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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xHWY5JPNW
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7654UkmQQb
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Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENwC3pKroj
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"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa0XHzEEMz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFVSRz90VQ
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHpLD4CLS1
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"I wish... I packed an energy potion."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKeGOas24L
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbj7UIqJ7w
"Ya know how to make one?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1Hpzfx4GS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAqwFCVqGP
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2bQJ8Jbqw
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He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvSXIWgWVz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBujyx6Wkhr
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQI90FnyJj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuFkc7AVSN
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcwAZei2Yo
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"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETCN0xx3ej
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMAkqLo9JO
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgXKhy4RO7
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRGWDYovSr
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTuFKpSH0S
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Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuqNC3Aoxz
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"Uh... well-"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWuIjYeq5U
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"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6kVRP42xz
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"Ah, of course!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjQBUYHZ8V
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKqkJncuJO
Pars rubbed the back of his head.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbZQ8gaXG4
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMnX4no6sd
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YNQw6Dwkn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVsUErudyT
"Juke."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3P9HmkTdS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OrEyNQWCh
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrCBeHEYXM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt98k1ZZqR1
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmuVMMzTyj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGbAJSN1yI
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BYNZEU6N1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZiOaRKZ1r
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohTGnktiDx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL91GdYY9V
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemiedCvax7
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrAioFK9SQ
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHtLjsIQcx
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"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMraJZmyD7
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They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15QwuoPCiq
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"I did this to myself, though."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ055oZSD720
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLPegYXlY2
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"You're just lying to them, though."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivfjU6xanr
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He simply shrugged. I realized that I was just sweating details. It didn't matter why, the point was that I became injured because of the fight.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdMo12EwXy
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"What Juke's saying is right, though. We weren't on the brink of death or anything, but we weren't making her feel threatened, let's just say."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHJNm2NyJ7
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuBrN4HFfQ
"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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxyrN0rpY5
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbh16lYeHv
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MpX5JupyE
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oOjPqEWpx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMhrtaP0w7
"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!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBchwfB5bqN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRy1DQqBmVF
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd0aFiH4DH
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The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP2DckQGjI
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibpOUv4kmf
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV2WlFyugx
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSwnKsPBub
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"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkXNznAlZy
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"I'm flattered."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD0ALBmIZk
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"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46UuX9ciPz
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Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG2BhA0Mgs
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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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q3vtrlBhf
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"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlqM8Dgv7W
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LtMeZETdV
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"Just to make sure, your guys' mission was to deliver the letter, right? The letter in question had to be delivered to the Pillar of Foreign Communications?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v7OZFwg2F
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksZ3cabaqZ
"...I don't like where this is goin'."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfv9PKxHMa
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwglJhKgUA
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"You're right not to like it, because I'm about to drop the worst news you've heard all week: all of the Pillars have been subjugated by Hard-Bringer."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL82mmjYmae
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwcxTXkgU1
"...The hell does that mean?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczlWf6fM9A
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibGN3jUXfM
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrL8bfj3x2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHrjOo6Vc0
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgwMy02ggs
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyyO1aNkK9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZTl8Qhz1K
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bUcUZ8c4O
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"Haaaa... shit."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimbXCy71ln
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Juke leaned back against the wall and stared at the sky. All things considered, he was taking it pretty well. I thought it was ridiculous. I couldn't see inside him, sure, but I was astonished by how all that was invoked from his was a simple sigh. My feelings turned mixed.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R50JPH3Z9
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZlTX0Upnd
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"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVCL0buDHV
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu3vhVfUAD
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eneTdFaxj
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I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Em2pI3U0U
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"I think I get the gist of it," he said, "If we wanna see the mission through, then we gotta kick these Hard-Bringer bastards out, yeah?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q7NYOxjOr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ0LIGSU2U
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxJ92mR9sL
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"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiVX1ZJEeT
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v2OueGfVv
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZKYj8D169
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ24Helg8cW
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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKcd4KcgxL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDj8lCzXXm
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScjiDOvB5M
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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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ogyY87rPx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSjFPq7N9p
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY74fgmmHvQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopBjPU7cT2
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14zXaBzVht
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJE2wrRCLq
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKRc9B9mJ1
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"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwJU7iKpNV
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNFXDu14HX
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1QZBgpvpJ
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"Come on, I'm just joking around."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDowluX1ZFS
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"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJF2iddvcC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiEB6k3Kho
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e1WtIJflJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjPPCV0u9H
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmW8puHlL1
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"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPYjK5f3ao
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUmeD60S7J
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xFes8CfyE
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"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPK8CApiHw
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"Ya good to go, kid?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1jDwcvPA6
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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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRctoYpPlC4
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUrKqbVEDM
"My name is Dave."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskc1qiIEt4
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"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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq73hWgmve
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOgqV04ziA
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We were all against the wall now, but that begged a crucial question to be asked, and Pars was the one to do it.
"What'd we stop for?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Q2JTG43q
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEfmYLT7NL
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAflwhEkPX
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErPTbIGJQZ
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Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrcrwrLtoN
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Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3K1aO5U5O
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"How many are there?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVvUvIsqVy
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"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c1Pa8CMvF
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3SZaOXnMW
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DHKnj6kAn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPgmPThj5L
"...Come and judge for yourself."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIrE6STY5Y
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKnnplHUi3
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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhgz7GPYpY
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0V5i6Ijr7
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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpuvEqUiJV
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWkM2srUeh
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyY6JCXymg
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6LeEeExVy
"They're okay, right?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfrPiDZfZE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PYH0jLZY5
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRvL2tNhBZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItlEWiZoUv
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9K1zGIy5U
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7TM79IFbM
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc57u5aDs1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82SXjMOlNw
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUYwc6chgh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDTKjXkTPH
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkzcj3VsHY
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiofP2qxXn
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm6Oe3UxCb
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"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuuLYTRFoE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUnt2FhShv
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwBe76lXLS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht14ICPAxJ
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSGQVXkVqa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg5guFaedh
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP9H4TMjuI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj6lm227Ov
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jw0eQ7en1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXWeR9edPh
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEP7zpDhe0
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"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVRPOIqanz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqAE97fQ4P
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cYzNqJ0n9
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"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQefLuDISI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsET6OO4Lq
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9dZzm5dJW
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"W-Wait, put me down first!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRG8FIRBaN
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"Eh? Why?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IlZ8UDWWJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6xCVgErxK
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WNL4Zwkxo
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVgDqGAINg
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zlJk3Zgdm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRp4YNcCxYl
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfX4SYpWO1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopwcVPpcoo
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltdlVEMk9g
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub4276QuGe
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dIjI21Btf
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKu1Flnkja
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwJZ7dreoY
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Gg4YQl36r
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKg6Or2qml
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXedNLEmLjD
"...It's dusty and shabby."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo4lGNK8YG
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUKohoMkVR
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GiRgldJGs
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapVefQdz13
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0jeRabJqH
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"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUqYBlqKJ4
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UDoO4qJij
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0ikZjpVuV
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"You two ready?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVqMVV61ai
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I nodded.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfonzbiAGJO
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"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64CfbLrN2n
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd268UIK2Hn
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x4Yh9B4lH
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Juke and I nodded in reply.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgTf5vhgiY
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq7A34SRsl
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHBWsONxiG
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ2kW7VLP9
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5dGyAAQC6
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Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOqc0J7ir0
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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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4WunQLUdd
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TWsS9NDDJ
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkseNhZ3IK
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioMeopRKGD
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjj6Pg03sO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNQTD0DCWd
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM0CIJAlIv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBBLptC3Go
"Don't sweat it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNus4pvZtP
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I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeaxL8o1Yr
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"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7iJPhCnAy
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJaTM1zued
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmBllsRfWH
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Pars sighed and smiled dryly.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjPDR6Qdr4
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEKN6uDYsu
"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–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LIjg5fi7T
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVo0TiTG52
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtDoDXUh2j
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbppNcjRxr
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCGnOEv5US
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Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wp3hfp4hk
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eGmARhOeV
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFUCueQe7Y
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNr71aQYAV
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE62ki7Dwy
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiejDEEcE53
"Backup?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmN2iS86I7
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYohCqGUgu
Pars nodded.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn2pzhMR68
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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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCpkOp1IFL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicYCuMH3WL
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1SFKnIGwy
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"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNmRsP1Ul0
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZxOLTd0N5
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WLvdzQfbA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZiQ31GHCa
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWK8t5fiNm
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Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABsEyg4ZYd
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"A-Are you serious?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM1ZHokYa0
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"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXpWYuapfo
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu0QXaaDaQ
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUF72yUr4z
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRekeMXyYbE
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGjmhDn5GV
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"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1x7te7B3p
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYL6Yb7nAS
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliNbMynDEQ
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With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDcKPO37EY
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"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YVXuohnJi
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"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStCzNp4iiI
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His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9ltVhV6DU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirtUZVDDXG
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwEyLN37GF
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0gc1NNsgW
"...Gotcha."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uwDIg8UQ7
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Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx2KtLnm60
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwyHayzxia
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPYVpIU1gL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKzShnzk3z
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZJluPJfv8
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"I... I will. I still want to help."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi9SLipCfV
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"...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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvPWBgvVnC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIy8ZS1TSp
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YMwFbSBbQ
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"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuunfNEbwJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyQ01Cl2uw
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2umlvA8zK8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6amLk9HkBr
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRcGUgHYSg
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He let go of Pars' hand.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvHOzmJPhp
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"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPp3fBtQnQZ
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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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcLU98ogs3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD4byvKZe7
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISPaR12WY3
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"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXt3EoWr3R
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVx6DrAqma
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm0fu1qUBq
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He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfoEKGRGNH
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zN7EePwnK
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTflvzxLKVa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSaH07FplB
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKR49plMwl
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0yLF0bdi5
"...I shouldn't waste any time."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGPncudOUa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHPRlTOF0Z
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLwEbX1gyu
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUg9g8QKc9
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
