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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxsOD6MOwH
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7ZRVD0Sij
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUyRs0uOcV
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4jtwAPk30
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP91wqM1KAV
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7yJ40dFrJ
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAzmJZkaWq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUHuxkuEFU
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBeykVPzBE
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRPVT682Bs
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfrjiMx2FW
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxTKtUPiZc
"Ya know how to make one?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCwDM2F2jh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GlvY9IAcr
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6zh2hA5z8
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28o2H0dTFL
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWrWsvbZ6a
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMmbnHJLm5
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSdL1tBJMy
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbuPc7kilr
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXh5kX6j1O
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6foM6mVHoW
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN46Ex6A8ap
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZzp69OX27
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPSka1eMtd
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuA0mZeRgJ
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0X94hEE9F
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdCft9B5rJ
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SGBaq6meQ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOjlUrs99Y
"Uh... well-"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmKdkbwVcB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasg1kro1WK
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF8h0BXsdt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ058LQiFZ90
"Ah, of course!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdDpgvOwWc
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc9gPG4bxQ
Pars rubbed the back of his head.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4MQCiNcfr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT5Zgi6lfJ
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQEu8G2G4K
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpwA3XkITy
"Juke."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgqOI5ngOF
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2dVDr2uy0
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG5okIKMdt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqo0RqsTM9
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NB7G67hk1
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwnSNDdWAP
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOlkSalXz4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt2mOlrhTF
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx2imYEetu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDNzpiHzqW
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdrIg8e0n7
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdTaQbJgxK
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nl4tA1dLe
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGIBkAL03a
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq7BYFs9NY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGHUyfOk3b
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPytTOR2UYM
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhreIMBhqxr
"I did this to myself, though."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCoy2S8SXe
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6WJlfDmwI
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMeYrkGuVI
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sWTUpYCMZ
"You're just lying to them, though."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDwASyh0Nt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGHre8V3eQ
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe2wQlH8rp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqbMoPrJxy
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8fV6zilmA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUzdltOtrv
"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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALRCgiPgQ5
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFY552akRc3
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqe1GdGHfk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChux1jKtLi
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2MN6Nlv5p
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqBVcdzNhG
"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!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uBtorvT0F
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZp0bVWpDd
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqrWUg2ImL
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXI6FhobbI
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dWL68FZWt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMtRwZQfJZ
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqjXVZjzIG
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1fPDs5Qmi
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fTg18LQJL
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeRd44LSxo
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZbhpCltuN
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqQQmVDWxZ
"I'm flattered."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEQT7zSPZm
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNExtAFsGM4
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5Vod6m2JJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKcalBiWvf
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbeEwul0SK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdj15m702g
"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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLHwaEiCRI
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoqlk5umMR
"..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXlPuk4nzY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaXQApIX0j
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ej220KiG5
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOSFb08WFr
"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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiWe6Pv7mO
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lqr7ji1AS
"...I don't like where this is goin'."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmffGXBqAi
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWzwmpc9do
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ671YwZegkg
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDsxQw4dtI
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKuSJMaeZS
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxpC4h0q1e
"...The hell does that mean?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnV6g7fXZ8
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q1xSr00UY
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsStTgWpCDJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqtIzpfwMn
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFc1vbTPUt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLmpu8czn2
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9gERYPw7R
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j4TMpBLDY
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuO8ak39mb
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5BLgrP3CN
"Haaaa... shit."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60VludBgrQ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb4CkFZlqM
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pEmfUPGeT
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8GSV30W01
"What does that mean for us," I asked.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuqBTw7hXw
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOyFr5cJQw
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD91ONDVIK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcqBt7Bu4n
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxNcPuD2Q2
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8wIbjB5zN
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvSuMsJ826
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx2oEU3pfq
"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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRETKycpJ9
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNrQhlxGFe
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfrLWpPIfi
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjBou2k0xX
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLVGOYrmy7
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaiUdGQbrC
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZwAicZVGg
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1qWrraCcR
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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM3AvNMElr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyQf49P40J
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f6rru8vEn
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqu43A7RPS
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtbFRFQoU3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTg1IPvOlE
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXSbJHWleu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHTTi5RUYq
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR6hugJwlh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae4M5n7ZWE
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeRI3x5raX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVStkh6rjZw
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagFReJFfHK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MopvVeJSw
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPu9D4GKBI
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2zsSKNSGx
"Come on, I'm just joking around."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YfvY4ccJK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZuZ8t3O7k
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvoLWbnnE1
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDqWvxZREf
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4XhgcB62V
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VMNfwDATX
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW6HQKssWz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn3LKEmdto
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25aMmkvqWJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpoCH7IE7h
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1l7IsxF7P
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMm79vC7cJ
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE1SkxfSw3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQC6sBHWLk
"Ya good to go, kid?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOmxggP4yr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp26xlpsbYv
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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM47goJNQOj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDXDkcDPNv
"My name is Dave."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5CJZykmVW
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9hao7AkA1
"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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbO3cvnmJg
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7sWOUeHty
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmaoZLR0tO
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxaVX7tOl7
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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELhYDRZE1I
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlpEZ2jkSt
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb6h63BCzj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMusQx3LTOx
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsG2uxhcH8
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z0OI8B5du
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHjTjNQzTk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX57ufod0W
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vSwAfEtxB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vrmg84gIy
"How many are there?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrckePwh4fl
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65vHfoBIuk
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3Ydy9eA93
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9oE3aUSpd
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbArMd5xQY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh7KRbPZqF
"...Come and judge for yourself."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6C5J4Azi3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzyVJ30zjH
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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVH8D0OGb2
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1SyYAPppy
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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iozBqTJlS
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hNSUqFzGd
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPtPMbP7XV
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT2VqBoVwx
"They're okay, right?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3JmJT2243
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfiyFzRRFT
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtAjYYbiWE
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pqJ3IeCXf
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaNKk1xOUH
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU55nTwsSq
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIIi5NxhN5
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyEytC6NDk
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzkNFJii0T
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YpzJuX4vY
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxpTLkNXVc
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXc9ip18J4
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUwnFGeBKo
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdedsDxOfhG
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyb3aej6cd
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWhmKKRvim
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3dWESU8Bq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCmd864bnV
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXr8lYohIi
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib92BgeVKl
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauyARlmZwh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjcttBcLqO
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSPWhrqszP
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosSk1LCYrz
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiic4YqKfq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRcBZefsbi
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD5kgCE51k
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tk3NscwcN
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6mrl2Jhjp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Of9xzmSXX
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5XpuPh2Lp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hzZdU7TFD
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj0OTLKutk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR6LcG8iV6
"W-Wait, put me down first!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcDYp66CqX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9A3qLwYnhi
"Eh? Why?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MNfcr8smL
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXoNLhBKVJ
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56Rffk6VND
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN8gfkaWyA
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKXHd8FYmr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuOrZ0rX7F
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwbVB9aHm3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRqNIj84lj
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wrURzYIc8
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzuxrYCUhc
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliOl6bhLAt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5jD73MXl8
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX5EczYKCX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmWj5VsD2w
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TV22zE3SX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWZlYQUzSt
"...It's dusty and shabby."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G4DPvTBy6
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53eOzbMMqR
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vrAItT6ye
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pLfdvjCqG
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY610n19Yl
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc6lhJCSLJ
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQExNnqS67
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JYuKXyDNE
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS27U2Bt6b3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvsTqwHbiR
"You two ready?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfZh9mZLLR
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocxdcWEwnZ
I nodded.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE7oBHoJPb
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQOoTWVJa4
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQimb5lg98
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAqLuazrqz
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeLTy0UFS2
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxAqXW0ynr
Juke and I nodded in reply.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdZMubLxqY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuh4HsL6l0
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XWNGKKXfr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kF7TjTgLx
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev7bNn9eTr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK7QV8KcvY
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3cCJ0cdS2
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0SJBuM2X1
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NpKj9pXdh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1RFuaFujt
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGGaQucq61
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6UzJuG2Gw
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQcAUwr2zl
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7P7cFkPia
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie1VkMqbFd
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mIhuUgjko
"Don't sweat it."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiMhgE827b
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00HLtDCrC0
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZuB5yVE9f
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuM5qD9PXX
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0GTgjtha4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOHYx4Y3YX
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcti69Vd07z
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloI5dYnXmo
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCU0ZGI36B
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWotCi6YuE
"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–"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPRPvDJ8Hu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6pohzo8vc
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNY716uuRR
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbrigpq2xI
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcVD2cIvPz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt0uh0cm4s
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hAXQ6ArA3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56Px3K6NhI
"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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJeUDTDdKM
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsbZxnALZn
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ2ooxB3P1
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3PBxYX1aJ
"Backup?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmBDhBF90N
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlmRkVpTre
Pars nodded.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaZBYbB2Or
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxeIe60ISt
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog5qDhAahw
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzZQ0GGkd3
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvgT0qoCy1
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7Oi4fXPa0
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyG0YKpqud
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbmpOijGeD
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvmXPFUANk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLFCUED5J2
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGWXcSuaTN
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZDWCHYUOn
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWK7LAOqZZ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkbLKNxyIX
"A-Are you serious?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq9MtNQrbA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkBCwdxkKN
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdoOiFoMau
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcdXWnHhYr
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxDZpn1W2J
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkcpFSqdkl
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtdIPXww7l
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlibkcszyLO
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBUp9XWH49
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL34mDbwTP
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdhLHPuPxp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtJs0ESmaZ
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9dbpCMcaN
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU5W2vZnl1
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEUp5SBW5m
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09qs6KoUZu
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdDutEExJ3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIMZZurzGL
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DnHmeFlSg
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyqhzKD7Bj
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpe8Wo7orh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPEM832GUj
"...Gotcha."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZwEjHHtdw
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8iTnKfHT3
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92puZQhan4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCXoQfaPBh
"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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0hsELOTEm
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUswUn3kVO0
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uZ7NzpIkj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL1qHCyBik
"I... I will. I still want to help."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixVDQwZXiX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjDBkEniOg
"...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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErSCKDQLrV
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R2ev9SQZP
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy99NAp3TG
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4fdSEpIsS
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoIqe5v65v
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHHvg9Z8mW
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdVceve4PM
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLznQfBqE2Y
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ097dw4nv
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YJylidZl7
He let go of Pars' hand.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup5ubKqp8Q
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9mreUsyN9
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8dmXykVUe
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8ne7RVP9c
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO159egCmpA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ592knpKUEK
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgE4iTpRNm
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZPsNVNQfc
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPW3YShxFv
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjTJT97I0N
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O019FyAnE
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBHa6kYsml
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGm3jjMnNH
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVrQPzzPTA
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9jxSi3mtS
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4gderZhwH
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9OJJ40DtF
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mV4FDy5n6
"...I shouldn't waste any time."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtMl08aiL8
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3cq5DRoPF
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPjPx3Vp5H
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t2dGUFu26
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
