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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViEVOf7L0u
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz52dlkUM5
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9FlB9IJqa
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssUlpR3tD3
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Btr4z4b0g
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiWiAAhtQl
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOX9MJVpmD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4KnXwoiQz
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajdeN8jYg4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDrw2PXCXx
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUola1oDut
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlaLBny9D3
"Ya know how to make one?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiY5yakf5O
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddURVH5APQ
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr2GHfPiaC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRTiSRD7TN
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaAuG0zGSJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHNMj2EysL
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdie7IyH9w
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoic1otK08u
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgUb23QhDa
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG52nTNOfJ0
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MmX0lIvpO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4wSAdTVQi
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwQTbOI317
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZGUnLFMUP
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Vb64ezBKG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonxmMj7vrT
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkhfjl08QB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvF8Jv1Loq
"Uh... well-"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa9mUgsclU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoXTwuq6HM
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopbjcSh67V
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1srC1VEH7d
"Ah, of course!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUXqAwjGVp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArhr0c7poB
Pars rubbed the back of his head.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQZjjnWbt3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwwwhihakM
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tfg3p7tPC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG39RvqhAU
"Juke."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigJ9KVBNqV
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwbJVIS6GU
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9Ml56DrkJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqxU3pu7dt
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWddaZt1vz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv203giVPT
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgM1INuA4u
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBF8nWjfs6
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxereZRyIaX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeXXMfK4XQ
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC9MTbO59S
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQqkxvOeG3
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLSA10RUFP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVw6pVENV6
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ2RBnCtY4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oNZ7VXqTq
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSyRBKba4g
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99EDEqRGR5
"I did this to myself, though."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS0AlkKUdH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54sL8tLqEy
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq268oPWXe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I88WUgBRu
"You're just lying to them, though."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8k1yT18n6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruTwxWt528
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7Q8OREPew
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mw38U3R3x
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYam0RrILH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXOmxml5N2
"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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhaewxnsny
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJxFSusBW3
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32FUJ95rZ5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bqN0K15dr
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR1zRaOIa3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRjeDLjy5c
"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!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrhhnKDn7N
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tc3Bitoew
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4rYjFBLcc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoexrAJWp8i
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWzMn6grTK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzebojBfuu
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDpFugdBNI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2oky7VgKW
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsxpzygKoK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaiBnWpd7M
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS8G76Txou
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7e3uzJIJS
"I'm flattered."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIw5w3zlTY
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx33u2gVZn
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HNmxCVnuu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5f0lizeRj
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NHHK9OfTI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBVLtRrnli
"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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhS1tFvoK6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8Dn5sdYwJ
"..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSWurrquyk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uwebGT8G0
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7BCiJWMpo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRVTy7P7aL
"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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlQ3lcYSmo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3vUHmPVyW
"...I don't like where this is goin'."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrPf3u6MYS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ31DHu75Ar
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4uLimro8V
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1bhGjXDPY
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhjFMKcnPU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQunLgDT3o
"...The hell does that mean?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLWQgyqcg5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXtBIeFOZe
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0TEnWfeOW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHeoEf3sVJ
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC0o5lSkct
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcug8lblomF
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwwePZ1zcp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkPTAFHOAP
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFLN2gp1Wy
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiM6obci7W
"Haaaa... shit."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnM6b9M3K1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPMuE4snR3
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6i2Y0lLYr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa2hhR06Ti
"What does that mean for us," I asked.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43LIaN15xk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAmZpucEpX
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXADHdVk7n9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicfrutFLKR
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWk42xsI2H8
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRGNfKca9j
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3RJ999g5Y
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXKmivBWJY
"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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp0Iprqh2Q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd74knsrrSi
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRTaPImVNd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIcoNIHXWY
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyPknP7pKW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnIK4woQPz
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIRykemlku
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDa7gCJV9U
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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWEseuHYia
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFkF8akAfG
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsKy8I4OYX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aiaOMPF3k
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QvIxa1Fyz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Zbx7nrCRO
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfspMTva9zv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLJ43BPypy
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkQUkvQJAp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjnSq5R61W
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9MCFWrWec
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbrbj2iR5h
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6K1jmRGK9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuljX4VgEu9
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdiU5dnNG1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr7IL4QoE7
"Come on, I'm just joking around."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yIEMQlaSP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrynNddLEQg
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5he7PvcU1k
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpRvVRoj54
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsoh11Zu0q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkPK1ranfV
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfHoaKzSHI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAQqJPDNYK
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMM2z5nzEo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJun95Acpg
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFONxdfPs1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5hqeRXhV8
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZGMXnvdBg
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7XzS8cbNe
"Ya good to go, kid?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj2JvZlKpk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC4fCVtEhz
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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD6fEa0FiU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zOZKI5PgS
"My name is Dave."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQlfod3kVA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHMzIMMR2B
"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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOxAraWJ5J
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF43crUbij4
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59eOHmXEUZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE5FNk4pGs
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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhEoJQ6P4d
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUdpge5eOK
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdVvETGwDy
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOkZ7UxuZd
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBm3ipakaw
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6l37oc3jA
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WTXWemylB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7zPNgbrHq
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjTlebx2Qn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJIm3f7B04
"How many are there?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLqXR7jiMe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsUdeFkZN7
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWW2sBx7Gg
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl4Jc8GNpE
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6Jvj3uxLe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ07M17lyau
"...Come and judge for yourself."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcVwLyqewF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtls9MeaYf
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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsmwTnbrIA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ7udokW6r
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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrb5caUXna
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFn3qCbNu3
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsp0ExKjc4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcoAvnZuXT
"They're okay, right?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg10CYkpfY
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JRwfGoeo5
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDa2CWMzTQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0v1o0XOtr
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HugShWzsh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7X7pQNvTo
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTUCnOrgHF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh90xWzUKd6
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZysuAMS6E3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsy9kTlHLk
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATetXuXlGy
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0quAjvVGAm
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCaC2EC62Q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE3o6Xxuko
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvh9cAdnzZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPL5yBtBud
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbiUNvPkpL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRoZrmvmy1
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSKpHnzvTk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByFtrlRAkt
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWReII8O1PR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLwqkLtznD
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9865mcjPa
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ332W4zQX
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT1NlaGpUT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuxrwE7yOE
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSwte1dgSc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv30oVntEyP
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPvGq4FUYf
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW4yxc74kT
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFrqOiTf68
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgts10KFU2
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmlMrR0KsO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3fm9L1GLW
"W-Wait, put me down first!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIwPnZuZPK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLgFSd9r0t
"Eh? Why?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfTtJnxdfX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9kSQQm3tX
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgfyGHLR0P
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8D7xYSCD7
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUiuRem9Sr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j8IwZ7vy3
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMQaQR5S6D
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFWsblMUvE
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgXCMA7PUY
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI4gLioFrm
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlrJ3ADzBX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJdTm4i8sm
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhRcSGfRMF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuRTKnuCb5
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU8nEJtpRd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWGhprMmLR
"...It's dusty and shabby."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lJ5CddgWO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0dMpCJ56b
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMWrh19B2q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4iaOnIqd2
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ItglxBkHH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlenXXaMAaD
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47B2O7WdNW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye2sujtLlM
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpwHXSm9Fn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrrEOZAGIV
"You two ready?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQEqs3KeRP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbakFiInmqA
I nodded.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vqH71oej1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczmWy9Oq7F
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3fLOx54wL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta3DatJcIu
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpBkqTxV9B
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPfIG1jDq1
Juke and I nodded in reply.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vRSRCYnod
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHqxp0BTAs
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHxB5el1Yp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW54wQ6lj6F
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMam2MqmPYH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDT2Uxmlly
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpmZ9cESez
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWmYrwiUg3
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhB9J7doKb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8ol533lAT
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCuyenB8Dp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjW5j9mQ78
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzR5C4Zz0s
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQN6UUWM8g
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0rRpO16Lh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICV6ltASUx
"Don't sweat it."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aP94WvojP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb1ZeuY4Ls
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT09XP1Lw7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd2NGlzIH1
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayYOPg95xN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFacW4257g
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxFfHwE5Zy
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRmisuKglo
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8mtxdmaXP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnpv1PcqtM
"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–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9Co9YSHi3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpNLZjvdCs
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLRpYbnyTP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXN2jcNCyQ
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsv0BUHl7m
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zdDI5QEpO
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPvld02PxZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1juXxyxmgW
"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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ5vHUJQAV
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEI2oanYw1
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55GaIT6vfn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2G5pj2MR4
"Backup?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdLN2lcRd4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxLlZmC31I
Pars nodded.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uErGmTkeR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsIOnXqFLy
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNPdltFybI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbj7S8uh9i
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBIwrcYSwx
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIEQzwi1hI
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMMBIOli38
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI86M4wCZoa
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIstRBD53n
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs5t2p3uM4
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIglyKmjJeX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fAK0PUz9i
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIbXJmIt9o
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqUCw5m4Xt
"A-Are you serious?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirvz6GZq60
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n30noheXP
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSXodk6PnH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSLKn3KrBA
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRqd8J4Lia
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSCizaT1DA
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc9gz2xPYk
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunOIASvKiN
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxVA7xsO8J
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwSz1qvBzH
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrae0v5afgf
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MLFb6h3qq
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx21vOjImgL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGXuAeM93c
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaE7UGSTJG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pVMg08IHj
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgNdJVn57q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODUH1vRIzg
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY5BjmXaeg
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtR7oZ4DfQ
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwa3gZRJwO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnEM6mFcrD
"...Gotcha."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG0lvM3028
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9pIFnbBBa
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHoCqOGaZU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdPz3RmrVq
"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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlUPZQ2UTu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSVEPVqBCU
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QbYk5u77c
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPcrITXFK8
"I... I will. I still want to help."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTpEgKX6tb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGjwV0N0Ei
"...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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCQQmRSH0T
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0JvJCnW1O
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDb4X4zHE30
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsDsC9ujWT
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KrVA9hEzy
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2yuZt6jug
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iSIagl0ZZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvWu39gThs
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPf60fM5DD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr16vOnOWHS
He let go of Pars' hand.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltHtUeadh7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8ouYId4AT
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOdq8DIy5j
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicCyr4hrsR
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UG0fmyCAt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW3niguad7
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyS5gWO3NF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMzboYmgrH
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET81vw6oFt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KAMrjpVG1
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfeD5ZP3eC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ1tByJeNm
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5no1ZHq3Bx
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeWpbT7rNH
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7uoI4gB20
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHFZeSHB7Y
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQskt8f2bc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49BK2HjH3a
"...I shouldn't waste any time."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37qtx1aSSw
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrGaq32KHQ
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZkR1xEoXI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3XUn5zbTv
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
