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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtuPreqXR9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hfHRm0Aal
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR3lEo7C7C
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO73gax2va
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxGtbBMcp7
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l2V5bSTtw
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG1ES4gn6t
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbBQeu0ALP
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvHhjZbTNf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaGhJZvqaJ
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo20kWAx2D
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBusq1wu8sz
"Ya know how to make one?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTYugkd0P7
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRAJjiaLcO
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08nGkO1RPj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkpISidLC3
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNPa0wgo7X
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFHvSWI6nu
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeulSiykK6O
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY2cpZZRS9
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH6kHp3s8N
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFVioQ3zVj
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu516JKNmzm
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDLiSJ03t5
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3svvaNsTv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSfWPh9P7G
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh07ISmEvf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmRXUm3BoH
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJOiHq8zzf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIDwYFsxSH
"Uh... well-"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSn6qziVhB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsdV6Lnvsu
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhFjRlDxxz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jJek0Hk3u
"Ah, of course!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYDG7W8GY4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aJMNcXU6w
Pars rubbed the back of his head.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdEZpJRE1T
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVTFcBF8Ky
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmfCE9bZWH
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHs0mJGUh5
"Juke."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3GcIyvS1V
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNfV2E4lU8
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgGQOoVdSE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jtTegM2Ub
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvLyiZzCtV
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHteiVrzMJD
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTXEKFuDGG
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzdX6WY2Qx
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsRxme1GAU
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNykng1MKLb
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXuTuzzway
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Jaw2Wj5kc
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkmH5kuYcd
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rSZ2147yI
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanXTVbPFX5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfHcX0CyaA
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbj3BL5mVQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1YgJIcrZd
"I did this to myself, though."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yMScwLlSI
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP6avytu2D
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCV8FcXCcp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQljYshgz0R
"You're just lying to them, though."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1k3L2QwM1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwBdvyprmH
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaOjecPkBU
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUavJFS7UXu
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlJT6b7H6h
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrMSH68uhB
"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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfhKra8CEG
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgD9rXsEer
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAUW6B4Crk
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakt8bPANla
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoYQF6LuyO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQadug9OmJq
"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!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRkdycJvqw
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdRZXd5XMc
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzvR32oh9z
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCjlZJduBn
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmnjskRMtY
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55s4nlCQsb
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC9fDvjGXL
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iYwVJQBKv
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGKlr7Pqkf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOupsmDQcFu
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjAEiQ9uY8
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P4dDDGD24
"I'm flattered."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0jt7JfJgx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDstT1iiL9
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgjLS0sxm6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzSAlAIjOl
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJN2vpEDK9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9bMGvMuSB
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7szzyNbOm
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF10sS6O1I
"..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAI5rkbc0U
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxNuvt9gSp
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAwSgB5pba
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr1q1eMCDk
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyuXHQFe9U
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zSZUeEkKF
"...I don't like where this is goin'."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8XCbVrGHD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeNQsB1Y8K
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU1uOgrkT9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv9Nequj28
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ02CRa0wGr
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpqmgBI3Rd
"...The hell does that mean?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsulsocRYz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKaaYQRmvg
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYtQSq24pT
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ1Ybcch5e
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G8K2gyrKx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6luia4t1Jg
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMvPFKX1Fm
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZo6U2y8h0
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hS85wC70E
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec3Z3YW4aN
"Haaaa... shit."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjA1FnYHuS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRVnVsWFRe
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQcvDVpBNk
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQrYiCN0fz
"What does that mean for us," I asked.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1kg0T1gTB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX1Cn1C7uB
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYmuetQ7WJ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg455Y0c77
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWGap6iBY2
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEvQbCPiOR
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR7wCXB1Te
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVd9qOTXzP
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MgeVg1ktO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBA5Kgu1Xy
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoBnhfbh4o
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPz7EJzlW2
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf9iUUuH8m
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGU3zbWQIl
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfZg3PbVwZ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sIFCUhYLK
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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9Wovfv52o
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeZPuMNujW
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjuibxREME
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmpKaI7sQl
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicXCi4opFi
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXkfmy2cOE
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNItU9ujGsh
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEMktXRs4C
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHKfSRAlbV
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWMaboBcnW
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaXmcSYve4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF2RVGl1WW
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ057B2qg2nl
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu99OLp31di
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN7Wx7BOD5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt4Jy8irZw
"Come on, I'm just joking around."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNc9sHfwHl
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdepcgQm8HL
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFiRchTx5B
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfPepfoq9u
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4KKZ2JWcS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAIYPo11gp
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz6FEUnEtR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmoMl0t5cU
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR6SDLD7N9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie3egBEBkC
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡes6aoZ1ysL
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcSTvF2fxf
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPWSYOjAiy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtp99eiO7V
"Ya good to go, kid?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuP95QIvT4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA51y09OtD
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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hzpFmLwwV
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYuwGBU366
"My name is Dave."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KVH8GDZVR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4NtawJsBy
"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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFdCq3Dm3z
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHpcV4wzh0
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu1XplMCNp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19KGxwHZbw
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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJtB6GrD5w
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpokgz54cp
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPo1c5yh5z
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3qYeg1ovt
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDkB35cQDs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jwe5bgGtS
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55O931lNif
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsr4rEab8h
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQOx5qiUXO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyOxXZbV1J
"How many are there?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM8zPlvpEt
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHM8rXPMhgn
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs06DUU34Cs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxLCRjpjkt
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2y1ZPq4fT
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbktzo47UK5
"...Come and judge for yourself."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0Y9Fulgub
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY61UsInPa
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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIKQ6MyjGD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Pkw0xBoYH
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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk3ip5NOKM
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEGBQgmr7S
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CdZBgszYi
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9tY9BCsj3
"They're okay, right?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVct2RFE7v
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijW1bGQolI
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ3nnK83cx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoribaXEuJg
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0E9mbV7ed
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg06tJXZMz
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0647EYmQM8
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YArp5u2N4
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkaYuFvC9J
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnoIfMJZya
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4pzoickMX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGofNHv0l4
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTMea4M6OS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcBwGtGxup
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKyWZpxW9M
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQd4ws1t7ty
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX456TwXFVq
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrqxTOs6kt
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAETc1PVcS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYwTlKnWMn
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkPlY5Une7
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARESOyX9Dz
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFs2dqwARf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoRMIye9tZ
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0invdvmEC
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnfGwIONVp
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fukkQroj1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihqsKmo6IY
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Anj3VxJsl
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3Junf0y4M
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4TdvC4Nvp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqojZJtL17
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSxbuMYxVC
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8aYJIl6cq
"W-Wait, put me down first!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZqpq2S3sb
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vduV85NAa
"Eh? Why?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo5Slvlzpq
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zIWBd5IqY
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHUUiZzBUN
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOD60LJ5nO
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqd7TAYg8E
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs4VespX5o
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKoYsjOXdR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KUR0cvHFq
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirGIHEZFac
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqwhYlgoSA
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DSf2BepBr
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMxGckjUCD
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEWJ16Zq73
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB8ag3rjVH
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpomTatdszh
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiwHYEdKUy
"...It's dusty and shabby."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNErR2Pv2Ov
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpPZbEu5I7
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuNz9WXhxC
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOTuAhUFtF
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpBEBC1xip
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZaNdJYk8f
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEvF9iRuKG
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqFZF57UUc
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK0ksiZ331
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZEZPKf6Eg
"You two ready?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDz3TvDh1u
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGWLZKyg0B
I nodded.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJeogX9svJ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnPzKKKYrY
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN66Eh1fmp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNksnH2rGu7
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pLovZMKuw
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66jwp6ZLeM
Juke and I nodded in reply.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjk7RZMjhp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypug2DIGMO
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM87nDsgk6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMoEuMS31d
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7svnFqLbHE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDWkKoa1Jv
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Aavmvj7r
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzYNnblRHq
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k5AXsahDs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbeGzCcSdj
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMu1YGG6ur
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgzYZD79y6
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvJ9GPZjAc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7PbTBIWUr
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTnKROiuMK
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrUt4ziiRp
"Don't sweat it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AuETLDoSL
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg4OjifK8m
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi9UsqZS8F
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrdgbJ8obl
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJWBhM7mJD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeTkBgecBs
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ULHWmiKKE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AFhpnTNjQ
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4jbc0Gy0b
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DDcE0eYHg
"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–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbRCHkzaU5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcroa7hhoT2
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhsrQutcgj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6LuElDeLO
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA4RJtUsnz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJgWyBVeJN
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68CxcrbdvD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf9ehiuHYh
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5nHKSDfki
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ckCMiIPIM
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi6Dao1uAx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkthUXpjfc
"Backup?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjTIzES2Mj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCoRqJZJlc
Pars nodded.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcodWKBjOB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOMjZ287J7
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKvNyp5SK0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B8BUxS6HT
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt480tYVwL
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSfSU5uAl2
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIeFSlEzvv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9syFmu4qA
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MNH4JwwBQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkd0Zzg16r
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWjIkG8WQM
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gg8ssaYSf
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdNrwuJnpu
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov8i6wyT8v
"A-Are you serious?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWEDFYhe1l
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX7VZBbDxS
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cFiwGhteC
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg71tkTYFA9
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem0ZaBWpZt
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwUDsmw8qC
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKdDjRYAeQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW8T4gE5FV
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywkRjf5uyA
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnkXr8gR32
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsANbqdYUyv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHQGrfTmiP
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKWTKk4ZYK
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iqUHyr53V
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebYF2VEUBs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7TNs6fPHt
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5qVgMkGos
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9pjmyYcfA
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmIj2j9vpo
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoevVwab8jY
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFEKMueAiZ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCpDMn4pur
"...Gotcha."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefGuVCbYv1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJjdQw3g5e
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSE611l6seb
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4xysePjCZ
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQHZzYlEYt
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvgX5BQ1Px
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonflXjXubc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ7VFpX0OU
"I... I will. I still want to help."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PWaaSKtrf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FZXrd2pms
"...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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpueLb9AEx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt2Y25QMgL
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pDdiHIBmi
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfwt8aPtSy
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelQHkoUkaF
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBO3PynUm1
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoznvVjY73
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudMiz6VFUa
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAlfzsdhvE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HAOScm7Tb
He let go of Pars' hand.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjBLPYVRAQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjq5Ba2cxW
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y0wXGerL5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKFNBnyoRT
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHPVItdpX0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbohYayByX
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VvJWsRKEi
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMZeet0nfK
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q9CGGJYFy
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt64gfg612
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3MZcfF844
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu4VzCFOLI
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbbLPn9izq
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6cKEZcNEf
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA30SaZOVWu
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1yyGaASjy
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AqOLms5CZ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQOeVfr7fZ
"...I shouldn't waste any time."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6r7LsHNRd
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWv1e03IvF
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLJrguqz8X
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfOdM93Ksn
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
然後按「加至主畫面」