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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG9N0ntI4J
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7YY4S7m58
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqcEZmNAKv
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CmZhovv7w
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTayIV9kFbE
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCU4gQsCl3
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8utQfFOz2
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ziWjzg9DX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5kwEek1Hq
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaMV2N67qW
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCkg2TEK4t
"Ya know how to make one?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B1NSSBFsG
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUai5R8nD5
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoowNGilTTo
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mw414IQSg
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTlKDc4xxl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIbtGiY7wn
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hb1uufaZv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS59yQuOStd
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cwdVvaHcX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfinKJNweG
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUuMLfnSyX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G0OihboT2
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDisefwf6Co
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPiMJr64hi
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHdmfyCtPL
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZCaVmDWw3
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS1vlb1xIu
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"Uh... well-"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKGIMh4tn3
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGzCDmodEE
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bzDuwIFTI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptAlrCNeHh
"Ah, of course!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pbZUpcUC1
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB01nN8M0R1
Pars rubbed the back of his head.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9FJ4MtaJa
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0lkVvt9Da
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXjOreA0qE
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCDgkKFXyB
"Juke."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUFZGD1tZa
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPfnTtkXTX
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD52jlgDvQz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfPEDNq8Ur
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA9viSjr4x
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0q4y4pvuG
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlccFgZNI6d
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXi4DxEuzf
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbo7AgZuLy
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM3AA0gj9y
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPxOB7m5BC
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa2pN1kjtk
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC01HwkhBlx
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxcdiKtFWX
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpeYQNmc7J
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AJVHCvhyz
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj7agL4ZaL
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"I did this to myself, though."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePvUXK1bCX
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bqMoCeTaK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmElym8MJwm
"You're just lying to them, though."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpevnQ5A9P
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXTWdONP2s
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68Rbq4WwoI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcOFWMt6Nm
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTowQ3Chx5
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCjqdWSGqr
"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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37B4lxkunn
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvG5zNSFL0
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhhFushXRH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQdB7451OS
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RzKVPKjwQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXepjFFvfCm
"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!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd4F5ZdwJO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpnPMlpmSC
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmKXQLxz45
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2kUGzOZVY
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfLrUzF0St
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDqaAD8f8G
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ14ejfumpz
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeGrGnbQz7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5S4KL5nNE
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpwemZwG5r
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jBkTQG7X8
"I'm flattered."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLL6fLDM9q
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIgV2X93jE
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBU3PlaGqT
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu6joxWAMd
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbvgkFQwte
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ccffVXPO9
"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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGbT1cpj7I
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8lsZsb97J
"..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwasIwky8Qw
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTq97ss6Q7
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc69YQ60UI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaymGdiJgvp
"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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY4vYMF7Pr
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGodGFjB9XH
"...I don't like where this is goin'."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1C4k9Kmjs
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHGnxqfnnf
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaCEi0YKMB
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4Zy9XO2ry
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNDSClea7a
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkECYhirMfV
"...The hell does that mean?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW0Bcd0FJA
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1yRdrGXzo
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEUiRrS8bY
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs11udnucBA
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBJBFmF12K
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhGBMjoHDq
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLXDzszzz4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33ydwZqKpk
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHKRnWcawS
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwSiWLltjr
"Haaaa... shit."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojlknUAW1a
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHuSK966eZ
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXvzi59P92
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmNtOonkuT
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"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmd8RgGRxb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YLAMqA6US
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7mGKn7piW
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa4NBCXfgv
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNV71UoAOBk
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFYb1Ve0ls
"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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g3TzhEiep
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN6fLKspbn
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6JVo2ovCR
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GRXJbmqqs
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24uy9DoXV7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5Aj1PfIaz
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN3UuZNhCc
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ozUsxtuLQ
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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNQac3szsz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpYOr9ZWBg
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT4oHErvDC
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfdVCwo3nk
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JMOgxcDR9
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXveW0FZaWw
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgjd35FRNR
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHXI3TBPaZ
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6wx3NpGCw
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO97ZJAYyC
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgoq3I9Hqg
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VIu9RBD1S
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofxZaCZZVc
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8u4FmbhUO
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrVksjgvuc
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wvqfCdHma
"Come on, I'm just joking around."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNry05BPnS
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAaMwwlXZq
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qSoxD8Vm8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSkrPQdmik
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWLcVCDMbK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoXnKMd0yj
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVUmbaTzBq
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UmFnO8chq
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1f4lszhV8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzyZ3FaRAp
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN8QRTRMRI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS8gcJijkW
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsWM2ia1i0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1LeMslohK
"Ya good to go, kid?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEFx9B068C
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0orsrUVit
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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPuWQ70O54
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf6lZaMTBJ
"My name is Dave."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kqEyBvFnS
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam5g1RshW8
"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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4rl5JoVKT
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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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3Z9Iy1fZy
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmyNU6W39I
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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PXlCQ6OxK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zbIW4GwjB
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIQDkPfrgt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu9RacBTvE
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUoKlwH5bz
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsatQ9fInS
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORAThYbZZT
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7iF5SHWAS
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9jf8BSyDj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrerHhp52z
"How many are there?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM7p4DUZYf
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUpRUnBJ9z
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLRwTBy12d
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj9HYpeDsA
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaumgbmSNmL
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVJVvLynYc
"...Come and judge for yourself."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMw8WEVEmM
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGOC6XUa0h
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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9efJl3sN1G
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yyZz07tlP
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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfUOJEvyqu
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx9vCNTAK1
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp3FIjaf5U
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WLTcWGWPT
"They're okay, right?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTEmR8JsE6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbrxUhRPp4
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE0ZfTB19F
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Z8YhIIgFZ
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DJo3l7X7e
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FfRj8rC5s
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlwoE0lnAh
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7pe1oTXRQ
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF5Zg5mgxI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi5TjfOnAM
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBeE0yMIJ7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5Lq96wxOe
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsknDoQjspW
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhVV8kcDcj
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXHr8zkXR7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuc2l73QyZ
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDFOj7juE8
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EaX8XJ2qO
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPLEfFfvhQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDGe66Gae1
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cXZcN1wiK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44tmASAYoT
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1fEPWMkVD
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJATrr7OiI
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4PKeXDUbv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RIRXlyvhi
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilSCtQsy0X
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb97OXvpfK
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYddMSivSU
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXBSGQNvNH
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7It64b4OZ2
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2yxjVXTqt
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFszDIvY5d
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYeOnZWP4q
"W-Wait, put me down first!"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHp03MDumb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPml2elhX8e
"Eh? Why?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJaiqBrCdB
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjkrMXZUzA
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFKPBr6e9f
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Sc5dDj7MK
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EHSwO2cm4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7d4Dzs3ER
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQ231sIENa
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKzTb6qBaP
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTqttZ9dFq
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YimwqR1Sm
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6Ozdipl8Q
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxbheGPkVg
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ9LRKPhnX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZIMcMOVKB
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtOufJHdha
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ0GeGJ6fB
"...It's dusty and shabby."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsPf6DvDGQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxQwFVwJ7s
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI5Qf0LK8h
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhl74pki2L
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsbFrAGmcF
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05TtDJCy2A
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v0pKfrYrG
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h2vzy2CiX
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQGGpiaZmO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRahpGfGGRH
"You two ready?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEOu6mie5H
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRzwbTRMmM
I nodded.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6sqUY85tA
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9fQm9AVDw
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZgMNjh9dt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtBDXmacYZ
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfXnp4ZXsv
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUcAW3YB0d
Juke and I nodded in reply.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLni7cAvLb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrxF2Wd1aG
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibdRdrpYrj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dRS8jUmL7
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNRFP15M5M
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFgxUzVAlP
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdF42wkeBI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBZpdXPQSQ
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliK14s8tuS
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzTMLmqzV8
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg6cAAr2KV
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpYLzC6TIY
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL4G1SMWyI
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7wY7SqZH3
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvoh0w4XuO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzM8A4dZdH
"Don't sweat it."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4M9f5JNi0
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmhSDGrSEJ
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEORjnWtabG
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bwxmsx58y
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpXp6e2gCM
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRQXIFeAc9
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW7VrA5RNj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhnvhYbUCK
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8NX4E7YbF
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhioE8W4Gk
"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–"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloI3g2ZfAJ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR9z17vJkF
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11gHbXIJhu
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoSLtm8wBS
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAN1pXPhCO
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25nTahatDR
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJErikKz9g
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUzJVx5kG1
"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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgG6Smi1fk9
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrI4F0QFwr
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRwkgrAuGj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMeHSZVLIf
"Backup?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkhifBAZ8i
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9V1At7scN
Pars nodded.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UxhXpBtiX
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHFOh4AsrA
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrWR20vkJb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCElkYOOUj
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b0Ww9Siwx
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsxEIl4I2y
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc91kNIPOPQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkDeUetjib
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD06tQOG2j
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14oOQNYBzx
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm1lKdYYGw
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ARO7x2M0X
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5WrVWcdHl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw08eZdXaiF
"A-Are you serious?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0ZML2JetH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ie3Eqj8wD
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywtXX1RzQC
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnFGNojh82
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36l6BHFQZP
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJQs3qmSvp
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF15P2viktt
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8d90VqyYj
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2PJpsHIwK
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCqzoHO3ye
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrCOpmkaGB
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqpuxedNwT
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKOYrtx1ez
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs5cgJGhzf
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2tEMxXJTA
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbChaf82NB9
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkwuiyTcjj
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaT9ibb4Pj
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTesF5oPykc
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM30VZON0VA
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSYMU8kQLl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvM8jW1dm5
"...Gotcha."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfnrzzwZ01
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTbXu5IYcX
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFKeqO0H70
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGE8RXmd98
"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?"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FqgS0fAj7
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosTkR3fz8x
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErgyao71sl
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv0Agn2f2W
"I... I will. I still want to help."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKjmnZ5YtT
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sdNLiUeMP
"...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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q4BhiIqG4
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5BXtlTe4A
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGyqU4TCEp
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mmOdRRiUl
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4LUI8NKQb
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0AixqYH5k
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5YJZEELiD
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQd1ZqRzp0
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzblD5IJO3
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkVVNwzkNV
He let go of Pars' hand.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixBWnx3gQ1
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvYnpKHlK5
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk568ZhlVZ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQse9vD01b
"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."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXMP2c1vX6
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uwziQsTPo
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9EjYXeJF9
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5365qxPd7
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCxL7LtByQ
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjXYWVpvvI
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXoega8g7t
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqh9v1GPFFN
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lBN3wz0CG
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAzShfKaf1
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvapX4uq5M5
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG8JLcBcjx
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOcK3xtO4V
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63Lqa1sgM4
"...I shouldn't waste any time."211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2rwEUC0vH
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhRAno66TR
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.211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPqQh1xxeW
211Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImn9OQfTqJ
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
