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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmKOOEWTa6
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlmfy0hYIE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaiVfjZXlJ
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUGexpyl0t
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtul2gPbO4
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHgZGLVLiP
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9yKfzcTJ3
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl33ygvyNw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYFcjTkKp2
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mdFYkdsrG
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uV79QEsRY
"Ya know how to make one?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPMqD1tgJS
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV8m5F0B0D
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3N4L7NhmA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCeOCK8K5b
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1e3t91C8M
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NVvtKmlbN
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ei9HBZVF
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINVUX9PpRQ
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgzL29IFI6
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNREAQNUOU
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x92brZEV8
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qxE12any8
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf09JWE86Df
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFzD55cj2d
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc7f1Ls3Xf
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOOmCk1JHb
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q0HtCknxt
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"Uh... well-"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXySjbcuZM
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwXMjZAKhq
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEH2qL6LEi
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rpeMFfBBo
"Ah, of course!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv5ajD5vcJ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl97CcKvPVz
Pars rubbed the back of his head.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63vNyrBmTN
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEhiJ9Sk60
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDkbZ360Ki
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJBe0Pka5O
"Juke."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFosOSAyru
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnmr55w7SH
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk6s4dkofM
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXDa5DYs1h
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rry51cm04
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwurRYSFTG
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2yLzqzLsD
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C6PuoxPXJ
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hGZjiyXr1
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA8ZnqGdst
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wcubVAAzl
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGtilGljRZ
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QWE82RvcA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFsPpu166l
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tre0XpJaK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotAsaO6wpm
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYc4iA1NJW
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"I did this to myself, though."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMqyPitrkp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jhcH3yjn7
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WFRYH1zG2
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPEulo6Uln
"You're just lying to them, though."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq36MoNlaA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0YylboU0C
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ipQhQsaaT
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTayknxy3p
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JupP99cUN
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnqdn808J3
"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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamFfdSOclJ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdXmL26oeL
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBZ9KElGnA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxNqEUOCQi
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAko12un3wq
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusDqgiLhra
"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!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwdDOShTdr
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOZOl38iqM
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaxDaID6xC
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2nDSC34xW
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1QL4yOYdl
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbUIYRoTs8
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXDk1E9Yrw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NiMm0rkiz
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9fNXLnB5x
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtNQkLR4lH
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCULK9ZQ1vC
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSTPMfWJye
"I'm flattered."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QrtuD8yaC
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvk9SHIHRz
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFL9JR1VNq
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqEDH5QSIq
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZtDj74oZn
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19q8hWtwHY
"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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudlSuGzc6y
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FDSLQtOx3
"..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2h4AurbYy
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyjM9RAK7O
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpscdSC7A24
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbXsgiC9D1
"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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw48VFPCFbx
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPphVwmdUiq
"...I don't like where this is goin'."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGG9IGuT3kO
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPBe6uBHKd
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I82koJNMG
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5GGZQqFO0
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDZccHFaZJ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayuAdF2HDP
"...The hell does that mean?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWGT1G0lDP
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSkkDUdHFB
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqHhceeBR4
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp86hKPUvau
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYGA9wkByt
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOAgw9SK5P
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nUcQKXVmV
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0oqwLhRcN
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJycgmOQR2
"Haaaa... shit."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5wx0t6wvs
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6mW6roxR0
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXecj2hWKo3
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCetgd723A
"What does that mean for us," I asked.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFWWy9OaA7
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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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI45Jh2Lyzr
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YuMg5tTIe
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm4V3zZkm7
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3hu4y3tum
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9a6EHwH23
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfYYIOcVES
"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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR4oApJxk1
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rObJ0Kl7y
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W739kaVku
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAjUV6BxBX
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2tuTCHZ63
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBJZ3jnZ6n
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkP0YxizSK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGB9u5UnYX
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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mO8HS1hm9
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jj3x6Z05E
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjCWV6urS2
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi27i5x6T2
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx22Ob58z4
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBmENQJPU0
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaLbm0fZhW
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HiT7dlLZq
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNW1VFjqhm
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMeVk6MAW3
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgmVF5yRTJ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3LQ4ROwPt
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOQb1LJnX7
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUbBstR300
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzb0Z7v5lZ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeDuzT29ed
"Come on, I'm just joking around."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLYs4qJjkG
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZDkPC4Ixu
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8mPFZzN99
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwQYceXQiP
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeBRi7N9Dk
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHRfptDYBW
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLjszzA0GU
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MfehUoC1q
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBbxpAiAdp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPZIW8IGfw
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ3Oh31NwF
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aU1K8VU8G
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LcHqadXqW
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCjjnFb8D4
"Ya good to go, kid?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVOVL7pcjF
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1MAduWM4i
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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOABo31JH5
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZpe2A8IrN
"My name is Dave."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUalspti563
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUSUPGsBVS
"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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIYyGNud9K
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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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJJF8wAAkq
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfw9i6wVSz
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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm9ySaR1Mo
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmRMJwuvdW
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00eToq7jYW
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cP8o24M4z
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUF3fLj0GM
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35Ml6W7sul
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBrM7QkUbY
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8InYTv9hZ
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"How many are there?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdtbPpQog1
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrzBgsffMX
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISgFM2K99G
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYnM1hmI7q
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O1jt4sZmA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76J8PLWghN
"...Come and judge for yourself."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXQfbVqwZV
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jIN264I7n
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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsfuv0Bnrx
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVa0SRaWOS
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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ze9AzQ4rB
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnWqNIwmcC
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalFzPXux6V
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"They're okay, right?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdsQ9E1573
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxO9b32hL8
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTQOrqcHNU
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV8VvAggZC
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEYYXB0wEz
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFfSQCtCo1
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CidhonYQ2
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcMKsZI9ej
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7c4qzaaKk
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0UAb37hrP
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylPKclxeVE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxcZ54MNYo
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLNWv1X0a7
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoKviIOW9d
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW2oFp879f
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2sRMva1VL
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8mQCz0h7k
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0Uha7PVIU
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWVCI8Nob3
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8HIsakQZD
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafrUhgg3Bu
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELFbyJE0sF
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcIJJBLMBf
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHEGradtJo
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvzYQVgOaq
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAagLP1rWJp
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiFUGaGTE1
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m6fK1DaFw
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU7lAnO0Py
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIqIUo9pFG
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA7iHUBcgx
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a2yGgOu3F
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6qBZXn0rj
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hNpvsENbo
"W-Wait, put me down first!"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrpn1tKVOH
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCXSXU3xV7
"Eh? Why?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBAkPxMazO
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJBaGtjsH7
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBkatWNTzI
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSS2PlTPSr
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4sL36l5Np
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tw3BszRVw
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHVLwSpZJ8
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iFOyAy2DW
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmXmlybqFK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE6I6NT0VI
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBB0x2ojk5
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrshgfHTXm
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9bgv98QP9
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QO97fisnZ
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g9bnctK0j
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAchvL1QXaj
"...It's dusty and shabby."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXh9GF3pvI
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUbpUa1W7c
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAWDa7wfGR
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP8hy4zcel
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VOypG4Hky
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQygDSfsy4
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJquYCdnsY
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQCNOisl31
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIINyhISOWo
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TM4Pykyc2
"You two ready?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbofD48z18R
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcMkItUXFm
I nodded.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ9OCtqCFH
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxXe23RUaj
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TMZU8cH29
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrE0XWL1pV
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDPRitflNQ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PAayOVPdu
Juke and I nodded in reply.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtE8T8Pt8f
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFQjUFNrOm
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLaxKvua9P
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjwQSJcsUt
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzznLN7j9KV
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvxJNcn24n
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1rHdzHXOO
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghNrcmdG1V
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVR0TWAvcI
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSY3f2GLMG
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kqJTfzEOW
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVxKs3VriJ
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdGjHVFVrf
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWZMWHjboa
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNGdgOmoMq
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kmkfcqB1N
"Don't sweat it."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH5e42i3HI
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVGdCpyc4f
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ISn7AAHKp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwo10hw1V2
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSeY2wCxx4
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvWHd5I82O
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt2v2Qxe2x
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMoMNyLFgI
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwQxJf8ak6
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqJFUouSJG
"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–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGifPS4zych
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvV1guYPWM
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIONWDSaK0
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2RFzq5JYJ
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxIOmTIkiV
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE6LzAAFg3
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVe5lJXSGn
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EYGt7AefE
"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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25gtPO20iq
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYDieskWov
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUivHbn3ack
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB9WuoxyPd
"Backup?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx6Z1u0OVa
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeyllGddl9
Pars nodded.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SM24E09rz
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q3nWcRF0z
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFL3CqHm2D
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJzTXWtQxE
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b0kIanKqu
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegSYUqD4IA
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e3paaVD0q
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBxmw49mC1
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SbeQ6Nw9n
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchILsQW3t1
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTmRl0ctAN
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8p3rB1yoq
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH5SN6kdtx
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7e2R15kPU
"A-Are you serious?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuDbvCsMvp
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdI2KIkrDS
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZtUmT4rp6
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSakraWXa5
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75vVhL2c5g
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuKwlPgCMn
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO1glSo0ey
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YX3fdvfHb
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr00B7u9Idb
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHwQOUksUN
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3tRZaaB7E
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPh4J9sAq7
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOfFIRsBpc
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqrB8hbYMl
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiVzFpSCuA
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOemkdZKga
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6EhloguyK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU3ba0l8Pq
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9HIFgqabY
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIDTzRZfPT
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0zbhm2twy
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeYkJOr1n8
"...Gotcha."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYv5dfAZlQ
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBOCvj0apx
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu3TwLhYZv
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7mhn0IimZ
"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?"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlUMuEDDaE
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtQwFywyWO
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmczqZCSQiG
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8U1K5vDsy
"I... I will. I still want to help."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00gwDrVCpx
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHV6z4eRSy
"...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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6YR1COmUV
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iDmHixyYZ
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHyR0P34mw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWaCHOVZEW
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQr5Tt2mnK
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6jQ2SLMv4
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o3CVWDE15
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1m5NGeC0r
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC64cjpgYR
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8DAYlM2O7
He let go of Pars' hand.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc50uve0va
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PBImHlOQR
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEwXoHOXgF
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelBAeKw4Ka
"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."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIxRcRhzXy
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBbBkBqi9N
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWGM8TA0mv
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeSnB28DpR
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrVBl6O7zx
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEDWlSZQII
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lkUmNJJtw
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwAVaxwRJk
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTCIZPnVBD
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVm3VYQqzU
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrH57fDmek
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNyz2I5oGO
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpAi83tRH8
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc5uKbRjGy
"...I shouldn't waste any time."251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1w3iXe4Bd
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnqGPrFGOs
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.251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hlVXrVuM9
251Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cKTf8fC62
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
