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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5UXVOwI1F
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVKAh4up2r
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sjRmANeen
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx0nk5U9Ft
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8MdppD1D3
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMcHSXQVsQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM9W6tIM5p
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHaCRxFgoZ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO03NkKmyOM
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4ongrQ5te
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKM9pn9Z0l
"Ya know how to make one?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQzuLAYcbC
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLgGZB8zOn
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVYFHMw55H
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0EHJItVtj
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsRtM3boZF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswXppIQsN2
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlSG2dzou8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWbXeqYheN
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOu7FhxhZP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWEDo0AnqD
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gMGdYCd9H
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa6ef5p5rS
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZXcBoydTs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaafjBIxfc
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZstPDmcSbt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5KbgZGy48
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYNpvPYUnH
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"Uh... well-"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThdtOSK5VE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsmBBlldCK
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLH8Dn5nRr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzVH6Xr2e0
"Ah, of course!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ2h7jpmAE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54muhIuccZ
Pars rubbed the back of his head.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpoRiyxid3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bTIWmkJvf
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv03zr2Sc4
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1eD6SvGqM
"Juke."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpeonj50BT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfZUiCW4pG
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91t3dFfksN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmmsXuo3wa
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVDaRLd1t6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUT6RmiwvO
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze0TeSOHHp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjCwiloKYi
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUA2GpzEi2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhwzmLhRBs
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r8kWsl830
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5JRv41Zqs
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklKVqL6kot
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotLrcFwRTH
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiwX0ejAgU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6apfMcC6S7
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd85CLJlvS
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zqwRoqUZS
"I did this to myself, though."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4IpykqGxb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXih35Vqpct
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQneCeTpcCs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1duQ4hBjrI
"You're just lying to them, though."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiLKc0PmFg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnWAXGY5YS
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBsN8F76Jc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRiDGtKI3F
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyjWgDmQaG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5T4lsjXxU
"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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEcLEMFZsN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXaIhOs3PU
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWGCAuUoE6
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbN3FOWB47
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0mEhJZ4gb
"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!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKccHDWJ5Y
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yh2R4QaXE
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbBJxio6DD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAI56Mqj7v
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCTyL1PnLd
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExFH5OqWVW
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybwD4ukWSr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkocn6XtJa
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0ePWoNxeF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2xIEsoPPU
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1n1G2d1oI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08qRGi2zwF
"I'm flattered."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi9Z72WipK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoQtd3BYzn
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLtYRRqr54
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56imqkN7Z1
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXsAHJgEOd
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"Well, like I said, the mission's already over. Ya think if I tell the Hard-Bringer folk that they'll give us a slap on the wrist?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGQZ9i2xVC
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlb6rd09qf
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID4PDU4x3z
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Pars didn't respond to Juke's playful inquiry. Dave had an even graver expression than before. Their faces were solemn in a way that radiated pity, and it was only exacerbated by Pars' pinching of his nose and subsequent sighing.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDrogO0Rjm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7gtj0Ieya
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhmHFZENdI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF36QudZ2Nu
"...I don't like where this is goin'."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa3XATg8fd
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4ZZ1bxEgx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSalwysKuMP
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4yBF0YgHw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoehkDThlyS
"...The hell does that mean?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcpuGQVtXE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqNErKSguo
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVdyhiqSKr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF4SrqPm6l
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWqseYPRAW
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTs8SW7tnV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePwCMRHmJ4
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1BAhI1FnM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cjdE0hqcq
"Haaaa... shit."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIMB8uooLI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5Dz1WcNhy
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2pSm9XPQW
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH2AV3noUI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeegSnpm06Z
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuva9qqhhV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRJiNiAQFC
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDmqPK83Ws
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I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkIWqgdqlQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rv6WAjb0S
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZUNFjoBMe
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso36UEx0UN
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZSEf24tX8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3PljjTJRh
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UkC0v4WF9
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqj0CgxIo8
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJnpFKLZsG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJRH2Mb8XF
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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH5hXatajf
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJnsyxK5d3
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ023zlPrqzC
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"I... I'm having doubts. My mind is foggy, I think I need to sleep."
"I getcha, but what are ya having doubts over?"
I looked at him as if he just asked an incredibly stupid question.
"Don't give me that look. This is yer job, ain't it? Why are ya doubting yerself?"
"My job?"
Juke provided me with an interesting perspective. It was pragmatic and disciplined. It caught me off guard, and it certainly wasn't something I expected to come out of his mouth.
But, as I thought about it–
"You say it's my job, but isn't this well over our pay grade?"
"Hell yeah, it is. Seriously, what's a weak guy like me doing, being contractually obligated to fight Hard-Bringer, eh?"
He took a few steps forward, pulling his sword out of his scabbard and placing it on his shoulder. He turned around and looked me in the eye.
"I think it's a perfect excuse to check up on Dennis."
He offered me a hand.
"..."
His declaration made me smile. It dispelled all my doubt instantly. I chastised myself for even thinking that way, even with my haziness. When I thought about it that way, it was the perfect excuse to amend that dreadful feeling I gained last night, all that guilt and shame, even if it would continue to creep at the back of my mind.
So, I reached for his hand and–
"I can't even lift my limbs anymore, Juke. You're going to have to carry me."
My arm dropped a second later; his did too.
"I think ya should go to sleep."
"Out here on the street? That's impossible."
"Fair 'nough.'
"Lucky for you guys," Pars interjected, "Dave and I set up a bit of a haven nearby. That should be the perfect place to rest, surely."
"Don't speak with such uncertain language, Pars. The haven is safe, that's why we call it a haven."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQDH0R8jdc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4yWZc930A
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT6uIDAi96
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"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItV7JiDcQb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr1xHLM6ii
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNE0Dwd8Gc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAZNIAujuR
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ282Q00XCIJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFu5QnvRrZ
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ns3QD2keV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3mxAhbacR
"Come on, I'm just joking around."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Qf7Ufyk3x
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbheg8shQz
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2whofZz1p
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvTgGlrLTJ
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fSJYt3QUN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpEPOvhNGH
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8zxBBhBG1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwZapUg47O
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93kE7q5X1x
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp4MseFAtY
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsLyQy2x3y
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"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5U5EwcQyf
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"Ya good to go, kid?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6oH8Q20J8
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My attention returned to Juke. I nodded at his inquiry, but the previous problem persisted.
"How are we going to go about that? Even if I had a cane, I don't think I can stand."
"I'll just carry ya like before."
That statement sent a quick shiver down my spine.
"Don't carry me like before, please. I'd much rather ride on your shoulders."
"On my shoulders? The hell are ya, some kind of kid?"
"..."
"Ah, shit, forget I said that."
I was struck by a frothing curiosity. How was it that he constantly forgot my age? I realized in seconds that it wasn't just him; seemingly, everyone even a tinge older than me constantly forgets it.
I didn't make mention of my question, though. Juke crouched down and slapped his shoulders. I practically crawled to him, and climbing his body so I could get in a good position made me feel like a bug. Fortunately, Juke made no comment about it and simply grabbed me under my thighs and lifted me. I wrapped my hands around his neck.
"We're good to go, haven-guy."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV4aWJ0EFD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChCuHbNDw9
"My name is Dave."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Eh4SwIT3e
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzqEzFMiPo
"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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHfpOnlfvE
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But just as quickly as their legs moved, they were forced to skid to a stop. Dave started the chain, quickly pushing his back against the wall as he neared the end of the alleyway. Startled, Pars followed suit, and Juke awkwardly stood around, unsure of what to do with me on his back. He crept as close as he could to the wall without squishing me, which I whispered a thanks for.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM1AYHC3aE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lLGW0Y9cW
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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmhqwjz02h
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioPnaDvg27
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs3QLOf11a
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2dggAocnJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtld5HnBIz
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u7wiowMlN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQC1DClOI9
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSDIL8K18H
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"How many are there?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCejMwNU7oQ
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"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vKaqufGra
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDzLTabM1r
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjQVSagl68
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ix7TUOuNS
"...Come and judge for yourself."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrt3yLbfnL
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLKdaSVcmh
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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOypvl2wDkH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKOwJw3uKW
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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFmlsO1KN5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic05eUumod
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCDW2S6jMR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpmojErSvv
"They're okay, right?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqrv0S7x8X
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHfXir1YjN
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtCpYRUPLZ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvJ36SaK8U
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yrutlHMNa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y7DPaFtgj
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWA9U2CyAs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJRoHDPzNb
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JAoKC6S1i
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7HthBYlLC
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wr0fd2JwY
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I set the thought aside as we entered the shop. From all the interior architecture I've seen thus far, my expectations were low. However, the inside of the shop was orderly and ornamental. Antique lamps, though snuffed, were sprawled on various tables lined with products and price tags. I could infer from the pottery and other ceramic objects what Dave's shop was all about, but I still felt inclined to ask.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyhImjz8on
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"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1yhm6i2Ti
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUuKPYNUQX
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJksSW41Jt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTZGfrtz3r
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl62SDix0L
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe55RN4OgQ
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCLPKrGpfw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8309BUhsP
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3B88Enn8P
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qp0UfSp0q
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFils9pXpd3
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"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelSZwlA2ZT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdX5jVS6Hp
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsBS7mS34Z
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtez1ukKaPu
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHm5Z3dKVR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYXY2WdI9q
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKYh0uIFNh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALWW41pAAO
"W-Wait, put me down first!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5geFuaYHru
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxpMQMOE2C
"Eh? Why?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg2hhD2EAA
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"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ394OiBNtkH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWaGV0buLI
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOfRD9Ybfx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXFDmDCveU
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59t1JESzKc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH96FJqpkHt
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto5RF36xyW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpzGVzc98r
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qNkbwrMz6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWedgKkIFY
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYD66Qpxdn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkutpVvc2g
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMLZVQBhXz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTftDCtDZ0t
"...It's dusty and shabby."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrQIDxDGCD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayXC2Xz5hU
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u7it7c5ff
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSfKCJ6IRU
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnP5bsZiJV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5B8tdnOwh
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNTR8mo81a
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NKsEwuYup
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO6lJif1nb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOO4wnWFyp
"You two ready?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmR7XrcBij
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I nodded.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWth25HGkS
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"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN1j1apgjz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVoCaMVdNL
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIUxki1edH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3esC7rjJMT
Juke and I nodded in reply.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkH74mwMsy
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"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BKvTS98lY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbEQ0pT2nk
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEYJXxxPYw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrN8WGAhgE1
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XGcl1Rm8V
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"They're in different buildings. The Retaliation Crowd is split into five parts. It's a pretty big movement, so if we tried to group everyone up in one building, we'd be too obvious."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6fCSFOuW8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9KdIrTukl
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5giaWNmKk
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"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgE5y4QI2o
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cxMKqmlaH
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW4rLJrKJa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUsNJUpWPL
"Don't sweat it."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvojzKllJs
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I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVCiVyLWvb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bON99syIu
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnWt4kakBe
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx380lZWAxd
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAiQER7lA9
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Pars sighed and smiled dryly.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVUmlPSUlO
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"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–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkpplMZR7t
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"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfLZ66cUIW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SwIwyRBkn
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8HGNa6BLp
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Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjfBsu0vU3
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"I ain't trying to attack ya, I just don't get why we can't start with the Foreign whatever Pillar. Why are ya taking us for a ride with this one first?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoh5Jd6iWG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmIf9oRk0T
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFZSQVhiOl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWz6Dxrfuv
"Backup?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhUeyVAtp4
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8KvGb8F3h
Pars nodded.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40ntv87TqN
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"Since the Central Pillar deals with communication across the Southern Country, we'll send an SOS message. Afterward, it'll only be a matter of time until all of Hard-Bringer will flee."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qZQOKV2Ot
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ADRmBSKGX
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6dsPrBM3Q
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"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuzFpSl6de
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0zmrCbaQE
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ294jyNKo
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"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQngHCzn5H
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Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG24JXWCQf
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"A-Are you serious?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQty3LbOddb
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"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9IuOHIInr
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"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCk9xnHlxr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqZeqegoPJ
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfIpMeY53h
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvr35cWnJB
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwtg5ctMIg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHyQCN3DRK
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBcwAtrsjl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6cACgOFQG
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwf6BC1yaG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhITqrdSPVx
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsfFZbfnSm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaJOPVdY55
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2nOvr8d9X
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His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmucnk68cQ1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuMbb2F39H
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzApKKb4fYZ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwshIlLz6wc
"...Gotcha."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDcqIYjLKy
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Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI12PqyYLU
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9plZrTN96
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmSGcpA7Ci
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW8fT8j9GQ
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5HoWtHaWN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAM3YCJN14
"I... I will. I still want to help."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MzwLxlwwL
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYUMHA3S5x
"...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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgNaQxXKv1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQgoHPOGoT
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj6rsS5wGf
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjPHl2NcVN
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNOEWCluFm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXZe6y9CgL
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UmFVgLxHi
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Qem7QxkxC
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXmq8xD4JG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqQny70Cpx
He let go of Pars' hand.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75UZlwJh61
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"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9S2N7geuR
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"Go ahead. We'll be leaving in a few hours, so make yourself at home. There should be food and water in any of them."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFxAhU3c4k
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerezquC3BF
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWVbxAMvJu
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"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSWip5px2C
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZisiJvZhT
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWH8NKTevp
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He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcWPTZXGgu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr0yunA5zh
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJcYrJ0ghX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDanmGMqK9
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNlXhAuMSH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBWGcBHqMS
"...I shouldn't waste any time."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHsgZeIPKv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0YPzKuKrB
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OzRbeuGAE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n6EujcBLM
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
