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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO0xRCxQSf
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXskaI8S0g6
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Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23Pvkwfw1E
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"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOt1Vo7qc1
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVo6rvztnS
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgqecz0GxI
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"I wish... I packed an energy potion."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhRPM52kqd
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW9jcxg4hu
"Ya know how to make one?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD182vzDhS
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y7ZJCRETO
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6r6Rohmtk
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZOMDOJgkP
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"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hzLgexLl6
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv66HXG3Mp
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S8d7cf1Zu
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"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWhz85SLtV
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"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIeNqBZ8Tm
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"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchbhe9oN77
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr79xClgAhZ
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSxeLGq6od
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"Uh... well-"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGzd8Haj0e
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3olJfSaVaF
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"Ah, of course!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60YnoHd3u8
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Pars rubbed the back of his head.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqVwt8mS0i
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"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWQoaadO4Z
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazr8Je8V12
"Juke."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2LuZsxtzF
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I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sF16Hmslf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTGW5azeAN
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t03f2924H
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"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGI1VRu6hk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqjCnmvRTl
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw8NMMDryg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSYOH48kuP
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7ELwJ1P4C
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cdy5kRaRN
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4Jh8yS3gk
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tuQDl9CLr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyy11INv56
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwAryiUab1
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"I did this to myself, though."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4MJQwPpKg
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFoantCWWF
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"You're just lying to them, though."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkTlqmHXQn
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8Hi3bgyvP
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUkFpMI6sA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTWSL5jSw4
"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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NzVARBMDo
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"Why were you two targeted in particular?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70e8F6ZLbR
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07RCGCMnHc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbv2V3yNsi
"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!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo30xSK6Fpi
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86SqD0TgYV
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNwpRMX03B
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The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YKPgOYmiW
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUacAu4zwG
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"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcMy2WJeoP
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"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt4cTg6WmE
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"I'm flattered."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZI5Oef0hv
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"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJHZIYieFu
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Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCkUYd8uHB
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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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUi1JqM4ss
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"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BdL0zA6Yo
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx93xSYAKY
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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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV2wRq6n9P
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"...I don't like where this is goin'."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNMTfe9ESp
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcKXFReUF4
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw3LP5qSt6
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjUh2VZ5HT
"...The hell does that mean?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sd8O9A6Mh
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9WJLQn3z2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCDnNsMgXX
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ds9hBtfYk
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0LWLe7OXO
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"I'm sorry, but I'm not."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2ZB6p17oy
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"Haaaa... shit."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2i49oFHjy
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvXHlguiBU
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJSJsuIekA
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLVh7PVPOP
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"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFxKvkuMVb
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wofwHkdcq
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8RbIyxNJY
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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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyyT6LGqbO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVGE9mgtoW
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3ZqernBpf
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8neiEi9fqt
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqjIyYlBLE
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBpqv3oQ42
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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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj3Xj7LtvZ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ844cPV27XT
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDAxPgNgHD
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjKBRD2B5H
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBeX0lML1j
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJW2bx5yx4
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"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRrJyLUKnn
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Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRiOsNbo7D
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"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0WjsTC6vD
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W1bQmHaQW
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhKaTf8oIk
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"Come on, I'm just joking around."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVD5Ryo4er
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"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5hCwpnLNz
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"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUWay7pr1T
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Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRylCCA8Pj
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"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoDo28dR3g
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SXrEk6WR6
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BeRuyKISU
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"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPRhCW5V3m
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"Ya good to go, kid?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JpSVFA63S
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiSryjp2VF
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYV44bjbqw
"My name is Dave."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOsD98qJdL
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSd2oUkZ8k
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX4q72XylQ
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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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKgywQBsWF
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Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkt1jFxP2n
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkfPotWZRc
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl43oZmKit
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbvWr4Hekz
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"How many are there?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDnP6LeEqH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1reE6Emvl
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZblLnO7SU
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG4xS9RkP1
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmd2gk6Bzd
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBsaEu7K1U
"...Come and judge for yourself."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscFAvHYPS1
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5lDVq5otK
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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTqd9GHi4h
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFzeKfGlhD
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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa1BpvxM0n
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVkd3bLN7t
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"They're okay, right?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJGasyj1QK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo75BrEoi2
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3DIjJS6RR
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb022h667Em
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYvJq3OsQR
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRECLDoBkqx
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CU7pbfzH4
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"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgRAohJJqB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KbcYuswBR
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjA4w9TEqt
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIYNSl1s7f
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"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRnrkseO2k
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"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQHnAdzPk5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqo1j1TyH5t
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7aeHjwLmy
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I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyruAujDCer
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"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj67uKk2k0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAkO93t2jD
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeKBW2KkzR
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbeStqIoKa
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD5rH0zVhB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpg0ID2xJw
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP5OMHfKxe
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNRNoEC3vN
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMyQ5iju9R
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b876Ja4m7
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EENbk3Xrv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlezQLtmQI8
"W-Wait, put me down first!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQrd8hzVBa
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"Eh? Why?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRyNKQP3jJ
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"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNF15UVM88
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1VNXtu8ko
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBHrTfp64B
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvljZqhpIMM
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7ZTxOrZRJ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTydbpmstNy
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkBrzPHWbl
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvowmXYfCH
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblehm35lr2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CacjdUJe7
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNvkvZeFs8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvQCGGxf1h
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlZpxyaNDK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbljnqb1FnI
"...It's dusty and shabby."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EXlIkxxqs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YO30wWrVY
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4Ufs6i9Jk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkj9KhMhydr
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODHphCFQ8T
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq24pkblf1
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHrjDDiXWD
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Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUQFEeAj8Y
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"You two ready?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4IGGcHRD4
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I nodded.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNt2NTLSuH
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"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RcUEBqpJx
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"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83a4Ak2HwH
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Juke and I nodded in reply.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWObLI88v5
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"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kh81umkjr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerufnxNeC5
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEpFObmxAQ
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Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFujtsfJWDW
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpmOk87N4u
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf07K5lNkyx
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPknTPJ2tYK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJFrl2AYnF
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvJy4VUeEr
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"...Sorry, I'm just tired."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKwNERitCs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QAhFhXsBD
"Don't sweat it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD46YrwE3ec
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I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvszm0MwDY
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRxNCtydSH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7tYJenw2e
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt4XjCp8bq
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Pars sighed and smiled dryly.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡophOkwgb6J
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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–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXGXoGJqaB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CBVyyrOsy
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1etMMDsjv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6NwAmo6g3
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHuA0SOaTS
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Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPHAx7C2vQ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88ZqaYEyhH
"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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04ciuPfhEE
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznl2woHOuR
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXfiJhnaJl
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7nmPB1OGd
"Backup?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0tTq9X270
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Pars nodded.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgmEBQ5DNQ
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYe8k3BnVh
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"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkhkBPCPx9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFFgRXjSQJ
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GzTRHgr7r
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTHFAhfYPz
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tJ5gUpDyO
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"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSir7yF7sv
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Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwXFQ6Am7X
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"A-Are you serious?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QhZTe4tup
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"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMUGm367mC
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"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxm1Hzet0k
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He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKSaWHoQIW
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"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xCkICFPRN
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEMMFWGD52
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvZQ4CrLXv
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With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmwtWRN2Oc
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"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDbVvsaB3W
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"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwI8D7HTTh
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His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOtOCPmyBZ
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmgSuqVuyi
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"...Gotcha."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0IJifRfy1
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Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSYeTAzcLr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0kZ51POps
"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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtN4G0zhsH
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Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJAGTZFD3X
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"I... I will. I still want to help."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfluHLVCSIW
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan3Sne00xM
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As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHEYvf3qZ4
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"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjlaZCppiZ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw3Jgymvo4
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8ICadlG9D
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqpZA7MSAs
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmTmygmM4u
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He let go of Pars' hand.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFI44rEWfv
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"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRb1CN7ADw
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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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh4XdIXae6
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRQUEGLQBx
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"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5QI3qHOsg
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"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAsHll3K9w
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He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93t321OOMT
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioTjyxHQBf
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9jc4Rs3OA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rm8MlKVlF
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QhhGMoLlO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDq64yiRTR
"...I shouldn't waste any time."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7g9sWYCwO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRbGgVtHon
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5DKYV8EdA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7VK1O9Am3
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
然後按「加至主畫面」