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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9EYju7cEs
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvdq3Wb1eo
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41DusrHjlB
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6kFm1L2ML
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yRRKXjnAn
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9G9fnVPH8X
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKylLOGy3w
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxDZFIk8qF
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1u2EW1Q9A
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF7stdP3GP
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2SfdGp4MD
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tRl5WisF8
"Ya know how to make one?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAu3DrFiWG
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCYNjZMPcS
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm8h37cXEU
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaWsnk0pSn
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3eJTUI1uN
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZdvBRFmrk
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Dd0yOUaoL
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42qqVqP3Jf
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB7BzRuSIo
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI0msHOPqJ
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VwIZVAvM4
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYyC0gOX1q
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoLo3Yav7T
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00BesztBIp
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZhgSQgQLp
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJRSXRMgUY
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJLCm2Fqfz
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DBCcNwMZ3
"Uh... well-"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEQFlQf3Ki
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgPTrUaGUb
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡher3z7vnCV
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB2WtWhhrb
"Ah, of course!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V0v7y61aD
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmrhCYqQtn
Pars rubbed the back of his head.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXzRi8gLWo
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9Ul1nf02m
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOQHmaKvxV
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUups3PZGnG
"Juke."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw0oD1C45O
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLVEq38Btg
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVcaztHHDP
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazJlXbJHoE
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPDsuGQuA1
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwaywRmzDf
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyqzQv4eYy
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL43fCCIYe
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13jmgWFT6P
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVAMJ1NjLg
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY4sBT16uG
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3hWDuKQA1
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXNUS1UWo1
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvkVVFoQrn
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHfqOn7Lia
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsROl3d3HYD
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHDirLptJy
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxTaKL6izV
"I did this to myself, though."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrCnoePfYF
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zqKU1i8fn
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPi7MaMKNl
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWW9sPJeWa
"You're just lying to them, though."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr94dOWPrR
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSsM2g5G3v
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CgJirJqLw
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyYOa34GY3
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeg2qRk9kG
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbnSBU1HYc
"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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMf7Nsw3Zj
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6X4u3OlWk
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jXxvKzbv9
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklF4v1Li8r
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHIbpqBZtJ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVsQO72lEL
"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!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVDMECQaMD
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUunXTZrerJ
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dR20l9gL6
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShGjIR0A4L
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq4xLQJeLH
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmbMJzl4yS
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7LjMRjQrb
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOojOtLbAV
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuzagNfUZw
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5pheLUVJM
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCYJkDVJ82
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa51ioLpgBQ
"I'm flattered."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1JNPNGg66
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgN14H5WAI
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBM7zQiO7k
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WUgXXZ8st
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLWEscWRGp
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb0HJasHET
"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?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8QVgTxVa1
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9bSFRtZGs
"..."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvt7TLIwSc
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZgxl9fzxU
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB0i9PfH69
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnLTSEsayu
"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?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEoJD9r1Sh
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbOf0ttf4p
"...I don't like where this is goin'."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVr6APVf6p
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ikn9lT5fU
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2jGAgyy1D
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrDmyEIzrc
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRHWWDDRa8
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5vAiFRg8O
"...The hell does that mean?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjycOqNDXY
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsGEikGHVv
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLvrVz0NnK
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlQRGOBSI1
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5bC7SgNRp
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC1O3hgAtf
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIKklcC7qT
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUX4ENYQrm
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrudopYbA1d
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFXXVhri93
"Haaaa... shit."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBPHF8diOH
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs5QdwuaJD
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9CT1pD5IA
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wsJqzbC5o
"What does that mean for us," I asked.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx103Pn7jhS
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHLSzHg6uH
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdr0BXGIb3
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKaWQTq01i
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTT3o75KsX
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7FIvNdBqF
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeGwLew9jQ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTymRQgcaoU
"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?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYwvHJK1SZ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NNlGPawt0
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjO7y9nMhx
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRfkaDNuhR
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9gljaNo0V
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzGuZgEChF
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMvGYMhDmZ
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdP3YvWRDl
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?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s1HRQ8axh
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriFIb8UGTg
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f45mEuR4V
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU0xnTcwM5
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokjcZWdClo
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OB50XgE2l
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAdnpsbOiD
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK0uFXLqt7
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdi8uE6Ecd
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxztXTAv0r
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBToDkb56Jc
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn1OiBNRzy
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqOtHEkwxX
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JjzD9aRLr
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1WUZicRYB
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2UnDuFa7p
"Come on, I'm just joking around."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnilkN41rNH
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2ogfW7EWD
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEleuQ0OHaO
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWSMKwvWQe
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDuGchQAL5
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeQTyGovoh
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMIii3qEGB
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKRx2WeaDz
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3GWIHGcCS
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWfK9QfNoc
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUIFTDFHTe
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U5cACMMuk
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMIfA5UwdI
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3p4ysTkJ8
"Ya good to go, kid?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrVMB4M0NK
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6TiNmTrSR
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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw7x2w8qSx
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkER601tol
"My name is Dave."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KKFt1bPz5
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH7LPRUxtz
"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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbY9LgtFTn
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8mz2m3Y74
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx32whnvbj
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgTtxW75Xz
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?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRFlmXFUWs
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAf8cl88X3
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRq2plWpOD
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq1Aa96hjU
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2d6zAoBFS
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITtly4dZmD
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEjhziga4t
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIEJOaYdNG
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuA7qpLO05
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eNHYE6riF
"How many are there?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcxXvVGycA
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUjjMeYeqe
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwFotvtAbl
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9uOpcE297
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV96vaIeyXb
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnvWFXd0yT
"...Come and judge for yourself."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvZb24lgxg
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y8i3DRh8V
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?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEjuiCZmIa
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNRthtFUmo
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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR05kL1tGV
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2LT7Zviba
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdceRDEQh8s
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7El6kAq48N
"They're okay, right?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ89JSsQKv9
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEEdUMeJIm
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOGjrvCVkT
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFBQJuEIlw
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KjsNTTCI8
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODRL6eLVd8
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrkfsZVQ0T
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlKykIo3tg
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRmzO8SOm8
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrYualosg9
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSUXZ2fCOv
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuqiKgXLFx
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC08cGZHZ0z
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniOq2FZN6c
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFJU25MRDc
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO3mOBdCyC
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsQa08c3uY
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKKTkMGgZn
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoXI9B7LpY
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjRNRjtchr
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvZmsmGSus
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErgqDf1dO5
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3ho7iCx92
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsWmnvt4xK
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdftDfCtMd
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBfmyHwXJM
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvlsWKIqdB
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPcLWNuL0D
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTgzHLK0mj
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiD8AyBZ5s
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U4aKFcHYN
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkq7olbQDk
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT45dAJt9a
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrjaYdLC8i
"W-Wait, put me down first!"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEizliFVOn3
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3B4B5anVG
"Eh? Why?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHS6uQrxqb
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0pfXEyF7C
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk1OYalVFr
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSSHJKq5Ko
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocaBr7NEwK
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsFmlPuHgB
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvjBlU8Pr1
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8HoLqOp7e
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hvtXX9EFw
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMyEtVxhnD
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3PtEU13jO
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Mhns55SoP
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh3yqUlxFL
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnSiSTFUkg
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5vmrQPhda
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAglMMR2yW
"...It's dusty and shabby."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyUkzLjn3v
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6lzWMBcWq
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d4XRZMBB1
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9DAcEvPjr
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1v4Yl4XyU
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CQ8nR6pto
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5aiuJu1ey
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2fAGKQJeI
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8BKAc8qlG
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt8BiAHKlc
"You two ready?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71z3HDOS5v
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnohUwTrEj
I nodded.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc1J87JmlA
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoe5aFTTU1
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4zPXa1bfC
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvORLWQKN2
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij4dRdzhDM
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfVBFoSOZ5
Juke and I nodded in reply.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30DHdzf6w3
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJOzWZf1Ym
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZXcok4BC5
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv82zPLUIWf
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxPNwYwoEU
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv603nD33EL
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoR8H3GDHe
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8v62UtsRG
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA8MQ1sqWK
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uz99iY8rH
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidfM5vPGHI
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkX0fD2bCN
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzrNJCo0vw
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaKVOWL21s
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUxKtkjrUV
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDmTcBsvqV
"Don't sweat it."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNw61nLG3W
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAMJquLPK3
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjEjp5aNjb
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVlPAe015o
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WoOcECtHB
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y0DHfQX6t
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrBqEGoJWn
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzJPtZjcGA
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbN0CmBrVk
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu9pE1fpB2
"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–"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0LYxcAarA
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzapwr8NyB
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqWEIG2ZVe
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gBgEg82BH
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZheH317kCA
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs0Qd1lDpD
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W6GM3MGTN
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxOTVNwJov
"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?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBJYwMviJB
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxN4YpihSb
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDcNJKffR8
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG3bLgtroM
"Backup?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFcmTS4Bwz
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTwpaMXynl
Pars nodded.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIf6GP0QyW
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9tPY5MtrV
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14Gwybot37
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5LdZljKXW
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pP5lKf4GD
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVTT7U81If
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUNVOrvB91
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsAlkQ2Gv1
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq6hjHQAsr
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZUdg9cse8
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivoYgbEPhS
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG8xADBFwj
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXkpzczdMT
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2INBLZQh9m
"A-Are you serious?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZZ47nGgaV
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqXsWy1PF2
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yUKfbxdd1
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2uX3CvMAI
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LT1Lpc8Lu
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP5OowTPKV
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGgZnEDrz6
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQAEdjfgkf
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2juidXnpot
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkteFtplygc
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1naQbj71do
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVLPSje5NL
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpd6Mv8sl8
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLTJxSqfEQ
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDuljTy62N
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSymMqIIIm
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNIBQoM7tW
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvimtpdOap
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTwnHwWuqo
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31YvoABdNg
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GKkwj6zgN
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZScehQjLRx
"...Gotcha."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ9wsNYX6I
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMCR0OSQj1
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21PTKBzFyE
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xIic6omco
"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?"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxuNgvAuI0
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0SdnaYhn4
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhAyaseHoh
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVVQS4AZdk
"I... I will. I still want to help."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6aQagvXQt
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbdw25WL2X
"...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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWCJY0W1ZR
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqnNZRATXM
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqHaR7ejdb
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94AhiV2Afs
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptOsVW8uwX
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZgo0x8Ki8
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLkvZqqU0h
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUal3rq3RJ9
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCvjDqAAtO
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf16k0yG1EB
He let go of Pars' hand.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85Yw2K0MBb
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZibJfkxc0
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOio4hNtSrl
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiOSyYJ9mw
"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."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ASztWwjMB
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9rJgvTNcG
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS2u2QkYPE
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOAogXnAN5
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF8gKiOg4F
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzSZ8d8saH
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucqCqKP8TW
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomCeZ346jU
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8Arf3wpWG
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z3i1P6B25
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7fwY0cyW9
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQN5jDFMMS
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVY9l5c33y
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoifgfGWYX
"...I shouldn't waste any time."237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucJR3C47f9
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgVV4N5exf
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.237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcFk7NL9ym
237Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0zAHpcSfo
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
