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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhiy0d40JY
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoY62VuTpQ
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Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa23znmkz5E
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"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODzvs5JLak
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We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc4Orq28lX
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5j2ULQcBt
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqh3fC8GWA
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCTUGM6kTk
"Ya know how to make one?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbBVCyOcyz
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAi74zEjjp
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXapI3IYZf
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He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQpERLCguL
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBQfVUiAua
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyXY00jLoi
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzrfAKoLfb
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyA58mRQPN
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"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vniG5fJUS
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGqynsh3zt
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsdVjnGSb5
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"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPeCT5TuVD
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq62vdBJ05
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrfRxfuDdy
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"Uh... well-"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFsrwsDvDj
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"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0XriSwoWb
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"Ah, of course!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJeeEjJI2A
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Pars rubbed the back of his head.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClPKQYJzE1
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wm2yhFPwK
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7ISo0uJdC
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzgHYFlZIc
"Juke."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAi2JDa1tu
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I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t3cpJS0sX
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vXmGccEyf
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuE5Z1bB4X
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"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CAZ8Db92d
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDfqiRVVzM
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPwQxVZjGk
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOsXe6L8vu
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjg1qd5vnU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCxoAiTIa1
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8248hIMvde
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"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrgfWs3U9x
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They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC1RJ0iwtC
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"I did this to myself, though."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCCf9Xxt8Q
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvuh2PkcY7
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"You're just lying to them, though."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1OxvCx5Rp
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VeGJk4dE0
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"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqZGkP0QCO
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LNez375e3
"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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLeUx2ySqT
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"Why were you two targeted in particular?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDdw84fShC
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrQwfMv7Gq
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"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!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaCrQHTWif
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86LulG4s7h
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfRPYoLAMO
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The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkA458A1jQ
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89kgc6r8gk
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcCRMASGMB
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsTK6ObBNp
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCRXWRaE0W
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPFSWKZbpH
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"I'm flattered."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HsjKtNaYD
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"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9KLZ6O8CV
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Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeckVYtvEA1
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"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?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnvX3qFbos
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"..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0d4PA9JmI
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xVennStNA
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"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?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfiaTEHijm
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"...I don't like where this is goin'."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1hnyTHytm
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzKhjwcYTR
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"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAX4OuLirT9
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVozOZCedR
"...The hell does that mean?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy6TeixCEy
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawSg69g7Bs
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfuKEJkB2S
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BL26gAfsB
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1ZdtgN1OM
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rfQuWDca8
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKSkRA4hAt
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh05NaV8cVH
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"Haaaa... shit."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TvDI8NZwI
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBomgb9ThpS
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSs9fghTx9
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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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8ggSzA1ZI
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ65OqlFRc
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0lVAtFLYd
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I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR1fZ8HdlD
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"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?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pwH0HTCnL
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWkfB8IjRb
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4hoaunYdo
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"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbTyuvZktO
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TBzaHwyz6
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3iy0sdsio
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQvCXOzrbh
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?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg2gmpvuci
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBI408UGbf
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdovDv6TT6
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"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN27pmXBdX
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYSFU8Tjgx
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUfMersril
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"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aiW6ckbCt
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRok9QsVIi
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefdfiymWC6
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"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSe0kCXa5g
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP7eO4FOBy
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjTr3sbiDh
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"Come on, I'm just joking around."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCmgFjxFDZ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaNSqCmfj6
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuiDddll30
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"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8NMenjiTJ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiw4hGYTjk
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrTEg4Hegr
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"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM7oLEbNoL
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvqnzQw9Mh
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMC5sG6edw
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"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lfSK0bwUW
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"Ya good to go, kid?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFZE1x1Luo
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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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokhhDasp20
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"My name is Dave."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2ijRi6VJM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLGX4VGGOG
"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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrs1QNLntu
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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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJOalseNt0
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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?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKde4pz6hdP
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEagoK7EqQ
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eVB11kYFc
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ob6EXtwdv
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Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXEmWKxT5V
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Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ITtbNctd5
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"How many are there?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd30flSkwy
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"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoFnBnL2om
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp1U2g93Vw
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7lfqVLJLj
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyjMki2Yms
"...Come and judge for yourself."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOYVvl9xBm
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3D5XJ3vq9
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?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUvZWvBoCG
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZtOj0Za8B
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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dMXJvOFC3
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKmqpN9FJx
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxLlvhAX42
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqGbaTJrjj
"They're okay, right?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEqRsmZKux
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNUwBqKReb
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfQq4WQIjH
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRy8srCCaGM
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhaE6BoX0s
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ094iY5vStE
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mRhYDMEnz
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ8fOkUT2d
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcPJ5f244S
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn9Z9OL1ne
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CdqCERFG1
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABdJ0q2GWU
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbig6aPbbCc
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQGhq10k6L
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ3cfpv1yr
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2vMTUDNeG
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26vCZonFFd
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mdf6slKxk
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBaF396BUb
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz18yQ5UBL
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8brux8fPI
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQqsOUlqk2
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpw6GHEO5J
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJfMDGVkm9
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn8FS0YHuD
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJqqJNITYm
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMvzzS5b75
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnv06HOl2a
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLxwYJ50Zk
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbZswykLP2
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh9S0bism3
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjoKshnT8O
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc5pG2Kuod
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1kDaPEQn1
"W-Wait, put me down first!"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSrmCTv3Vn
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLLhnni7y6
"Eh? Why?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBys3kKW1B
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypfHk09dui
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkIDRGTo7d
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPOogI3pzE
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5012B0TtR7
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlmP8TvFgK
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa6oLccoXJ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPONHvLIye
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JvsKm6mOh
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw1M9Kepqp
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgWj5iOrDE
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxRYg0nbK1
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKCYBRyl0Z
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxHS69JepW
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHfcaKefN0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWDQkWJaBu
"...It's dusty and shabby."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qVVD27tVm
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrNHJFEWD1
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eMMhOt1Cr
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2la9wFNhy
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RZye6QL9p
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopoBhHUI6E
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCRl6Zdk28
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZNMfbw16J
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv4DC4QRG3
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYmQg0qXXj
"You two ready?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ehk4qLp6t
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I nodded.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2RWzMg1PU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj3dFH1KPG
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpEi0g7LPI
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnArlY4OfDF
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdG6j6z8lF
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2rbgTrLFm
Juke and I nodded in reply.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPLTq4c5W6
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNv5zLE2A2
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJrVYi31f9
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FUdxduCkO
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlR7gRzX1l
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3H9fJEtcP
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1rqPPuQb0
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJil7xPThbJ
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3rSAEzNBT
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3SyAEXA9K
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3VultWCvr
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoSJns07a7
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wXFNuauuJ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQH4UPAs4b
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gM0ZRBVUq
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajLMhWg9el
"Don't sweat it."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebBjyqFYiu
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiIG53dPWo
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Z5liGRSw
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOIzEoaRrV
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmL3u3GRaq
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUX69vI2uaQ
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2XoBZDu48
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB2qv8ICYY
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL8CBgXUQS
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZXOoVyXl8
"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–"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTNIdQL3uW
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGAGZLPfJ7
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8kYC5EYe5
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RIUV0A4gT
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVLlB3Yn3w
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oA9ySbFzx
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArRT1Xee81
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKa3L2WOS2
"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?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePbL0rlAe8
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyhUj2pfe4
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9pLeDMIGR
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCYDry8E4w
"Backup?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFW5SbTQna
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6z0hFkKUC
Pars nodded.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Syh64Sooo
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"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5BwslOosK
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOU5hdiN2l
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB2GGrxeCm
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqZpB4ZpZG
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAXijvDuw4
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMGVAj7U2X
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvJ2KIkJO3
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSHtZwPiYD
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkhUxaCi9R
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66ZIi5v03T
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFZy9xHBcd
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GACSAuPVm
"A-Are you serious?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6wzvZHx1N
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZSo8PSdPr
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32ys0dVvc6
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51OBNyRrH4
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIxaf9Cnby
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv4jKmf4UT
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FpRAe7G9O
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUM9vVapNX
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPzWWVqaZw
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98ow3KXq1l
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4U2jc0NlX
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtKXMpiPBX
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUANP4LouBj
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOQyTE4j3P
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSJ5hkHyCQ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GDyiLyDXp
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RWhJh7iq8
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jBTmDlg5M
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4eSa7HyuL
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO2KI6iUJh
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtFP7NhGaG
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t7EqeBK0G
"...Gotcha."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SDX82JIiG
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVIjcCQqxs
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGncHQVPCd
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJGUXADyAM
"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?"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYbMK1zG95
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGuuHOQKPM
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXFNw5sPQP
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk0qW99pyf
"I... I will. I still want to help."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUekqN6QByd
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyyxuBe8xY
"...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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2u1KBlgM3
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iiQCr70K4
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0gbaCJNqv
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP9T6DOmFa
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoyxgajFoF
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQVyZQWqhK
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarQC1gzDpa
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IhdEnW2P2
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7igfl9rkU
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47MpNuNnMr
He let go of Pars' hand.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7w1FEVvM2
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPriU71tHd
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ7gjv3ypM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUKdrUPKLz
"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."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo5GLWwYLf
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKX6MC1iEd
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHzcX2kNmM
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY21Vkyci3p
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHJAvK4uUz
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GRmAjZNRP
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IERVn8Mu2
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXZ83pIyHG
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp063q5iCxc
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOGgzJRWer
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4OAAs3OpJ
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HhM8mdmgo
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPt304oPUG
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNEqaYzEe2
"...I shouldn't waste any time."210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwP8mlS4dK
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg5xfnyQKh
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.210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cIgJzTJws
210Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAvhVmtlwN
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
