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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYQMMzs0Lh
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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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnichQtefBd
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Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MrTqo0iNX
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"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkX4mrv8YM7
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We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufUWZRHrkC
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqDhCcjSxq
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXY0dtXkqJ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E9yGvYMkm
"Ya know how to make one?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zl6E2NtdP
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSidTzcxhAJ
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WfIiSlCVG
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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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNTY6sisI4
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"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6C77Ky6ac
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2YGK8KLo7
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwl0puOY4w
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNmWgtzfvZ
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGwHA3PyEO
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"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWzjtQQtgs
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"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v21pB1d5a
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxznOqbAoJO
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ902WItPpft
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"Uh... well-"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlSjD12cDR
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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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6F1As7qBL
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"Ah, of course!"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKBsTKA6b8
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Pars rubbed the back of his head.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kiMaXCyzJ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHexQexOu9h
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPO67zs0L8
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASGYE7UGeS
"Juke."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP2qjYCn6U
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I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFEqwibKRQ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRcmzNvP7P
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DpbjxbRkF
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BdEA2obwj
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbvIRg0jSb
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxAePYZ2bJ
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwis66VGNQ3
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8EhH6XbqP
"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagOc6Ja678
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVX3RiBAZu
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUzzsLFX7u
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsccx4qqctm
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDHnWtkFok
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They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXDOJujTQi
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"I did this to myself, though."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbFQHCG63u
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GVcxXfmZ1
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"You're just lying to them, though."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYOHwqF6sD
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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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6ExINLaLi
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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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblnEYDgXT0
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL1LYRuXGt
"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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIo9Rqv9iH
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"Why were you two targeted in particular?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh0sdNYTkQ
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ88C0UeP7I
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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!"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk3DYZznMd
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnubfTDIw2e
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcdMicCou9
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The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY4QyXNJjE
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbRcboJkbw
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRGwyLVhmW
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjelzQF5Y4a
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI27PNGpld
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZisMVvmuGJ
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"I'm flattered."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0Zj2q5Pgm
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"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwUVatOcjN
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Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFdJCeJg12
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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?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡas8wE6Pxcg
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"..."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0JkLL0vJr
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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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hDm7clciY
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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?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMD3EnEU21
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"...I don't like where this is goin'."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuJV9AEGKS
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCVPs8QiNN
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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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBikNhf0xDl
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"...The hell does that mean?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXI2G5AiaN
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"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YOmpkmeXB
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x7J2GA6L5
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkwQH4DDoD
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziV8bqYbhS
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndvkDOINtT
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IGX7KiWW0
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW9IyxQdbf
"Haaaa... shit."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAVPg6mlSh
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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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVPJamxoGy
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYHOyAfSso
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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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aQOlhZKxc
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEKpq3EiAm
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWiyJpyyyN
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I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLrdawfEEJ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHPFL13Uf9
"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?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy6EV3v8EL
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bbdb29AFe
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7ojIBOnYW
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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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkbzygAe3E
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMZP3wiyN3
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WZPOs9QnZ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB5EFus93Q
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?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrSMLM58pP
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqixIlKN6L
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByDZ39dKJI
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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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3q5MdEQgZ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwhCZxs8hG
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16G6I9fUH3
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"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreyPl9q7NN
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4rsmuEIKh
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjBSvB86bt
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"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0LzFD9fgd
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fAMTBSmty
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeHMTMblVx
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"Come on, I'm just joking around."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bRqhgVrv1
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiPD3VBY8V
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFezvhz44T
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBppWgvbpVL
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKjqxExDI5
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Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgdmxGNMKF
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"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XVYaBtXcT
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAfbK1Mcus
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcDHvWvj6t
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"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mUtGYnjQJ
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"Ya good to go, kid?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEocDaT41LD
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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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEAihMTSMn
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6PWVG2ITK
"My name is Dave."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcGfrCoxIo
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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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAeNFJvMYD
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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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32TO0lyf1e
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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?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Vbi12a1uw
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Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKLi9GGxgj
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt4a8Jcqfy
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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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL60iJkHOm4
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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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLt3KHyBqn
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"How many are there?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchQtotmzSn
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"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOZt6kMItn
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkBtPdDbPO
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoCDjU9Ttt
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp0OZSQlsx
"...Come and judge for yourself."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3I2G8OSPFQ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9OoiBZpqW
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?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEYbUCNMiG
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tBYF05OSJ
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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdw7K7CtSlc
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoSfnDO3MR
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpASfagQKtf
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"They're okay, right?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g6npIs4Im
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZeo2aaLKf
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo6RhfXpkT
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGuit2rBRs
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhQ6F2D8Mc
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOmqKZ1s0I
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxckHjD1g9
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPro5XJWDkO
"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ1xZTYmpZ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ325bsNUxMP
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62sKx6ge2D
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVHKZFUshM
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTTtUymtGw
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4wnkpooIq
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxfHWOsT98
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgpjN7axXc
"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IllEKJJcR
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bKDT6vVkN
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzItpVy8Mhf
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62eTQtjYgh
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpnXMIMQrK
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTaOzc4eIx
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmCaoEVL3g
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwiDkTV9MV
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ3wFI0UOR
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzPSNhxBUh
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ44qyuJXXm
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc6TKrxMsf
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKMQtmGNw8
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfdaiEKeXm
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeu9drhShd
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IHo6T2zv7
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy6b4L8uKF
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"W-Wait, put me down first!"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyxWA4aspl
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpvIgu9Ul8
"Eh? Why?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wyVpwnKTl
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj713CfhfgE
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLGuPtXFlo
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5XmoTj9Cm
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvAro2shtg
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFuDNcYliR
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmbVxVv9Ew
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D0CSfov4p
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j8kAvx6he
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kAt3biiGm
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwAdN2IV7e
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6bXHopwmW
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bq4TTUpuO
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B6EUrPJyj
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnSLyruMJ1
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBHtZw4OTc
"...It's dusty and shabby."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLI1HpLafY
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwQ8qfgTi0
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qg2DDeb47
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy3oofllHj
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf7si7fFso
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3Td4HN9I3
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyubMKiXuwb
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEbkaQ9uNH
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx4uWga0xK
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28uxitz8b0
"You two ready?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RL9gGbZJp
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I nodded.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTpYmOp9fa
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW596hZABS
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsYglvKTAo
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLotM5n3Zto
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIu8UhpZjf
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7L1fo80u70
Juke and I nodded in reply.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G11hTSrck
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB002xXFCq
"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYMdoYH9nB
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAw60jX748
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvIUvcN0kA
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMBY0EpGLL
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JMzalYixT
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"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKcRFXCLGe
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PbKFOpGup
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgPxp5s58m
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOTzmGZXbh
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSksaRmMJv
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZdSAuxQ6R
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGZicNYpGM
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD8VPlrbai
"Don't sweat it."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86iYtkSpwU
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqibMnwVOC
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO8OWtlxdl
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgcyXziZzT
"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AA2sE19Cf
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEopJjOZZSP
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9aDM3Xpw1
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP49ah8lvnn
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GsNnAJt3o
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfab7doGzb
"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–"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVMUV44x2S
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrzCLoqnJ0
"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8SjOzBHie
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJGUfahYAZ
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkRXVnFkkG
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3GhnsTXLf
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF8l2ZnBuQ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1gNXRfxL3
"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?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBscfDPWgAD
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4XOFwex7v
"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zbMNxkxzd
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3upcqwIcmY
"Backup?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSUiXRndPu
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRFtVZ0JhW
Pars nodded.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj9bj9FpL6
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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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPAT5V3Qfx
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cTXbDhKhd
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GmuqMiBgR
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3Sx4joTsV
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57B25VepNB
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsIeUbQINN
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmMtDdvj80
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa8MIdWXFf
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhXDSeqHVD
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerADDVTVf4
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtWAGmpf2g
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvgIBvhdrC
"A-Are you serious?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOU5fwXS4V
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RgSVBucns
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJY2zs9L02
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqPkCVGgMu
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeemJAZP5lP
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLVfilnvCu
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ096nwMBWbQ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdLdNxCZpA
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzMqj8FDCg
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8AdURoG7F
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaph1CxFgj
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With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFhCxte0PL
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"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7rKKTJ8i0
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKUOKzRVjv
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCevEhQlyj
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr10OVYcBh4
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sWlsXB0ic
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLCii4NHFk
"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83OO2ASUDR
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWSiqp9RRQ
"...Gotcha."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmcZiUxpdY
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡre6lWx3MNX
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMBBp8IiH0
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nKxZD8yI5
"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?"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU798kbjhK
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GgTB4VrcY
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjnuUTbiXy
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nET58BOtj
"I... I will. I still want to help."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOyvpljnFj
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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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiONqwvgdQJ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojh2UKuKgO
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsvfcBdxOr
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6CQUmJCoN
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFSlm0qMvZ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNmL18jXwD
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdROEY5Nsm
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KWnwbyi0N
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhfGZKsPYS
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JaiwNeG2Z
He let go of Pars' hand.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknwBaaR9Mv
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TZMoDgaJj
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFAPl3n2HE
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkoB56Yz6A
"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."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE9IIBRZM6
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCF6Fp1sIG
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeyQ56rHRv
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4vVCmMAEN
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop9IGtW1Hd
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOGM8OsDj6
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRMC6HPOvf
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tiANtFEXi
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqW8iI1RaM
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn1DMoTYfM
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2CbBckt96
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PEIGpwqDg
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbYRjGkTIz
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLkYUTd9z8
"...I shouldn't waste any time."99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfkTqgQ8ov
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qlUuJxnKB
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.99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQZzedXAEQ
99Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZTEXARym5
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
