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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR9dr0S7jm
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPHVa7kuXK
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbdw2d3jsH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ6XD5O7bn
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE52NzeBRq6
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbNZTj08te
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdVRBmm34D
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkMUm3LeaM
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiICfEqnW8g
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLrYhT9QUU
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdknP0FjKm
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmwi5l4PtA
"Ya know how to make one?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJXO7flulA
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnqqb9qdpn
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmRYIFKplb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3c9w2nAlN
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU7TIVIRPD
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkblXOKU0b
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4y5sBpiPf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu8cYyPvS9
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx5t9XGN4w
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1OncmaMac
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S3yp8qwZs
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmKMnPkoBV
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVEYaF3Krh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7OA2sF9Ez
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWZHfDBt7d
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qUJYH0gKc
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiFK5z1dep
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF89za5xS2
"Uh... well-"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbaiN6lVAh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsDrI23iG9
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNzqvUuQVl
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIA3ASgwk2
"Ah, of course!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxFcD6jVH2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpbzhtWC7s
Pars rubbed the back of his head.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwjElRsciL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1loBPh1nq
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ppb0eNpbj
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UWnbLgWZx
"Juke."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQraEvVeXOh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3pEWsY1TW
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7b3cI0DqL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIhlU7evbc
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0rPMUAEog
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUetLt9JOh7
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA4famHoy5
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3fJm0t0J2
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4AIYD9hqj
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm96E962Qr2
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp0afTR8Yp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7dtU3fU6H
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe4zhWD82f
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerjg5xON1j
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs4yrCHQSq
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf1Mkhtiu8
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrokiLcEvf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNcq96hUE7
"I did this to myself, though."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SoJcrHSYU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3zAK72UuD
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpOgvlJLP4
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCOKm7m4E7
"You're just lying to them, though."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPDxwdL9CO
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX83A3tWPL7
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqjK3utswR
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamC0CZc0Eh
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmOrZ5fi5y
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1CB3c6fYz
"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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3OHrBAKI8
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIrIm6XhJW
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSEzs0uWdo
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbKpMmQBFm
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtpL0o7dot
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyWFTjJWoA
"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!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH0VOYQyid
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDkfcXScmT
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxaPx4vn83
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk96kakO0lS
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DmmgONIAw
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPOyFW0qFb
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAXoEDwHCH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqwIDRQdux
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigpBSeOMpk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4SXXVowUP
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXcwkuJrPn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiLAoEoy7C
"I'm flattered."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkebTf6Oxo
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaKvoA986E
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlkforzjVh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxRbLviiwJ
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5RlC1yqQW
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CTuZ15ilx
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIlUM1xXRK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JEqWmTZLH
"..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UsJgPnxDE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3ECfhA0AF
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzLkVvRPnK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGA2vm9JJe
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhdGjTunXi
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mEbUBnaEI
"...I don't like where this is goin'."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO41cfiVgf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NchCHcGJb
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXXR9kUr4c
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquOZblLkB4
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsq2EgDoFN
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwqflJqgkd
"...The hell does that mean?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAQckqidoK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDjhthgyCo
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9lK8GfNGh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9xZMWzwe9
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oa9k8F0LS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpRKWipKb0
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D7HDtaVO9
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhq29AUyPe
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdC5ZZpkuo
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYwbo6PCp2
"Haaaa... shit."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo7WXbvzV4
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9pe5gdnob
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXfN2li58W
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZbYTEK1Jb
"What does that mean for us," I asked.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDByHK2dXxD
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJCQiVH5J7
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrGxJBfo0H
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QPvwzy6PQ
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7iU8uK3WG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDSJTL9i5y
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfsINIlIBg
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhntThMysys
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9RFQRqYuN
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ2x8CoYFL
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRwpV64cFu
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXukEMQKPBa
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BHXYporEI
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISPugoH401
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF12XkRkQb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMNW3NJFfE
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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVE0nQeUVr
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIitAvzILJE
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CHnLpM0uG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3td1tA0X1
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImoEVg5iwt
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFyhDT8hsv
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdJHnhoEHy
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bz6FHTRVW
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx5rMX9qA3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzj0pJ4D6m
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFOfkDPlNQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x5FQiTnm2
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP1iOGoOEB
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnjKRFIVIq
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKgBc1qDpb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou08jLuGhV
"Come on, I'm just joking around."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMTA8PgEJc
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yJRjblu2x
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56EpUtxhVK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU2YEfYn0K
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt7tK0Wstk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1K2TtlBR4
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m4sshv6EV
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLzmB8eK2v
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0tbFr5baJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2ctViomNt
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41X6v97EAd
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr7e67O2dX
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpeWfM2uYK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkJAZC5r2n
"Ya good to go, kid?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKePW9IUpz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7e6geuO0r
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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv013G4M8f
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIXZlcm5TC
"My name is Dave."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8XqUfBjho
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9f2tcjiy3
"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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5LufttRUu
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhlb5eKvjt
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsM4xEGPA2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWl35MtEGt
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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGjZQe7k05
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T5pMvLAyh
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QjBzdvveg
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnjpXhCyUt
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1Q5yloQTk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0LpvTl4pj
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMgzaF3zr3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ko6OD2kCX
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraLX4CdsSw
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76RGTRTGJ5
"How many are there?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkx8B9OZza
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRZqQBIEBh
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvTxzwoZdz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiXhrIrdrM
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLTmigQwlx
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k0vsETxrJ
"...Come and judge for yourself."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovPgn2GiaS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL4rTSnvwW
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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6SKyPI0Rm
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrp0U7yZeU
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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54IRLsGjjw
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlfxam6jOF
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFwuERcaIX
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfJojKExLb
"They're okay, right?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKBVmSibHn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tREE47EmF
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMvuCbgDPi
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dF7f7cdkj
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYSinE5o6D
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwewmydMT1j
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5W7hlbocC
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXslvWIlLHM
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1riOmO2eJE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVQF5byy5s
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGL64Avpna
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ubx1qj4o0
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUL9J8hcqH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLepn3ATLrZ
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRNHrEUZdG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAyNFatpxw
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGKUX41UXd
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Nrigbxh1T
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlxzl6qucF
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddQDT7djAb
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq40NPggPhP
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GqsQjdnyA
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSNzJXTZqy
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfL1kOiSh0
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSbH8TyrRF
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYey3aHoSG8
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x8nW6nNu4
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyTvOmRFaY
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu3eNkd460
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlTKBBxUz8
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3DCXw5BVT
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4Ym96TD8d
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLVymoNOR2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGC9c8HnBg
"W-Wait, put me down first!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ5gg3ReVJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphupZfLhnl
"Eh? Why?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP2ZfBRHeZ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCi8eGzEtI
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrwAVsPw0I
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqlqDiOn1y
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiacvbBKJB
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6aevkMjg0
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXRtoB04rM
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXa0NAoIbm
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8fQnz7YOf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJS4TwFo3B
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ46sdCTB3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtjGIktczh
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwlAvoqOEe
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9wWbaChky
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPndoeasC8
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq7csBdBUE
"...It's dusty and shabby."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W8Iei3Nqn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7l0Jr6r30
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczfl3tGu8J
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW69ctbpjC
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLhNLajrUj
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOHoMZEKhm
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsO3BOa5Nd
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANxenOSAgb
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbkCT326Wc
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1ROemIZht
"You two ready?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0shFjP8OQr
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ56V5EQMEq
I nodded.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnq1dR0fTD
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMdgBZUJbS
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkamzea9wK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayWZIPO2Yc
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMcU1ocKW4
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCcoPyX4w9
Juke and I nodded in reply.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2szHOCz7Ai
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfHaXlOEjK
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHrnqmlQTU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWmTRXZWcX
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFREoa4lnPu
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcNOQX5ECF
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXT5Xdv0H3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRhkpzSDX1
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kiCHiEZdh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5kXCPZjtb
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5ZmQpRe9w
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS0WTwkSLU
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCHiZQkZ0S
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuFauuqPCi
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yzzHeKWDK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGam9MMdsVq
"Don't sweat it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc0pCnHQ17
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC8Rme6vay
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E1k0byw1y
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ptg2muXtg
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VhyAvMCGF
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfKHUPwziO
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllxByePxZw
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1c3tWZPxQ
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2qMvmdiVh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviL7bUkZIN
"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–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoNdgWD4mE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3UMI5Rk4P
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20kaO8BnE2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigieO6FmGD
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CHVdroWu5
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYThMSUfIg
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡconq4D5zMi
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRfjNMzGyq
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSGyVlxZK7
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtDvxmhkbG
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aGPYojTY6
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqALSMyajsY
"Backup?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuMqFjB1HL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA15Rf8L10E
Pars nodded.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2y1eK2xWDM
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjkNtWJft7
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvBiySPije
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5jyiyTRgV
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdeTceeYwX
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeE2jxb70U
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSDvjzjLCm
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLth0veiEI2
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbghI7g93di
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaSg3BTisu
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE539iLsbSa
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80jSqnZY5z
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM5skbHZqJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU4qtpf7C5
"A-Are you serious?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWX8Uu3HH3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEC6MnSWER
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1jLlgLJBZ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSRwsPkOf6
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JCKEyyAj2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNfIKPzCGQ
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrvl1uubpu
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA28Z1s0GL
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2wIm5JsZO
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2QNs5Q6fQ
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGZc7d3s9C
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntQUnexdrK
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vyjOWbZ8d
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcykTqj31g
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWamIDy7Lt1
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSdvddI2SD
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MsJLpdWIN
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3sUapeX2K
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbelZgI82o
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSPE4ZBu9l
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXKPAKAc2U
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQguHedki4B
"...Gotcha."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBTE4sdMdK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OWaXpd4jD
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9vwUMWOel
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0OX62symw
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqD0QgvWZl
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfnZiM1VrW
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Cuy2U2LJh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITXzPtk1lD
"I... I will. I still want to help."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSnQElz76D
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz69kLgjWbP
"...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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbgJ5TTh01
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIJUPoA7C8
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgypfnWsXPl
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oGZN0UGhA
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoAfYQosrp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcQbLdum7g
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtySrDWcCL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogWVrDOk25
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6X5mCzNb0
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlWYon1ae0
He let go of Pars' hand.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPiH4ltIee
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUHZA7urjm
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusYHBlpEaY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE4KvtPvMq
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVARX4jU6c
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb9FsXDiW9
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMytNimsf17
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdAyYr7cvw
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NTC5qvw3C
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5glcKKBSE3
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpPJkOhekQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nrKCDOMIk
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjJnEUsm3s
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UELrfBe7G
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPodVPPBE9
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HG8it0379
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmjHtzMdMa
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEGHKnQ6Fz
"...I shouldn't waste any time."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxi8nSyyPn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFXYQtQ2fC
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTf1arvfeL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcwEzYat9u
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
