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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhfpuf7iqC
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLpD9e65fj
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Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK9jQivjIZ
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"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SrHWzKhgH
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKspDJoFMr
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHxL02aezj
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"I wish... I packed an energy potion."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuXGw3SZyr
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"Ya know how to make one?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWNAnYvZxC
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"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sHgtid2z9
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He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagPbfbm7Fl
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"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoMfuzJl5z
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQB9yqFD5X
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"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtBSRmmIR4
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"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC2fKp9Ob9
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"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhLQwigy14
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Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy12jzWoaBE
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"Uh... well-"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIILGMCPON7
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"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtE2s9TiEK
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"Ah, of course!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYhLZYsrts
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Pars rubbed the back of his head.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e5mG0KjTk
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"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEplPZ6sie
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEscvcN4HPz
"Juke."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg0xZ4lx6v
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I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dB6CMVNyS
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"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MQSCEvbxP
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"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1RlsjjLBl
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Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCXJ9DAP8D
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k0twAecEP
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"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0bIBX7W3n
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"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri4IjiVmTf
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They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSttbWUoilr
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"I did this to myself, though."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS13KNrrMRc
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtDmbMKrMH
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"You're just lying to them, though."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzsbS7FS8t
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8warOQFLC
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx6qQ93otH
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4lb0OuGxK
"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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTRONxDN3U
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"Why were you two targeted in particular?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5P0OOK0YW
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPOGUenBw5
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"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!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADcbiUEStM
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm6z7KxJn1
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9CXQEV1UY
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The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXVUNAsaum
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhGw0PC72T
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"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY3YbKcnz8
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"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCVUP6J36V
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"I'm flattered."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAUYjr7Jcg
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"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvROEsMtaCQ
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Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z1WbXo42s
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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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aKbjZrxMb
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"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5KBAm5eY5
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvapUmEHO0D
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"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN8yYnWV10
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCL5Wx1KzT
"...I don't like where this is goin'."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtfct9tHnA
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNL2bzFNf0
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"You're right not to like it, because I'm about to drop the worst news you've heard all week: all of the Pillars have been subjugated by Hard-Bringer."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslkne6zajD
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"...The hell does that mean?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo5tm3ss2U
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"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6j2HJqMkp
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xbsHSXtsx
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRZRyIDgel
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"I'm sorry, but I'm not."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRy7xTGhDZ
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"Haaaa... shit."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn62z4FcLbi
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBppeNSjj0B
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Gb7aaWA83
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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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpioEi3pLQt
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"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJdtRToq25
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I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAysSkTyRK0
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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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUWa7w2Pm8
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"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU0v6DUzRz
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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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGsa1nBJJj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT973Ybwdvm
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFDHDAam3a
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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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xq0zBa0pu
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuslWllr3N
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBYJtGOMLk
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"I... I'm having doubts. My mind is foggy, I think I need to sleep."
"I getcha, but what are ya having doubts over?"
I looked at him as if he just asked an incredibly stupid question.
"Don't give me that look. This is yer job, ain't it? Why are ya doubting yerself?"
"My job?"
Juke provided me with an interesting perspective. It was pragmatic and disciplined. It caught me off guard, and it certainly wasn't something I expected to come out of his mouth.
But, as I thought about it–
"You say it's my job, but isn't this well over our pay grade?"
"Hell yeah, it is. Seriously, what's a weak guy like me doing, being contractually obligated to fight Hard-Bringer, eh?"
He took a few steps forward, pulling his sword out of his scabbard and placing it on his shoulder. He turned around and looked me in the eye.
"I think it's a perfect excuse to check up on Dennis."
He offered me a hand.
"..."
His declaration made me smile. It dispelled all my doubt instantly. I chastised myself for even thinking that way, even with my haziness. When I thought about it that way, it was the perfect excuse to amend that dreadful feeling I gained last night, all that guilt and shame, even if it would continue to creep at the back of my mind.
So, I reached for his hand and–
"I can't even lift my limbs anymore, Juke. You're going to have to carry me."
My arm dropped a second later; his did too.
"I think ya should go to sleep."
"Out here on the street? That's impossible."
"Fair 'nough.'
"Lucky for you guys," Pars interjected, "Dave and I set up a bit of a haven nearby. That should be the perfect place to rest, surely."
"Don't speak with such uncertain language, Pars. The haven is safe, that's why we call it a haven."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wjEXA1Dss
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcTwLzqbod
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuNJXDAChC
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"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAtbUVk1jt
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwcAQWcLDR
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRouq6vd4aV
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"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9NSQWhvE4
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC9YhRdhl2
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgPi4niF4t
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"Come on, I'm just joking around."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ddkvqpE1i
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"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuLm3Wj6rB
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnrFRxlotk
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PbBidXz1Y
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Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveJbUk3i1x
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"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXUBFrHAoG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGGqVBrZ6y
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZiJjr0TZd
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"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DsrZZ0kHB
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"Ya good to go, kid?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOIU3UYfb8
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My attention returned to Juke. I nodded at his inquiry, but the previous problem persisted.
"How are we going to go about that? Even if I had a cane, I don't think I can stand."
"I'll just carry ya like before."
That statement sent a quick shiver down my spine.
"Don't carry me like before, please. I'd much rather ride on your shoulders."
"On my shoulders? The hell are ya, some kind of kid?"
"..."
"Ah, shit, forget I said that."
I was struck by a frothing curiosity. How was it that he constantly forgot my age? I realized in seconds that it wasn't just him; seemingly, everyone even a tinge older than me constantly forgets it.
I didn't make mention of my question, though. Juke crouched down and slapped his shoulders. I practically crawled to him, and climbing his body so I could get in a good position made me feel like a bug. Fortunately, Juke made no comment about it and simply grabbed me under my thighs and lifted me. I wrapped my hands around his neck.
"We're good to go, haven-guy."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8bZyOti94
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bhCqJIhqi
"My name is Dave."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbfOyG8xGT
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OnjlhijFI
"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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTKYIoKV5C
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdn6sl1VEJD
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We were all against the wall now, but that begged a crucial question to be asked, and Pars was the one to do it.
"What'd we stop for?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm8Lvp1Aeo
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Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHSJbdDxrU
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUdRPRoGVr
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Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvZI2Xphaq
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Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TJn7OJB1n
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"How many are there?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyVcGAsSkg
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"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2shcM2z2T
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdj5JbJFEz
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kjSX9TpsF
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACauMn2tAO
"...Come and judge for yourself."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkDcxd2c0p
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx3rTPg9id
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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RJaXJ9i9u
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LX21nU3az
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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZhH7doQBd
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6CsNwc7Ut
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJTk6SJ0sc
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"They're okay, right?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98HsTEJPMx
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF63kWCmlc
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEQUBl3jQA
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNbNGJ6naJ
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBsNTgzdQZ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNC6KNn0vO
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD93xfmpGN8
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZwqk6rpED
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWY37YVxPO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxETbdP6WdJ
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b0BzBxEPz
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I set the thought aside as we entered the shop. From all the interior architecture I've seen thus far, my expectations were low. However, the inside of the shop was orderly and ornamental. Antique lamps, though snuffed, were sprawled on various tables lined with products and price tags. I could infer from the pottery and other ceramic objects what Dave's shop was all about, but I still felt inclined to ask.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY8cUFSbln
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"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPemcysj61
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9FcfjFpsM
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMNx7vSCtx
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6Lrh7tGzP
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95vqT73cNy
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkWeSGix82
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVceJTliLC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRmHb2ailS
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHeMOGZnCk
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxv7rEsfLo
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzoft6x3H3
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWcucIdisY
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKxScwT25v
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aPP6L7B2z
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkN55ZY0uR
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gNepwg5sm
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyLhKOkJEV
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc1LJUMB1c
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwn45pQkTb
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"W-Wait, put me down first!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R8aDIEbYE
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"Eh? Why?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICaciRErt3
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"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoddnTXxVF
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw5SPTNZZH
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j7UHHLcis
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYOahlLbg4
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB48t84Cqu2
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WmALZjEgs
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jxjchUMF5
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQALKayv5z
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgHtIdTdg0
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrQFhGT1FV
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xlYPxVPRk
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqOZn38bJN
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwhhWrsvZn
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYOPgHtnu3
"...It's dusty and shabby."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9RORjN3G1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaZlX05BeB
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gizSJ2zUM
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFReDhBdZxi
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0RQ2UI2XD
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4h4K4CqEU
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYsGHJkBBC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZEECnKe7k
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOdvfVNLw4
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"You two ready?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZGYLeTllS
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I nodded.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIPaitmZnZ
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"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG4JfPzxzO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHeB1oawdK
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeymuKl6ko
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjjG0Mbldt
Juke and I nodded in reply.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaq20LBPdhO
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaCpBDti4G
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHlu5rnEBC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaGAXV8WDP
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9JqFnX0Qx
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Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJZ7huTwQQ
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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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYYeeuBO89
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvyICDN8JI
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11b3jJb6BK
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoel5yhwKEL
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck6OhBgXCG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks1d7bi6G1
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5INhGZDtDp
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyONt24g5ZC
"Don't sweat it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrsi7le2KV
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7QLItFJNT
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc71mRXgyde
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinwJTydfI3
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz3jRuB3MJ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvw8WDcGTc
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX1xhpKAmQ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZCCKZny6p
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOepNJIiMYD
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm3t3WJZiW
"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–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZSf34H9R6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISIiqVf5IW
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdysKZWzRJb
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OG3ylb6dO
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIW8eIgePq
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Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZf5jsjXfn
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"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqsBXT4k86
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU23fsCGMV
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC42S8RuCz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllu665DRDq
"Backup?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjM7MuIcqS
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDz3aDRSYm
Pars nodded.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdNpDVGckZ
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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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpymuQrl72R
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi16GwelNu9
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVPLflxPWe
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaCwIQEBV1
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTabnLKuL6t
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPcE6fnC83
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQxt3xuL5w
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIUaf95QNB
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CGgRmIvzr
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Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5ghnuxBmX
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"A-Are you serious?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhBN8PLpA5
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIzreASxAM
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJNEh7iF6K
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"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46WGnDaTEC
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He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEus89MQiv
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz03tMZBRL
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiFEZnNXsw
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxe6PyGcyJ
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxXthB8kAQ
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With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9VZGXcBLa
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"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlewe8ZUgQW
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeyPaWuDEh
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSxbm8zviZ
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His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM1Ofs76wN
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax0vqdgO6r
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCn9PehFZc
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddmsVJz95a
"...Gotcha."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqFXrGcpHr
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Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIbxdro8Bn
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwHvgliTP9
"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCU1khOgcA
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbny4Txara
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpZKi9pXfr
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYS78VjZBR
"I... I will. I still want to help."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctQxFHytLR
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMEhBHEhkG
"...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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTEwCWIlld
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZTHX9J1hr
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZqwRQ9Gdv
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQz1PgOeID
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRCbekVrpc
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0UZlzUpiH
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7hR51ylG6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeGj0phJK2
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscY80prmZA
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEXvkLEUUh
He let go of Pars' hand.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hJ2r1p5PM
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtCtlTs0N1
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA63GqDI7e
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"Go ahead. We'll be leaving in a few hours, so make yourself at home. There should be food and water in any of them."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnryrAXTfK
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx6t3RZ0Kz
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u7pS4pFJe
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"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFmxzrT6Q5
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIUxVoTViU
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijInvFU1vc
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He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz46ZABGESx
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFHpMdm5CS
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs7Nj5rvsv
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq1WSekiEx
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerQ9nr5S8T
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0Dk4Stf3G
"...I shouldn't waste any time."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiPi77HKxG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYNIDx4Otr
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA10dOeNFZJ
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZGM7mxetS
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
