hie
"That's just cuz yer easy to read."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAYgXNkbtw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6FM7hw8Uk
We stood stock still in silence.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9D8wyIYF7
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZTcfDg6gr
"W-Well, what are you waiting for," I muttered, "Let's get going."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7etuFDS5N
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2npp3qMc8
"Are ya sure?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7WBBY1TCN
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15HS612oDv
I walked out of the alleyway, looking both ways before standing beside Juke.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSAbG7kulM
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf2YZiBGtZ
"I should be asking you that."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEMM6zKJE7
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwGyykTI5C
"Hehe, I guess so. We've come this far, haven't we?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUQbU1p3Um
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iqvACRkYM
"Yes. You get it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50bGneiGx3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7ssCQ8c3q
But before we continued, there was one last thing I wanted to mention.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL3D1ituB5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedHq0yHQqd
"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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK72PkvVuj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1ibpSOjQE
"Fine by me."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Oz22pwpWF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BseO5lcyT
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaudvUyAgwH
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlof19HVOv
–
–
–
"Ya see that?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuKIpF3YMV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeFSdCWjEz
"Yeah, we're almost there."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFyTjOjyuU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTszCVAiM7
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBaOd6alNT
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSH6Uywxa2
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX77JMljVg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUGApkW1uN
And as we got closer and closer, a sudden stench assaulted my nostrils.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8THW3X4jM
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntQxAy3nDn
"Blurg, what was that?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIxpCwzmS9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYp2FsGoU6
I skidded to a stop. I reluctantly sniffed the air again but didn't catch the same whiff. Juke looked back at me, confused.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluZ8iB4MjC
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeqp2AExom
"What was what?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9xvoZwggG
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0nCQ6tIS3
"I caught a whiff of something."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIISZnjNvbJ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcMpew7TaH
"Ah, gotcha. I ain't stopping, just so ya know."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr4jR1mD7s
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQA3njhodo
Clicking my tongue, I continued following Juke to the stables, occasionally sniffing the air as we encroached it.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqAkeaNub2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx0fE2Fklw
And then, it came again. This time, more putrid than before.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHvseqcwhX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUkkoWgHfe
"Ugh– ack, what in the world?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwYVMXHGRn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKNqqT1FQr
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPRzVMQjXt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbQj7GkyWF
But never had I wished for a door to be present more than now.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDiacK5Ug0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMgQuiVtIU
"...This is fuckin' horrid."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97c48FmOXs
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBInZTiLFMu
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7LX7UGJbk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB5Xeno7aK
The pens were broken, but the animals hadn't escaped. They were still in their pens, but as cadavers opposed to breathing beings.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69K6q4PdYE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtGGbEfN4V
Bile rose to my throat, but I was able to suppress it. That disturbed me deeply.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVnUvXwRmH
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSvZhExvNG
"Well, Kenny, I dunno if we'll be leaving by carriage any time soon."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oMGGUWc3k
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO2RKvJHuS
"You 'don't know', huh? Are you kidding me?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnusk1j0TBd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL0wiFscs2
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMbYj90rRt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcMIwt9WmF
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.
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uXDbw1kPF
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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5zdqWgnAP
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXLQfo0l3V
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCycK6tBfj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRq2H5RzVD
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–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtErVioWMN1
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBiWw0PDvf
"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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHPgMReygK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CdmraIgZ2
Then, Juke began to talk, but it was clear that it wasn't to me.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIJqDf6gXC
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtug6MKEhBW
"Who are ya people?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPqieErlbA
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0Wf5DogS7
"Wow, he really followed us. Well, sir, we're here to help. My buddy will be doing the dirty work, though."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMwIJZ94nc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2ZhrOQtou
"Buddy?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mCud7GXwm
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPZDz7Nbxx
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmEd8qkJF1
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxFbng4pOF
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp6TESuyA9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdMvQLBBGr
"Quiet now."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM5gaPqRBv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAd4B8gva9
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2pzjTYKm0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP0PVEzSMQ
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QZ3KumJ0H
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCglqS9ATV
"Where did she go? Do I smell that bad?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfNcK2FTaV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmUn3FXl2t
He pulled his crossbows back and sighed, rubbing his head as he turned around. His eyes met with mine, and he practically blenched.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq7GvGhLcR
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0wKCDbeOc
"K-Kenny? Where did you come from!?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqoYbRZFnV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWo6IO2Oli
I sighed, and I smiled. There was something heartwarming about seeing this man act as usual, even if it pained me.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IyGNnsOcs
然後按「加至主畫面」