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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PRJC2RCCu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGSREb6HwJ
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQGtCvlixj
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91eiqwOFmw
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CUT8NZlKJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ879VfBDrEe
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y4zX3nQ38
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNXbAGJtuf
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUrvv7WY8f
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jASacRiKR
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXiEUwiifK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqndrR4anK2
"Ya know how to make one?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ2ZrAceDb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpWn2eavI4
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mrx6GYNLQ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6imzRePtTU
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83yUqvYVvg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88jJbzbfnU
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0TdOw5ZpD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMnmDuyb0Z
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfGFkdxnFc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEz9qtj4Xv
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5BDtq04gW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvO06hd0xG
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47xD6MtSLB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHLQfUryBH
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnZx7siigK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl84YrkuBNq
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyjaHNV3Al
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7KIpnmDJi
"Uh... well-"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhvVNQUG2y
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl3RcMX8Tq
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqRQHwhqVd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkgI0JKqj3
"Ah, of course!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZoJG40LJc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bsOSAmOM0
Pars rubbed the back of his head.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVBUcpDAIw
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm113nJf9ET
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4G1YqQv6v
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHUn4Qho5V
"Juke."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAWI2cJW9W
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGwCLOuKQH
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsWFIYZ2EX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjlHFfUuNE
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqTQ15LNSJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBxG6MplxA
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLVO10pRx7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vDlS6Dvi9
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrRpOJrjKW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K1QFT4qBz
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsir6FnLDm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz1aWyVt41
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHb94r80sR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r9ktvQ6tz
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSufJZ01jB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUxSidvtuF
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gEwK9ebVv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhmCTdeMWy
"I did this to myself, though."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7CAKPhnSD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe6L4iUZV0
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhKTBw4aIk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaurmG4rM2
"You're just lying to them, though."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44aCJ1NNsB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSygMaPAmu9
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT3dEnBIyk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqeG0ajUO2
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0T4KOEm5Y
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhd9zyq9Iu
"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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMjdFNitfH
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I6cqLe8zu
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLtiOfK0pV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUxoEmhFqv
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUqpx7xrTa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU4QDK7WP7
"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!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzcHrU7tF9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBaBDc9FQj
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVfKnmM74K
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDnpMjjmfD
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlNTTlBORY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVonIh0Nnrx
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD3Ssw8l7X
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jTJliPSRJ
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzvvuzAhVJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq0yR2DSQK
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcLELm3lkv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEzHCO8OT6
"I'm flattered."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFBJ9bOKfG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgnvku23A3
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSEBlr598w
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AYRzAcT4y
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZb59YE0Yb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHJOYJ3C2L
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlQE7JUcdg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxGiodOEyr
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVQyKXD3D1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IqGwCRsIB
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdaee6zPHR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsjRnjq13k
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwDq1EXVfN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDkbrmo0fy
"...I don't like where this is goin'."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0pF7NGAIc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TnxinNtKX
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxRpXcrxqD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIQAW73iwG
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVJfTzdWVa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17vOC770Mf
"...The hell does that mean?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VQ7tMHdK3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby2EiTvmIs
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cJjTdrny8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGzq1xRl0P
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyhl77Ts4e
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JFUXwOrY4
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eashBCaSO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu92tasYsb
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtjmdYTKrg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWLLWyAOM4
"Haaaa... shit."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDMZdHR0bt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdpEWCuRLU
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IgwuJiVKF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKYn0Qb4If
"What does that mean for us," I asked.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJDmrRQ0nM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZhrHhrF8T
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhJPJe2N1g
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVo3ExBP34
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp04ONCHSsb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPBi2VrlTi
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmbYqJbwlD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZdj3qepEz
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR37AIszs2j
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqyc0dv430
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxasCWIDkCu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhG7S3wVMA
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNBFIRzMCe
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5MdpwYwbe
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcanpSvqFGl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tS7MrCy90
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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiCnfPBUxV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyNDTKn1lr
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p03dyX9Wu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp06Pk4Sky8
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVmLuzEqh2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCbtwvNa9T
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcnE1BSVm0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhZY2Jbq6W
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqv5TwqVmM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvN0svQkEF
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf8dxAyB1T
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CGew39DGb
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEAtQVvfAN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJalp5o9MRP
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNIzL6YV42
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3viczh6YW
"Come on, I'm just joking around."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroW7VppbFF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvGmNRZSkv
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKG7APiEYO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3PKTF6Fqv
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YHZTZZjFx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxBaSDlcCu
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntKGw1Dc84
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60cfsPYHZJ
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBhxEIkC2e
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeOQ64HJP8
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApySEIuAUs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hu3vssePW
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqMSwdzOKg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7fFQMPVeX
"Ya good to go, kid?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T7C3OQPqW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFOPY3K5Bs
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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBylbPU7502
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqurljrWxrq
"My name is Dave."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CqvaTiYB6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rbILWE1iB
"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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQziJucp1ud
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4kqLoFyfP
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuREvn7Vcz4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1QINdvJoo
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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SKsnAzvUv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83JN2Bb7LZ
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKotp7g30C6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCFlDyYypB
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Wk0ZofQm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9bRGxCUjP
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VGTOESB1L
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUMKnSO73C
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuct5UDTtJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzpZFkpdxq
"How many are there?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5DgADYRA8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCp3zTIuDq
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8sGqpU5tC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1p7SY0adY
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk2rBiWF7a
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoUjpBf3Gl
"...Come and judge for yourself."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgOpzLybcP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8UrJmce0B
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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh0AZYrWUn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa456iyEWF
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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OP2fdLJUl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD30h268lu
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGrC1lLeTr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt9MXMGeYo
"They're okay, right?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M6E8cut8M
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRDzCSk9in
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4Tl3C2x38
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXAhXZGEKX
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKDWPU79i3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAR0fTB7nl
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwXyYXKs7h
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2TjoPAKvR
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUXQ3wFLDZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEQhHD2IIh
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63KFuG2zWt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwCJnVo3KN
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIJ3Ympgss
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0dxwWCMNe
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiwfwlblr8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmNzapZHXx
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVY3G5EhyO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIOScuaxnF
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaVdiFyGCo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDMxkInelq
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJjoKdaE1F
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KYUXR97oo
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN6Oik43zF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0GHbK6WAU
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfhUJo7VcC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM9mDL0gY1
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTa2ChNfGEy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnjVy4Xg12
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPITx1c9eWZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfQCIyY0nY
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dtOY0S2lV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqeFB9ug1p
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmu6ketNEO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qHWue0X1M
"W-Wait, put me down first!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiytpoG1K14
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLHrO3yNcZ
"Eh? Why?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOwlZQ70QS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0IycXkwWw
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXbaBCGHFs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuvlnM1fzA
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqsVJJF5Q1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCl24kStmc
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbGPLa1gYw
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUn8Wz3QZI
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HopiMTeld
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5e17Y5Rij
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjjx6bo9ze
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UKbtDBGjd
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtQora5hDh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg42aSx3Bl
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kYTf0aqiy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSZT5v2w5G
"...It's dusty and shabby."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzBY2SZK2Q
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPDvkGvJWg
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR27imnBt1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CB23xpcTG
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3evrrzA3k
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuckZS0wI2K
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5pb2nIHqU
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrztPyQNZNs
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK6osqS4HL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLzIKlwsfo
"You two ready?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ACCQDaXJM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTip9h1FU5P
I nodded.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HU3KYCegJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlq8wINccB
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKXu1PrrRy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDqQ9x6g6r
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VpP7aF2l5
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpqsVbyZsw
Juke and I nodded in reply.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KeKt3oAfX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrdU49wRMM
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQihpYLIV5T
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQxdDKbvje
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cdkCzL7vt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IefDwuj3k
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV442Sl7EN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgTkmgIqGs
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeJ72JdvSQ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjWC0uimxl
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmDpLDCUg1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIwKhDDEBv
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH02nHJ1oa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel10ljbLyv
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMxp2XO0YK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRviN1ePFD
"Don't sweat it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtGA56Hx31
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1QiFHBkgs
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeufIYEHw20
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27eN496VMx
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouv8x12VSj
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaF4qaXmzk
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RkPHT1Xyr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJJLaqLrTP
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJPcgcaF1E
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3LtpC3MHj
"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–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL65dFpBfOa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeF6KXPJrn
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVzOUVTyyk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z0dBvA29X
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA58AS6nIwd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIMBJwXUrF
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrnQXHWtMu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxptRlLxaLK
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4QDlIsqcD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45HLoMup2S
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9MQQyCDI2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUEakKi2IU
"Backup?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwuFTuP3MD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3Zeo7Il29
Pars nodded.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3u6jD1KuD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamqy8prurE
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpRE82eP2L
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEa32AVQln
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfjijc0O13
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYrBHTU68P
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG5DFkzgMI
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdeaoZD946
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYheE5wXqak
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnZmCeRHL1
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqjTLm8V9J
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQwslzKH5H
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyw1WT4WQC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXTO1bX4LD
"A-Are you serious?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjYwyngqvD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2OoFzb4qY
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIwn4FcaKz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN529AyigoZ
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGAIv9xiMu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsC8IPeLNQ
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXFFo1mOV1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbr4dEH5H7
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KPgZC55sx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q6SXq0qXi
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8GyJbQwZE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJnsmHSmOJ
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7A5WtmtDQ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPppogHTuT3
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx3cKb4R4o
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknNTeP2Zbk
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe6jNxuGez
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFd7Ei7nvD
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqYJQr4qqp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH7Xj4sZVg
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98MY4rjdNd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovtP8jIBnH
"...Gotcha."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLoFqamFAL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwAARggUl2
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5dqSUc7cb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41kHnKVQKO
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxAwHRyHLs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0EirH6idf
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZweips2sH
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJULINBDivq
"I... I will. I still want to help."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kCXUSGjkd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCa2zswsLB
"...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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY1JQaoPsR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1Or98LI31
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VMGHCFtsl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXkBHDrwaS
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FTvzPcI2T
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPDpNbMaFz
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5isJkz0Rh5
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzpmrFtwd4
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqHZYM9Rmd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YIfngGgHh
He let go of Pars' hand.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9antboyUi
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJounuDuUA
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5z9kq7sJP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbxuSY5E2q
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaGpfv7gFL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlw2oV3qGv
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfNFN4nn4D
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWQQol7RKH
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj6nSKOAfR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0PzHZTnub
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWy8u405NF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCkQg6Kj7D
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQPiJsqMNF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB06Kny5rwj
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIFQIJIbuD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4unD2lrQE
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUrNodqwKE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJD8RzDXxF
"...I shouldn't waste any time."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEmswpEEeD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUON1lAQ1JK
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPKVfgXFw4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfKbmR4gLb
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
