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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P5LYbzAlJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5bx1b7MFJ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag56OIKsog
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfOYJYH54v
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1paPYfjcUZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0DyBXtmPk
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7MyFLU02D
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH047lt57q2
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYw4g1eUW0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWEcY2kb2Y
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9icku6eI98
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVVml5xRB2
"Ya know how to make one?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpiQjvhc92
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcNWYtlogP
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbKAd2C700
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxuT9XM1Hk
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpgmWo4I3o
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcevHJJXwrD
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqzQ7OqJxU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDHbWAmYNW
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPxcctxDAi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleSVpc4TMZ
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWAnN8JzAk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtoRoh0sEH
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBIUGoknaq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt0ga7ieqC
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO10d6FzMy0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrVEW0IiM1
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbOZ5jevyh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mBH0lzYZY
"Uh... well-"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVBpxYY0Ty
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ivM0F9syd
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKe5DRejlO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML2AoZdP6l
"Ah, of course!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Hlptw7aR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PJXwU05Lw
Pars rubbed the back of his head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqBeNRSWSD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytyKjBVxf4
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqaL3cFLMY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUtCnlsXBI
"Juke."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLkkm9KgLv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6wabveRI4
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeYXETQnDY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeEjMlg2CX
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwJHC4vNjP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gn8h5Suyf
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiWjtpcsBh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXpsf8PSJa
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y3tVuTR4r
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7UqyhaaqJ
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8gE5TeJqH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbNNTZW1fp
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnZvZDTiD6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm0nE2N6Bw
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH6gfFDKVK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2oLwdugoW
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6sDxWiz0l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWC1bvYjKC
"I did this to myself, though."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeubC8PVdrh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yxxoY6ecZ
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZokRpHzpuQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9dFAceUt7
"You're just lying to them, though."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCuWugLqwf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJT2vVxUAq
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJVJw618Rw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ9BpC6aNV
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfyM6HcUB5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wEXWUl4tF
"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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRPNcFNRhi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijqjxfpOL8
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUhUCoZ3tq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1VfKR4qJv
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGHe0Ydovk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPXXUBjFaJ
"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!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx45OfrbRN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqVZcJFCdE
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhS5GFzyg6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt0tTreIHE
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSFJqQjRqW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmjJQef2fQ
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcOOALgswd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa1j7zAuGg
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWhmXRzrKp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapiG2L7YiY
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFxcobrPZ8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8If5J1mvxU
"I'm flattered."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyPAtCRTEV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AuB8yHhcL
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8WoOLjJCI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwLvt9blaj
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdhGX41Cby
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJeH3muAn2
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0Gkc5VCY2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwybSpqwGnt
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9VmCEZapV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK9fRAa9xv
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4L9QmgwpI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfKc65VYmH
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TKbshR5oI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK53r9o4kcB
"...I don't like where this is goin'."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL15zPQh8KM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a5P47XhGh
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcEmJdGveG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSUB5phKRg
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb19hhMN7Z
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxsODJKvSf
"...The hell does that mean?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTsWS0AMzJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7vwpDMhSF
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9O9YmPOFN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GHw4i9aQx
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTjXLkp5MY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uzxNJ1Jx9
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDoTiTqVkS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdSbcOmLtY
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigqp8QUcqB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc40taccETI
"Haaaa... shit."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslBp2XkYdX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV3B0dwm81
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzwRwTFELp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0NhmeVAD6
"What does that mean for us," I asked.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgcjCsrUWY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlavf28MOhk
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrVPhx12xI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSavedFvFm
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2ZaTUBKR5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk8wnz3Ll9
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr8rX5ACYh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfIEiD4qaE
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidEt5dDiT6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYXXbu0SGz
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrOjCVwK6r
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUQXl32VZV
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5peo7VmriV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTEhRmm1oQ
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cIY1gKbMy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1Xkpn6uvO
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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7efFpmUtmo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFducsCxt4
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklRh3LjPTZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkOSuawlTu
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXuSIZteig
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisRjHClrTt
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKikCLzqew
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTvp5UoftK
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqdNDxEqsq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBGs8LlAyv
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK2xQCmckn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ARz7Pv3rw
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvF0oReYRy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs25AJfrS6J
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdXSv2YDwF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6qQLm0pAR
"Come on, I'm just joking around."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEOnnJxUdT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y6rylRcr1
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHokFeQe1l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRI1mRfOk0
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW4EX6ljiB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbAzL0oFJ7
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs6WoKAOkr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6InS349Cu
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6tA4zdA9C
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ObkGMCCJW
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFUxIVnXet
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp91jGA1ikw
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJAHFw0fpZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU4DdrhufH
"Ya good to go, kid?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lE0JH9NxA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4lYYkdexU
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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcIWUCqgHZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KlJPdc2bE
"My name is Dave."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO0NlOQOxL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOlb5oYMTJ
"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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YsJeXjlsU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE0tK7eP8a
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VBQX450bF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsgTK7wlRY
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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RtIm80Fuy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkl1T9MWyc
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JkzvuKTOQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs4htnZaxg
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4YUyIiqWV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN4z7MZjp3
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPasyhGM5k
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXfdHRgTdM
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2mDnCPtTt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD5uVPXVel
"How many are there?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwFPXVfNp6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQvBCZWkQb
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wO6EZYzZP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyvkQpzA0N
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5HAKxpSQa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyGJgJS0zj
"...Come and judge for yourself."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAnZBVGheF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36LwqtF1Be
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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7bPR8Zb6a
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX4Hht3oMe
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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l6RC4kx5A
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms2iwqiuMI
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ5wgs03fa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOeRvdlTH7
"They're okay, right?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomIG2CTH4f
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgF1QbDRWM
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeHFYwgFOR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptqOMbKKHZ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqHQr4CKGE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1tSsV0b0H
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQYv3Qtlnq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3GijM9mbq
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSKbIhUrRg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGQ1yS3kr9
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZLzbWnyDt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMD1lrzXy6
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vr9CxExmg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ct34hSLjW
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP6K0WVqrP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoiISjrgrx
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPOFvWRJHH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJBabdGm8K
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PVDoHZmrt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmichEEk9g
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN5iHllhQD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hO4L5E3ml
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDtnkJWQ9k
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo2VVkCrO5
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVY5de4eLr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6WQzVVBjS
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECPinBU8gf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiXTk1N9eN
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf5Ek2nG27
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyamawzRgT
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jvIS1QXn4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE84z9XIMMo
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TDgS0RI45
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6hMsl4P0g
"W-Wait, put me down first!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7xZyhLcEq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdze9KcABVt
"Eh? Why?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtxdBH4wDz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaoeuuHLvW
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkhgFkVe33
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpV4lBJAd8
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ5sNRIC66
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ94XtUIbrd
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vdldRtV1R
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoGwDS25Tj
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTOKDbPgOD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKeP4Aab7j
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLarzkTBbXS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoOH2AAE3r
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWObDgYRY6v
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc95p7Mh7Bz
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRNyEbXUeb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk833jlz1M5
"...It's dusty and shabby."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKvh09E4Jk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UglfLp9Kw
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MXB8qPMtk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFFmWcwbls
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6MWUWuP1m
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo68pac341
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8C9eQFpSF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHI0aeI6kU
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoaV9Y6GVR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDGwl5syHP
"You two ready?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BV9vEIceF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iQZQ6FGqq
I nodded.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBXWQXfnlK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWE5AN5LnY
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52BkCcONg8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZZ6gTyC0W
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZq4o5PARG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z31EuJcwU
Juke and I nodded in reply.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVl4xkjSWS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLmBkpt7Ko
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkXzChURTY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ616KYZL4vJ
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskJ3i76939
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kI1QbExly
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj1N2p6vhJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TQfperQmZ
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CAjcJesMZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2fAnJxyri
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVeXRcpHWA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGoAPQt3Xw
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC07Oll8MHX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VNNTczZod
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI0MQtjGde
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EEVlTMSBU
"Don't sweat it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxe20QTe3M
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gXRJ7BGqN
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nFRmYuxJq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMyTaaOPPZ
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3P7rbTVY1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNsQPQh0PG
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk0gc0AXqi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwwBn1JyTU
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo5QYHIgv1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEsmMGjjug
"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–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODPdMpWi3S
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpyoUVEVSk
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeiutolvcm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VQpFJt7G0
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXpEWxzr8e
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZxKGby9d5
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeR9KuhpC7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuqG7o8wWk
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ahzv1wVmi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPCKdASRm5
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJSHsPnwOt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAa9uC8COk
"Backup?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPa2EMm1x0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dq5BNdUPE
Pars nodded.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQMbcnbwJU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPwMY2slJj
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fbPFSWI4N
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtT8sftePL
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxxEEor6Dh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w3FcNctzy
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIkAr47zln
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbfewEYno9
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAppYXDISv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppZGJSac7a
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfxU20aTDZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX66FZX7Mx
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kjc1MODN7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrnE0vPDNu
"A-Are you serious?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCnJy5shdt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosvAm09Ch3
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaG0h4u7Bxr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nsK4essXq
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI6qScZKfi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL9Ha18cUz
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80FRz3oZqj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxRqejMhT4
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSWr8IoxcC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOFZWzWuG3
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvjS7rFWMZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2qtNhToSQ
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxdvs8zF1g
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVsx40sRzx
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAeJriOWKZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK2bNXJbND
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WQniXmBz2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHgGhkyy3k
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTZictCorJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoXpVzsM9e
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUsM2nozO2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGos3H0HPs
"...Gotcha."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xEYI1mBza
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgwEIQoTV1
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8oGvKKmDr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKV0R5UKpn
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8P3L6g1rU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNazE7JjThz
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQNG9X8Rqe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMevYJ20vM
"I... I will. I still want to help."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gvyknrBqn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUi9VQ7yYs
"...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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7StHziRAH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS12eXm8gxR
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9CaMGvsIK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ek81DZYkC
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7D0t8NjZl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDiAJzQLoS
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN5ddvPiRS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAESe6yCDJ
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUhVvlKP1w
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHinPByreh
He let go of Pars' hand.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4cT6UeLvA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrGDy52izH
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ctha4TncV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd9tpDMIzU
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESlqRVYSng
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQH99di3Cx
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRjoL9Xq2G
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMoEBvvYyg
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW8lUD9iVd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpVGv0DnTO
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iiJA1dxBR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREmQyDVqWc
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JMmQY1wlZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IFGukI03J
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd8VdMM27P
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPRaRG6FEK
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtxyyDQjHu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR5abnZD3o
"...I shouldn't waste any time."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWcRPcMVAC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyONVe5LUz
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSun59hTuJH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmeYd9gMqU
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
