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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPGJLKp5VD
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhTWURjlKV
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDgpCkKvrl
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowniYDJr6o
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUrdhRwyTb
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpTco2r0xQ
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuosft8Mnyg
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaawZWfFFX
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWI0Iq8jGf
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurFOUKDFrh
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2Saw0s9yU
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV14RLtbUuW
"Ya know how to make one?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuRGh77YZ5
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58C7OMHowD
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKLgbKleLg
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJO17by4bM
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL48O87nPZ2
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2NH9Hy7q0
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ8mYp1Eyd
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJK1fdsyTU
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs68Ie3iYo
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjasa4VAfAF
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB3OqzpTWt
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwk2F2D8iB
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusxrsO6ksk
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWrgGqghvk
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYjv7qD6Sr
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtGO4YSNw0
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7Fptzvryj
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EE7Anwxj7
"Uh... well-"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHglSBpCAOk
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm5Qyee1ek
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H6IqhcABz
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqa4V8iX0q
"Ah, of course!"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXQ9cpyvMa
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPqW9hctDN
Pars rubbed the back of his head.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvIVEpdpRc
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmul84nNfsM
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J2uBML0WR
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC492pObC9
"Juke."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjhD8elId6
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJj1sIlx93
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEFdfn6Uns
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF3bNGggJG
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTULQ0U7jt
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxtShGfdDD
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZi6Nwwzsj
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY98qepYchM
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh7X7WXaL9
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEeMmA2khN
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNKhXZzBUb
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjXXUM9cFx
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAb0RvTKDi
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bWM1po8TV
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB4J83YPVa
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8LfbubNhP
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzVTL45YdL
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCJ9XuYTnP
"I did this to myself, though."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TkIHW8hMu
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmlYWnUQzm
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXw0aJrGeNI
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHlRCuBPh8
"You're just lying to them, though."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDa2BD2Ikz
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTeOLJY7qP
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBkeWfvtUB
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq88QxU0gT
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoZp0HH9dV
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovLDjcPHOp
"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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxDRCQFVdI
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUXhbiBMPV
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuytFEbYSk3
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVADAVraOs
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0FZW6DAc9
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjE9jzEmKB
"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!"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qzEd4x2LM
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMkL4IZgrR
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0EaEeGs0s
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXZTqCBkY0
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk8SdhUskC
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D0Hx4Yynk
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRnyQ72cuH
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEjJN8lDy2
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SdsodsO15
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaqNBbC09y
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnIqokfouQ
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh17Ddd4NI
"I'm flattered."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFImMyhH5wT
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl5oLTS8DN
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDOqprxi8Z
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsslOs7NmP
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEvOEPufXT
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F3YOOgjVG
"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?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZAmw2xmW6
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv6IMyaNPq
"..."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98yxVC3vqh
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkbOrdI6cq
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIfvZAsAJi
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6ZSbR3hTC
"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?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYVEB51dNM
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ6DYM2Rrt
"...I don't like where this is goin'."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESp2vxUFcp
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2O7aSEVTM
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67NotxTF3g
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxc82YkcRL
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJRr9tocjL
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A09BhZWaB
"...The hell does that mean?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZWhiTl6GR
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfskblZ4wr
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOv16taBl7
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd5kzOfdhv
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIL92zPIac
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84jcjWzVrZ
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkMRPSNKPx
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA4RaMT4rg
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLe2a15WIA
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSmq5TtzlF
"Haaaa... shit."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUKLWeKCB6
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7xN0rV3gB
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDCHVLyNiJ
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dWr3r8aJQ
"What does that mean for us," I asked.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBetyjbZu6
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJKkVYj9bB
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZAuUE2fNE
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2oJmKqpJ4
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOglnN0wpB
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHOiHT8WJW
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoVhUuWpt4
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJXfo5flos
"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?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLvRXoMWbD
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWugrBV7lO
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEZXgIESqz
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqVY7GwVva
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvtfH13W3u
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL18ud1HUR
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4qVixQhbW
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidFOFfv3jd
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?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhFEoNDqNj
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ijsdD1kFi
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MxeKs84vQ
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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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyL5LglOH1
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1lIoqo7Jw
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqZJjkbHc6
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOKS3EOHn4
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIceuJs3KFO
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCbnPSBuxv
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHZEYM3DUW
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHPg8Eqki6
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHocDCuwpxb
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O8HDLTHmr
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn3UCaA5Dx
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0bzVTdlfN
"Come on, I'm just joking around."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ1Z3Rd0kh
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0EysGYiZr
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg4pgCERka
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ84FZMnWi
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8I9Ue4RAh
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9lkevvWMe
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF2sZ3bz6g
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSEhL8MWLW
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQYdkKSa1c
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrh7Ovn14Y
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6jc1JTAJj
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLEIjWV1ju
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVUP4rtCYP
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMUEeJiC8T
"Ya good to go, kid?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdYczmGb4i
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVfDEljPvI
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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1f6xmirbI
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg7I8b89xq
"My name is Dave."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDEU1q3SdM
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJZ7Ue0V73
"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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ukyf63Ghl
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j6uG2AJ0F
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJwS7DV7Xx
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UgyD2J2pB
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?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTZpu2ERm6
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHO3axurBx
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZwIegetCA
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPNcX4DEPR
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLwzRB7xIc
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRhEtyaROL
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbpdgTHd3Z
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSjBdOGTyu
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gT4xWRG1z
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqcwPL71rt
"How many are there?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSTzs47qqD
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSP8WoKJca
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekOhnXEZ5C
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdD10dkTHp
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZnoVrVJTg
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvuR5i3rqc
"...Come and judge for yourself."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OUpV9j2Qo
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJk28mzp1W
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?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhxd4HAkjo
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYMgMr0aGD
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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkCd3uE9FK
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S68qKSq6i
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBRRJwJljI
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTCKPz5ZcH
"They're okay, right?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEBTYmQrDv
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gE5gS9dyC
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTepLWSOqh
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH4DGRBlT2
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nZ2kyNZ5f
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv3Ra8jKs8
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZug4stI0Tv
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxWmYRGW7r
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sEDt30fzM
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM1Wp2gvFN
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCdIBtn9BE
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcyraSmPml
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RKQnEYkZj
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cmRtXDYFu
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJRX4dXadw
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yVeKn5IxO
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9fClqPVXU
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rd4bulfdw
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDTDYnoQLw
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4pp1yNRIv
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd3ItdD0SM
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGQwvz9iXQ
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TcYWDIWZW
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ABg9SKFq
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4V6mcGer8
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITeGJN2Rag
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4l4rP4YR2
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1sCHNuEO4
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVLsgUdgPH
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDxSIfNNFC
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnwnff5L1q
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuJJ8UDtAL
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eRRUCsska
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU3DoHnqts
"W-Wait, put me down first!"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPwFbnKkTQ
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32SlcagzZR
"Eh? Why?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZZu3xIQ2Z
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HEUT53D3j
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGloIPWCyd
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar8m85kN3I
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6vUKrkG9e
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky1atMKyg6
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvclM5Iuts
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfY9pOI5uQ
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWOlxq5MeI
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz3U2lyFWi
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEwaYfWQAr
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWeKYuMNHS
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB1k3tKAxx
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwdcpjpEmQ
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzfRpR8NpM
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEDw2F5TYU
"...It's dusty and shabby."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuswBgi1GDd
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie8DPewuXu
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2q7Hv1g1h
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc3IhsdDqI
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlS0w72kvL
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj4gqflkj5
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT9f4zy2XN
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASjhsYV1u7
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthjdNi9ofb
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPHoPIoBs1
"You two ready?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUudLfO3scV
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tkv6OWgA7
I nodded.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7BKTZAdj6
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7ZNvBR5LR
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr01Gkc79wT
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHTBzfCV3G
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQIP9K3wgP
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNVXNXDFlV
Juke and I nodded in reply.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIqzPgFVxc
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHXY6uV4U0
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvW8VCHc8Jf
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll3AnMiKBB
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9ALGymxzi
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqoghEqOKo
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO812AepP5
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH8jlWbc28
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXCHX9qVms
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuHmKeGxXl
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqgehZ16f2
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfzaMtMxPp
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx80tZSML9x
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11D80AfVUq
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK1RTE2OD1
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdllz6viYF
"Don't sweat it."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQH7hIxnAw
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPdAXaM9ow
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnd3CsIKIYO
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5QYFohGIG
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5gnXb04Lf
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n0nCJR5u0
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyddXMsnFA
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOwemEMFAn
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4hYF6CsjV
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY6MjYk71x
"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–"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjBgA0Nd4C
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vS39YZS9O
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW91pVOcW8P
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4veH5NFnZ9
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYzXHCWcGN
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU3yKnf6Bw
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22CRvG0ZT7
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqi1ThsFNE
"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?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ALVMs2LUn
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN8ShR3yy3
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwFiwz0BIb
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJ8D3XQdn5
"Backup?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFYuMnOj5S
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4uuJpMlrZ
Pars nodded.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO3LcAQ2AP
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o1A6MkDjc
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeVW7RsXMc
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUk893i3fG
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNH1I4KMQJ
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoliFCNcM4N
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF1VKxnPta
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef4beYqCU9
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9mmVpPXuq
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuakbrIVpD
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTd1gEBg0F
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxuoaZjRZi
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kb6qztIVm
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQzpryn4cF
"A-Are you serious?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShPdTTS5ZD
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzGPJguD52
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9OfkBT31o
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaRPauKpeE
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg83a3ip4w
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H1rXJEJtp
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsmRGbojNH
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGkuYKnrI8
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWziDR64b4Z
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpnTh8mgiR
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjTBmZ8D2T
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnsCX6y43K
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYnPJoi8Jk
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSUxSfeOY7
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2cEia4vjP
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUf2tYfsNk
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lbzLBOM21
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAhg8qASIS
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7tgG0n871
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstWcfUAanW
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKB24xdWi7
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JmAcnaaop
"...Gotcha."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ44XAt0Jm
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppfoSkRSuo
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofG8PNwgXF
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7saaeESdaA
"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?"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWePr5LDxz
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMJkNp5YQh
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUPqAE6lJJ
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkenCewlsG
"I... I will. I still want to help."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPEJJiRNPt
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiiYSCd1Ni
"...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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij4mn1n1gt
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uCkM6TF8c
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6BMaXNDI8
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiGxYaBxxc
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFo5L6IZs4
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoo08cieKB
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkMqGGLaOC
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2alwuWYla
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauSmlygnJZ
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwtfY0a2sE
He let go of Pars' hand.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPod83X26V
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ86izIH3q
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg2XcYoRVP
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfDseS1pWj
"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."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ikGB0CehK
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzz0ABhFBC
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPv1jBq8Nt
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqqMF5zh50
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYs1rMNXss
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nYD9J2Gzi
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sZvfCQNBT
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSswDF4k7t
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59G5TqRvAS
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqUSSY211V
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGCEhPAuwf
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63P4W9JP8b
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PZCBstcpX
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCxK3zhmG2
"...I shouldn't waste any time."81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowDcJ0k7tT
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglUvgjKLEk
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.81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkXFeZjOsw
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLEfWPnTyj
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
