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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps5tVbNgpj
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI98Nt522U
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5YyLl5HpB
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZVqSd3JhR
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2UsvnSe8x
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV6FrNFCSb
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhojDFa28j4
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmepOYQge2Y
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCGPRAu2mL
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmrUzJjOb1
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFnIW1AdQc
"Ya know how to make one?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7b5Zb6r1l
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzGMn2xcYa
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG2VXnBFo4
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxr09dgcX9
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83wmr3Ivtf
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvCtUhipBo
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PrsMfIDXB
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXcd9krk6m
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2QCQ1a0oh
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT1FFXlL57
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvWnqGtc1e
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRRf7CaOCz
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcH3SWSXV6
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI754iMpzp
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsWFDcZgD5
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxQ0KwITJO
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWIR1GUIoj
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslmVPtgQUs
"Uh... well-"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoAa622jPy
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XGlwPP9Um
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2El0a4xIb
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ684JZBJjfP
"Ah, of course!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkp8YyZ0bB
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bGu8LNztx
Pars rubbed the back of his head.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOg2xQ9AKO
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g2pGMmI60
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat6HgTKPon
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxThPleGL0e
"Juke."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO6hMYe3SP
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdwwlOolo3
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueadJN9Pti
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspO7ARCRGw
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmz9JpDGcb
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuTNN3djse
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH4yYkyVyz
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iyeGhZMhk
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGVewvCQeu
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqxTH8N9ty
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWXhxg9j3t
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzsB9PZie3
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡna6Ct5BQlN
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUXeyrX9eh
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjwbNw2Fgv
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPsjBTAQHD
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt41EmeQpI
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"I did this to myself, though."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBl9XTSq4z
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom6u6hp5r3
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLXJWIv02k
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq9AqA4nQB
"You're just lying to them, though."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmQ8nvctLP
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtoupUbnUr
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLB38p3Aqm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IZHhtLoJB
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqitBl4ZRb0
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytCm7kMjxL
"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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbITSSyTem
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPzjDtqCW3
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n8gEWfoMC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpcIJCDy97
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzIzSGX2Qp
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvScnSwzD2
"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!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuUPUw1Tb8
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1akDnJlDh
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnGv0MEbIa
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBvn8yr5TR
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjhTbUd1dz
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIwJ1dqmUr
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw0vBn98CU
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXqKMfx5rN
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOFnigHD53
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZHKzZC4bd
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBmR84f44H
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsS0IV8Pkd
"I'm flattered."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0p9Nr7SEL
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeIIBB4oxi
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKou6G3ziq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZntkh5OJn
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCujkkObWi
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"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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuTCv7PUKx
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPlJOm1dht
"..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp8GRTTUXm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTD36d4bLC
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR339NmWtK
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs6Rl4g4UH
"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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaDJZk8tq7
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrWlFXWkRC
"...I don't like where this is goin'."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ltgri8rI9
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPdaQXoalP
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fU7LKbGLK
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"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiT4bP3FT1
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAsWFLYTe4
"...The hell does that mean?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzbHS2u5cZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr102ep9uA0
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPSPBOtNJN
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEYCVYDjtG
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDrUde8NjF
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFZP1IoimL
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIgJjpJCeH
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEcnn4A7lU
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmb5Bfe5ZA
"Haaaa... shit."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZiRpqc1if
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItK2d8Owmo
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFYhVoR7W6
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0BmnYvKLe
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"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvlb8CYemD
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Bb6HZj7Cx
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBFmdtoIUm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KJtYfxnTp
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInGSkdCxqa
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEAHmbAO75
"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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAFIV71n1E
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkilFE9YY10
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthl91TholP
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2zQFWdO7z
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I6pjK4Fxu
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrTRtw7lZn
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d9VjBoL3p
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2IojoFZkZ
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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoFsVyY40Z
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YzkTnZBb1
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcquDLHN5g
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbSGd5AZpo
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vjzqf0jPm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpgvCKiB9m
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ737BaIgVXT
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"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FXHPwmXiY
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebqXmQqDEx
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rdRbpn3PJ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSztdG53hjt
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAC5gljl1Bf
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7v3lieJFd
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfUGHVgTfJ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBCvNxIarN
"Come on, I'm just joking around."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfx9n7iwhz
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4WE4B6Hkq
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYsx1X0Soq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3xfMXZMkL
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJCxFPGW3l
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNZxOJRosi
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi8QRwSwT5
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPd61EGjDE
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsj3ZkArr5
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtZ3d64PA3
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMqqX4oVtY
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtYyRXhNSJ
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6yn0jC1cG
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilfBs4tzrW
"Ya good to go, kid?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UXF1p2lfB
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aIUnfi47l
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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufTzhk09ol
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP39TJlCHoO
"My name is Dave."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6Qhj4aKuS
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUXc5YK3GV
"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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60MIXW6F1v
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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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKUTlEw4X6
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdRc2PUo2x
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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2hkjM4YU1
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Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAfGzNMmfv
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmVWSxDcVV
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokomSBToBl
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pubOUd7SI
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLdUgeHMSI
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW7iYn0A5o
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"How many are there?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6HelZ9TdM
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p3C6Imr4J
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjteZBxyPa
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsz37sEVgA
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlHSICje6s
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMb5jP5DlL
"...Come and judge for yourself."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZnDlKJcFM
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JAIBkbHOj
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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYAWEoZHnj
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mp1gMQFyu
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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJLTp3NvSW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FZODCpJUP
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF3R2arRwy
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"They're okay, right?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9e1EzdV36P
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YvkRlMtmQ
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuaLshdjhy
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HHzpVaIFZ
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yOPFAhB1P
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcISwwdHzT
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh3f6GiMVN
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjVr473SiB
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYldPETqGNw
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJHLALrJ3B
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUQwuESWyp
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvIYlbOJf3
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdzofOCmXl
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ASEm53WvZ
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNuLL3mJID
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCqy4XHkDE
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ihy7CDVgI
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPsdARoX62
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ41L12WPz
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyYLhzZrXO
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqycjVuiCdn
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7xL6fbUSp
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xI7hWP1xZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUQJ191IS2
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkqxxelmEj
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57VaZlgzFT
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dOv9v3nZL
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGNUq0JeLO
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInFtAykubY
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXUHCCPALM
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFBCEQaReC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx2LuegnFu
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP8aCDAx30
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9VfoRSNhu
"W-Wait, put me down first!"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcu61AW03l
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NEGQSrS1q
"Eh? Why?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdbQgTJOZ8
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjycHHBrJY3
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU4E4ZZgPT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVOy5Yd0Wq
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqCp1JgwSF
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSG2XrJki1
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynkrooruzr
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI09rz4B0kz
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhbljL9WdB
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92dwO6dl55
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdOYVAHVwh
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kYvu42Lbz
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54OsOCky0D
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ7XZTUA2I
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKbARnoW4v
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkvg4Asaxm
"...It's dusty and shabby."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VZ16Pz9kW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzriaUVVz2y
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp84d2mhrse
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhBNq6r3Lx
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK4mu9tEYQ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNLwDf3QkL
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uxAHNOh0I
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfrTR1cLsi
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJDePvQSmC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2efQbXJIM7
"You two ready?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcmkc0ry6r
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I nodded.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ycGzKriXH
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm9Sqzuyal
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAihgKlZQBd
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrByjrmlMZ
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl8cLcVUfN
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nuMBuOJck
Juke and I nodded in reply.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmANkgefOGl
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeST248hFy
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ufwb1pszt
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSvcVPiapx
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrtajV6ASP
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPj6v2G1Vw
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5By0Y3mQO8
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEh0diWUAc
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35zzqzGU0E
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIJO2Fha1p
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6uXQVeiHA
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKIeYKRm25
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLAqT94RQp
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGH6oaYGoA
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT03DPoXnA
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaBuPG34QR
"Don't sweat it."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2riphBn6E
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz7erk5cG0
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSteMqEoPV6
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs7e4DLnLZ
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMHMGu93a3
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadrVGEmdaC
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN7O2v5nsd
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgErFNvURq
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqy8qIkzZC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAL84njfri
"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–"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmi8dKEHZRZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8UktIr3DD
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfopFvXGWaQ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi5oq8YgAY
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRABpkoIQDE
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp1QXXGxMi
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwGwHmRIFH
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVrhbpwlLG
"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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkWo6n6mEi
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhkvyvPNr8
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxzrlttbbT
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcs56GNyhG
"Backup?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAhC3Q8iZC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBUjJud6BR
Pars nodded.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINAIVyKNHg
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMQPKlQTKx
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYBmTL7e9r
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2OAsLXajT
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLEddliSD0
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOKwAcOtel
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGdqrOypQj
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCdVYGtu6B
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnefDoCzfpV
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk2I5kDtj1
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70FPdIwjYq
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3nxyLrwok
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q0OvY8VbN
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOMIcKeMO3
"A-Are you serious?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXRwczjVbP
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPoKSTF52L
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ3ovBWNoJ
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"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bnHCeP1Wp
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsP7S4zego
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdZjsjo3nm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl5ysbKGzd
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE4iytnpSR
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLaqKXFbJO
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYfIzAXFXm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p4Mqba5Ll
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3Mxls1Emc
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JvUWaYw8f
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkPjtaTieg
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt5EC9Nx15
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqNcmrE44T
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNpbhfB3r5
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTCkw9YnhF
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLXPGh8o2I
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM45y8nn2M
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5u3zxvogI
"...Gotcha."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVXOx95GyY
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUziwOPZFN
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLei5dDS19
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3CHWiF1E7
"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?"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SWOCcg1qu
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQQq1ANhew
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uKbQJAMPe
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrnCJTIand
"I... I will. I still want to help."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pZZt4gwLC
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7w8mfSUjtH
"...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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa64JiHVqAY
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQ0PQ4Df8f
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZxieXj9vo
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX16RckNlPW
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SFafPqkPW
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHam6usgj6
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ECLYK5RUt
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDpSuSsjg2
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlVzOdWEhh
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OuxwVcehF
He let go of Pars' hand.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyRPjc07O5
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11clQ7v1D2
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnT7PVqmWm
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DvYcb2cUq
"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."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4Jvq6yBHV
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPOGT5ZZwP
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbHTnZJoqn
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh85dOd3IJ
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNBPwDU92x
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV9f3BB2UZ
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7yIjmynBD
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAadVFyIHqr
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsjLHuc01T
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgPzvW5OiI
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32Tg5F3vnn
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2BfrQsTtG
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ku3NEwRfZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzi4rJbLK0
"...I shouldn't waste any time."141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmwSqz3lkZ
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJsBPJ14AA
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.141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGPuhm6hcS
141Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNg9n9L7d7
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
