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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTTT3tEQRa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EsTKTJvVw
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaMZINUwn7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1aAABsfgF
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVkWOSiuNk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSIHXMUvmf
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW1UNaHVj1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5D31xAG9W
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNru1qEHCQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg6R0B3q9m
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRB5Z0nrqi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCPUJVrAJw
"Ya know how to make one?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rb5nVOukh
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rU7MXnBSE
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmnzq2c28E
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY2zjv9XBo
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfggHkJ41d
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEaB8iPnFZ
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ6H390jvq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv0edBV5hk
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rnPzYjbVu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LwZ7VA9YL
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3StEK2Dcn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2mq2cUiTN
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9pDPydGOn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOa7daZxEw
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7gsKcUc1E
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxXvlApv5a
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzZdBrjr3P
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu1f8pgvkP
"Uh... well-"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSNx4HDFVM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb9NYLoTNg
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81Q1ugTaBb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcI0pKp5At
"Ah, of course!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSTBeoq8ax
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MhlvkJxp0
Pars rubbed the back of his head.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAIQpBqDgd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN56Vllabt
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzhkW0QfBX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnSS2RnMPL
"Juke."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT6L6AnpI1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoqPSUxBlA
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw2UxI5sC3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3DYmp9BQY
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQcaJJ5kUt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnVf828FU8
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouwFMzx5ui
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgoyFFdoNU
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfUytsjqvf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVrMdG61HR
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0Wlp3PoIN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY8vvRTC1x
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69ULAJgHsT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDMaXb6qGG
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbDzmlNiJC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaD9oqLE5G
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY5H08abcw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmtnXq628B
"I did this to myself, though."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCIpGD6foT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhwYev1ESQ
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxNf8wUwug
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR52jkc0yLP
"You're just lying to them, though."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICc1dKRU56
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tLDvf8CmL
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU0U1TocSs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVjM2FacfK
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACeiwEC8kl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dXjq8oiMd
"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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlQb1fAcnZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Uj0GYqAfK
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIXbHoQfB1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ccdMQK75a
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pJYnoOBiA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vER5tyDYM
"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!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc9YpL4Y6R
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiMNIIIqFW
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5RrUw417E
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDSRgYM4Fy
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ7SKjKUQv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQzEIl7uS6
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2yGXSoLuO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nVQvod3Kd
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4rRij6aWr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKqTYx0uLw
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGvARnpsCD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmhv9kfcBc
"I'm flattered."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU2LGFwNrb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYxuue964x
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcFPBazI2v
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj8hXMimJ5
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSRSE3UXzq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7HA04wauD
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eLJ6Cxvk7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QrdhPlRN6
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JYkn5cKH3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK15N4b1jXh
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI3T8B6lAQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpqMRdGvja
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKZaKLMnrW
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgIRJcy55l
"...I don't like where this is goin'."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnAL0oshlK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu81tLD5M1P
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdzet5plyy
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ui84IPIth
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswuefG8imo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgsuBPtLKh
"...The hell does that mean?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1ebBx5WEo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zTceuFieQ
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tUl2JNiz0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSgqecaScV
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ816ZVes038
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARVrJIsyLS
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1N8D45gih
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoXgriLBvk
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnmxUAVmqt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFKWp1xaQu
"Haaaa... shit."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9zPO2F5Ug
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNMVpRjOWu
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopAIWF8RgO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAoQUSuKXv
"What does that mean for us," I asked.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2jqQ9Lidb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8nOMUh5ES
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwdcyE8H3K
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2NoDKrGLy
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2JG7grukt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JKDOMOQAy
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmAbcyWSSC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWPfDWZ32j
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhIXwjd4rc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCde3I9nDVw
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOntNvuuDqm
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFyd0JBiGu
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Nd4t2VCwV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1qD2LcJQw
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEb5csgO2H
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCjFsF89ze
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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbW2s11UHL
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FLdiWzIve
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfMcB5Xp5b
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiP0lwEkhh
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQS48roq77
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5a0JKxDJb
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcc8EP4KTF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61JzmKw3bP
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyFB15t7Je
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtKdS6xuug
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx6MCan9kl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSmtn15rWx
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkQRQlc6Gq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4zeLyWvy7
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJGhLKXvvK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyV8GMd7pF
"Come on, I'm just joking around."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡign7DSoCvw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifqyqB8ywA
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtubjQso3ap
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKi2kYRs2u
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMRjujITMY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIawAQ56bhc
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyEUHdTeA7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdrX4aemYB
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHksVteezLN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKbnF7LDrN
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcQtx8UgSL
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Tbh2Gwlo
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7V2oMLQBs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ7KK4JduI
"Ya good to go, kid?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9a1JXsPnI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzMzHDMexS
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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW0JII32O0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDyDM0z5wR
"My name is Dave."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzdIZG74th
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qOMXqd9zC
"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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL9h9tqiwD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7KpM3lkN9
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmFLIxUsCr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAUO38fWcO
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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSzLKC78cs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LJUtv5MQm
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSDhxmlg8m
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVZtPD859V
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VXI1032AZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceHGAVfpU6
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHiOEMmUxI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROjB2JShAD
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv84IAputz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Al7gOpBrP
"How many are there?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH9Pxt4do7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbPzSAyNOV
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswFQUCabWU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GrVPISKpQ
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAukbhXpHU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQFH9dtANq
"...Come and judge for yourself."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxphcNNvgF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrA7rIA82Z
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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqo7DwceyZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMxoEZcp8e
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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnlIULS7N2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyB2U9dFXxJ
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TFK9xDuix
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOecYBCUAdU
"They're okay, right?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALh5gwD3Wo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrI1yhk6ci
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs69ymxseGB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs0CpIyCwJ
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R3wQAgVJq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus7tJF5T7X
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjMeavf4uo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7NAn33cJV
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2U6TYVBHE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSenuwt5kw
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3GKtdsAi6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsXz6x0qoT
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRjEx8ImYl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaBIHucG7M
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOelu0oC0iB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowMV8BIGMq
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4mbeQYjEH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFZGqbgpy5
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTpsVGuaGc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC7FUW2KHO
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19Z2jtLXm8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCa7EDbYnC
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBNIrdXmvf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1HefiSpKJ
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFv2L3hhcU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNN4olRC1Z
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2CAW4pOWV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK16EFv6gyd
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i8cWMBf6y
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTaR3wYVsx
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1v1irQifn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOSbCQ222U
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBYX40B7l3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLZTJdeOvR
"W-Wait, put me down first!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOMBEgUMPq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaAuUnfTvg
"Eh? Why?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNSZ50hS2P
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL15p4JD28
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXc8BzsfY7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk36O5Bzpyu
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRheSzUBwZ5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnRnwiDtgJ
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7A2x9jjeQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzh8xJK2Uv
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BcLebrwLQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlG7SKvyTh
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoyLUkrDzx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRb0opZT3y
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee6KuMdN39
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAdrg0tbpg
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTauHQBZkK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPv173srMg
"...It's dusty and shabby."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTIfNhCcEV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowKrYjqEqt
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF2cRbhV08
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUSpOx3KdS
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdTTCyWVI8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKvu0rzZbv
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QCGpaAxKt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDEOGYxbrG
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizr36UkiIz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcUdSQqdWv
"You two ready?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFyYn74r3h
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUCKgfcyEu
I nodded.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmGKR6HJoE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyO6Q3cCdXp
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpISqzq2YFK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS7hl2pSLP
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUVnc8PZ1S
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP85ZbjWpO
Juke and I nodded in reply.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWsUbca8iu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1OFzPF4Ha
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmEsqsE6d2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPct30Ok34N
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcftGufsnG
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHITzmRRpU
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzTEIsPXbp
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM3mqzxfrQ
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcWXGBtvxV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKGoRsvVBl
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQDCw0KHgw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OMuvJT0wk
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWUuZxYGRY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZhjDc1qpo
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIEhoRl2MA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR9RcKYsc4
"Don't sweat it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNMUgauIU8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMonhEaFD06
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSk2G7Y3rr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBS0VLTpLt
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiKcQTvcrK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAciB4fidNf
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1Adhv0FHa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYdsWZmpqZ
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke2iqHI7VK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9RrXXxLN4
"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–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeHcDC1A58
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUdDxcOvfi
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOLnRadrTo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAzRMxPqYc
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs8uxyMb7u
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZTKi5JYEL
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaESn76n718
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nYpaRq3LE
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGVqEt6zsi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfYxaypYIM
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA8H84TtXx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZRTY2uLot
"Backup?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpHwMuvGj8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLgj68aeYR
Pars nodded.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEQYxKsgIt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacTlJ5qR5P
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0sCTx9LqR
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDBjly7Beo
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8qK5zmxms
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigwYgTvFdY
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpgyjmknqs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ0umOvsql
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Sz6GPQnIM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFXk4Yaazv
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc90v5yPQe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF1whngoa3
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI2H7dkK4w
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDu7Judp48
"A-Are you serious?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQldWY1kU6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG5BkR5avV
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdTa2wI33j
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyL1m1psiv
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS5UVz2g5o
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UW6qPV6IA
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgwpPwi61G
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzowfvpfVZG
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4mMflu7B8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfFYy8uj6y
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3o8hF84nD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J8PfIwVNL
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6ulLHlxEe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM6Wnl4TbO
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbBDO8rn99
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcyEamJdIi
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV26qdh16UD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYZPgrAZyJ
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EKdCpSiD2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW3I7jo358
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB6RRaGYmi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1sTO9rUfD
"...Gotcha."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5GpdKIt7w
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5FYViYV4Z
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gt6h8vOSe
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UnyoH42MY
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZOzCDId7h
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKj0EthPyv
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVNCK9aUZ5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsBqnbuBNL
"I... I will. I still want to help."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs9TD9g2UZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf39aeqpQw
"...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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta6BRUOMU1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha8nPX6nbL
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6d3dr7oAW
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHuCcSkSJh
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdXnDlXRjZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas79rQoNhI
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJksBF191m
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TWzUhjDPU
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L8OGRgGwD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hj4aZi27B
He let go of Pars' hand.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9WFXCgT6L
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeHPdMmVf6
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQwQS1UGZB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocbfPkmJqg
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKtHzu7QBt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Zu6TORuSy
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzBWzbzPR0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORChRLbYCc
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHRdzoRdsN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP1QbauCBh
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzEBMRonrH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItuDubvbxy
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj8r6N8aSS
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tykPEgYeA
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1hKm17QW7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFUB2XGu89
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uwQ3BWsWj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIq2iWbj8e
"...I shouldn't waste any time."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG8742UHoq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxknLVUwOf
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ijborTwLq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg5MBElNfD
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
