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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1W0eE8b4u
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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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe1eVseH46
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BsGYDWlfJ
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXQ1uc2c2j
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpEiTM8KmC
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuBRE8E4BN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgwYOzCJgB
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r3gVYzqe8
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7fhxLSVz7
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrm774CzZ7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0poMyUhHMG
"Ya know how to make one?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU2l58GLwL
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHsFW5pc3p
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJdC72y01X
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe86wEVCs1
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdT6j3vNbM
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGCqu8K3Tg
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTcwv9dRFx
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpTIKhjKEs
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcYIaQ1C3p
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCNX1TM1iA
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y0u9RaAOm
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQneoFWI9GY
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6w9ba6M8C
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLr8YNl0a9
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4EIRHTkeW
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHDABJL1Hd
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAxBvuUYa4
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ADQDo7oj3
"Uh... well-"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKekLb4Tbr
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeahn4SQ1cQ
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekx1VXQWuv
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoQfKmFWJX
"Ah, of course!"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvOQ92SmTW
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzenLp1awh
Pars rubbed the back of his head.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuvq0Z0Dis
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFDOEQU4WK
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttkEa70c1J
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCAA6fAplD
"Juke."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PShLRzTtA
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPXRGW10Ut
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsavl1fumw
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooshLk1n9V
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryYCfIZraT
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj1AC9Fesw
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQUYd1n6x9
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKra9GJz6x
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE9pd32loL
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3sAQfEC77
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4504zVDuw9
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bpGI6NX8m
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sm0LXcNKN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhbI2gKZSX
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysWBeVmmWN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWnR33Mtno
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiH9KT8tXS
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqiKHHggbq
"I did this to myself, though."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUdoQABMPA
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvF5qoExUR
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHztDpTYMI
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXzXVuMs2s
"You're just lying to them, though."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrJoJL0MyP
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTKIay7xQn
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoke52EAZy9
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYtZzHJ4Pf
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ylDxKxPog
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw0PmQPc6R
"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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gV3mD5arL
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjBrnOgzvR
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHcOjGocrg
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHT1GKIXRV
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLO7QNf3kaE
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqfAD9d51a
"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!"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHP3ZyGbQn
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR6lFtOlSV
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwC7XVLndG
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oWucrS2wo
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqkvgDiVhz
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RZ4FIzxTW
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZp2KjOKvH
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOjyW8qtwp
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeB0pXW1tr
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAQjoJFriJ
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1ZKz6vUND
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIpvHqi4hY
"I'm flattered."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlffR02py4
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqSnnX8vZy
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrypzdbyaoK
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIPEVfifzZ
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx4d0IHi34
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rnBH2W77B
"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?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYfhYbcuK7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmK5iPrbwI
"..."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v47B31JJ7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCrs8F6Tlc
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdixFhcpseS
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtGeUiIVLn
"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?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiSq1HL4EM
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqxQcZ0T4h
"...I don't like where this is goin'."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJWj2a23t1
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYIDX05kV0
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHYRpKH793
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnZqzzoF4g
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8kMbjgxkq
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSULh61noB
"...The hell does that mean?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIaO8WGXWK
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj734U57iWI
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAIwAi8WUS
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHHLKLyxb3
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAB3sWd6pF
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI4m7wIFmZ
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBbZevhMkf
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IyXVzPRET
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu1EqYSRSO
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaqdhnJ4Y3
"Haaaa... shit."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXiBORo6Sm
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnk1SPBfrg
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpfWkDESO1
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl42LPwm7y
"What does that mean for us," I asked.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSbkXzZym1
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUduR72HoSo
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0pkQ6S8aR
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0upJIrXbr
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy378FpRp2k
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYbhbaPsKt
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5R0xBdwmA
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP53cvsrXBK
"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?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcvmNP9eTF
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAvMAROfkx
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCz7UhXaNM
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobAEXFtvqf
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4XbRGPd7Y
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn6wVw3UcU
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fN5B33Ceq
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhfbhhuhOr
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?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqls9sSXgN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylKbZzuJ6u
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kc7XvZRW8
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFiAxlj4AA
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BNnXQxQEJ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdZi3RNfLc
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHg49iFp7z
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl06tUjLkv
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcYhniEx5c
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GAeHXdWE4
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUPFNbL9Sc
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RvJU32FO4
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxpBcVMsWD
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVsX4pIAKa
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX88DWtlzU3
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXILLlsQGn
"Come on, I'm just joking around."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnweMB5FK9
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi6zIHWzVR
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpGsTQYXXZ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnwpRfg7Xm
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyNwu9WcYb
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h03adnTV3
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcKkmNAffx
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurjXkteamc
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW88ifHuqX
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9tQtlZDkT
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66bSMyy1S8
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjCgfxXY9q
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpxfDA3q8Y
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul2aRSJbbn
"Ya good to go, kid?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDLvHJdqKs
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tiBZfEgPh
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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRoHoEbQKx
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SjQNBDxMA
"My name is Dave."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIV1t62NT4
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDvCyftk0P
"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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SfP3A4EKa
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRs7Roggbt
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFTGNYxHfL
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTnnAjq77O
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?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPDyDiqCk0
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnvbJaEhFx
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq768q0yI8
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHRWamcI0b
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijDokKMLiz
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCWUxNzJLm
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemCGGkSJot
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtiuoHi5Jl
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlPAJhK5gu
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv9epE2Fmd
"How many are there?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65BuiQbd4x
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6m1HqbAiF
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFJsFYEX4H
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FVi5pAtrH
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikDxkIwyxA
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnIFsVAaeS
"...Come and judge for yourself."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LbyxyhBuA
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNhLsIlawU
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?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxI2xP6vFj
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29pFFXrJBs
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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcbdgS2dc2
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrG9wol3b7
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8NRXspUZM
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PYcjusji5
"They're okay, right?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFbq1RdIEd
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbi4YfGZww
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNmEpRyAQ6
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79dKaoS9lE
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUR5yvBhS7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOg5OJsc4e
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHXMmJzNkB
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6RxBQfyyv
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E1OB1kBw7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjP9K1rHPZ
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfrIyYNzg9
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA54AJn8RE
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1IINQQeFV
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGhggYpQeO
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ99TvErkVF
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTvEPxETYC
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKltR7xKTp
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aQG6yZfHi
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXCG8awDAN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jy6eUeXcg
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB91iRuoJC
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh161sRkoLF
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnzVyv1nkB
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjCLLNnFVD
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPWeLoBK8y
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceHP6wH4A3
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFGTA7RIiH
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rvYEJKeZB
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN4A6BnDTj
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6IKiFjySj
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqo3MW81VKc
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QqKScgqOw
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHauCPuzFe
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y62JAxXyu
"W-Wait, put me down first!"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6Nh67HDRe
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76b3HxDpz1
"Eh? Why?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj2qUtzcNF
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgqesqvEoz
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVczUadueAE
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZCnegsDDg
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QMVAHOsrm
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE6H0Ax84k
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FbzlLbQwz
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JOGMeRzAH
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGIYPoyDm5
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxNMDwUmLa
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJEVAQvprh
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS8tZXgjLD
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAywBSxaa7B
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxncbSP8lk
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT6O1DdjbV
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKSIXnqwBY
"...It's dusty and shabby."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGUeilEFjl
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKzEJqpOJh
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR9PWGL7XV
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyW946zope
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnihugl3cGP
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYaOka3cWk
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKEbUgVSfw
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVheMpd7mK
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw1HI4fYSY
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2FzKr6B9N
"You two ready?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yrtXB3HfZ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28Hrfm8aKr
I nodded.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgveRug86eh
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa5HHBNWmB
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYTauCkthI
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FrHCr6lhC
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXZ0JRYMgN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsvfQawItW
Juke and I nodded in reply.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4xfJkjra8
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuFwWE4JlE
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg2rwC8QOB
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgqhtarYxK
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWvskIFSuQ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH6Iw3mdjW
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvGXy0ijjj
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad6whw2Afs
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvmDV0u6zm
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeKvPEiHD5
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9fqdXro0N
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHsXYg76ZI
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWURskbzXI
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJrMDoubtT
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40T0ZSxCqa
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdqZuLrE62
"Don't sweat it."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeeX3ZoNBO
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN4cxmIWOg
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7dKNFRnuk
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡActa02Ylba
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA20RSVMMs9
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zebJh4Gik
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSSm5th7oU
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7nHUgCiTq
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CTdJJyxk0
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0bYNnIeOF
"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–"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDY8fwKXFG
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJbjIId1YA
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGIstPXADo
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCcEhGcplQ
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibEdRM2A0k
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwJUHSxRBL
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HlVMhMHAn
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oTYh1Thuy
"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?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE57xAF81qZ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALgypBum7I
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFGUjFeBeW
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsjGa06Wfj
"Backup?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUrlQ8DL5Z
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1PIf4XY2l
Pars nodded.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9T8WirlFG
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmiAVNH9d7
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0IP6Oglow
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIxiKEcZuM
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUGsd1ygNs
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvSPDdBYDY
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7bSr2CKyu
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptObM9kCWU
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4ciYn9urp
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ281GXFVAKB
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHyDIXpGso
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVgD4x0w6H
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUsiccQirH
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWec4czm9DC
"A-Are you serious?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2Asuoqg2k
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWlnl3w12N
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD5CtpPSgU
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoOOZznvdV
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkssBqqUS7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IZUH78J39
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesQcYGFMlV
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF7E1QFwKi
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAL2q7N96o
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzRvnulVGL
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9hjT0U0HJ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0iG4dPXfE
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl3ZVebkHM
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd0a58VIr2
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj0ABlcsdN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanKVBbelX4
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydTbjQukJ6
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIM8uYwedz
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7NAKj5nvR
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyxatBabV3
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IcrRljoAh
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7d0VgwxEj
"...Gotcha."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd63Imj7twN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpeChmzu9O
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibzYxA0qFW
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq91DNPwYS
"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?"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNM4uSMN9J
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGrjKQ8DMi
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9sOujtEVf
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAifWheZGxP
"I... I will. I still want to help."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5vn995Zmf
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhn9H030ei
"...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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFzQL9aDjP
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD9PH6c4PW
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG56ZtCXo99
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK6XrbWYrP
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHFnJGi6Zd
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCxjZRRuLs
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lZcPUCJOh
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiedTU5h2N
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkploJxhDG
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43YQ93GQDE
He let go of Pars' hand.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1tU9gXu7m
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5tjcWSHfY
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBrGqVoL63
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YBKYfgd2W
"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."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjkqbdvd3N
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsyaETqb3j
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6qR5BIwBm
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJyi49yJ3h
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvglTzs3wA
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHmdksiGyI
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKwEluoXOZ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmd5q0xcS2
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoIbrjvLy7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUpHTbBKkq
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy5S7w76wb
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMPVM4xJ1v
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGp2CLgR2y
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgnZg4jmhD
"...I shouldn't waste any time."249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0KOuRgeVq
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm5jx8GJV9
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.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILGtpU6nMC
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqy4w6vV7i
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
