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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMfUjOj8An
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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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3ivuljrbw
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Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJdt8FsyDT
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"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TBe4ihaDD
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We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRXWbilbtO
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"I wish... I packed an energy potion."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFK96uqpyJ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8lpJBTzq4
"Ya know how to make one?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZVsCyZXmc
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"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeI7IilD0o
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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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSigoIxHy4Z
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"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2UYzZprTr
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9o3BmhafA
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvBYlgBz8w
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"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0poJLHlPi
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTJhUF52x0
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvaJfwweVm
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD5qqIagiT
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeIRj7GvCl
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sDvh9uXpW
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ68OClvJg
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"Uh... well-"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKvR0mFR12
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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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NCaRM8QtK
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"Ah, of course!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOdVg6OAgT
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Pars rubbed the back of his head.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiollUyLYxV
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"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVlmZXo0M1
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMAMeu5RAh
"Juke."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8DUO72cnb
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I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQYUpwp9Yk
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"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IBONW98ZK
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaictlusaa
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YbT3ywEK1
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Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUdmj5AugD
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"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk1frmnWxK
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQQOwpdHZC
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtlTud8bo8
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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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIi16y3Dsj
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They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnnFGedd94
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"I did this to myself, though."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX0rY4gSVc
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBv71bRQdX
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"You're just lying to them, though."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslb2BFV2cG
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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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA16YqcN3m
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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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwb5nQw1o2
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUtro4VshL
"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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkjNAV25zX
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"Why were you two targeted in particular?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet0P6JJDzo
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwORDhn3hqp
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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!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJGokMzlTW
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEDolLmhRT
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw77WNa9RmQ
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The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05m4tiMq6o
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4RYeS1PqA
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaRF6PGdWN
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCzbmUgpot
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cSLdXnneX
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgeYsH3kHr
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"I'm flattered."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoN5GRylBC
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"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1t2Rw3JH3
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Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoKqh96gj8
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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?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5X4St47XA
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDDgSeuehG
"..."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yII2hjP59
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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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTV4f9gPoL
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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?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx59uh3Xxe
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwY3j1ZSZq
"...I don't like where this is goin'."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNo3GIcHxb
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3dsI2DsVZ
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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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAZNUDb2ZV
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq1z8c6UVJ
"...The hell does that mean?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLh905KpSx
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTMy4dxK4p
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8avEPxEbEf
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5KeHGkxVT
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerAoMBUbEV
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8d2hwwNlU
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"I'm sorry, but I'm not."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcMUTHC9PV
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"Haaaa... shit."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfK0w8emun
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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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qYQAlIYO8
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTle2Hih7d
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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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZccVIx4Op
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmc0rt0xTM
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgS40xuaQ6
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I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVKNlS0xQb
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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?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00F2uDh1nk
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6sPFHysbj
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXnjXTfHph
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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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv3ZoRUGPw
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAczrFIvkHe
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQRvC7KwcT
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09lvNjktCh
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?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiQEx50y3a
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mvxBwr6XK
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVoRLW4sRr
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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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCbYjgDnNV
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5DzIwiOKd
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbTXPUSYgq
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"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUtnXLHZGn
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB0qKMSuPo
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVHQ9XYSfc
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABgpyzxbRL
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsl38L3hRtH
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2Jt5bn6sX
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdpYP3TuE1
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"Come on, I'm just joking around."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2pdz4M8NS
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"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrebUceyIB
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"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCcjGkD4JK
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Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PYdmbDC9J
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"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP5fKyYP4L
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYylE8BrVg4
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdVsZWmSxZ
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"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7XC7WgwGL
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"Ya good to go, kid?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1irdgx3DX
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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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7w3VWVr8z
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQdQopgsHx
"My name is Dave."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkktchngAkE
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"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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuK2o6nIHU
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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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkRd0h9MTZ
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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?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcQxVGmM1v
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Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvb2lpbg6Y
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtbyFakA0a
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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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFuKmAAdbY
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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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncCXWXQyJj
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"How many are there?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVoBqc5tw8
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"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMPzt81O9T
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa64Sbp0exf
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq9Zjyybo4
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYYkkOa5AO
"...Come and judge for yourself."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6A4F44Jeh
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd06uaYyLZ
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?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBMsz13lVZ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKqIeI3Unr
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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXEjptGJZm
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsZnEapSJT
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3v4vPx4L2
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"They're okay, right?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC7qtgQgf0
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM5lSVrOLt
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL97FRbHDSy
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SE0IiN6AI
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxBckUmI21
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnwsSkRjwz
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A5qAgAjw7
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLXOUoSJox
"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt9YqHIAKE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9Zwt6yPd6
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg6LCniACV
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkiXpz3lBb
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XA7QBgoxw
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"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtkUsm9Cwa
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uS1dgPnkp
"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVSmUcvNXs
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrNudDsLdx
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBypmROBYn
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubs07138di
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnvfbvjWD7
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqiUBhtecg
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrlLsvS9gw
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ298Ptpakas
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknGFEQMbfr
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOumXksoYCB
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Favqyo77
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzCmHdcYfP
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6BtGWmrWi
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSCtZSjnSg
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG6KlYp3eG
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGTqqH4Cck
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr1tSQmRYD
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"W-Wait, put me down first!"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeD0HWGeu3
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBwA3TGUrt
"Eh? Why?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSCyvCjLu0
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dkHnKd6b8
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAsP17MRLN
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVss0wvaVcs
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUiQdwkj6Z
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEH57T19LY
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsdmIVNO5Y
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj6fwGUvBi
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemdhUbAaf8
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIc9tLphns
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPZwNPTMGG
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr4zIytF5a
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4V9uP9CGz
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZFrTOUIOy
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkvO6IovpE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz36L5X1EI4
"...It's dusty and shabby."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZuyOdngjT
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFwI8HAQjX
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQPTTs9dSI
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1aSiCKVxd
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDPVQ4uKeq
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vwE7YCXXL
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3RYTR6vnF
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLT0tZ1yjE
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD0B7okCmc
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"You two ready?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKpBXRwIm8
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I nodded.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra9pveovJ2
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"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlldQMChfyD
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMgSuitg2D
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9F8ZjhWXl
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Juke and I nodded in reply.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ahDi6NIWI
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSbRZYobPJ
"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLKhdDhxlz
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos1zG4AxTl
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo6sAzQAiw
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw5HHDtHKr
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL4lBBixxg
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjEV1PFTe4
"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79dMX0UT66
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKkiAG6qjT
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxxc976D7J
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRBcG7Uqnf
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQHABtAWw9
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDUghmAPq4
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUSaOgEetS
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiEL7ZGAiu
"Don't sweat it."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39gkH2ft6N
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBWEkjEuA0
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0JgQlW3yn
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"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJQWwr2zBy
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxAMowTI4M
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn3pJYhgJX
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNYV16U0QN
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgjtBallEg
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"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–"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyGRHzkKCy
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7chHQta0co
"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMdHXaGvCA
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65J3MbSbya
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt1kUft8cQ
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Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSfJSATqIt
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9VRBqTpoM
"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?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiucDMV8twO
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz13ldOOPMp
"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsISzFar7OV
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux2x0uYq7Z
"Backup?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwUr8YcNTu
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtpI8lrFmk
Pars nodded.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJpnJvJn7n
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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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHg8rpgUa0
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPZdYNbZam
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckutgRJsxE
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFa2jdPQDM
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzcOjktXZ6
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONlAbnPRBk
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKRigO2UCM
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"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPDK44RV6f
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Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXWWRFc2af
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"A-Are you serious?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T0zG7wBUC
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"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajjBsvW5Il
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"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8s33wHlye
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSgqcbDmsp
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZdeQUEBQQ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFprC2Fldf
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlpqws4XiZ
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjcrnRjloU
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnz18Js5CB
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With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOu6ZbZIYw
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"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbmduZ7XuA
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5UE2SVDOE
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnyg9JENxH
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His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4P5JdFMba
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"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH7HPX7wPm
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafaHUdDKpl
"...Gotcha."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mXpALw3MX
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Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1shlltbQG
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b987w0rwy
"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?"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmly0raKbYx
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SGSqx6yX5
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqcc4qEyEX
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqea5zo8vM
"I... I will. I still want to help."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4gcAilJZ1
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"...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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Bh243ijR
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH3tg97M8n
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu5ChHZgey
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhlc461IgX
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEtve6XiFV
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbkHUpaFGp
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hbujzzYLd
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"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5SZOB409E
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He let go of Pars' hand.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuDXGYU0VV
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"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOzFUHH8R2
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"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."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULIB5riutC
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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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvU6hwAlai
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"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylWGnjMgnn
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbKyttTFWe
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDniw7zsnlW
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He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n7ONVxNrh
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRF8rEMubl
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlvM64zaMX
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QKXM9W2nJ
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4qUw9vj8S
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl8P0XpQUb
"...I shouldn't waste any time."80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcT48CEnQ7
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DuH62l6Xj
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.80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsxoHkQHGr
80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17p0mNDqlt
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
