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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wm6Fax0rP
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCxZAAI1nY
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAAINRmg7T
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWyykQFNSR
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrp9mUfcXn
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz6Fmp7egK
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMY0KDaUlv
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh7doqO78D
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQSLdzYxsg
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsVaTRslBl
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy2STsKr8J
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigBnmY93Lq
"Ya know how to make one?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02ja0lMaOx
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpli0h4Mdc0
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjyoWEsWpD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqtr7GsQ7T
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrORvpWgPhj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7RULaLwgQ
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIDdNUbWnh
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9CyrYCNGN
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFUf3RsMIJ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YORRyyPF7
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4tm9HzHus
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmdEqoxvhh
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslnF2No4NL
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XU7yorXRp
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ5vDffjBD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL92A2KM1JK
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1kiauB4x7
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvDZptPQCR
"Uh... well-"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1okmmMTLc
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObHEakJfHW
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq9UmsSUL0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdXw4CM2M3
"Ah, of course!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RvcWhYGlh
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQTGymtPef
Pars rubbed the back of his head.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmC7YoZD3V
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY58bRjJRzZ
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEDc1FZuXR
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgBq5f66lb
"Juke."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c5muaOgDd
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNEiOvtOjU
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzZLBYzAJF
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0drdo7E4Ht
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OyON8M6J1
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsRqeb38mt
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzfcFlN7iO
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSUH9LPXpn
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3SfUpmwbt
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aDxJDwOsh
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyJs9MyrUn
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjamCz0HTjz
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkVcdpagrh
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq2CmxgEi3
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLVXPcXEHj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEhOsFUPuN
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtqIXtsrvP
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiMKj5uPur
"I did this to myself, though."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Tl6SOQxGp
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVznkACRiR
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBXdGvmf2n
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxgkUS6A6F
"You're just lying to them, though."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLalnysBNt8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7GpG0w5nH
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ1vtEo9sj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJKsSXRm0G
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVMiPIlKg8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93KYMkEq9z
"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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEqMkaxnEj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eSg4S37Iu
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmGfaAsMZD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ740r7aTjF5
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4lrEAwNi2
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKYH2Xaijx
"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!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BXrAQwfqY
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO77jejrTv
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyYxERAssV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrfnkvD6p8
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU9XDkl4DI
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5iX63zCgp
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwC9WPSbQW
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrqq5vQOWN
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoavH1e31Vz
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL8lhP0krE
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg4LvoLpAl
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlzQ4rhIrI
"I'm flattered."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUT2jSykVq
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQt6Lu2bjL
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOVWb0r80N
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsqJcqEjs1
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTElplB99m1
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm7QiC4FB5
"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?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfppEkjWRJb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9KSYSxZ1D
"..."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4f4JEZNI7
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2ynjCedVo
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ88kZV6Nl
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNvk7J0qrR
"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?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7Hhz1LAKQ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpA9KNGyb8
"...I don't like where this is goin'."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm90xtYYZj1
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj97IESlfk
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQKNwqHShl
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzTqt8sgdn
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYnJ1A97vm
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBli5RH4Yq8
"...The hell does that mean?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG4TVEfQGN
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgc8h06Smo
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MUCQweKoI
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M8exjS2Yy
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSSFLouO2U
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYD2YnBNxl
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU2DE5D9EZ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI9icgBWAY
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrWNFRp7ab
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9hKw6gYp8
"Haaaa... shit."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41ln4FGXSU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IIjf73fIb
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyQWyL42hW
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYsHYqZeAZ
"What does that mean for us," I asked.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGuPCqNSai
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bVNXxMIlX
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBox0ClWUb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ4Y0FTEoS
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadsDVYURgK
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRJPqVqSjd
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtB3YVVcyk
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ7wj6M5wD
"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?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjW8HqVYvDi
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPanTq0MyO
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84T5yk6ohv
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixRmuaqRVO
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy1UyAq3nq
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYv0B2d3T9
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WMfckHHP5
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaazFBLP2JE
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?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CybYlJjnm
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbGEWZejRU
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yvHzBzAkW
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDd3nFDOax
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmukNQyTia
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1TVlh2ZoC
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EGZLylG5W
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10QXZ2o1Hh
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJKQNv3uLl
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC7jTqgC0V
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiNE3HWcjA
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrHQF5BAss
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvYVQuFms2
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgBXSdysTR
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwInqK6XjN
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvVZkf0fPx
"Come on, I'm just joking around."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcjjVa8H5B
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEMBjA62js
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaI00SbIZ0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxipBFgXQF
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHObpOYEDl
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2UKERtwN1
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxozZ4tIu2
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPdSIVYcqQ
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmSAhs8Ktc
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgYJEUX8RA
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GjnGV1AGj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKRW7xb2RC
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EtMDaIL0p
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACxQlSWkz9
"Ya good to go, kid?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvAmXq9zLn
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxqyp43aPA
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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHfKmCAczg
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvK3vmByhW
"My name is Dave."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KNtiJSepQ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRk59uO7LZ
"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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZULTbpiTl
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUH0FeDYpT
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYIgePPS8s
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQzRWh4mcj
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?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2hfZm0JQy
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ToTOmW6hC
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8tJ0ReRkm
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS5lX8mT1h
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42rbxNJc8p
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli5I8ZNlAm
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBd79Yj2f8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI7GBU6A6r
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK2363anIV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7Sg6K07aJ
"How many are there?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8rThx7Z0S
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0dtxs4dh7
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiYV6qUK4T
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3e8DgJ2A3
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsP7yNy8wy
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAIx7HYwp8
"...Come and judge for yourself."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnEfYIZ4aD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd23y0Bxwt
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?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwj4Tiwts1v
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6HkBycB0I
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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnvkrUOzOZ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj75mIrwuyg
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRomIARhR2R
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCYqRo5KJJ
"They're okay, right?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p26GlhrvN
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg4xMI3Jue
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcHT8fstEC
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOjmm40gYq
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8WlnE7Flb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPlP5ioiEW
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBGwbPMkxU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIC4JSmyved
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWITbDAz24u
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OW9cTifiY
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuywGbzXvBP
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKfNAF0xT2
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr9NoW8Ybs
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSvaKkWH46
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKKUNAb37X
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9vesCr7Y4
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRSWmIDR98
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQwiutgWix
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUMy3UIN9j
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH3dXQ1sFc
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZufe2aJWD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt6nnycl8z
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HmrHELUdP
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7GyyUbo8q
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeIzMsfNUw
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Lb9l2oXbj
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFf5qbZ1Ma
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzM0md21aT
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEua3WNVStf
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaeJRtiApO
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOFok1aHsY
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhglumbRuae
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPxHqx2a06
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1tLwRZ8Zd
"W-Wait, put me down first!"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QyCfD9CPU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8hd06NN1E
"Eh? Why?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6LotuBi5g
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tWlaS7o7o
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hDtV0uXX0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9jlxUJnKF
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0vQokdbyf
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPqSMWIV9M
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB1Prsly3u
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFFPAQoRMD
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6VWwd6TzY
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlA1DZEi7U
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGTX0SMFa0
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZXKgcZhAu
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s76TBUSNV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKemqqkMQry
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRLrAOzfX7
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCmmsj0AvE
"...It's dusty and shabby."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y1DYD2DfC
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmoJSqwZhh
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHyYbrl6Qv
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZakwvKJbf2
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVeQKTzRJO
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tNVX8SByJ
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbfz4HDFkX
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xgQXYLMn7
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QFAqaoqcz
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZucDVWTO4D
"You two ready?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lent81mnm
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGLPO75ShW
I nodded.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO0SiO7XCT
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4LO5t3HpG
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR3zdrxlTK
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfOJmoZ4GI
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdcpLmUZxD
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisNmfbdOLn
Juke and I nodded in reply.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66guHOkDOV
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsS6uf5vEX
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiPA3BAnEU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjS0fmzETl
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4v4zBQYTU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6po7zWA0j
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Egh1AaAS
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYP8vBpRPL
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj8JoFq1Ee
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQyfHQK6B3
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8di8j0acMe
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBqMfVKT4S
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLeGZFAweb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoPKSKgCQY
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuDJlxTnBU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI3xIPMzBb
"Don't sweat it."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7I7IddkM9
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQnQa8Kf7U
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYeTYlaBIQ
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9uMdestHg
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUFXpd0TKE
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwDYXTxcKR
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbVGBlopWa
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zNxDNPHBA
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyOCjjfFxM
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU4gvawjUq
"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–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ivljcm80B
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAcqFd4vr6
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdhvgW6wEg
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ5aktZiVO
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSk7VfTiVL
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVjJA8I6TX
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I6N6ywWUX
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC2DtAiwdE
"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?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixiroKhFk8
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8vklPYXak
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ6vRXMxtz
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgGoT154Jq
"Backup?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0aEEG4IYi
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDef3JK8Po
Pars nodded.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCebBdJLki
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6mlXLy1XD
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PR9V6iLeq
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQaXDDul4M
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVQPoSUUhS
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1seemDsKqN
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCea4Q9IvUI
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8gbDzTQnn
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CGhEh2gfn
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOccFQjKS1
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79GlbB3hwW
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOHpsZ4gpr
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKLUIaKJiY
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOe2iYskNR
"A-Are you serious?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wpx5SDTp6
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaOUbtT2qA
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7yxCuunwf
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbySq89RqY2
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGLtBrnHwt
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuPiOqBclp
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxxdv87mlA
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2ec37jRCl
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgInF84FRjG
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUfdR9PDGG
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyLo52Dfww
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xv1CsplYS
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsoDpabjQi
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPD0lqqBuo
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8rgAyDbRm
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqnmLr9ptq
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKi77bd7io
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl21nRVTTAc
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eKcQnF6KI
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡje4rktf8Oa
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor0CjqaRlO
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgvWH7WfaK
"...Gotcha."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbw9AqT7CL
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMSUHneE9e
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdYtNniA0q
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwqacezEn3
"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?"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO90ul0YrNb
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsGWN8MIAV
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTLGfE0nmR
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9JsiF87IB
"I... I will. I still want to help."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DymmcORha
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxaMsz8HXt
"...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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rmdnpTGzt
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk1ZEUOidy
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5u2na8h6R
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh35pht65Sg
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlWKp5EMW6
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU7d2HyGXz
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqIcOZYqR5
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUq3mPtX9Y
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraXPyL22Hz
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO96rMMKgG
He let go of Pars' hand.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAokEWUWZQU
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BLj7Kcrox
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEkvHVyhiu
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUf6nXayYv
"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."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZhtZD5K2S
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFEJfS2HuI
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ91K4f7uS
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznOfyYZsB1
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡireqZ4quPC
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWkbUUjV4y
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhSiekRZlq
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoxJivv1jH
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3r6AEQIC6
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYwnSDbPop
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OVMc6Rd7J
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOvKSHkU0V
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHH9lPcFwN
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrM9qEn4b3
"...I shouldn't waste any time."186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S2TA9Tvm6
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gq3bFxfy7
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.186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAF1DPTBpj
186Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGKKU0yv2k
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
