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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4bYSPnbaE
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDG9QmoXZl
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8nTYwsAEN
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Z2jjfo2I
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FrDfsAMrc
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIlf1A7rx1
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWl8oO6ano
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1P67NoYPK
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7ydncCw3G
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTslfTr2Tq6
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuPTBC2bDV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2tnxrfLiG
"Ya know how to make one?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJhNdsPgvk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJll2DYlwOA
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnVScfuvdE
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsjyDd4VeN
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW76lySySR
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztuXygqtKL
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSvsyqs5gv
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpVsVhMuuM
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0zbwiUQcz
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3C1KojhU6
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejfKCoPOOp
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEl9WfnoBx
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAq0umdnH9
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mSXSj1WuQ
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGjRyl8hUh
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5q0jVnuyu
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG2yC4ByWc
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0XcNb7qiV
"Uh... well-"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVczbVJg66s
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhfjcpdS80
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zY0upAlId
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7rAbYYqoc
"Ah, of course!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsZvTDo2CW
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKrEO1duTm
Pars rubbed the back of his head.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bpTGoIbEq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoLvHMpfDm
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dwZswuamk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2Sk4NqkzR
"Juke."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg4Hf1DH4x
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75RscQ79OD
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RdGXLpitH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvs6yeEmzW
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2GoIB37Jr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDExuP9KuAQ
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHtONrHOwc
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd0PLMXfbY
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJZGWDSjvY
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6d7JoLb1f
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspsgMtKfgu
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggDW73UMu5
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz8W9d8CNm
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lx1JLeDQg
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsqPb33NYJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYBkXCtAf7
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLoFYitRKD
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"I did this to myself, though."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5BdfsUSAx
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKsbAaidFC
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitbdumIxlK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJuCCd08Bp
"You're just lying to them, though."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJHlZMxQOn
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaZXuHKRjL
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHCvqfgsYa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEhQmIT3d6
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4eOjGzVVW
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV5Z7b0Ece
"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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenXqIyJIG6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWNCQeGmwx
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxMMiwQk4K
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlHZJBMBSz
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQOtJtVXXS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ6InVNRp4
"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!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrcLKhiA14
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHn6b3G2pU
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFgvyXZoC9
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO0XPQ7Bkt
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3hrYs4pKe
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi5LUXT7xi
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SrQCOXHNB
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg4OmvgGSW
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1I1XyZiBC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSbJMV9i4s
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62g1uoCq49
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ04FfoTaj
"I'm flattered."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtDrVyZjfR
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qBKzSSt8U
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOABumAllKq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzn24cwvK2
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNdeprowwh
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLebxjuxm0z
"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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LgOvnlbIO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOzEGIWxX9
"..."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHr3npKs6O
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyCWTS59oX
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1tmdvmePv
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmf9E09ARE
"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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o5wRuVfi9
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz2aSxWcdH
"...I don't like where this is goin'."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcoJpuEbWM
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC22UiKfD9
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgT7JznjKH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl093n4HEn
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8iJB8PvMV
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yole0DPoI
"...The hell does that mean?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUipU1sJtz
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHtF7p8vAg
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcAWdiqvMx
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUudWeeOGt
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXAZBNRLMU
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ak6xTKDdC
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81xLkda2ql
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl471RQPgF
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5leMRPu9iq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblrrT4E0D2
"Haaaa... shit."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLL1xun0ku
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnV05hPRUJ
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZdMa5JF3l
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrnfhzMWTg
"What does that mean for us," I asked.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oEhaSDMyO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDEHhd1AbK
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR5LgwiOI7
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1xDCqD4jU
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtmzapnCQW
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFswp6rN3rf
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo7y9wg7hU
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma40M6ftpG
"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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFkWP3pNJi
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkNJaTNEOW
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFx7r3vYG2H
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGEZx5nBqs
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g1dkmq1O2
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWkkGdCaQc
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiNqcJuH7o
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XAPoXg2mU
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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJwr1ptzc7
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXV4SHuFWc
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV30aRl0TiS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvAy8cc1m2
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLQEBolszd
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nRLRnv16d
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N2tJFvqwH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLsJ1wermA
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeRon7TLGr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LcDsc6nAY
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR5tMVaCAl
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86TafCBHtz
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TOjUJDOMt
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8StrnoUzp
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg7ysdOhpZ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ScYLaaIA7
"Come on, I'm just joking around."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc7r1KkTs6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj6dL1zSBD
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hTbIxVy1v
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhGZ7XB2Sn
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcPgNxkayP
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0J9YhiqKr
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSS9UTM1VC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8liIkFy0Y
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTBE1yPgG7
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kdwfnPDNs
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpkrZMXc7S
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7LmOEcL1g
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sMHpnT96s
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByAO2JRrCQ
"Ya good to go, kid?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwUKzQM0qg
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaGYBtqBRr
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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZygKSoqjx
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJQEMSK1KY
"My name is Dave."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7buwsR8Ln
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA3Rl5UjMx
"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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySuMk7ryup
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vHrUPQBN0
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn48Eotfsju
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TniBg36he
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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM2lPY5kyZ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiipI2qj7Hw
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtEhcnuLlE
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGUIC4OXP5
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhI0lCJxtb
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hZJV40FIO
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YL6A7W4ki
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wppyHWi7s
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29ajUOvV4G
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwc92LwWPK
"How many are there?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBTCxRXAa3
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9dKO4fiLM
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06Xy2j7tlU
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeA6YUNxyN
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz3tH05oOw
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrZ6s6mGeJ
"...Come and judge for yourself."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQ2HbjJoDf
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7Y7FBvUxy
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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocMhBYbzIr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DWE7v976q
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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCDOVk1jzn
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW83PRrsZe
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtATvwCHcxG
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4tuSRU3CW
"They're okay, right?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpp9JIW3BJ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSa3uDbCX7
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg9nW4DG36
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGpLoc6STl
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTLCzCHKzx
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFD8EuHvNG
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpxe3m9sNY
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkEoZ9EY7U
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLBlRGHNgo
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvupC9WiQtF
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5RlV1fRy4
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI0M9RRhS1
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocOXczo2uQ
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15PMK6ahyO
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ee3D6JZOK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUj5bYPc0w
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2qOvMsmn8
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI2obHuT3i
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1a6X3e6m0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyzmG7awho
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATlm1WzZVn
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnaF1AI0LI
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UCRn7ZPiC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbV2vZyHJw
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eQPNhNaaH
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZyLp1FMFU
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1qLEHPzkS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yoarteHEt
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTVGWv9SQR
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk35YeT59Wj
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG3jM7xTYk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8lZBwhlmw
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uKuQqArGr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaLEEI4eOv
"W-Wait, put me down first!"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeJv1BvL59
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4vJxnBJrU
"Eh? Why?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpJuDKXZr5
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6o4WK6bGI
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL42AYX0Omy
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMi4K4X0kT
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX1vxvPCXA
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6nYYczT4Y
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJijU32T4vY
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNB2PNpO4E
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBEp6g1bIb
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT2K7Aifgn
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ipd62ob9q
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrizPe4Lrt
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7LDocCKxa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAUaacVlgd
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ2f1p6HOt
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymebHwn2Uz
"...It's dusty and shabby."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tnmgFwfIm
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoNGaZPLqQ
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEXg0FWeYe
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFO8KpRhnx
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QRxOEjr9a
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8Fp3ZgI6S
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsSfQnKs9w
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCStmfyIXz
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dMETSakzw
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuAuOGkqjn
"You two ready?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwZF3heL07
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlJkYKh2iL
I nodded.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qw0Lzfbvf
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtlJ6WaJRb
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqvMOm6G8Z
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPqsV1xuAT
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqNoCQ6VZd
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkPtAd5FD9
Juke and I nodded in reply.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5WxdaCbWt
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfnaVmPBVd
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN2VZ8DBca
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWvFPzgZ38
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6cWJNnB0G
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjt2hF5gta
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCCtHj8AFc
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy0NCoo87T
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ2fRVJV0I
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkurXYgjfq
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tX9nspV8B
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWrMb6c3iM
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUpcw7pGx5
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc76uMWsMN
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3CCB4Bqio
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhHNFoLN7m
"Don't sweat it."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtffb6JpJPa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssIqKDBIMq
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCw5i6yAzO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UAJeJiCny
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVo1vuSl9v
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmieIO3Z4O
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt8IbF2EmO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3BciwWCvV
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbhyuoCC1A
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4uGG7ZYoW
"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–"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo46sd7x0A
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzc0uHHLod
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kQ1aK4c0m
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka06oY9O5P
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOP82kqvzF
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6ZPU28kFu
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqJwGRazpC
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXalz894z7
"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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwvZL0HNN2
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOcqPCT3Do
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyzwCGH7sm
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vHXcidTTV
"Backup?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wMpsVslnP
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd5OJXrbxa
Pars nodded.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z8a9r6yM5
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr2iQ1qnep
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTj0W29Qzvh
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULXKt57UJD
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx6qpr0H1t
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlz97VysAW
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteoV2HaIhK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIrwyeQe8I
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvhW1aShTO
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLQ4q4oLax
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFNXOALrLh
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcExAZsWoJ
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs4rIZqmIl
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxQHXKCCGG
"A-Are you serious?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4TBbfWRGa
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrwmX7JMFm
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdiTEUp6H0
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzFdmOdUVa
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3IGzKcdxM
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwtTwAUexf
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1Ws4F35VP
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5Fn15gZRK
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVHS81Rrsq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTbPBubEs1
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzPFpuhMqr
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicQWIgi0Lb
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhcS2y7YBq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVQVgPqPgc
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lawE32QeS
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQP6Hk2qAj
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GqbsPI5KY
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQLiYmDSOH
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3e7nB5rke
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpf6lQEaXW
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCifVk3Gxs4
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKGaPQBbNn
"...Gotcha."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8LGAgN7Ii
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJV0J3N3Nv
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWyS6M0yGk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lKGI6TUrO
"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?"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXVICrFgBd
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIe6xPfxZN
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bPTTiA6SK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvUhWnLdL7
"I... I will. I still want to help."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HIMXcEWhK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwgNCYmG1e
"...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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXJXyCDIHz
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxBGJg4LE7
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPtSZ07nbf
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKgB4wEtlf
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZaYaXmfdU
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zUeaXjMgQ
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm2BVurRYb
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvUM2nykw3
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN37VWEhk5n
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBse3ROQU4
He let go of Pars' hand.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyQ1tlawj6
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2pt6cWz3j
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJso4yfNzSY
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC5ddXfhW0
"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."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfAU8fSkYK
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sK7b0ST49
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbAgPB0Lko
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW0PukqLDU
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrdzjoxppT
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP39t3U1zHz
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzd33nlloq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwEyyCD5wc
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm0tHhmMbc
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacRJ2Nh9Es
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcT956xuQk
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB383NYqPjl
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9noWOe82xl
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyK8jnYSfk
"...I shouldn't waste any time."195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnWbUF0gMq
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKAIjQwFK5
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.195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZswqJSGpx
195Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUuaGKw1Hg
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
