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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jTpxeWTTN
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaqaHrQw37
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4GuwlmWfZ
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDt4VpCKf4J
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgGKCOgj2p
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotHm1lgi82
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3YepjxJXl
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HajZWktGU
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0CYsES4cP
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZhHdB7hNR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQwODe6rQf
"Ya know how to make one?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKISLSk7t71
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUvJirXcZW
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbhCQociQj
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrQzveYyvk
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpF9OIbbAR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs3bNoYyjI
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPKcudZgVS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dCRtxvN54
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPs9boZdHm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwC9J8yCUF
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4yZUSkXCI
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCNqlvM0ud
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte6lWJai1S
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNq7xdkXVI
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhIWEXyTeL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWko2KXYTX
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn6vnJ1Gno
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q1mZMzr9e
"Uh... well-"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVjbjbowRx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN71yx07je6
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5AL6K1MLy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVRMsh852Q
"Ah, of course!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv5vn2BoFh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3h26RxbfN
Pars rubbed the back of his head.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLXt5FDqai
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNNaW7m5aX
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUvDOIDVIi
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5kAnzIl0V
"Juke."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡth42GG5G6A
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeRmvleL2E
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGQdhLebOA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz5X1eOggr
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKATQgXPJ1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRS2QAcJVs
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoSkkwrnEZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3ZHwM7IWk
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZVT8wvbHp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBZRYVb4Xw
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiY6ouma1E
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGZGyu8Qkz
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2VvB92M0Z
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQsNfloQoo
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNVWH9EE0h
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xYAnV49p7
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEnHE1m1DI
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"I did this to myself, though."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRyWJ0wMQE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUNffs79dc
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZo4yR1Alq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYJubFl8Y7
"You're just lying to them, though."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T0G6iKSXb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzeBqJy80N
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTiVodnIcs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4rrdKflYn
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoojWCtYod
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQdsQWHVtg
"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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z2xiHKvYo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF5wFYbQf4
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Jy9nG5e3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk9SqWeMKL
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0yJIaPTXB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaUgvzCkZ6
"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!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡempgldeQwp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNwZVLECiq
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkuKVH79s7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw1YjVlkm2
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukkdaDfx1v
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVqmJMQRuM
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwGzvwc739
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKmuMJYseN
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyBm3jyXAk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf81r55SWIz
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6oZy0cU1n
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Uwik1bJot
"I'm flattered."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVE9tnE3c7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp7BEC7TK3
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMuXGnpW1f
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoWyqgIv5l
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXURI6FKjnN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLrKgwop03
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGjbvjpJ27
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyMMbvzktZ
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHIB0fT6q3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3v3PJOvvI
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAMRh6pySV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1rEoq083j
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhauPeeFZEH
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbmssz7q5A
"...I don't like where this is goin'."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytnPaNCDtx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivie4Mh8QR
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVonHlJboc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLIsQFspw9
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLaX5u7PdW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScXSDPIBU3
"...The hell does that mean?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63y8xYPJum
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr03V8VEHb
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf77q5z0bZv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cTNtdYfer
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jygc2MiIR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoFhvZi0ag
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW10slvv2Mp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQHg6rUEWa
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksVPUrqA0o
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwN4mNr7yD
"Haaaa... shit."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUVeFoZZFY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA22ePWtxFu
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaFwbCYZUn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6DgwU3wKr
"What does that mean for us," I asked.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3ulphh1Qp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUrqKPej6Q
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iRMQOo8a8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVHKJA4HUs
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofyZr7YsAE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XV8lX3B7l
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5FvBbg31r
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d8SXSiIxZ
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3LNSiW5xn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQwBMFPolx
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaPc6xfKIe
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH1cCJrYiS
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmh5kAOqTL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM3dvlwpWQ
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcCngvpE0j
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpx27ZdWWf
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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJuSEqdyPh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Yhu0vDq8S
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SWCUWB3mq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNiO9UIUTe
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomXSo66T52
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw4rnGMlC2
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IunJoO8a0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1khSWwCrJQ
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcGlIDbDAK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8zCkLMpAG
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4amE15lZUk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs16bV7IAqK
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vKRhw3eEQ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcYKHPOhlz
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX3cjBcHtN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh0fSpbW4w
"Come on, I'm just joking around."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2XTMgNPk8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGN1hbrvXR
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIzGPMHIeT
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajfObYo4ay
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiZ3HcnSkY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv58R6NQ36
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxKBRnAZAZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOspFH2pHM
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoTc1FBwE7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa9f3toEfB
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHbgUcBgfQ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk3xakrKKN
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnaQXP1FFd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzT7eoau9r
"Ya good to go, kid?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDdUr12lVQ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUeoW6fYoX
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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtFuQduCRg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOIFuorJqy
"My name is Dave."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXXEZt6pKe
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7Fr0fIKcE
"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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSmk3ucFEK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp9kEuGxp2
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIie3MiNJF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5OMzodSL8
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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVColVX8Mck
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe6PPZxg3M
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0xDAYLZMG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU59Abm4bN
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F7tNUHu53
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4DAvZz4gi
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3noRl6pAv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTOpNW4Le3
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIl2pOZXDC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtKi2RqOig
"How many are there?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpKhL2FAnh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZxOkRKJs5
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRhpx4b3TJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJResfDzLvp
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat7k5m2FuI
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjhFggEEzG
"...Come and judge for yourself."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74U4f3YGFs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkwj1VJDpG
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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQouhXGRQJS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNEI1nkqMn
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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvezzJwh6I
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nVdo47zpA
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCW9i2iUko
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWrGuvPdMA
"They're okay, right?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOewHn2YCot
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQfUkxmZXr
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttWCczqBpx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpOLqYeWqa
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8lcJ0bTnl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUTIZZQKND
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw2jN4jUWd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3kq2KQ5Id
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj1wSLZiEP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqry0hJZuhG
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy8CzOtoo8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaZM7Vqhq6
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TTPxwHc0d
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHB2qbB9nu
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaflumUuo2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO1Kc8rU3r
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQaByhzJPU
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvagvtIe90L
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPsieYmbkd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlyNrf2Dwt
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRptjyQmbbB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8v9FPzGid
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1uhM9NfxI
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZgqlSfvyD
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFbTxXyUqa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46EuGKRqyo
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst4YTk8iEV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpfEUni9v0
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4fnKmrtuM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQumGJrkCmv
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnLYVnMApa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RgeuaLgkR
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmDfNr8OvK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6o0AAyzgm
"W-Wait, put me down first!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S5hpRw8ZT
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6d87p98CKO
"Eh? Why?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKtDR0lMFW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI434sWdmk
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gSsSARkVz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcqMXPZoLf
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDncvpsWSPX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MCNo4m7bm
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WdRbTi8AG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Qz7Q1Me5f
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gFegDYkhF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq8xJz0YO1
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PgWKhTAV2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2cyAPVAer
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBqSE0b6XA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkKPfTlLVh
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3RQpl1exY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0NM8P8eSE
"...It's dusty and shabby."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdjVHbZC4i
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFaqcwh3Gq
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEadSedxEE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLxjzqdPX6
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDf5v0nP5P
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3YwlqzvoQ
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmNQPwpAnf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGMusFZzFM
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDxERc2k47
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOngoZqfwI
"You two ready?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5MgATnqsq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIoNdVHVZp
I nodded.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7peTP95nJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWD83itdz7
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCzVqPeYkM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArQLak8L2p
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAUwt26wQt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzdHQ7iOGE
Juke and I nodded in reply.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnamEepug6u
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK52X3MOEl1
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLdqNX7C3A
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMyOGymUOf
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB28AXn41v
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8yWIWTV2W
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1b6RQ80qm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3TXfYffHp
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK5nyvZw9h
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7AOijm64x
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMdOEySsEL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHKLLBPpDR
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45Qpg7Safb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyn7yDfHqX
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnl7QHnhz3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8Fa6ZmtVz
"Don't sweat it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNBqCFj34g
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHeMNko3pX
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4mRcHzT7A
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheW2u1xb87
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFOMccbj9o
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThRsBolQzf
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IlVV7BriK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5J0SbB2yw
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRW6RqScq7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5DGQ1ZXhM
"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–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJuy8wtyMB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx950mdLDBb
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpXn74sEBH
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiqDl4dtQD
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSD6CU5wwr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrrnwNMZN3
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM93hLnwQer
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm3oXvrl2e
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHVnDWb0tC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM8ebxxGVG
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrzTeWFcHp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFrnizfo8K
"Backup?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91r0ZAOmWh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOicv7Uoaw
Pars nodded.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiQMiGA8oJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCpPRKlimL
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZueH6iZq0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi05On7RA04
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WPJcxIq0M
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgbpDGtfIg
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkkaUdmpxa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3NiVsgl2r
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8Kftl6Ak6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2hQdYagm8
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvaI459a4u
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEXFRimKDZ
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtEE7BTHJf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFgEI212s6
"A-Are you serious?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wQWpmV0Jp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTQzAaGUsX
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSC1GWPkXb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyXMEfdkTG
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe8msMRgy5
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKxYIKkAvJ
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75sKQLEOv9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3vuIqnCo8
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJNQGkINFQ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ps4mMsHqp
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gaAHAn0BR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt25LY5u61H
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvqP8b9ky3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQsqQBu6yb
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjIhgYLUkP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykGrWD3Piy
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HYRrhTbVo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAG0OzmnEw
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6taau7iQV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVec47m2u9
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsthjf2W0Om
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD24GOQIXk1
"...Gotcha."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ8ca1pEfo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q8qUlefPG
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6aaikms44
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcUqEJNx9D
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG49A6Rh7U
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcGVqTeLdp
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNx8H4enFe
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF3Jg8IaVT
"I... I will. I still want to help."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQzbSSSrF3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRIS05YWM9
"...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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuspdpBY5EG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCnOm7G1pL
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYdYDAhxTc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF64TJyRGAK
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2qC0XRvE1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV8S91EmBr
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3qxbqnFEM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16jzfmCWcx
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiuBqFw3LP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ88LEuLcCq
He let go of Pars' hand.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ6r7GD8qP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJdCCfJoZn
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtahNjwC9W
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY4fm7VAmq
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGqu0ksvcZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CLI0EkpmS
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw07ogrDEQq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nwFN8Erqy
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37i3qOWVuU
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DYAZunKlP
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5F0lEZ8S5
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqRz1h3gK1
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkDNGn0n5i
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsPzL3PYZ9
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQQxg2ykAl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF3nDZyTHT
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkYsRUcTic
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfgvWXot1U
"...I shouldn't waste any time."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3Bmc8xDmW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwWaMzyXTa
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN16b0ubK3d
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4ymQJtVFU
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
