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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPDBNCdCpu
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjpfP2LCxu
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Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINxbrNgl42
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"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0Crwfhf5E
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtOEuzndJa
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7lK1Vq5i6
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"I wish... I packed an energy potion."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGeaJA1SGv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrJLGEMdyN
"Ya know how to make one?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXRoVr7Iss
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"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerEWCkpdAk
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGgk67OE5g
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VgMeXYvmc
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9j1foxSNq
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTCLFwRMZX
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsU4RZKKBF
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkcDRcIjze
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqrNE8H8CS
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6fPR9EKSO
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1MIlPfYLQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxhAUd2pya
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWPQmUHzMN
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Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQs2XnQRPU
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"Uh... well-"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgNnbuVYxk
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauKclW86Oa
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"Ah, of course!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY5FZ9i4jh
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Pars rubbed the back of his head.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjcHB3pg7K
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG936n6xz6
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16hGzuseUC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU4Ic106fH
"Juke."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmKv2059Pr
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I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWddCcr8G1Q
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0PLwehBUl
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKaqcsoPsn
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"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmAyDvoCiP
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0f72gDvRM
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkFnhSmnXb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrROjMcY1K
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH4KbUogw1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQGDByEQce
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqShAEDXyf2
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrMSUoxzfZ
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They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO7KMJE6oX
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"I did this to myself, though."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSz23Gbbzl
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4qpk9IUMb
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"You're just lying to them, though."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob6lTK353Y
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSX4G85CLF
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlEnxeXSAC
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGtvYK5ZZa
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8lso9YpIx
"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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiVV9Cm8zt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60MG3xV6ts
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVj2NMKdOX
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvNjkCHmWF
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"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!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChC1CQsatT
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYdLqizDuW
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHTOyig0pz
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The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflcnZjzYfY
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFXiZMcjdv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcfAk1qlEr
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtJ3pdDcja
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6al6r0EQx
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnJXft2y5c
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEkqp5K8XS
"I'm flattered."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnFuxItsQY
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixqsSBsDgt
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipTVt2ItT7
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lYqmzURs1
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAfHGVx3ty
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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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfGi1bqEM3
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6ZMMjwUSx
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIa7P9U1Js
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDZaxkDuII
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYkQ4bkXTn
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpxzykpPjk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguJeuuODRV
"...I don't like where this is goin'."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CrfkGp9YG
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3PdckJBmJ
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxo32Vak7V
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJAWzgQbcI
"...The hell does that mean?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdEnpHbdda
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRJOYMv4XY
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqF1Ph3ALT
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCJHI781tm
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrdICtQhf4
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30wIMkcZw5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOLMM3NsBX
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjs8Dr4LgE
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm26gTGym7R
"Haaaa... shit."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxSqN42u7Q
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ir5CCXvEk
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0hFznooT4
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbe7nLVrF1p
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlMvd2m1rQ
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPQdq3wYdO
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I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp2Rznt0Fd
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonG7TKg56V
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX6NYpFvwL
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfFpQ68j9U
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe0gkhY2yw
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1Q2d560Vg
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWsWrp01lk
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH8R79HtNG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcaPGoXjmF
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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINEVqzxMxw
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusBgG8LM4f
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGwfPpxIhi
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yg7PElPPb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANLn3Rj7Ss
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvQ8isDuMK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFmoHEpy3D
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MlPoSDcl9
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYpZlSz0uQ
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWBG6fR0sM
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"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKPmBf7qX0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuld4KbLPi
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedGx4TLawz
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"Come on, I'm just joking around."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzVOk4CH2W
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"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIT5WOlryk
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"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RQsCLAAVj
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Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdZxASVph5
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"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXZLICmmgU
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZmekSZMVH
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jZ5X563qn
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeB6u8ue7S
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTBr2tP9g7
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"Ya good to go, kid?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaIrEFbPRG
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZKukEBcNK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ztrvPuK7e
"My name is Dave."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykNWsqTKkj
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY34VKa9Sd
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs351TyXBsc
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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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJ7rIoW0SO
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5oUaProGH
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNAYaeh40D
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqD89bMu67
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17Pl5gN0t5
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeUJ3rZzxK
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqneHujO7B
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"How many are there?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwexFYXoyX
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Yww3DER1
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKju6PLPAv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDpMUIad6w
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCceNr5b03o
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi52PYRJly
"...Come and judge for yourself."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sFPSowPw1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuQb1xj2Lx
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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OL8CNjd9Z
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXEm9vsbfE
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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi0289djTz
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eBZKBNPqc
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYty3IfjME
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhh2C1V006
"They're okay, right?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlxvtFNVl3
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9rfI9XTaT
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoYz6P1eQA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxPe9F1Jny
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdRNY43qNZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1N2jq5rCm
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsO751HXpJ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZC13BczYk
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfRnxTh0Dk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKOZJpUa48
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZg51ND9Ov
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitaNJy0R8n
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS36699WFEG
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5DvkCnuOQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdFW436afQ
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfXIvfWaYw
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtUoLeR9rs
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcnGCEaodi
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHYrX2s9BO
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5lFRD670b
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yHjb6Mx9r
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkScCalno0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddCoX6bL1k
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdOB21ibLU
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"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevRRc2kNmJ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kkLzFb0IZ
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1GBlOQlad
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf4lOSuzkD
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOThCQQfb8y
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzPm4oxhSO
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AkOCpy1E4
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczga5gVpGh
"W-Wait, put me down first!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXztkYA7p6t
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"Eh? Why?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTP1jM3oo9
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMlTijiP2b
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX6bEAY1Uv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn5mh6YtS9
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjulTZO9M1W
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i96gEnMHR
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Pvt0U8CW
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgHg1MCdh7
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq6Ooqmpzh
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWZ4QqbJvR
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a2sxRlpfG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbfUquIkcX
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7e2SMNxwI
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuhAB0xrVf
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyythmleF92
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO56gVX5nK
"...It's dusty and shabby."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt2jTSZ1T7
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDPD9KHxvK
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEKH2fTZLA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAplkphmryb
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmFp3pgfxT
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBEMPyBCZE
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewnr2OzvUT
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX9mJ3JcMe
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDKczBx0Ks
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtr76otoYS
"You two ready?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdgXmm6jsL
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I nodded.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjxF62GLit
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"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6crKHElMgI
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBzeuHDW9c
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb27f9UWKM5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2fzosroL7
Juke and I nodded in reply.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vMahWDcNt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfep88ZC7e
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwZkuKGxaz
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcDPxx0SfM
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos40h12MuW
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Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQxTDCEWVQ
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2WZQyn3sB
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxqSrAmYew
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy08h9prOcy
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJhoVpDdD5
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4butCNKNc
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnozGH4xfXw
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthSodELF75
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zO5BlDHxt
"Don't sweat it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWd7NZ81Mu
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I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8UUkgvoCR
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcAN7hBOqq
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVOdQ6DKxQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BNrPx2bfc
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjdciedVet
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr7B8dnOut
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJsRvSkxq3
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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–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6EfebkdPd
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BNCgkFZIL
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWuBdSvyxg
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmS770NUdk
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNvOWLhM9x
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Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XmmVk1Wze
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MvrUHoDpE
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieYdTiZ737
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWqGU5R0DM
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WKbjSKVDb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpytFPKVAP
"Backup?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi02qd7E8M
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2tBvShHEi
Pars nodded.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZch11sbYmP
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNfSuHnhSy
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvffDZhF3JB
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qa4l0JObc
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2yUMIFnoY
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qenv9xrO8
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGp4BcMuKV
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xfImvX79k
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0otay2k7DO
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPE1dS8Jb1a
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakhkghOjll
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43HiD1dApM
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"A-Are you serious?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVwr7U6RTl
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"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYUNQYvDOs
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HZNiPHFjJ
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkMEx1EsNI
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBlwOhzqzA
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURAaZYM0jC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiomgFfwhZD
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOgtWjjoSP
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDyRvMsqYs
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iWe0lsGvv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwtTIZFwRr
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeNbxUh5Wb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGPw1gHMja
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpkCj08BgF
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOivWpS1V5
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSzJpJlwOT
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pshuNJp3J
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7jipHDGqQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BPxIyYu7U
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfYKCWfuvZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzdqLcFLSm
"...Gotcha."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UqJ6YOjS7
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Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGccM0ab1ou
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOp09udaYt
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqN1mDVgub
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wxH6MVzPO
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYed8WGk6Az
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMDkXj0j8M
"I... I will. I still want to help."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V2yNc8JJf
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtbxiMrayV
"...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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnm02hBwn0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AsUKM5kqd
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcx8b0mmEU
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o3ZII8w3i
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQmV5x82Vd
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu0XGAlY2l
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQY1nLxIQ6
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMITgbGQMa7
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv2eD2nsPG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWWqOYRqck
He let go of Pars' hand.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjFfetiap2
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwmUMLCoZZ
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHraFoSmEZG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ1Yu7EmzW
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlr33XDmOb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDULg8YLra
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxSaE1CRIt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge5cfDmD4q
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeiIpKSYAa
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dVg9XE3WX
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYOtv3EJVF
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFdAifHVmg
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoQw9kmMhO
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCAS7ptSaB
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4hqa3YT4w
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcah4K3KZHd
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZhSBltux5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2gpavTv6r
"...I shouldn't waste any time."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl2GAl1nS6
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF9pKWyH5t
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiRRJV42Gu
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpJRGQHqik
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
