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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSbAtHtqdZ
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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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM86rug42P
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Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uB1IIeoL8
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"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ6kwUlueP
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP5QmgkIle
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJEol4udnG
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHwGqwAH6H
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwK2nf2eyn
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHuTeAjCrd
"Ya know how to make one?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCwLZPQT9y
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03Eco0K0jt
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNtomcl3em
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He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W3LVeMsGk
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSccOptv73a
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFczbcruUzm
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVTlger90g
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlllY5LpbHW
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"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhviGAOl8dh
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dclm0VsXf
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMISVu0xfJH
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXVxep47ht
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNbLtxV7ha
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF3JRTUokD
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yyYEfbzb4
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"Uh... well-"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3WYPb9Qz2
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"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUJBQ0Af9u
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"Ah, of course!"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnAbfxUZh9
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Pars rubbed the back of his head.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g1CIrOKVu
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsScQnkEb8
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IccSJpAh4
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVorZ48Sx4W
"Juke."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWwIXmtULD
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrJNjpurfS
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZbOackjFr
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgObh8zO8eM
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt1DaR6O8H
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKWU4vQdBe
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V1sJ29Ulo
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVrKhDtWZY
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXt3etzXUh
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS0Yb71JY3
"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrc3MiTaqr
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1m1MGfWij
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq6f55hd4u
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSlhR3rG4J
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZC35sDCRr
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNFlo6BjNB
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK7Nl0vFbi
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"I did this to myself, though."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrR7ObVNGu
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEflUcaxTb
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"You're just lying to them, though."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxv4Iw8Mzt
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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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUP39zxAsQ
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvQmMuin1w
"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiJvLVfHun
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDhBvdKPv8
"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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq7KKiCzDt
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"Why were you two targeted in particular?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWJs7PhzAx
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgweTrQam6
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ex6EHPn1Z
"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!"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuWulIOJmd
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkuP1VNWLm
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jtXMl9DtV
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The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2aSKnepvX
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5auUWw31t5
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡundj1VPDI4
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMqB9vVdpD
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnhzgsE6OP
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULxkQPN5bN
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDrztRT1Ad
"I'm flattered."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLoSgOwjLp
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hXyrPSkhf
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrZv3JmoqP
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HS1G6ahqI
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJyz7GJ99w
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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?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnKp3rEwLB
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XNqwXtvvA
"..."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lmgFEYv0K
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oQGVOKWKB
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevMapFBpOt
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDmQujyPtX
"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?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviKTYH81Ks
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzwyLHAl0Y
"...I don't like where this is goin'."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DvOLGujjG
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgNOTYTfa2
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqNmrLLn6t
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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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorqCzWhw7c
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwMtB5t0hl
"...The hell does that mean?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuU86onvpX
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2cUXqyWy0
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC5JMVZKuu
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzKsan4Qll
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iim5YFIZR
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrb8uj9f30
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQTPRDeVVV
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGTJd9NkiG
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwcMbRhLey
"Haaaa... shit."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9QSi0SNMs
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEmCHPla6h
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSSFzLoOVY
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCBvA4Or3A
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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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblb50qla0e
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzu5rKQxxu
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQVvNwzRpz
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyN41RUxVq
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBYeUAn5Jj
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XPrA20qmx
"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?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi9Jbzajjs
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP4wmg68i2
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6avlN5Wxok
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop0WJonuVa
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7vdWbV0KC
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTr7iVSYAJ
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONI14iqXaW
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEptqnXjTrj
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?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc30hHZ7ZMv
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNUet4Vl0I
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmkwbelGXN
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"I... I'm having doubts. My mind is foggy, I think I need to sleep."
"I getcha, but what are ya having doubts over?"
I looked at him as if he just asked an incredibly stupid question.
"Don't give me that look. This is yer job, ain't it? Why are ya doubting yerself?"
"My job?"
Juke provided me with an interesting perspective. It was pragmatic and disciplined. It caught me off guard, and it certainly wasn't something I expected to come out of his mouth.
But, as I thought about it–
"You say it's my job, but isn't this well over our pay grade?"
"Hell yeah, it is. Seriously, what's a weak guy like me doing, being contractually obligated to fight Hard-Bringer, eh?"
He took a few steps forward, pulling his sword out of his scabbard and placing it on his shoulder. He turned around and looked me in the eye.
"I think it's a perfect excuse to check up on Dennis."
He offered me a hand.
"..."
His declaration made me smile. It dispelled all my doubt instantly. I chastised myself for even thinking that way, even with my haziness. When I thought about it that way, it was the perfect excuse to amend that dreadful feeling I gained last night, all that guilt and shame, even if it would continue to creep at the back of my mind.
So, I reached for his hand and–
"I can't even lift my limbs anymore, Juke. You're going to have to carry me."
My arm dropped a second later; his did too.
"I think ya should go to sleep."
"Out here on the street? That's impossible."
"Fair 'nough.'
"Lucky for you guys," Pars interjected, "Dave and I set up a bit of a haven nearby. That should be the perfect place to rest, surely."
"Don't speak with such uncertain language, Pars. The haven is safe, that's why we call it a haven."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjmIUEyZ1G
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohOFWHcZJy
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjEB2DXtZC
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"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgajPiqtjGr
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1JPFOIEnD
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYjuQuSsdO
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"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Nu1Uzp43j
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKFXxNaPY5
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJp3xeqsvt
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"Come on, I'm just joking around."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFoSkUjGNM
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCTmhcolOP
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERyqxm8jAF
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtY6Ml9CVCZ
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OwaY2srS7
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwo6MVX5U5
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQAu3ZiNbN
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"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OBcWo1x8J
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQtNiaQH3j
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI4ecJH5zK
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"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6G9XxwoM2
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmsjo8WVij
"Ya good to go, kid?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4Xp2z7OBc
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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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHq8AqAp08
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInFEk4YRIX
"My name is Dave."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHO6WiwWBh
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2KVdSumzU
"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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgapkb9Qlct
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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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8geP5keMuC
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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?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpIsNNIXTh
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jDWoi4P0B
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZxOjLBH0N
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqa3V24egB
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rxocFXjOa
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpteVSWRLbj
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Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19DV7Y6Rym
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"How many are there?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnS8XggE9O
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"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjfSEJtKq6
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwovRKfRIJ
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNDc6oiasp
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R5R4iBA81
"...Come and judge for yourself."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngthxTkQTd
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwM9RWQBsl
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?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorR9NtHSmX
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0KxeupXPE
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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZkSg63WA8
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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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEozuZSRzmH
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"They're okay, right?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhM21hVfG8
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp27gChXm7
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKD5SrJyqw
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwvjGjcG9F
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRhp1CC3Cn
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Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtthh5pr4Mj
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"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZfRYHnsbX
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aen8vAQl6
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSmMPHjTIp
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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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQsDjbBsJl
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"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJOD27vKb6
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV3pRBYhSy
"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdh6LrCJjL
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmROdLuTbX
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2SRAWiWsv
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDAQ2OJPlQ
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpST1xe2m73
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMesG5Np3bi
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5DzaEyxqy
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPodwfNeayr
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9E7iBpMBS
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"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHbyTVpTTX
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIjRj3sHuk
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQfkwslW9y
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"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x4Ttxx5vN
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpVzOZZboP
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr8phq14CU
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABcTezh5EO
"W-Wait, put me down first!"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOF7bWL90q
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"Eh? Why?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9vfgn14wP
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"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqamjbqryx
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Ki3JMv1J
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6v3zpx23h
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ3bqqm34k
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O3uWeihFU
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"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbF7QxSYjX
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdR3sMKtiK
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnUhaZdIOH
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAaiwtX5Uj
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SmrLKxqrj
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNYJBFZEz2
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h9GjQBwqL
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM3EHqmh4p
"...It's dusty and shabby."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5711B6fRdU
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosGvbvQGS2
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFEEXxCQKx
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtegEn89Hqv
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscck2xrZCD
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"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklFRAFZaER
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Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOZ2XVwCcP
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"You two ready?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQcBY6O5GH
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I nodded.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7483wBW5r
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"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHQ4Bko4fU
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"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0YubFBfE4
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Juke and I nodded in reply.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXezvFUl9X9
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"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9uoR5vTAV
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHiZog4ibk
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn5recoV6p
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Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGyGQ5BJm2
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"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHOtEQRu6Q
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqW1JHsQPw
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjXbHa1dMj
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7ttWrg0Pa
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpvqX7CEim
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtFDZDULwz
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbugeZcVrIJ
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa1Dde6TXu
"Don't sweat it."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgFyNDYU6p
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I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡist4SXcZce
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"Back to what I was saying, the Retaliation Crowd is split into five buildings, but they've all got something in common, and that's their proximity. They're all close to the Central Communication Pillar."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sykjsDhrd
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa42zGjyLaK
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFAi09h4HH
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Pars sighed and smiled dryly.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i0sJCrXyL
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"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–"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV3xErNOHp
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESVUr42BOw
"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetWRW1P5wc
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBrcE75OcZ
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdA9Hbazna
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Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0M44nfV6e
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72UCgkCFnQ
"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?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xXCzcjXWn
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnqlMFXQCt
"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmohNeydTl
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjVPTplTSn
"Backup?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ47kYtqpY
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QknK0pnnp
Pars nodded.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOYEsk2FsY
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"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlamQWyPzkW
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"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFavf311ll
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"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRgfykQQEt
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqna7HuBQ6
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2Hrpna6m6
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"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG4fN47PY9
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Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb51tnzceWB
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"A-Are you serious?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24d4WCZlue
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"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd8E29P0CA
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"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtYGTiHiuH
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He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0oAEmHcAN
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2CQt04Mmu
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstcPjJ6Y6u
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLt7JC3lZY
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8EEWw3sf9
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With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFQZHaGINW
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"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZuJBCUo5K
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"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPqQgChhhN
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His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb6LiRnjIb
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnn2AINsjF
"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDReTo66cQ7
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jZHMidOBt
"...Gotcha."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM7p4cxWtX
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Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELUEcjtqkK
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy67U85S8HS
"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?"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblGAljJXbv
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Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdALjYBAmi8
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yVyxa7tcR
"I... I will. I still want to help."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3KXevT2F9
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nMhlNPeft
"...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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSE3KOBi1xv
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeWMi7ARez
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgBnxFg9of
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbJaNuEWpZ
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT9Gz0f00w
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxyIOJoiNx
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dZFjUBwQg
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHKZhVjmec
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH02Jwd5N1
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He let go of Pars' hand.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BdQga4N6z
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"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSbbgWCc5Y
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"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."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTnRZ6NVJV
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEghpUpKUe
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO98DmbGbP
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"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcqssaIF9o
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdLX4B7acV
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1nkBpUOnJ
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He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid9qiSrx0A
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"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLLx6LVF3L
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXgWDt952f
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7UXbbfjFX
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oHcPT2AMg
"...I shouldn't waste any time."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc651rIUwiy
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIw4Q3EkJh
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.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4W5YDjtdi
155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohty9P63Dj
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
