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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOXZMty6FM
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5UAoPLO6C
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp7S8a75C5
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ751KGBZWI
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry2zMYvokG
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlnmBG2zOw
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiJhsOWU5P
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlQH21XJlP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23NcaN7P9e
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeinQyIGqjW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJUCfG0RX8
"Ya know how to make one?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE9HMhh2EV
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJeEd1cZ45
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoIAMKo26X
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFf5mbCdyV
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdW1h55ffG
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRGoPwrw0E
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1AP82Ydiz
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94Xeum1n1u
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFyxVGVMP8
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLawVn3Bro
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNE2wyJ5mP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeE7cbBafZ
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdeOPdH7fe
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jGkafbKqS
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgc3XAd9lI
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6t5T0u4in
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntQRRHOYke
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRhUh4p0Cy
"Uh... well-"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVQ4JrsRfx
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3huE3kbPpl
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqBhSDmloK
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJknWtiernh
"Ah, of course!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNJmlLjUWl
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yKo0Y3hzs
Pars rubbed the back of his head.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94LH8YPNpl
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9JmDzhoup
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXxklXjxyx
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXkioz3Sdi
"Juke."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuwFSEBLzN
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qik4Opf6A
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFaA5a8UZT
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O0qFGgcyp
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgRFf0X3Ed
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyn3RA1Tqy
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfYWFApKgW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYE3mUnO3C
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMRklQQnJU
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgnhWml05C
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOvV2M8l28
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVWlKJcvXV
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZMtyEsZuu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5jj2H8aNZ
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91dw2x1lxe
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrKSEOjynq
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqZEv22iFS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci95YUPfrL
"I did this to myself, though."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjjyvQO573
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTVUXLaHsU
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7FOP6Ek77
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGJEeJQNds
"You're just lying to them, though."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoquL2FCXzu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nif03vlYh
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhEXfnZvte
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqKJ8HKgwc
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPw6f6puFl
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDJlKLQJtE
"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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt5MmdcFMA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhIwQbDZ2S
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4C98uMdnb
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQZ6hVPbV2
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwa3Xgywxz
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0ArpaVnmg
"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!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qqUwI8VhW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP7VL3EPuC
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPMYrrRO3w
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyXBD0ejzl
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9P3LZTOeZ
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MYsrfQw0K
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8UaMS3471
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVcUK9ulMx
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcAqlo3FC3
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tOxgmiPKy
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnWGpE0oxZ
"I'm flattered."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewND41qIB7
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClE0rMqi1D
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaEIt3ytB4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVH9gqbqWu
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOI4IhCqTpg
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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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXu1MZsrcF
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6xNFB8zfK
"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DyduNFvCp
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPzbqTLA0I
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFACmtx44o
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGykcR1wKx
"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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrMNGkm5J5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OJLKAd9bc
"...I don't like where this is goin'."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO9bTdiKhP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fXNTDb8Ul
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHdUctf43K
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaBsGbWn05
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0xL78Kqgi
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwvoH4nalN
"...The hell does that mean?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoCj2n3YsT
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9UISKcj2F
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3TsqugYsS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTev1xvpi6K
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGryp3m0xq
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mST8jCmji
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyEghDaKyd
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrqhzzfDtS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VVvXx9p8G
"Haaaa... shit."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuT09ft9GH
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkxE1nAgWN
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gtrMUSXuH
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8nXdsXUUl
"What does that mean for us," I asked.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6vZ4IoD7B
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgqNTatiWJ
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMPTAkoziS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne2hb3rCPw
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ9M7W1pRC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAcL50l5Li
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JQFzAN4Yl
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3MEJfwhRs
"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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Uw1hpUcy
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4OnMvbAPn
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmDkqFZOcw
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"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLZACNzKMf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC4b23A6yV
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wUBk24yKt
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMahfhRpeMz
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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVXIt2r2HQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWRrZ5mhCX
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ048w9WZw9w
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNalolKSskH
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOGDhphJQq
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pxLYulxwP
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkkHN8wHUp
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhFiY0hwd9
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHPkdGMXPM
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjBVkooEw5
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLykq9E4QwX
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw4miWMlBc
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS0bjdSGDs
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGVOMSMCUG
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Eb83Ueixe
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKsGN7IKmN
"Come on, I'm just joking around."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbVglhIIVC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpoZ9bG4tx
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiFpLM8WtJ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7iaKJizeC
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsM5ri3nvd
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCr5LicZfA
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g3gTLIy3s
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdeX75jp4a
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9S1PyHWjF
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspAjdswDto
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQqXLYHncQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimgeikhXb4
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7b39iBOAP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjshJdpufh
"Ya good to go, kid?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopCcI3BNaK
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6FUpmPiab
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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ205RmazLTC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VnTHIF0gW
"My name is Dave."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfk2wUgZiS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2NkXI8OA0
"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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w6aKJRorw
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9HBnMyImk
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrBiAea4Dk
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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyxhPiYY1K
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsH33ges9M
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWnOsewHQw
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOPFeg690Y
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMPq2dmnAE
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj3sdlNBsE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPjJxMdZ0p
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ1ZXvAj9i
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"How many are there?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35lh6A26KA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTryKl42VY
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiC6GT2I6I
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5aNmsZ6Nd
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpn0XyB34y
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr34MLTtf5
"...Come and judge for yourself."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIRNZHLW43
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSX8mTAkZl
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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXA2uXMsiB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkGrXSZg7g
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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BjS124wXC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDcAHjrPAx
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwNy5CayVB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL82yFCptid
"They're okay, right?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAikm0ub7o
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzCJZGRIQ3
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzphB2Arj5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvWkbrgANC
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YWvOfjeo1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUMSqq0wsq
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtcnU5NAJq
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgfAP2I4E2
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyoVnMpiRu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRGZdvDnmy
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jXZ6jJdxL
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOONd0nHu6f
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHp4FdCJM2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVAFCOE6KA
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWmCDddGBU
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFcCscfjFX
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y1g7Fk4vI
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuLX0I8o61
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS1Q0amXc3
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlJYw4MKLB
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkvZcLDYv3
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9S0hi86Bv
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CH8CoXYAC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmkj4ppHvv
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jP0QnpsgW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROScPqhoQ5
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPzHBMfQA5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHc42X0V5F
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1rcwgfWuy
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmQECg0GqY
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2djwYxl5q
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sk6Ky8FLh
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjigz3Hcoc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiF4umb1SN
"W-Wait, put me down first!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy3MdfQRbn
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8KvLfst8q
"Eh? Why?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw4iS6cYk4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx3uiIj7eV
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2GGauL3do
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdFLidNnms
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKWpsqQa0K
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKIjyPboH1
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiLkODHxG4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rSYz3Qoaj
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9tmBi1x9R
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI3Vp971HY
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmm3622Rhe
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP1F0VMlS1
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7y20Cw9ADX
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriuNvAg8I3
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26hibO7PCF
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrDKEf3jjJ
"...It's dusty and shabby."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF0DkQuRh6
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMKXduvCrR
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDRNuToBVV
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3ufnEluw4
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFchQP77wn
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddh0HYWUTP
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY5oO5HATT
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0fWxEd8Mp
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kNrnxSe93
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDN45gOkK2
"You two ready?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL2WRDNUkI
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM04LJxhxm
I nodded.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbqoLKdC5p
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQM55PX5fq
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HmgmqqHJQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJA8GRgYFd
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yopsdCd31
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8sCpKISpu
Juke and I nodded in reply.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9gizTNk3i
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WXoCBp89o
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhiPlUE2ye
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW2JdcIi5O
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuLAzEOBNC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwF0jK60vw
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UAjH4JEVc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVLzMvd7My
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzv5ED3A5h
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kli7oSgDB
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIf91HCULW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2T7wTceTy
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsHiCGt2mp
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o5QKkRex6
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EGEoIOzZi
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohb7gfO1iQ
"Don't sweat it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiurI4MhQr8
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uZbydXUsz
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohK3xZruNt
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9cbceAQEp
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V836iYQiQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTvAP81tP5
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwniHqYLH4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG9uPFbHC2
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng4vhCtEYK
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE0Ami50kU
"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–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpgowDd7tB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡursK0auqMN
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0OW5Lk921
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcM1lQfFO9
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL3n2eJBhK
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s0JvKfEZV
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjVT9AFsTP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaTPIAegNX
"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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jUxv3Nrjf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuBAi4gLPc
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6fOz1sv71
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavu2wSkdHN
"Backup?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFOymmE6IO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbk1Lt9lm7
Pars nodded.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvFC8Njmb9
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHET9K9buf
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ009FtqpixQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoMwYAcx4p
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKGgHJATg2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6gClcVO1O
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQwmAFUdNE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP81Hb4Q2dh
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xSb7NJWve
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoISxTbvQur
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23wvHH1LrH
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLZ1IpzYAt
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWsV8n9hFA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWgbDdM7TM
"A-Are you serious?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxKBAls4ik
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXEKjxT9j0
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zCNnUfnwH
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkg8iWN0LL
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8uD9UMcFp
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ao6vOYXT3
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17tKPbUyTr
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU20m43ByC
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkrm2V9qMj
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKorTgUdgp
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYuCS6XD65
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADYrwyNDb6
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnveoGRf5D
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaf0DfVwf0
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs2B7061UL
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4urzELzpd3
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhntjzxDoO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnIkuXm5Io
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnYqe3pQlR
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXODqYSS6xC
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRFNGBnQLX
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjOPuJgaaf
"...Gotcha."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseTw96cpzj
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3I3WR9a8m
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkjf4HiO58
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XBLsYwxxn
"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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdUiKK2U4U
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNdWaTyqtu
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ914e0M77Xn
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFLV85xE8y
"I... I will. I still want to help."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9IQSumXRA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjfEyW8Bjd
"...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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EGtKrr4zu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiIIzn4gFu
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm4pVZWFJQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4oQjoTNPF
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ipwHceVwi
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb4mFrr8o4
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bonIoMa9o
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa6KXnsg1J
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rMQniJ7px
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC52bXgLbu
He let go of Pars' hand.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkRh6PTFkZ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UgiISD9Ao
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MFsApmTD4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbPToFdawX
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2izk9A4XP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHIlG9i79d
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyOSOxjGlu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyA6vIAmi3
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgFihqgKuk
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIM6werAS9
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uvYL5Y29I
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08Zypi5G80
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgk7af1LOm
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaaDgEBvRS
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgULgAMs8Vq
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R5jfsw4c2
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31yZptb7RX
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFxHmy9Bcn
"...I shouldn't waste any time."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssIC3O3hnU
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oSEdNx6kD
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG15bBtEpb
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vOnPpc5Ye
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
