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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyk2L4qrue
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQ4UD870eG
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxm8oMK2qF
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsDKXhWixR
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzPlHqpYHj
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUEJEdhTpQ
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwbFSjbXPm
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVqpddMNlZ
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddYVzCNEpl
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPaOa4jbDB
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvuuj2PSRN
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzsxD3KV71
"Ya know how to make one?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtTO9Hl8LR
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxTk4moHWJ
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWzQsueZDb
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61dxcL20ng
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5SCbnK56c
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOankFRyFUH
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNKqFEFlJs
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf4SGO5sxc
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUFz4gDcBr
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ys0MXd3Sh
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3zzUUiOCT
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLFukcJ6P4
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNZmSXgAif
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgunGyJ59AP
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDi7cQOOIu
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vdo7RWm3o
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsNpSYplX4
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1LrQvGysN
"Uh... well-"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt7ep1pyXy
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK35Omr1TAU
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOQcGmT8gk
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEaHZCpc3i
"Ah, of course!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySYPp9sqgY
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN4UpHvaBw
Pars rubbed the back of his head.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWYdqt4DQi
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR1GsC9mY9
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ybB9tE9fn
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFIbdClUc3
"Juke."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh5oLESGVE
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSB0ssxG6b
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh6I1lHN4D
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFROIM2BhK
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnaKtxdpfb
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PekGJROL3
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1vISMYYPn
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFp3v0h9CK
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa9cmEBz3R
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6g9jCVeMA
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IFJoF9uAl
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb46lovweNk
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWg95W0lED
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJEN77EFLH
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHcPiZc2fg
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQJPd4sEkd
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGECkjaeZ3
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6k4NPVSHj
"I did this to myself, though."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3lMhd9v4Y
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC4f64grhp
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccgkShXQ7B
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JBOAQEEzd
"You're just lying to them, though."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEQl6Ae1U5
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dsT7eEmbx
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjF50NQKNj
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAy5GKx5qE
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEcQt4LgXf
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOct1mix9W3
"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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVrrD0uBCv
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPzgRg2vtC
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QmCO53var
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeh4ob1RrE
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nQCmLUwPl
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVcuyLY8W7
"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!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyIgNw1tel
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueClgshmYD
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcS9Ybd9Ad
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtljiCOx94W
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETAZayqdEZ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPxPLXcBUk
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qq1dEZSpA
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXd361UZn8D
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qHIEPG18c
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG2vEVOubx
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpuHMRg8r8
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaADBkQATBG
"I'm flattered."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIA1lyc4F9
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpexUCcnoU
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs2hPVeAa9
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK9NAI957h
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8LD9vDqlE
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw5lz0YH3E
"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?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbWgdp2WW7
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6B1hHnjxd
"..."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk0QvIUOjA
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUyhzJEru6
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHFw1Eesja
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHojbjNiRj
"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?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhYeAZ80r5
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF63yw7SR53
"...I don't like where this is goin'."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4rMZzeAHG
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDBFkA0Rli
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmAYR4BFmn
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVsLs6R0t9
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWC1VXbMR1
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhskRaUlCID
"...The hell does that mean?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sHXl3HF6H
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMJXFwTBDK
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL2LhRHcJC
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsi6THc3tCs
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7K05GgG6z
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgplxvD4i05
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZNKgLEbZV
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJBCenA6Yb
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeCGdmAj0q
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxJsFdgxPR
"Haaaa... shit."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkzLqmX5O6
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGxWKBexbb
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S7U2ocQZS
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ehyt1jzJf
"What does that mean for us," I asked.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg5XF3Ca1K
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8PRK6yCVq
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEUxuyNZtN
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWzEXAxmHh
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O66wPQXXw
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuwlKeSMof
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzlRfMj9qL
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8et0N0sD2N
"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?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNRH85cgRX
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx6Gm87Rnh
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSC5CA9A07
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNenbcvtcs9
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQnaCUOk0j
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOmxd3loah
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRmJ8XR4TS
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyVHYkibko
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?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzbLxwqIkr
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWeveWLWeO
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnUrmbKOwO
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUdehMH2pV
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ICbPhXBU4
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwApxUS1GPK
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAFQWZnCDy
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lBdoNpLCc
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndXbCBOBT4
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQJYEq0HpE
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaoUrS53w2
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryAeTZZLNq
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkjKIMETnj
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a2d16MgJW
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6VVF0TnMP
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3Xzc9qYtc
"Come on, I'm just joking around."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5DHM4LmRz
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xEznBUqhQ
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl0L6B1pYd
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW8Xm5FdTw
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDBDr6pVsh
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHPReUB49g
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡighyRUNfiX
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eTw0ZAQxQ
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX13U24z4Vp
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbD9hCA0sm
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuBq0baFkF
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG1rCUn9nR
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxmbxORWNs
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbCTJQmNDi
"Ya good to go, kid?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNyegVQGPa
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg9kfhOeQo
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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnotEF64jDx
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYEHGGFtY0
"My name is Dave."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMbyOgCg44
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVxoVMzAmz
"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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ8JI1fKA8
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT25h3tWH9
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhsfyzUmJ9
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WpI9wPgP4
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?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrPTvnM50Z
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlCuAqFPHl
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z3B7xHLmk
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19ELsX3a7C
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKPWWtkWcW
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zdIUMEYdx
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2BsapVwlz
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs5TFjdvTa
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiI9u4u9UV
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzbpsRipga
"How many are there?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbl0KQiesL
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdC8IYVXnz
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkRi3kYmvE
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L6BLYmp9h
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKcRm5vmiP
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HE8w6zxnk
"...Come and judge for yourself."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYjUxTEbly
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9SO6kefgd
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?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2KSGQEfMZ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyt8rPzlZI
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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYo3QsiTTs
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhBXjRwxCH
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBev3trnW9
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRJQ8v6pEE
"They're okay, right?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6sgTzJLtg
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRELvjNPqx
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlSQEEI5IW
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SEYbzFyU1
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0H4q6DUed
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1el1IwIly
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zZdWTaS29
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBz2SGal1Y
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDBO8MIhTl
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFryVRMWhu3
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6Rec35ynK
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06jVy2IIjX
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynu1AONSMa
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3G6iwtiUK
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvYGvyVmD9
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Sk1UhCHnc
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7CKvJh5Lj
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqAzIIXm2r
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7UvOpWuhE
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWbc6fzzM0
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRAhI07vfu
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs0v9MXm4x
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuSJGiRaJK
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LB1cULB8J
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2V56FRMeE
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyKTFGq2xn
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QBo3UCwJd
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lAGNL6Whs
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewLO2eghur
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk69ACN1F3g
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJVaE4kwjl
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDxdGOQue6
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ2wloBQMd
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuxq85MTMD
"W-Wait, put me down first!"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovizLOec5A
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAJYh7ekrI
"Eh? Why?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUQLefxOho
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYLPGHVP9n
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7Isy5I2Hk
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7pctEbuG0
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6sExt9JXe
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs36pebPpW
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0CEyQyHHk
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PxE8H8Ist
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ovPbYh2JW
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGxRNmC83T
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYCYPduPQ6
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8FHTdLk4G
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXczMseay4C
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2d8pd3j70
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduFGtMkfdN
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7ouEZbejN
"...It's dusty and shabby."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddEX8VnZiR
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIpMrDKbA7
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ454NOhfRrg
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNmH3jg0sk
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQCBu3WpLx
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd5rknrOXX
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIifOJ9Mwh
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfgnhm6pWj
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9PZwlbLJU
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4uqWoPqb9
"You two ready?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbMzDaXTmp
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsybV20x7CH
I nodded.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3YC4gwlSY
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6wM9jLFAM
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQrUOAkYwf
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiwwAVPUXH
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKRmCrqfBp
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Kt6jL86t1
Juke and I nodded in reply.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuYuuj26dz
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdgpvc7luq
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrPThmmjCP
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmYpSHEO4B
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvPxxtlpio
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg18xo6j57
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqmsfVRamk
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefSFysysUl
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxz9WfI4Hg
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQVxAt5JCO
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2q8gBimEG
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAMl3ChM9S
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqZqKTS1Xu
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD1EU2J40g
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jVftrB8YW
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwKrNm70km
"Don't sweat it."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGpvcBIAtZ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpzActbjz0
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMkgijsQrw
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZHCttfZZ4
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NyAvdPnsL
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpxgYeTD3G
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXyNFAq1er
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49ygbX23Jd
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE9CApTN08
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE5o0gwOoR
"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–"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bkGDV4RVo
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKlNx4emuw
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBHmagzT9x
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2oaVRGCOC
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrAypETkzb
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4co8KcF191
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj33Q9eh7hc
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUCG70DkRS
"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?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb2O1ObBDp
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3jx6Yd2pK
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY3NR4oDg1
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX9CvtDl1I
"Backup?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjGYemW7Av
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsxWGyEneV
Pars nodded.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAY467cCbbn
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqbhdHIQxV
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtG5iA2RHy
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayQymKJz7W
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1Hqbldsq8
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgcVEckAl4
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvuRkaU0DQ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHEuCmzSKi
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWq0bmlDOc
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkbXnq8IHu
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77PFsVdUU1
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK3XJCLNSg
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagfX2lp90G
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6M1sgms19
"A-Are you serious?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDAtvRx3dj
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWHTrRBShW
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEStpeb22V
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ8GbNqlmE
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhO1agDoGw
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcLN2QVFte
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGeyAhfgAf
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03Tm16XeKs
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TiunSzuUM
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jgfvLlQmU
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcFvle5pRI
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6G26FyWEM
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcR0lGo3RC
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7B3m8N6Y5
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo5jIxU1pg
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfaNZwJ5sV
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLYoWS9jid
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzig4n6Wi1
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWAR2mG69H
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIMORVkinp
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6NDwHne4w
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho8s25xqUC
"...Gotcha."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgCamwlY0R
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUftEiKQkFf
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1HD3jlhFT
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25C8wmjy9i
"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?"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4alARPtTDZ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxlKWYapAK
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1u6damEWs
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQq4cZPH6f
"I... I will. I still want to help."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o00JVagrJ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91wdmCMo8K
"...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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6AsGMkGiV
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegiJFdTLvI
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwloPYnva97
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T63jrG7JH
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbMnDaNZrH
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rAJ7w3Bg9
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaDSoKl0qU
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxodShRZhC
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVPoNzUdFZ
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PV7sr2UZ0
He let go of Pars' hand.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW2vfMYEC2
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9XCJ0fSwj
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOg49x7l1o
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5gz2KuOSD
"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."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQLbaVUZNn
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8ukknDFT1
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIr4lnaB66
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle8ouy81BG
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah8btgTjsk
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ749gylQJNn
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2V4kGTIpK
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1LQdwAri6
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpapyEPhLlP
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbn2XrBlZV
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzee2EQnmDH
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEC63KjHnV
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5YZPSbTME
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJXXcrxCox
"...I shouldn't waste any time."194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyL3NFRiJL
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMLwK5yzk4
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.194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzCdPpixrC
194Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHho5t5LjEt
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
