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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsw6ODpe5V
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnWczz9rPn
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDCFVLDepc
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYyUnY9jBU
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ezu9XtELC
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsrZQyaImY
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iTxMuKwab
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUOJ4PyCtG
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7Oxhpa3Qq
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFs4iPXDjh
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGjlRlOfRA
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYsb8YcuXI
"Ya know how to make one?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFzf0zAFFW
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SGAU58ACE
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewhg7g4VP4
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0yY0QooHX
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzpIB9T3fQ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOP8CA5I76
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLKCjrIVql
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygmIIqTA6l
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dRx50Wkx7
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHEZdRoNXG
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHNO2jXHuG
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgVJ3ztlJi
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTUSDDBwtI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOiWL5aJcX
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sujmwgt7f
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeZ4ej8pPn
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAyZj5Jzxm
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik5onhzdvc
"Uh... well-"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAwbmWaSRz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg1XcY3rFN
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttR9kUxAwY
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63mvOZg3ZO
"Ah, of course!"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KeF6H2wfW
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiucmzMu3t
Pars rubbed the back of his head.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKU3CFDp67
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp8jleDXCy
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRpsORGeUX
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq2UvH0h1Q
"Juke."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLrdxbROcQ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrRDoFrcpb
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHQx01llJU
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkeOZYB71O
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEPbzxfhri
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3Ji6OfgL6
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDxhm5QSMz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjbVTYECzR
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpKIuAyMKf
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc2qvBsu7S
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZIyXqeSMV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxSRiDimQz
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaagebGsbPx
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TQaaOUsQd
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBBwZHkoto
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGTLETAHmJ
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaSnG754kD
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLOUXp0Rij
"I did this to myself, though."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj9cK3lAaX
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxek1KcdtM
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemAyXYNv4l
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor9nyI78XS
"You're just lying to them, though."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzcyuIIaPa
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCeL7I7YwA
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HDWn8KXfS
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGkPnbWDXA
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ94wTnM5f8
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXvMhsgQTB
"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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKA1NIsWwu
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfd2pk0VW6
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aoit4NEaG
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXvV9N7Fr3
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEf52Hn1QU
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oEw85Vwoe
"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!"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW7JhzFXcE
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXbjd2C7Cg
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpJV6GekSP
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYgIZuhOLW
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpbP4PyBQ2
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxiSE1LxDY
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqDrjBLf6S
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJX4l6on3g
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi14hDsQUs
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo9stqTzv4
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HwJx3jwBd
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEyNsPMpV4
"I'm flattered."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XmM2sghCg
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBOOCI7sZ0
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tV6HOToUD
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnQKUiH7cF
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESMb0fUtSO
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBowsS0nzR
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPXSevK7a0
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8XTX9b6FU
"..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgWmmHf7oH
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub7eF646cW
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK9L8oUV9J
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtvdgOJ0oS
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe4Dn1ddrY
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JinRh9Yzz
"...I don't like where this is goin'."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo693eLSPy
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39g5X7Qh1j
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8NPGzrptY
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDQwiUAJ2N
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVc4RdpyRd7
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6xFxFj5VW
"...The hell does that mean?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoT1HGkFmG
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCpaZA8waf
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunpy6bGFEQ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2nRJjCojR
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEyuTxWrg2
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9i38VNHJe
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPVatkDgHs
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9xIG0Ny3j
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmhwVH6uQs
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKtSiBI1Tx
"Haaaa... shit."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUg9r54SM9
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQZSte4kIK
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O9piI6jPV
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb0mE1gqnb
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEY3h1Q9Dpu
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s6AAVNkuB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79jBRarD51
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpQyVOCQZo
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb5gfBU6nq
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEja0gxbGeD
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmxFzpjS2h
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cYv2uh0Qi
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyaHj8uxmE
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AdPzXoQaV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIwWYzmAt2
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQexpEphJ9S
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n5oAmSKNM
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPZTbe6J9L
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M15IM3pvA
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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yCIE2H4Ap
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyNjY75nRq
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUWrLsZc9a
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE71e0tz91r
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ldf3zdto6
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvsdLycBD8
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3hBPYKDxS
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSuKAp5KNm
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0sCr5G55c
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1L13ZhYCvt
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY2ZyTXN46
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxD7MibB2Z
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZUEOcPpHU
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOXymv5ZrT
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3r5IsytkI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeys9OsQEq
"Come on, I'm just joking around."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC0VNSO1MB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4md4rFQKvm
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI09MJQF6W
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOgmfwt00G
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnSvGR7bHY
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FNUqyOoJg
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJncK6nQrDm
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY19mkSrJgt
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY9ix8yx8Z
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdenIvlK8P
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyibUiaaZX
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDO3hxZBom
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YuahLjB7w
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"Ya good to go, kid?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqSHAUKSn2
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4Gb494yFi
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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBwxClzdfS
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN20aR1JiEd
"My name is Dave."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0lw7HQvqz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2AvJ3dsjC
"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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOox6kjXoG
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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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE63LbyisO
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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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh4zwiYwRv
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Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQPS6RPIKf
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwOHxHIUjJ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduYGbl5Lr5
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEJTTryFiW
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8YAMiNTle
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLLPZt28mY
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrJpR9tIpQ
"How many are there?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgfrIY1r8I
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquQUlZXlLR
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhGg1f39dA
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoeAMb2ceT
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1Fz8gUn8n
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAy8maXOOx
"...Come and judge for yourself."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DyMpd4zxD
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5quXH1aMD
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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsb2HqYHxx
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQySxnMlyx
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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2GWG65pmb
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBshq2EJVT
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtfVHE07mP
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVRLEKyMtY
"They're okay, right?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3GP2EIqpD
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIZbTztZWp
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHqHywVXXh
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYT3b9wH8Q
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEXzR0RGXg
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MAYBcQtCk
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrLGWy0M1A
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDBqo8gQeC
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0BX0BAJM9
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYzrrRVbXT
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrz0f5zh9j
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV8YMgq2Mc
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wGtauRDwI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tP88a0c8M
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EO6abmxmB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH2YxaP37s
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUiXJNkTPe
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN0auG2L3w
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsMuv1Wu0n
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JfFteEpEE
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEVgvRG2VV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJH2Tnq3nI
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUErqp6vwM
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZofJbqIp3
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H0WEV5joK
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh4TiJ084d
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NLCyzYmPF
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42pl6lCwMD
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9mAcWcHja
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnTg6PSCce
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7ZX2MeXjQ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod7YO5tAt0
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWViPMA3D2
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmldySKnHp
"W-Wait, put me down first!"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX0UtmOyLM
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJr9t8mBBI
"Eh? Why?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1n7FAV8V5
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oRS2Ge1Vg
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8J1k1eyHP
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISoJoiHtBE
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73dweBkvaQ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrIuo9dSo4
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JH650qzvR
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzV0C92S9x
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCk3wI9W3c
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTCAcoXG8n
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPNA0LzeMY
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5DRda4nQe
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rBbgZBL7Y
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPj1rQFLnR
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMTWU65Ya3
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN9BiIizRB
"...It's dusty and shabby."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfEq3uu2Ou
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML49bcMGIR
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GCsflOgc4
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKevzfSWOU
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHsqCo07oU
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp0aiulinN
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlqRh8m8Hk
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rwngZBFH3
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuNI0HSqE8
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3ciM6sI5Y
"You two ready?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqQO6OXn7V
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGn7Tezw4l
I nodded.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMdFbkDnZq
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ66TW5RnZ
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCbOIVbarR
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJlwtlzRwP
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90Ff20IluK
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYb7IEu8Hp
Juke and I nodded in reply.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAHj1J9mzn
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eSJj6On9i
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKCBTYZiq9
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WfcRAe9IP
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQqw5Xu23N
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfy1W1Ygje
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKPyp0CMVc
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39ip4ddR4C
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY9JAPAHIZ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQBYiuJx8z
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvHvclFkEV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwy9za967J
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevcdHTtUfy
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2pUwd0YcG
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx33mNXGtl
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeBXjjM25M
"Don't sweat it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCix3ZHNa5L
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbsT509olY
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0SqONsMcT
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TMaHqqthC
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Vfvg3zwN6
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnsCaQiYW1
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZXou96HQe
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lXeqNpoSR
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUFPwAiIZe
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhO6n347hs
"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–"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFlnx2giNq
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp6Xo9X9oS
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6y2cDBXrV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzQFHgQPbQ
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbed7bNDVQi
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eJIgJeYM0
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PQIpJD2NO
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQNk8j9Ltn
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfmblgY3WQ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoP8u44OVo
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOEPd0Ipzr
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZFdfWDDmE
"Backup?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITFHyIlu4L
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPydWqcNig
Pars nodded.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyx0krsVOK
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUkt9vdFoB
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kneEU1HkF
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKIhmV1oRB
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wL0ZK2KW5
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf8kwR6zQ4
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N9ObjL3VH
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXkswzT1o1
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorcD3bMMbE
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ521hRy6ogj
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8L3EAxgyz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2POOXtRbIj
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgV3CHpO5M
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE0uAygOsJ
"A-Are you serious?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBo2qYfBAV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAP97OMTdI
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmfwp2rPVh
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOx80nrJyY
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra6ZwF2q8l
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw8ErYawcd
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXmeSmSaA8
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jxPURJaK7
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegsXyLvruh
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMZnqGDXie
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKvaqugNIb
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF07JoUA043
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsoRmASCYr
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUJuHx6poz
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLMUPOpc1c
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFM2IQekUE
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyz0WgtJiY
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jOj4DiSGY
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKgfgHdJxn
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPm4Xk3uafk
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOwlmsWjUJ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4KgKdASnX
"...Gotcha."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVLecTUsX2
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IVCUjCfly
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PmzFT6ZtJ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWiUwh3LfS
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2qwFg0wcB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRmhQYRT4l
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMG3iUgAlj0
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oZc4RSKyd
"I... I will. I still want to help."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklFSO1GAPx
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX8GGnV8Wi
"...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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f5rtEI7ka
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejnegwk7Et
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrM1sP5rbt
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBnJfI3VeY
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRvj0uN8S0
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0gsFdrEf9
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuBbhlUrqM
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaDO7o3kYO
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIvu3SmSj2
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtRgmxB7gW
He let go of Pars' hand.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLstYwCqKi
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5ZsNrRdRB
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHM0nSFKR9
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZreHoWj1sD
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3QNybrJPW
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOum1AKWQz
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f8xlw5I7U
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6OgTXmBMc
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMVtxxlnQP
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpgLDNOWd6
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSremYOyxb
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV9538TVFp
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE5DZWEd6g
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBuzZ3XV7K
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLqtYfIZES
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyukLzYUQE
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9MqOot1xz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSpQBFeTcp
"...I shouldn't waste any time."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT9UDfWqHk
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LgNj0tNDj
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzOnMcg9uW
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzvRC1T4Ka
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
