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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypFBIkyZQK
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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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKWXWrAy1W
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPMvCKdz2s
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsXZwV3hXi
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H40QgHbsg
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQanw5OWtY
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w7SerIkn0
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTpn1PWLXa
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQWuPx2nN1
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWTpLNxC2H
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMBf2SgKqd
"Ya know how to make one?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxFGtM3Zp4
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmFHyejvqw
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71E8ScgtJ2
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T7sYkSU0U
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKBCqcVpWB
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xf1ZFPTcP
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGvlso9NoI
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAtrv4ZM5c
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQBgiuQaZR
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ3j1nS8ih
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09pS2JQaQJ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKUC8a29rN
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC99s9qTVG
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uylQFHw30
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PLcKnyYUa
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk7YoN34Mm
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0skI7f86jl
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"Uh... well-"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklY1xOX2Ss
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9akY5n0Dv
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyKD6mxKfV
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPDHvfbpNC
"Ah, of course!"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MzaT2On4V
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmcRUTazhV
Pars rubbed the back of his head.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfelbL0Ple5
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lKqmGSBDS
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vAWlA1cuF
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvleiWDJ7H
"Juke."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94wKBPPhFk
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrVG3A00yt
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjXswknBU7
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oFXrTwVWM
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZnYH4a0oN
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTDuermu1U
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMJqFsqCmb
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8YvXvx9t6
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY3oLSaAAm
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqHlb9oaBv
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0xK6BZkZE
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTyR4dNPUr
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6QW88uExZ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kx2aJTCdl
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ITGDwek7Q
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAPmipAfXV
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulwDD78clw
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"I did this to myself, though."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyCKsguhg8
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC1e1wzrek
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY9ZwEwYL4
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc9QORWWrH
"You're just lying to them, though."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6oLDfqCEO
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He simply shrugged. I realized that I was just sweating details. It didn't matter why, the point was that I became injured because of the fight.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu1y7E9Mko
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBySBaN3OmF
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IAHMxBSpL
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDKmXTiUgk
"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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85qXBMzrz6
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEL2C916VN
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfioJnS1IJ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVGadbSH1N
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpiAbSU0ca
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW3Umt4Ixj
"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!"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWJhr5s2XG
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDoncroy5K
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk3hnkHQGM
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCheRChRJK
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQxTdjtY3z
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT2z26dV0T
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExQvzxemDM
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gjp6njDXs
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmYDKrLL4t
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDTs0Jvl0n
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAAstIDBnc
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"I'm flattered."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHXb44mXP1
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH270OZ0RL
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhuJygaBT6
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CaQCJ20tL
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qwB8XXD02
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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?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHc4pbac9g
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8gteXWNNe
"..."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7evBHvP7gT
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4xxdgR8MQ
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6llLBDbQGn
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2SllTU43N
"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?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSr2FoAQbm
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IZ1B0LbIO
"...I don't like where this is goin'."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT8GuIvAMG
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZOz2DDOZf
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR62xXY220c
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnZera4WmH
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcAWQV91CN
"...The hell does that mean?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQVPNWkeYv
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGuQhsDpmv
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVJbRuI5sn
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU3RHeRBys
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPx0nHjNcU
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkreisjlb36
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v9K8LpeAl
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFSF1cAdmg
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Zjhkzagbh
"Haaaa... shit."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNQXxrZgzP
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohrrf1LwfI
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWfiMisIvG
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeWMM0oApD
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"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9kFNDUUIF
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9kjMlsb8A
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Neso7FW1d
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2L82Q9xSG
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkZgb3NZhm
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"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?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpGCQONQpw
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JV8zl0KqY
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBynGyoIaPv
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnaqkeo9Bl
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSq1i8GchL
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBITnEiEkx
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7kfGEPL6O
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23fU1mybFc
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?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG8iS2Mc2N
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qEMXmESVP
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvqEbRUGRi
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXREqULD41
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CHhiRrWqI
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdIfFINAQ5
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPFjvy8G0O
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFFw1S7L7E
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7llM2uiViB
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXid984JT5M
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNCMdtZnjy
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP1duaSiks
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d0HFRSmoJ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe8u4driaZ
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLe6NISgWB
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XtWxfBtgl
"Come on, I'm just joking around."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuorxl7aDhP
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq473u6BPEi
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH476xvWkn
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58lyKErAd0
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTWYzI0VU3
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPvwFAFjJe
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8061NU8UF
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fPgmPPHBe
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPABymjJNBu
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDthCaYv42p
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TtoeW45LL
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLNVaPvYMf
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4qgFotr4C
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL31KjGrtT0
"Ya good to go, kid?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6Bs4kYvG4
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrceo8PMxOf
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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9sZK3uG1x
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OiJZ3rhYp
"My name is Dave."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k3MwVoFOJ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEHG3LzcS3
"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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIND8n4CaA
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4AML1GfSm
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93t8IrjDW3
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhXG4l8FVW
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?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0OxlxF6BO
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWU9l3Zjoj
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8TzuySlA9
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RNUMK5SrC
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbNqakHedC
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WVvaXCKho
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hSA7ngSDJ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn8EcUrLJv
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxlSet4XEi
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"How many are there?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJlkRlpf5k
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokKRYuMnil
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7fmyUnkFa
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlwzfAAP9E
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8ZJUnLHqM
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcQ4ZFbiRL
"...Come and judge for yourself."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CApcLSacy
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbmh20Irk2
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?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTseujLtNr
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3qwfy4YGa
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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtJTtq5z39
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSrXPpFefk
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4AupZgSHF
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI91emmV02r
"They're okay, right?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QDBCf0brE
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2hnzDl3HC
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXhvx4cPGz
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qj6X1lk1N
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP8jpXydX4
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdV8aEeUo4
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFozAm2HtY8
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzehhdjmDh
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsiEHIC8ro
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpFIPsOf7V
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdDUIraxnP
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIa7e0LPQm
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxGv4LKcEr
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiQ9XTgQSK
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf5ZgTkacQ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDcudnb9c2
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbFod75qQL
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT8677JIKd
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYLOr9kCOI
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56g5KUy8Qx
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndl0E2Ug7B
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR9dw2wIgF
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYstCsQdO3
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4bPLzWQQ0
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfwpItb7vq
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0GyLWk0Fu
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb3NU0bqVJ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtSe42SS7o
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeFbqdEeeT
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVANcARXaZ
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZxHMtKJ3y
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvJWtCL2N3
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f0Bwxchvu
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgYzTU8i1y
"W-Wait, put me down first!"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1STxS31TM
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDwN4o9vwW
"Eh? Why?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOtqgF2dDn
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHGjXrd6TK
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLEn1ZP6zX
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtADRlxDaT
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OFTAii34i
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmFVuCXW1D
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNzSiq7aED
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHiRaqRhCI
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAP3q7kQed
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68RxPBDyvm
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VhIZLRpE6
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfC00M5NfA
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGPcUQtTF7
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxLZ7RQCim
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrarp7dD6xm
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz01PzrqAOG
"...It's dusty and shabby."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmFreFKR2Q
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QFK59hSS5
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKo9HJ5FXc
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bWM6aplvX
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb2M2uzlop
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTy7bJ7R7o
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK1I3YLj9h
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCwd2NPVpk
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi3PwYKuCx
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ430hGXAwrq
"You two ready?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErpl2g66Fw
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I nodded.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYXPtx0rQ2
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"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfpKIJc3se
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAVT5RcJIs
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKL7BhCKJ3
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzIF6Mlw2D
Juke and I nodded in reply.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKazMubJaW
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjcZ4DNJXZ
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFOpvba7K6
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UjiWJIuhy
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNJ05VsdAQ
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Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwpzIlVnrG
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"They're in different buildings. The Retaliation Crowd is split into five parts. It's a pretty big movement, so if we tried to group everyone up in one building, we'd be too obvious."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZZJYsTWwb
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzflwKkgzTd
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dnwSSqJkQ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX8alXh8L1
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2pAkEY9Wk
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KFJar69qn
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IRMZ6f1zc
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENu0frfkNB
"Don't sweat it."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnQq7BYgVS
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6HUxUJCOY
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KbD28mhlL
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2rNxEAqjL
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd2x5CVdJC
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPsMTKy0xu
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuqa0IDxcs
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TvP6Y2YFl
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKiB8TrpBk
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnijOJC9RbM
"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–"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlbyJi0z36
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOydkHQIBp
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT3uv6nsIt
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZDuTlzPDS
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG0QrDd1XV
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBNsiQZHaW
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtlozRhKtj
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡab7y073SkT
"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?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lUafFsy5Z
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW4e4Obm2j
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuBctKVwYX
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibDHSy4iSb
"Backup?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiiqbftEoo
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczC9pBB9D4
Pars nodded.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i85GvA1Wa
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"Since the Central Pillar deals with communication across the Southern Country, we'll send an SOS message. Afterward, it'll only be a matter of time until all of Hard-Bringer will flee."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5B5VSPdS1
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bt7M2d9Bg
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCUnY42AzQ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F5Sy531sR
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte8NwYmIWb
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOWr6PwTcg
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87o4yd4RKU
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"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQrbBFcihb
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm4otQ8D0E
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlThik7Tdt
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"A-Are you serious?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBs8fvYoPV
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"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP96erQbek
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgxTfZEodC
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGlA9NjC1Q
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSKyR1k1cN
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTOm27Ysyq
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqcmipi93E
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0j9huv19f
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7I6cXHnsX
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti4TOU2mEZ
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkufjrIVIMZ
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31tUJqGvBN
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHWQLS2cAH
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHffvdmh7Y
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTnR3grAJ2
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4jqejk0Lx
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMv7lut5YG
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Tfr84SziR
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz7gMltMNB
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG04taMJEM
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruV1NBojbt
"...Gotcha."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2IMZ52tKD
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHkLnLMGLW
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHpcsA4SjY
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPg5pbo8P5
"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?"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6Oe0ZxxWm
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4CirJayUX
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9cUtQ3nxX
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvtnCbojPL
"I... I will. I still want to help."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezwMiVUVAq
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"...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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN9mHh1uHn
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFeGMFxQk0
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsgYdTPFKI
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGp0WuQZS3p
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb3M3hMxYg
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGiDutzStr
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiNl7bpoaq
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FIPMKSpay
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDKSse0LtP
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv93ZSGK5Ul
He let go of Pars' hand.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKqk0x3alP
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"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYvhlfFsxN
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfykNTAjHPR
"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."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL3cJIXbAw
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIR5oxkVAU
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZeitgQZku
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"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HXCf69pca
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PakIrS82H
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1Cf7GnsFO
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He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuweWChOIO
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO7At7c3HR
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P8zQqN2Ey
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3Kkm35N5S
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyiW0Im49A
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoYsTKuwcN
"...I shouldn't waste any time."253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyg9hrDO7d
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGi4ZsrfqG
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.253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fvXDo89UA
253Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCwOFVmMfG
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
