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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMhIQcgarA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ038NnGMKao
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lBAdKZKEU
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUGzrnY0cg
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCifKSzK2MZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGJseADNxV
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNZ6Gey0OG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ023jI1luxI
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrdXIgqLAh
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbwbWEdqi9
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGHCIMzjIx
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKUCZmuOEq
"Ya know how to make one?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIA8kW6j7F
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUts2eMaI5O
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmr2T5N2Xb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yQ9uXun90
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo8zVKkiJF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw0jDeVJba
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyfDHd7959
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF4EFoPlxd
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3os4ctSFb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43bht6rmJo
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qyc80AHvv
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOajt8rBDPp
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUIJA037GZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpkh160tF9
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7A6K6XvaT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ0Oxi3SWG
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjVecv8x5M
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8corEF7I8w
"Uh... well-"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH7dsd1tLJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBQZwNuyxB
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHUgAOi4lS
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8A6OEVUnMO
"Ah, of course!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZcMK8IT4y
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQhz4bV2X4
Pars rubbed the back of his head.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyfJfmRIkd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LPlYkXgua
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMhGKmLf0T
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohNtTqYJqW
"Juke."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUTf4Xvnjz
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeNoFf9r8q
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4paNwQg38Q
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI4JXIGxkI
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNImfJaJTQI
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWduNR1tNrI
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStEjByxOCy
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa0OQXi9rG
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjEejcazCz
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsEMzHBkfm
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLL1Gk5eXp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3WmmYVQXZ
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosULvR4Yay
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizrkYGwp4Q
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuJRFOoggN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJhRJoQlBT
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtXc3DQHch
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo8xF492Lx
"I did this to myself, though."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlNcTq2vTN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8gc7SGPk5
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon229wUXCJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKg9c1PzZz
"You're just lying to them, though."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b92eR0uUM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ0tbsJKeV
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4vpHcPHbw
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHFRsky5Sk
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMePBRhXZm
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E9PuBVzHy
"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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5cU4UrByk
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH7RAb4Dol
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ5VUNoGaJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK17ZYTuPn
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU183U5ftS
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcZj4sfCtg
"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!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t9ZuTlNjs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPC7H1stpm
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQW18nilDo
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOpz7jH7ri
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDuxwYpd9J
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95p83Dtjun
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHAOkGflqB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz2YfAOgc4
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3HY7i7XH4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFRTYT6W9d
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzKpwJbZ4u
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3Yhr11Vp9
"I'm flattered."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjamIXAOUVT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnrhRmh1iv
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQejKdCPbP
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9KU9N3qve
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM4siYOSpr
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyuu3mQD04
"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?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNU7qYcqwy
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt227f3gcXC
"..."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vjmmRriPA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0zpfhlkWg
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Oq0KcEr5L
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x63KT9p0z
"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?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHgNQqpJMs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4uzXa56Yp
"...I don't like where this is goin'."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvss5KHFFM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXditT2i7xF
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRVxDeynpo
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjmSJQBBac
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJr2AZnIdx
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ15Vk5O4Rn
"...The hell does that mean?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDczZLLf14
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4l6dJRLEw
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPG6lVaBea
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztlFMHTIGC
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6kKRpqn7j
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuNIsJhpop
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OUuabHzRZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSkW8ATh5U
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfP3ou3YMs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bupfuqR6b
"Haaaa... shit."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjkdXineRJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PQW9hcT6y
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbmfRIJphF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsgbODeSdg
"What does that mean for us," I asked.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP08eIFYfd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FHsGi8FBb
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsSfbNipw0
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpU74R6neD
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZHMQBBnoa
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTD0UGHSCw
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp31C5MoyI8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9LvuTGUZh
"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?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrpuD2S4zu
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJF2HA5rjQ
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZywPtOtJW
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKJUvCGMgJ
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VG5K6UKe7
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UdZ4PWTuK
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMx8r2kjiH
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WfAtxyLHU
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?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT39EFEUCA6
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL83WFmakkM
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA0lWUASZJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSIbi5Kinw
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZcQdlAdPp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ5U6GFUiF
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CCBARU1S8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF7GRMiOUQ
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DjjwFHk6t
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUsxr7IhHG
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYkVVLp9uX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JghjW8RXH
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqrJI8WOMG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWk5rk7XEvC
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85LQif0kr1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw42lehGhF
"Come on, I'm just joking around."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR6LY6oB8J
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOwH9acAOm
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HInwbtie0
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozDqMGyjYR
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssqj4EvWmN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPim08Ki5Il
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM2YRD6PqD
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS0COHcCnv
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaSnnbj9jX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKV2Eytak3
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakhbu26TD4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLk0MBIkwL
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KQovZTgUO
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76Tr14CoQm
"Ya good to go, kid?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sx8PS2HGs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLPOdMINCN
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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNQMTWhTRg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyJQcchtKv
"My name is Dave."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxF9bHpigq
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMN9slgaDX
"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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0JAgNAGmz
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gulPtGUnA
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgkVlJpFLP
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3rGEWvyzR
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?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dhSaW4BGB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1tJUNvMCn
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiPeesNjkd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsF4B4TJDt
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOIOc62BYV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhx1Si4NQJ
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQBE5nB8Cm
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmvXbsinUu
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrX5BL7T9P
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTelfw6zKJw
"How many are there?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6aV1B9hZs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSkm0ADS67
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4kqmTtdhM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4rPulpDVM
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMdcIq0CYJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyExU1pVo1M
"...Come and judge for yourself."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawRMi81imV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgts9zZTzx3
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?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUBB2OpiWi
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm00eFhOGQ
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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca2OR0hNWO
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLYMieYexg
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM90C7gMNrg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrocHTMJ6Mz
"They're okay, right?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEK6pHSqnf
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpGo19bH86
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv49vdLf3AK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaTgTBplFO
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGr189RIEL
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU8fT0pHXB
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNTP5eLbEP
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeOErwazWE
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJWimWcHBe
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIx0sesmng
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMtcxZDey1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNTVI3VqPb
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0c4RY4KKXG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBxa5oq4wt
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuC8cUfK99
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x9PyxmWwV
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08HDKZOwxJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBTIkIINxA
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNikC90xuM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoI0b57eWJU
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIITWu3xxM1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EulrpZFXr
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraQvQwqfeC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ai4Aw4hUF
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23xaKnflPW
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JvAHfdsK4
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FDWyJK7F8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RJ0sQDY6c
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wqMRblfyV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYQs1zRE2u
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw32vZu4WCX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxztL70DIjG
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmsTYIxGJd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYNf19LcHy
"W-Wait, put me down first!"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZKVMRxX2S
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P40dX8vkj
"Eh? Why?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFm9VqAzjg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJdNVi8pae
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqbkepyfNF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeN7MMhAeo8
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c88vdvgO1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieQGcdymce
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XSFYLbfcX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtqjOJ12JG
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtakBao6aUl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqby3z7ch2
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHzpVmbFTE
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFCAlftqLo
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6b7y9PUQF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakEUXBMYEa
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ouFsRdEWs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbIW5hkXNY
"...It's dusty and shabby."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuoH1KKzGZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5En6Lu5Ap
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONjxU5h9YU
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6F728wBlY
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJlmZvckDC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSe1jEKH26
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVi9Pqgsyc
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OQ8ExXFFE
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4XMBECAIM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddg1W99o1a
"You two ready?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwmLH9CP0x
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkthvQrQQ9
I nodded.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFdB8nTpOt
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡino2iewJ0J
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICRnSs6g5w
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEox97mzaTq
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QOvbgFiNA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWV4zoyI6G
Juke and I nodded in reply.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DhesrwKM5
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT78v3Kf9aQ
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2qGaiEdSo
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdHaBxcJhj
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWb0YrBOW1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9fQSBMNFi
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYZ0qz34Wj
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY19a4uOAUd
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGidfY1pHoC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezfxR5QvdH
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszNyCvYK50
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVw1jSW4he
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPbXUGrpgl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK8rvTWB8a
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrkuyoYlDN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLnQ7fRNXs
"Don't sweat it."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTgTwZ9DI1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOduHviRAh1
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgoVHtY03t
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXQMZNtrpA
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhQ4iRCJNl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n64a85y6T
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtP8vFslU8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLpvHt5Xs4
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzS8i6y0Jy
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HqrWgHRey
"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–"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUgw5kBBtK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHLXJL5WZf
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR4mqtZg6n
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwUH7XWAWY
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZhzXLBsYm
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQEtdrzOMe
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF486MuSPzj
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHtP0WzWKH
"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?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpO0afXH3o
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVnD99oarK
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeMPJoDz5f
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl5EEYmmaV
"Backup?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitXzzmyi5t
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDR3Vtt1Ib
Pars nodded.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNtThluzuS
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELNWKGzots
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNWddcxbZ3
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3JqcgmSM5
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovW1dlTcJg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GDMScttjl
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOoo6uAV36
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5T6eQ2dia
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekGsY1658D
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCUYy2vt5C
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMVhdEeZlv
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4WcLWpXcr
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc8ummCd7a
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFTCzKfCBG
"A-Are you serious?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX7imZMToy
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVmsxX7tuM
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLdfrIBOgJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF14JD9GIfe
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP2BikB5GJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlfqkCZwVw
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3R8KsQ22l
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP9WHXuGM2
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTFKsWcc2d
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidSXvFackZ
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy8pzPRvf6
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0keI8OpdCq
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI8vgg4u7I
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1v6GfRor9
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MtvVcEQAq
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl4ZMbOEc8
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gibk7BB6Q
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaItH8ZSuEf
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKBjOcnmVP
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19vi2wRBXL
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTr73R7VoZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uiyaxwxxC
"...Gotcha."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eM1VAUNm9
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfazYWiC2W
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdjdjJcjql
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4epfJeizc
"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?"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhXaFztLjD
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHce6aKULVK
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDWZt2UNoj
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYkpiGwZqq
"I... I will. I still want to help."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd1AwL7CJm
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMUuBzp5Ng
"...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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq2uBz7mBr
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCAoaEzY0n
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAEAHVvve0
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzyXS9Wrvs
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpJYnoJ5ki
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVipa1JNaL
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89FZfvNsg2
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIr3tRHFnq
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpqJT6FtL0
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIDArwfWyU
He let go of Pars' hand.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7cSqifZWY
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVtHfZ6mzJ
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitixRbgkba
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBihj92hg7A
"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."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa084SCKrJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTWvCrXdCM
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34kShGW8HZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayyIu4ABql
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfuDMIAq6V
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSI2mbm9Bo
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KZVg0wlmX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFTaVdrEry
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRukFLUvuWV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5YFqzdXC3
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkyyX6nwPl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFAMV0zeQE
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo0GzHL8D3
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk8AG2HnwA
"...I shouldn't waste any time."242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkUgYsNkTN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVKMH44N62
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.242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkd6uzzGvb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQIOyQXtc3
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
