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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhTyjdkyNW
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbTMeDBiei
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf2ry1foqT
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeohw3mtEul
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIXdEwjLlN
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9DkfsGDW2
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxbRjiv1F5
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhwm8bGOG7
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsewG8806CF
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztoWO9McBB
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCbBONFB3y
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmsrbpchgp
"Ya know how to make one?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDgKClR2N5
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF0Uwiir4j
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi66upFTIp4
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5iBgSxEkD
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlnjcdIGMs
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA2uEkfyhl
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdVWAtxMmv
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnUZ4XANke
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DJ6LpXv4n
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0S88jDPTX
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtrMoyqeXv
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoea5s1W4R
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8yKnzxTyG
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2tj72YE3k
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADhT1ckazF
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kw5iLFvCr
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2fXLzG5ME
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRF9GyJrRF
"Uh... well-"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNSSLWDgmn
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOoTbfvvAH
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYhKqNT0QU
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2weyIzDQQZ
"Ah, of course!"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq7ZUMY7uL
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwLl5xAi8F
Pars rubbed the back of his head.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVjzMRRp9M
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTS1SevPiE
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNrFlw9dBf
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNzT7OKOkT
"Juke."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBBijVTRHJ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMszSjPkkeV
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvVTwQJcrF
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcQqliv04a
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEEQLwZPAB
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xngCmSeU9
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeydMuYZMV
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbSnEieHw1
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa70E3KmFU
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbgRERtLp7
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtBv5Jouro
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxErQcdLlqf
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhAncmov6H
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD02eFDO8oo
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvPaP5A6wx
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouRRHFuESf
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyVUniKSgl
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGor69Ww52
"I did this to myself, though."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkFXaohTzG
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgolX6D56T
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ2WjQ9cFv
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0QTyjd7cG
"You're just lying to them, though."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70NCvuIush
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5w5i8sqEZ
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMMKtdELsk
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi5fdHtZs4
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8WXwk7uNm
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf58JvQWhS2
"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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3fe696mKz
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ69VqbyLw
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ndg8G4M2i
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wKuwzSYMm
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq3FzMqEn6
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE7622ROl6
"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!"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvvWFbOY2p
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqFEzzljEA
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5um3mP3HoJ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWoANTWIKQ
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJo7UEeIiF
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqESVIogL8
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBIt1HEQQs
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fITRsvBKv
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW1KOXdBgj
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeKG8TpbJx
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1YGuOdDSb
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoADyV1s4t
"I'm flattered."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqfLxplrvq
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrfE8L9rBI
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuydjMkSUvG
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUr0tO4Q5m
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KqIlH5CBU
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO9blq3r1j
"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?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNlB5fMMMX
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HkW4dRvAH
"..."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDPFfZgdXp
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWXtS2gGRj
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTQuGAeSYW
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FHqeSeKvJ
"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?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVwauiGoob
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfgcitBnw6
"...I don't like where this is goin'."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP8P6RjS2O
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8uPzUMXDW
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7bllB8UBx
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SrnYMTs2S
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeRuCHYGJE
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss4c0ajYhO
"...The hell does that mean?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf3A20zUDP
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiPfV5OIkz
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfEwN3eM6h
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jtllQ15hj
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd6HjTrUGt
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM8AebOoxf
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj139y9xJu
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MV2MWX4nM
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcZqKVsAOs
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4jOkR2vbO
"Haaaa... shit."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0HGVydl9p
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApjZFfSsnA
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCozVAXX2y
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3UonPKciJ
"What does that mean for us," I asked.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo8eiVAaxy
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YUvMUcCWB
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLRhzOeDiR
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzarG3xaJ0
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LthSYDJoX
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3snXJFUrDJ
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzeGXR2WXc
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihw01IM7UX
"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?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zwznd3si4
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4liLEGAPF
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsmt1JsnQg
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkz1dg7CzJO
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdM4WGJxAy
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgnxmDs1bJ
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFJptDDYtm
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSj4g9mblh
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?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNJKjR1txJ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFguToSVVpx
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw1uFEFGLe
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0XTgLM1V4
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2DwuT4fbG
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7NzIRAP7e
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwvPwyHRDx
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N7K3jJk4g
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xDKorawBe
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ832jPH2RL2
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq1gUX0ilt
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix1HTLLvS7
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztXWGXnKs7
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTNzyG4WFe
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMeJGpcnmx
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFYtsB3kD5
"Come on, I'm just joking around."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZoo5YPf7O
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPdK0H0pOL
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZAcbtvVQt
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRpUcZ0Fwq
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8uZ27BzAn
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0gkSbhcOL
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWyvUHerX2
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl2eyQEaMu
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWPVooGcBo
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEyOyTVpJL
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YTaCarmIQ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65rUrgtmFu
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1IKimgg1V
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7sqKYCzvP
"Ya good to go, kid?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxZ5kkJSv8
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKklcQ90Qvl
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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwspokHlaH
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBDYa6IZkY
"My name is Dave."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyfG9DZfrt
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHhF1xvKch
"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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2I0w7ROdp
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhvmILjcF9
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIRukJ796v
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWFlOTOH9b
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?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPQLbaHHBB
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5pp07CQCn
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclq1dOVaRB
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdLQIMt4FJ
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9Lem48Zmz
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGGZFv3oy7
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4j2CtP3ZX
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI3kgQZRZy
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sAw1hREym
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQgcGpNOGv
"How many are there?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTYTYLx8gN
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCsujCinbe
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFrDf33vhx
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vVbtceFq9
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpr9r6saw8
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CDlL4bZ2h
"...Come and judge for yourself."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RUXwLHuMd
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rycS4kqe0
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?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YwPauNYbO
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gpaXrZSDn
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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm9afhpWjZ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl3q1b3lAe
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjashisEuo
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSoKKoj1CB
"They're okay, right?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBi84zcJQY
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wiRk4OSgK
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGoNNxrAar
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyyRlx6hcb
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAxkGZLxPh
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj5HU0xp5u
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZGLyVW0eZ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALMQgY0chg
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCFvlibWq0
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm2tEEb97e
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWzbh5UR4i
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhD2rHoQBm
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HsjbNU85d
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy11xSEfLf
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHp5TeEOEh
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEpUQrkO4u
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIOZGfrF1l
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cPWbCZHXc
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qbU6qy5kQ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTvKtcNmbA
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJswhgyC13z
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz1rUovP1m
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg8z5NESio
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lYZDlxXp3
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEvSjNQFUD
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY9OC0iC0V
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzzMBPvnWZ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbCR5cHk9s
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehLTayH087
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ1FNeKMzB
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgpE8LSLO1
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8vr9Z0bMr
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2eATEkdd0
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpVGiqVymp
"W-Wait, put me down first!"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZliw1UWvz
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FSGUw1466
"Eh? Why?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH9ZVtBd2n
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUdsgg10KX
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVDKBZ0JDl
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiqKcmCqw0
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfiSfAkKce
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrf4mz0spJ
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzPpDWqXcp
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJITveqofLr
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudSlu8HXXn
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDpVtfVsk8
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNhssnjhFR
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR4yBqyfld
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvqHrS52VY
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hnqgVk3aa
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUsFFOfE9K
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ73qAjdz4
"...It's dusty and shabby."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHdVWKIQUc
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVbSDP7662
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB5GxZ2wht
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S9tlnbHPk
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcm2oIsWzp
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYqsiqAwfL
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQsKqxgpvi
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pUoWAIAgn
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDLtbQRYIh
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOMg0bWudu
"You two ready?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjZbTluJNi
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaooR5M8cza
I nodded.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaSItVkDya
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOklOVlEtu3
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR4nZ6yVAQ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRLSVKH0ur
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6eJvjHHfZ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyuk4Tc8we
Juke and I nodded in reply.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflbafU3uJj
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdRkaaSv51
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ywxoc2m8K
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXesP2aTi1C
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsZZHtNXlL
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgmG7NuaMA
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8aOILJIRv
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpDBzkuAVX
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHyFz1xv75
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65hGoijPXN
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRmKM6gToC
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3Ez9A5j9c
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PfFgdT8pU
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ovnjgbzXy
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GQnPUAkio
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Tj1hDpfnH
"Don't sweat it."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLwaa2ULOQ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6iIuxdNUl
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzxzaXHGJr
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhVtFOO3Zn
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ2hQFvY6w
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kmYTo811f
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRuUWlcRPn
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpBmLFyboC
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfMjYhaEYU
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGOIy2SmjV
"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–"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGzppj2xDy
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ330tNs9Mlt
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyIiFwEKO6
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wbThEt8SK
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspqc5cT9mY
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQUdY7HpKN
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBtMMpY0Az
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPIKnwaaRW
"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?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc4chw2nax
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYptv0EaMg
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXLpT7A6h8
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChh9xMBhKz
"Backup?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z37S4rRF8
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsmVErr8Ll
Pars nodded.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68HEibooRe
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxOI6ExfPX
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE7M7RXlbE
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEnTo1MKaJ
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAOi4Kzito
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXPssuK4kc
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rkN23QI8r
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8LnZfnOre
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0nk9z0eY4
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutDpFoxwJs
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WwvG33uiN
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxQTz9rC68
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdmMtcskjk
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HXOcAtYbu
"A-Are you serious?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zFhEOG9dS
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n7TygmoYy
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDB0raCrCt
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGCluQ7fwG
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm62H6YWX3
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr0nuAX5hy
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qAZXGkTLD
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo5j4bM74l
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6IPO0vBWM
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnUwVXCLJt
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3ja7OM43w
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpxskc9pRo
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpkEL8vEUU
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCXyEDvGFY
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHJ6EsmUxx
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAUz7GFqwG
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8877SX8Wbk
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lnV65aePT
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ112NO3fjLE
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj7vssivCc
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVXnL4YRXm
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0QPnZHCof
"...Gotcha."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiPmnztpyJ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD0Kqoh16S
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPp8PJJxAt
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbCQVRExW8
"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?"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXIyUnK4IG
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaxJ8Ook5y
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNpRDUIo4J
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlLUrEmbB6
"I... I will. I still want to help."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuOkGRto5a
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4euaycbbDR
"...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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNJTjcjvUf
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmcfUbm44L
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHW91kld5j
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhQ1MEXnEG
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3nCh5vOgc
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknDH5cg5Cj
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdwox83MwR
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIMSL6wXIN
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LSIXIZanD
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF6OgDR1Ji
He let go of Pars' hand.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGweXjhBUKa
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAlFySQuCf
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4ulSgZqkL
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeKlwLkev0
"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."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mRqpN2DVf
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1ABJdEq4j
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88gdUiwMaH
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnlxdCpgFB
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbWo0lIsXQ
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAhdf0jxf9
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaUYf4vLcV
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdqBgxgSEH
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa39UdCMI6S
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GLaXBjNCF
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKjtOKY7Yn
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea8xNlMe2Q
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNscsPaB7B
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryZWQpvuUL
"...I shouldn't waste any time."167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v0z7frMBW
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0eNdr07Bb
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.167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTWmE04hwB
167Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q2eOcKHpp
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
