I was set beside a wall. It took all of my will not to pass out immediately. I gave myself a minute to breathe and relax. I caught a glimpse of my legs. They were thankfully still in one piece, but several parts of my skin were charred. I put great care into the potion Juke fed me, so my wounds would heal just fine. I thanked my past self for making it pain-numbing as well.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvI2W5QUC3
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Though my legs were fine, too much of them were exposed to the outside world. To put it bluntly, I needed a new pair of pants. I would've ordinarily been embarrassed, but I had bigger fish to fry.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0g0qvAmls
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp2axz6tVX
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X8BHUxZO3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsGkyctl99
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDaCYzhGJu
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTjEucfxal
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme60xu1l2Z
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TPsKRIBpv
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDntrpDu2KZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdguSftvcv
"Ya know how to make one?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90eezM04H7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc16TByFE8c
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhC2fjbQbh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SmVmnnSk2
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0NBX9CEQL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQLO8ly1aI
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy5KRcmSGz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnd4wdcTlT3
The man I recognized but forgot the name of walked up to us with an impassive face, making me wonder if he asked how we were only for formalities.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx5uZiUKLp
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPUIq6Y3k4
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkobHQ5QNe
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZhHTgIuCr
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1zQKfxeVC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q08CccFO9
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9xqpUwUGz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKPaV6UGr6
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf3bgMLoWZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL30VHkPSa0
"Uh... well-"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXGHqgjR76
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevT5VdfCwB
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNEpaCiNKZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9GhfRfU9y
"Ah, of course!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLhzev7fTa
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiF1d2px1C
Pars rubbed the back of his head.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5x8SfnAVq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp9pIiZQpC
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhShb8jzeF0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINnRt5ZbJw
"Juke."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzwMAUFXl0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrQvU7o0fN
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJOwRX02Vs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfmpqmbQjb
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqWWGPVDKZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBfWFDaN5z
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86dxBkhURJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRTXXDolII
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM7HAPKMPZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Qv9pxOuNc
"To make a long story short, we were tryin' to escape the city. Found out that these Hard-Bringer bastards really want our heads in particular, so much so that the Harbinger lady camped the stables and attacked us. That's who we were runnin' from."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNHy55urv6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5xcMlInGd
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGa3njhQ5k
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLsJmbsbob
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cZ9Bx8Oen
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMYjDbqifq
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEIJvwN3e9
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"I did this to myself, though."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gKawbM9nq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUTbDSxRkZ
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk9VAIETiH
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbb8tS2gFp
"You're just lying to them, though."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzSZKSQTcV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u3LQtUNwF
He simply shrugged. I realized that I was just sweating details. It didn't matter why, the point was that I became injured because of the fight.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjupefcYZL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2qPtqr6W2
"What Juke's saying is right, though. We weren't on the brink of death or anything, but we weren't making her feel threatened, let's just say."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfPoTaQ6Yl
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdDxA476fw
"I gotcha," Pars replied. He seemed to be mulling over something Juke had said. I used the window of downtime to close my eyes and lean my head against the wall.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DXyRm4PTI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCqUVa1DDQ
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNVr7S9ouZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw84wTW8ri
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn4R9mpOKY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL6RfI00DT
"From what that mop-haired guy from earlier was sayin'," Juke started, "It's probably because of the mission we're on. They ain't cottoning to our mission, which I can't disclose for legal reasons, but jokes on 'em, we already did it!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBfB1pybzJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPduBKzxFH
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVevmVoS6P
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ133YvM00Br
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJRidW1wjM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4jEr4y9aQ
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy68YbaFy6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPmL8AC2cg
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs3tQPPWgu
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG6DTfgZpA
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2YA6Dfzns
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMsqpqWAcM
"I'm flattered."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWScFoKADG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtIQGzWFi3
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkzggVWd1K
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrD1OGPBJQ
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb69eqdnnRj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9Cl8k5cFM
"Well, like I said, the mission's already over. Ya think if I tell the Hard-Bringer folk that they'll give us a slap on the wrist?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemJzQJWeev
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBJrl7ockw
"..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuSDl1rzpi
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSzpWWoTtI
Pars didn't respond to Juke's playful inquiry. Dave had an even graver expression than before. Their faces were solemn in a way that radiated pity, and it was only exacerbated by Pars' pinching of his nose and subsequent sighing.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zwekfVdeT
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UfTiLbFy0
"Just to make sure, your guys' mission was to deliver the letter, right? The letter in question had to be delivered to the Pillar of Foreign Communications?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HfdENnLyN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlSV5EXYg7
"...I don't like where this is goin'."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAASSYfUsW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUvjuCpnJS
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tx56tX9W4
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzioSuFNXpJ
"You're right not to like it, because I'm about to drop the worst news you've heard all week: all of the Pillars have been subjugated by Hard-Bringer."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym851IohmV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnkjYZxcKC
"...The hell does that mean?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer8arrrHxC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNfhy3ZCKy
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD2bMIWid7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3OgpB4hWV
Pars articulated himself with a constant emphasis. Every word dropped heavily, and their meaning struck harsher with his heavy voice. My eyes widened. A cavity formed in my gut. I wanted him to repeat himself, only to be sure that I heard what he said, but the thought of it being reaffirmed was too frightening for me to try.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPKctgD1ZL
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOgop80K67
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlsAH4uHIM
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7pRsoioam
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHBG4ebWJP
"Haaaa... shit."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJDhKyHZvL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EDSvdCh3p
Juke leaned back against the wall and stared at the sky. All things considered, he was taking it pretty well. I thought it was ridiculous. I couldn't see inside him, sure, but I was astonished by how all that was invoked from his was a simple sigh. My feelings turned mixed.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqNIr783PX
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRQvo1AVYn
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSvx4AgZXQ
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXFfxpqkTM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiaX5kFNNu
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OaEneNGnU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDjK6wLCln
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVgkmwkLZC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJN4lmciXE
"I think I get the gist of it," he said, "If we wanna see the mission through, then we gotta kick these Hard-Bringer bastards out, yeah?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw1xVYgO4g
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwX2UmYjgk
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr6eeNWKVz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7HEtMAriu
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmacWhp1GA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZIsC0au1F
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6wDojnT1X
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3Od6tAeoA
I put my head in my hands. The state of affairs moved too fast for my fatigued body and mind. I was certain that, if I just came out of a good rest, I'd be able to think more clearly, but I didn't, so I couldn't, and it frustrated me, it frustrated me endlessly. Then there was the idea of doing this– for some reason, I sat on the fence. I couldn't say yes to the proposal, but I wanted to accept, yet I couldn't make a declaration.
"Are ya alright, kid?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp6ywGVFEg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcrKSmLUbb
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCyxb89wZV
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"I... I'm having doubts. My mind is foggy, I think I need to sleep."
"I getcha, but what are ya having doubts over?"
I looked at him as if he just asked an incredibly stupid question.
"Don't give me that look. This is yer job, ain't it? Why are ya doubting yerself?"
"My job?"
Juke provided me with an interesting perspective. It was pragmatic and disciplined. It caught me off guard, and it certainly wasn't something I expected to come out of his mouth.
But, as I thought about it–
"You say it's my job, but isn't this well over our pay grade?"
"Hell yeah, it is. Seriously, what's a weak guy like me doing, being contractually obligated to fight Hard-Bringer, eh?"
He took a few steps forward, pulling his sword out of his scabbard and placing it on his shoulder. He turned around and looked me in the eye.
"I think it's a perfect excuse to check up on Dennis."
He offered me a hand.
"..."
His declaration made me smile. It dispelled all my doubt instantly. I chastised myself for even thinking that way, even with my haziness. When I thought about it that way, it was the perfect excuse to amend that dreadful feeling I gained last night, all that guilt and shame, even if it would continue to creep at the back of my mind.
So, I reached for his hand and–
"I can't even lift my limbs anymore, Juke. You're going to have to carry me."
My arm dropped a second later; his did too.
"I think ya should go to sleep."
"Out here on the street? That's impossible."
"Fair 'nough.'
"Lucky for you guys," Pars interjected, "Dave and I set up a bit of a haven nearby. That should be the perfect place to rest, surely."
"Don't speak with such uncertain language, Pars. The haven is safe, that's why we call it a haven."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0e4ZQIcFv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe0rtR101g
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOquM5NzR4M
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEFe4fR7rI
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pIAMkousO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNHUJssN4e
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPuFmPsK5M
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFB2dRUK1Q
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPbraSEYXj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zck2a5kNF
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmFwz9cvTO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAPTCFvIFB
"Come on, I'm just joking around."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9408MBIYi
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTMccS7meq
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTptMWBWKd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cDJWupjuZ
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvN3ldnnt8
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpOEw6oPBT
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJDtZgviIy
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnVb7tPOwb
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51AQRkPh1M
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCHxePtMXs
Dave stepped away and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms and tapping with his finger. Pars gazed at him incredulously. Upon realizing Dave was entirely serious, he walked in the opposite direction, surveying the streets at the alleyway's entrance.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHBKdP2DZD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzWlmYPXcj
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFWpNZi9jp
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Wlg3AUYXg
"Ya good to go, kid?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt40cV0rUm
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmixDYwfY5F
My attention returned to Juke. I nodded at his inquiry, but the previous problem persisted.
"How are we going to go about that? Even if I had a cane, I don't think I can stand."
"I'll just carry ya like before."
That statement sent a quick shiver down my spine.
"Don't carry me like before, please. I'd much rather ride on your shoulders."
"On my shoulders? The hell are ya, some kind of kid?"
"..."
"Ah, shit, forget I said that."
I was struck by a frothing curiosity. How was it that he constantly forgot my age? I realized in seconds that it wasn't just him; seemingly, everyone even a tinge older than me constantly forgets it.
I didn't make mention of my question, though. Juke crouched down and slapped his shoulders. I practically crawled to him, and climbing his body so I could get in a good position made me feel like a bug. Fortunately, Juke made no comment about it and simply grabbed me under my thighs and lifted me. I wrapped my hands around his neck.
"We're good to go, haven-guy."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOv047snEJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSBavaJfWQ
"My name is Dave."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu06dS1UHwr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZgtRTuJS3
"Dave, my fault."
"Right. Follow me, then."
He waved his hand, gesturing us to pursue him. He walked to the end of the alleyway, stopping just short of reaching Pars.
"How does it look," he asked.
Pars winced a little and spun his head to look at us. He drew a quick breath and nodded his head.
"The coast looks clear to me, but we should be on guard. The Bringer who chased our guests is either hiding or calling for reinforcements."
Dave gave a stern nod at his statement before stepping forth and spearheading our group. He stepped into the street, looked both ways and waved his hand, motioning to follow us. Juke and Pars broke into a sprint, trailing Dave as he zigzagged between branching paths and alleyways. Uncomfortable as it was, we traveled quickly. I envied the lengthy legs of the adults.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMJTrHZNsl
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcllfROyEAq
But just as quickly as their legs moved, they were forced to skid to a stop. Dave started the chain, quickly pushing his back against the wall as he neared the end of the alleyway. Startled, Pars followed suit, and Juke awkwardly stood around, unsure of what to do with me on his back. He crept as close as he could to the wall without squishing me, which I whispered a thanks for.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18804rBDKo
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolLXF8Cu0p
We were all against the wall now, but that begged a crucial question to be asked, and Pars was the one to do it.
"What'd we stop for?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PlCCNy1aG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AYTCKPg5W
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDkXLJpGUC
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLei1Tg4uXx
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaEu0Fobh9
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfldTwglGww
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFZ2RtNXMi
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3wlBxxJ7w
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepPZI1zYK2
"How many are there?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpWftjYoBF
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ramx7mlXm
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPkqpZwsbb
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUGc0LeAl3
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KdcYlxBsN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7P8e83hIC
"...Come and judge for yourself."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0niBlYcIj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFORxqWbzs
Pars crept beside Dave, peering over the corner. He looked for a few seconds before retracting his gaze and cracking his knuckles.
"Don't harm them conspicuously. If others find bleeding bodies by my shop, it will probably be sieged."
"I gotcha. Those oblivious morons won't know what hit him."
He stuck his knife back into his coat and began mana expulsion, forming two skull-sized rocks before his palms. He stepped away from the wall and crouched down, aiming his arms at the sky. Then, with a faint gust of wind, the boulders flew into the air. They soared dozens of feet, but their launch angle was steep. As I watched the rocks plummet to the ground, I furrowed my brows, wondering what Pars' strategy
As they went past the building, I lost sight of them, but the sturdy crash and subsequent twin thuds showed me what happened. And, to the event that just occurred, I only had one question. Dave was kind enough to ask for me.
"How on earth does that work?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWf7OqWgbr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJY0qgNJL6
Pars uncrouched and brushed his palms against each other.
"It's just a skill I've picked up over the years."
"Ya really like showing off, don't ya? Strong folk, I swear..."
Pars veered his gaze to Juke, a subtle smirk plastering itself on his face.
"Cool looks are just a bonus. Seriously though, it's a useful skill."
"Are you sure?" Dave asked, "Because their skulls were a lot more liable to shatter with a stunt like that."
"...What's that supposed to mean?"
Dave sighed and pinched his nose.
"Let's just count our blessings and chalk it up to them being dull and stupid. Now come on, let's hurry."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVuW3Qqr07
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW8Bwe4zPk
Dave stepped foot into the street, looking both ways and jogging to his store. Grabbed one of the bodies under the shoulders and motioned Pars to join him, which he did. The two dragged the bodies into another alleyway, disappearing.
"Those two look like real shady people. Ya sure we can trust 'em?"
"After what we just saw, I wouldn't blame you for thinking that. But, they're good people."
"I'm just pulling yer leg. I know they're good folks."
"Pulling my leg, huh...?"
Finding a strange humor in his wording, I chuckled. Juke walked closer to the entrance of the alleyway, giving us a better view of the street. I looked both ways to find that it was clear.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5s4Pt5fvr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvAoEAlYsU
"They're okay, right?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MoZizfxcC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzCWqs38lw
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXOEMaZOe5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJT2rlraF6
I eyed the alleyway the two waltzed into and felt a weight form in my stomach with each passing second. To my relief, they walked out just a minute later and judging from their leisurely gaits, they didn't run into any trouble.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkG1p9RoL6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHO8MKYQ7w
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvWx4Y0eNr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4dnN0pXB4
"The coast looks clear. Once we go in, we gotta head right on upstairs. Dave will act like a frontman for us, shutting any trouble out."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZENvLUu9Oe
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKPJsEJWND
We nodded at his statement and went to wait beside the door. To my surprise, Dave was fumbling with his keys. He opened the door just fine, but seeing such a slip-up, minor as it was, gave me a daunting premonition.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxgDmL3lYR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdeKs4A5bk
I set the thought aside as we entered the shop. From all the interior architecture I've seen thus far, my expectations were low. However, the inside of the shop was orderly and ornamental. Antique lamps, though snuffed, were sprawled on various tables lined with products and price tags. I could infer from the pottery and other ceramic objects what Dave's shop was all about, but I still felt inclined to ask.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8CNEmlmKI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTBjjEDgBg
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiyBnIlYI5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjx4do3TBN
"Decorative objects, as you can see. They're brought here by potters from neighboring areas. Very few of them are reinforced with mana suspension, so I wouldn't go touching them. In fact, don't touch them at all, any of you. Especially you, Pars."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy6FxBhpiq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5cYyXwMtd
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2Tvy0ulGk
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u8fHZxXZc
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01AbMJmt4m
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2UeWVI1lC
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ7SPw992F
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZcqHEMTxC
He stopped by the counter and leaned on it. He turned and looked at me with an unreadable smirk.
"Hell no. Anything I could make would be too grotty to sell to the inhabitants of a communication city."
"That is... an awfully good point. But that begs the question–"
"And I'll answer it for you happily: the administrators and officers here love their decoration. You won't believe how much they've paid for some of these products. Frankly, I overcharge for most of these products. I don't get many sent in, obviously, so I need to make them count."
"I see. But I feel like I'm missing the full picture ."
"I haven't the time to explain it."
He stood up straight and looked at us intently.
"Go on upstairs now. Pars should explain the situation. Should. There is food and water, so rest. Once you're ready, we'll meet up with the Retaliation Crowd."
"Retaliation Crowd?" Juke asked. Dave nodded in reply. Juke sighed and shook his head.
"What did I get myself into...? Alright, Pars, ya better explain what this Retaliation Squad's all about."
"It's crowd, but sure. Follow me."
Pars turned to the stairs and began to ascend them. We followed, but I made sure to wave to Dave before he left my sight. Then, just as I finished, Juke spoke.
"Not to spoil yer mood, but that talk ya had with Dave bored me to death. Didn't help that I had to carry ya the whole time."
"Ah, sorry. I'm not being too much of a hassle, am I?"
"Nah, yer real small and skinny, it's just that I've been carrying ya for too long."
"Right."
My tone quickly lowered when I heard his roundabout insult. We arrived at the second floor shortly after. I immediately drew similarities to my apartment; analogous doors parallel to each other lined the albeit short hallway. Pars placed his hands on the door to the right and entered it.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ1QWhC31U
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSUtBZDvTe
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDOJrK45MB
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCsQLwsJtv
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXnHVaJWVG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACiwUXSvL5
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJADtkKAjE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhPEVKX5PL
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCWIvrjgpj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAgAEO6fsf
"W-Wait, put me down first!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQgxoNtywG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMegyi9zC80
"Eh? Why?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaKQz3IMbg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUustC0lySD
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89jUogmm3t
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4cHpVM0HC
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB5WpCxEwg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9QL5RelH4
He grabbed me by the side of my chest and hauled me over his head. I grazed my hair on the roof, but I was set on the floor without much issue. Once I got my balance, we entered the room.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSciN37xPS9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbx0tURkBp
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cPpbo5QM1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9uKOPhNEw
I glossed over the room in search of a place to sit. Once my eyes landed on a chair, I hobbled to it and slowly set myself down.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg8YPZreXg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB4fVzC4pw
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4Te7IFrrq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTml8dUKFD
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmUmNPnnUt
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzb5OjDE47
"...It's dusty and shabby."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGJN6pjLwg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg26EwzsRib
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BFvxXwzAj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DnUBQCW4e
Pars raised his finger and opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He sighed and leaned against the wall, holding a thick paper in his hand.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6si5mp4Ur
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw3oBFbieb
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXptHHsaaeG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNZlN13tkK
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHweVPxAJR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraGiW0i7hZ
"You two ready?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7DVzc7IPH
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftnaG030jI
I nodded.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzyO57PuzJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoiyn29beG
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rn1KsshLN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukKzhS89jx
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXZTO6CG00
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcbrWjGo1G
Juke and I nodded in reply.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ7hUdH3M5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGW2yvtpOQ
"Well, since these are the paragons of the city, it's pretty important to capture them. Of course, the Retaliation Crowd is planning on capturing them all."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlOsw3bleg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddDasNPs7u
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdFq14rvtM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgrAvX4D4n
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc8pFRDAg5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ghLeLMsqh
"They're in different buildings. The Retaliation Crowd is split into five parts. It's a pretty big movement, so if we tried to group everyone up in one building, we'd be too obvious."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6BJzwZyLI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjAcajGOdT
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm010wz975
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCcamQdvgG
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp7KYI7s1D
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSgi5cBlCy
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnEn5BTqi5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkVg8BgPgJ
"Don't sweat it."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaWNt0DGH1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hSHfs0DKT
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfb7cXbDdZ
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"Back to what I was saying, the Retaliation Crowd is split into five buildings, but they've all got something in common, and that's their proximity. They're all close to the Central Communication Pillar."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPqRgOoWKr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVI7wCv1rF
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiSKZkKpbl
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0BYl1iltc
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6FoedH0xw
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYIZxd8sCX
"Yes, the plan goes like so: we all storm the Central Communication Pillar, overtake it, and make that our new base of operations. It will put a huge target on our back, but if everyone in the city learns that we've taken the Pillar then–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbnCmbGCdn
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFlwVEXNCQ
"I don't care 'bout yer reasons, I just wanna know why ya coerced us into doing this when ya know damn well our business is with another Pillar."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2t6Kps4J2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih3fbwGLZN
My body tensed. The weight of the air multiplied tenfold. I felt like I had to rebuke Juke's statement, to tell him that we were trying to help the city too, but I stopped. I couldn't push the words out of my throat.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBtmbLGaPR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJOTXPB6b3
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU04nO24kn
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2zcu4lPP4
"I ain't trying to attack ya, I just don't get why we can't start with the Foreign whatever Pillar. Why are ya taking us for a ride with this one first?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1IR7gBoAE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaWUt3olrA
"I get why you're frustrated, and I'll explain it to you. We're storming the Central Pillar so we can call in for backup."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN91iDiipk
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qhQueWSJG
"Backup?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcHFPpgBvC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjZ8s1DUb6
Pars nodded.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXfWqf8nFq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xRrJwnxYY
"Since the Central Pillar deals with communication across the Southern Country, we'll send an SOS message. Afterward, it'll only be a matter of time until all of Hard-Bringer will flee."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUqqachD41
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAeM8pdPbR
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qwRo2AsZd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCjNHV4N23
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2LGkc5fuK
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EhLBKCgzG
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1qcPulCuX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjEAMU73Ac
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIbKl06hOI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsjVRDZz41
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yEKwaa8YD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGlBu7QkDk
"A-Are you serious?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA9Mhyid0A
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqejSgsZRT0
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYsWmzJP6O
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"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqsmmSk9qr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK61Hqh4oLk
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK2ADe1RHH
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3sMBR48GV
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjueEv1N6U
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu61Uoy9bGo
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoX3MC63nl
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACuA2qFaIN
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXDmEjCZ6x
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43w5VZttOU
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHZ12eIbgR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKBabP4AOA
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzqgPncSj7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXD1x2Y4Oz
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq8puxi6sZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsTLFVk8oe
"I'll have to discuss it with Lola. She's the head of this whole operation, but she also knows a lot more about the Pillars than I do."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNi56Tl8lX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaxxobgbLp
"...Gotcha."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbBMnTCCSh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWwTQ5JSp4
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqrRL5WKfK
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ6CoO9zKN
"Alright, that threw a wrench in what I was gonna say. If we still go to the Central Pillar first, will you two still help us?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyMwD9epiR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9I93hqXls
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvgdteTH8t
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFygG84v159
"I... I will. I still want to help."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfADJVBxZlq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLpij0guVr
"...I can't deliver the letter without yer group anyway. It'd be a pain to have to fight Hard-Bringer even more, so I'm prayin' that we skip to the Pillar we want."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6ueQTNvWi
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaN8S4CKJv
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYinYrwUpz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo7yyRfAD2
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0558DarSr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG5JeJCYlq
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUwdPnKx36
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l8nDWDNoz
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMshZdkPdN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswx13mW8o8
He let go of Pars' hand.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7if6l0iUkX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPnKe790wJ
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpCIyB03IA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiB9mZVDr4
"Go ahead. We'll be leaving in a few hours, so make yourself at home. There should be food and water in any of them."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovw8oXlveS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pHXI1BIif
Juke gave Pars a nod and left. Pars looked at me intently. He seemed to be insisting on something. Then I remembered whose room I was in.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImFePwBhtP
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9bskT5WQh
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbX0acI4Hy
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlzRmsQW1y
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrm7VJMA0W2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy5MlxYeQm
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0RCAIS8td
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D1O7cwPCI
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKbgPhdG9W
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9QtPP1r5s
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnE40kZKhG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MXY2Dq5Qu
"...I shouldn't waste any time."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddbgNtSfaL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFr1Rhrmmj
Before plummeting into another spiral of thoughts, I got on my wobbly feet and limped to the bed. I couldn't fall on my back, nor could I roll on it when my body hit the mattress. The moment I landed, my eyes closed.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlSVu7hUjG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN09tt850l
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
