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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhOt5ngZoU
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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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2KLyHyxM4
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMBHPIN35I
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjoE3ZiIG5
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MlFasTygX
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgsI7d9iJ5
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yOkOYMfps
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevbUxFJSpz
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ELNuycW5Z
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstdp6ld4fk
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HAd7znCGv
"Ya know how to make one?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Nw199Ewj
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsTKOlGeGo
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jUPVahvpM
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6Ew3S5SEC
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1cJwNiqLn
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5WSzhcCdh
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWNtWcYS48
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXpUOLIt95
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Bjksc4dJQ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm12XVjgBi
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mxcXaSlx1
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJiDUtaWrn
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYrfNHvbqi
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WzmPXXfS0
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMTCdU6uVM
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtH4NVO8i71
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaldRbD68cP
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tmSpVnrZ8
"Uh... well-"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS8vH4qICR
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXSJC5jXiO
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JfbzNPWtH
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxjqfIfHOT
"Ah, of course!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wOEuQfwlS
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26eVE4ZDvm
Pars rubbed the back of his head.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKQ4AR5II5
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXNIAaa8cF
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkNog41VOZ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv9Vd1w2xc
"Juke."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwegQOuJ9R
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES0ZHDYgpD
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdt5z0ysqe
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVhzh06CVu
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OqvgZWn3G
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLiI3j7luA
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSiLet2C1G
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhSGRFMrST
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEUxOpAL3P
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo0EAMFChe
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5SlEVbAcS
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLon99wcpIC
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjzB7iYtMt
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUd3y1FUHG
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr8aKjFI4E
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiwumhPUr4
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0MC5KBUt0
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAitL0rM6V
"I did this to myself, though."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmZ4gpSKbf
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9MuuTQKtX
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwLrVz8QuM
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTUKnibwF6
"You're just lying to them, though."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmKEh7Vfa0
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtsI0WG4vs
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYRSDxK3qs
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BDgZF17vJ
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFr5yionnm
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95ouZOon64
"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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWjnacKhpV
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGILpBs5VmT
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hk8NIWaJh
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu8aoN4Hig
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy6uGGDvNj
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnIxv28stx
"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!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALNkJs22xI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xVLcLBfuj
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80qTM7h26i
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdoYsU88Be
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GFUCMPeir
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LKrUUjhbh
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeAfZ8mGV9
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXHzgKnUDJ
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRav57QkR5
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM7VGYQnYz
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHGu6hIYnu
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDNvxLEyYB
"I'm flattered."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf7XBNKEub
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2k9Pd03d1
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfItv3RaR9
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSkIc1gPy9
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3sISxeid9
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6zZZbDQK5
"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?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucWkhbL1No
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoawlcRroU
"..."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIqdIJpSG7
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTfTAujW6Q
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W3iU4ulci
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsRSGTk0V1
"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?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl94hdGYi0
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoELtWPUcnm
"...I don't like where this is goin'."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcObJgMcBhL
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FjKQdGAjf
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSleTbgDoU
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5WDpUgAQo
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKitDCd91E
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo65sDlg9M
"...The hell does that mean?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ090FlxAf9m
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEj3WINBsB
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2pbl4b8fm
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu1gJYVACT
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9tPywqNJ5
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUjjwwRDrp
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdv6Kl1byB
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHExZM3Ob71
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZggPpfV9y
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJd2Iu3oBu
"Haaaa... shit."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHBBLRtEoN
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbw5M60Ukk
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2Z6SWOMrG
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6vrsOmTZR
"What does that mean for us," I asked.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFohbPQ6JN
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefrM0Rdnhv
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODITUfSTlr
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEgP75OyvV
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWKr3C1vPZ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnU3u8I0me
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILgd6Ihii8
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4dlqZIcUu
"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?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjLHubuJ0R
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdPPpAeC4a
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtARvk4uLn
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVLkFlCoNA
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2vo6epdgZ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGr1fMh2ZB
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10n9DNNbeJ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZn2fVM5Jd
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?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAILRcKNpz
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq57efOyE5P
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs43ZzGivvm
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3nkqTXcLO
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7N4JfkDEE
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCW4JPx4qq
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGy79bqM4f
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqtIy0bDBq
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoHLksrHCK
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwHvZM3gcC
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nqRDuZIrI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtbtakO7Yh
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdwuuUx7pI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDwSEdzRKo
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPgtUOLFHd
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUjW5cRDxw
"Come on, I'm just joking around."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjrtK5H9xA
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5H7XwBTZd
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vu9x4EpOo
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKpvYddrjc
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ6EqSPJbg
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeKE0jZCfm
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN7GH1ak6Q
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeMEWH2prI
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9vlQ9MrVS
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXvVB534BT
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2X5WTCuMO
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0qOaqWwn6
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i1PyRsLAA
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6koLUszdAf
"Ya good to go, kid?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy5lkJjsbS
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMiy63pHsb
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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh5vryrpcg
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySxcLxDKpO
"My name is Dave."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK4liYt1Dc
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwuHemz19p
"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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLu6XezyEs
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VnAWciuqs
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBj3jxchub
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewbsjmdmzI
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?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23R6HegOIA
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqbixk5CWS
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpfoTLpJGm
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJT25FZQEg
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbRmISqmnL
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJcfITWzHr
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb5mBw30R8
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92o1O4XZ6M
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJVVe0XseD
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0Qov9V80s
"How many are there?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IvAmYwqNT
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2U6UUZrGc
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDf9jAmZQL
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZc2UyLPeg
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0fvsPl9t4
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rGhDBYn4C
"...Come and judge for yourself."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYfwJIFjfl
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L0alZ5Vna
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?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf0DRkPN5m
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C5tGsDCTD
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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqP7iaDk4U
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k714b0ncC
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPlFbep0zQ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIUoIW53S3
"They're okay, right?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsSPMJMC9p
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UPvRwEtPN
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDGKaphL8W
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN3CN0BOiI
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yW5WwXecZ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i5Fp6yoyZ
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzNIGdGtc0
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw83Gr6osy
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75itekcw53
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLYVJPz2Sh
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS07awN2Qd
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq1iVgBZoD
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyfUe0bIKd
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3USjdObVjP
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13QSDdJXaI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY2P1v5GaL
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO90H1xi6sq
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPouqUcCBCm
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgGX5I4lz3
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjrHOzf2Tz
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2tqYKAVrX
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjTjBYKoWp
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsorhHWJfPj
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqzBy7tb4V
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1NeV9KN7K
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6iTzTe0E2
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ3vPuXNG8
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ549UBML82q
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYeERyRcHo
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw38XmGOaC
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5FKTbHHiW
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbQOFFAAIt
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CdQsjX3OI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloJAB6IiL2
"W-Wait, put me down first!"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmsbO8wTrf
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufN9s4bttT
"Eh? Why?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcdaANxTxH
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjOO24iNSA
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw1fvkU9p2
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb15aJozanB
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1rxIJz7Pz
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2PJ4xfk9O
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6VcX5fsXG
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajrRigRkmr
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkBVFgkXhd
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNV0Qls2kl
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5QpBeodl6
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPFyidzPZ3
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQx52bM52R
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJAw1zAWlE
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaACV8oIyMG
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVi849e4Gh
"...It's dusty and shabby."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuootrPqWQ
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA0gUwLUWC
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJmHFyDEcE
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI41ulAW6X
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjye7JNuw3
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZL6PyvI6m
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY3C7Eccpz
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQWfWXIEK9
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPVSVfORsO
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH4en3vgNi
"You two ready?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajeaPNfdOt
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP8r5MVst7
I nodded.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAAkXhqAD9
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer0xsOeCQN
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodOtM3NwX3
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfKhWYvx8M
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTRiW1pFfg
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKcvT89zZS
Juke and I nodded in reply.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHlBftrtMq
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA3oi7ILz9
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTeIy9WWmW
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMsq4DvLVQ
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKQ8CPibSi
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOYdfeJgfX
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcuThFXkBN
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceKz2Cu5kv
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HIOcLRVJ0
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7JJ69aq1D
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg1x58g6Rx
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUUvFLdZrx
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ldrGqMy08
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRjp4TOfSG
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfLdbq8N47
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwUllD0c37
"Don't sweat it."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjC6wcidUK
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOdjWcNkLn
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK5s7CoezI
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRedyVleTty
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KscUGtQss
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G5WXsHz39
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5AVCxgys0
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWW3IzkLj5
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpnWYtlabk
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBChBSVtIeb
"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–"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDybPeNdRp2
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTVKPIDsOD
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUStk7XwZd
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAyzg1jmn3
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7dp86anT2
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsmpOV1irq
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVfgaq83Tt
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfVQvwaPbE
"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?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh7VjnGdFs
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EXasBKir1
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMus8qm5WWF
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGZdmUeVtd
"Backup?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kze3QMPd7
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3vcOWRMSI
Pars nodded.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TGvSXD6Dv
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKDtpkMrq3
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKsFMqrzKb
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKeDAsOkum
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNfV9Xn4vP
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx2NnGN06X
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLOzulTLQF
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L1cGpbOEa
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0OKdh4hwm
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmyfKjtdlz
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfPvRG0xQo
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxIGZ1F8YQ
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6shmmB8KT
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ142jRqNpY
"A-Are you serious?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx6n2JCo77
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1MGeXRUug
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln6Ywo6n1U
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdaKxuI7Io
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFmAfrj6A5
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS4l58qbJU
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVstgx5tg4f
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDwgh5BUFy
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVleihj5CR
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3A5ZjB4u7
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtybCZiQ9L
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcP2bSjpno
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Wv0YwEZgF
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBkXWOd8rj
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjjRiOrmDT
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5VouvHP2U
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18iWrdRPel
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZBV4T7uKs
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0oqOBqkAE
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsLpz7xcib
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBTuWqWk0z
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwSVmHYuhv
"...Gotcha."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ18FYCmlt8
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC2uer4AUl
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwBCu7r0ks
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxiQUD7bQG
"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?"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vdmHrOQfs
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjSPyTiIjj
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx0zaQMzaD
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRUBqjBuQK
"I... I will. I still want to help."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f7IxrKAQ4
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g8n4gSIuU
"...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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwSqRobQoy
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETBjFFVzqY
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpPv9P0oDX
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE0jEnPvN6
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnsvEICVPd
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gZG3vHMgN
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V3GprqEYs
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE08IAsLKB
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUfAZRDGdz
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBTh5MN3a1
He let go of Pars' hand.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOvbVRPP6M
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eGigilJDg
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsmCUjHRg2
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JFkVsXhIq
"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."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzn6xmFaJn
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03nJYYODJY
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaWvs9MPbj
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaeKXNtrlN
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05ALEE4VaK
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItwkWcVu9X
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydo5pIePmH
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe1xXa5NvX
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80bEgwqdmU
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09t5eA1vnb
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpojrXdRwCE
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYUHesoVgM
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYi3nekFPe
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa0glEBCRZ
"...I shouldn't waste any time."236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj4DC3dNhc
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix5w436eZb
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.236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNdw7aqSjG
236Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT8rdGbZN9
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
