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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPf0GXCQG0
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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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aEEDeh9w0
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQCbYdpwle
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwr5NH4Jgh
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyV7nh1ozvG
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoOblnZF9M
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHht8bvU1JA
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12OgZ9VEK7
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTtBI7X9JA
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5w0GFSiJO
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwiuH9CGNk
"Ya know how to make one?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdL5mLqDNH
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zyaeiNwXj
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNe6GoGWcr6
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3RPdz28Ex
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrckoDnyL3L
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U7owjZl2f
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcCLva8FWT
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqke59I82E
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7ysDm9SHs
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqALu6eEKj
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iswnE3Ian
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2fT0A60Gu
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiX1i8F5Zg
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10oaAN7xG8
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOYgCLwRKU
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL4A070maU
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K8TzzcEzo
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMISfAtfw1
"Uh... well-"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULyVNUZzgO
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyV89lK4Yht
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcQN0VgHj7
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmGSSnKohm
"Ah, of course!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OdM0U0HIu
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TyWssGi9o
Pars rubbed the back of his head.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAReO8RCeMo
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66CqjqQLUr
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj26KL4jNfO
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fcJqlzIBb
"Juke."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW7DNiNoHf
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9Bp5u0aws
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUnjWc7O8w
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDOmeeyyWU
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA7DbIYRXQ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvPvYex7We
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1CpUUlJ7U
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiSUBdVyuU
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RnRIfOcVw
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauKLWeCR91
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9GaIern8U
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhFS93dpPo
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf6q2w9grB
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmYDPscH5u
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbAGoG4kEp
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxzn98FtRJ
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY7hxmSuQJ
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"I did this to myself, though."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IRTzbau62
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5kfROR2Ym
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlThe2ABd7
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR6XEdrXdK
"You're just lying to them, though."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaQb6fzYzq
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUU4I3QQ9x
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vaWknV2wK
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuNvUN3DUh
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEthVQo89n
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXeThPQoB8
"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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE6G7VQeP2
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zJxRkFCO4
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTsMIybMOA
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKjUbWMLzF
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT8bAyHFhm
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2BQibSFwp
"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!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuukwpN2T77
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz9RYijtqV
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWTHHrs57V
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeJvoucTdl
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrd0soJQamZ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUAi9iGOxY
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLSbIblhRt
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFDGq0gYIN
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR4o5wqA2h
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvw7HYMQ2g
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVIJ88LZ9J
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkqdvlqPS8
"I'm flattered."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTNv92lwR0
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleqeElJUq3
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkvk2V56F0
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6qlFOGqZI
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwZQZ3G2QI
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU4k3FLKgA
"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?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmzFzFDX3d
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3lnXPUvzc
"..."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxSnAPPmYO
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBpb0ZtEwV
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t0Bj4RO3O
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9fLEV5cFj
"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?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXqrNcr54R
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIiKdMrlNa
"...I don't like where this is goin'."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXFQ7FgDdl
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWQW68n9mq
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpgVPrciNE
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKpKtSM152
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDjDbFOJB2
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKsLP4CVFE
"...The hell does that mean?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZT1B7k6dr
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8forrnwgf
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0bLrG6awY
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtjvKiygJG
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVpXJLt0j4
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjmy8H2EPG
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmf3xzsL56
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCMtNSwmXa
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecIs6f8Sp0
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6HtYJmx4w
"Haaaa... shit."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlHkTe8cjh
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLStktiKdi
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2Swu27stH
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQSYmgdmMV
"What does that mean for us," I asked.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqrZc3ehYu
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstrQ7exp2H
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDTiP9wyYD
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD6Ga1sEar
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MHPBLMyxk
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1P65cGBL6
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnHyaDQfeQ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2WnrHqdes
"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?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCTfteU4Hz
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuzZcVKa9B
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd5HCvn0qi
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaBTxdl6hu
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl5znHGTgG
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fTxzpJvIZ
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPplhRGGeev
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk4RlSExBR
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?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J9P8NOaY1
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwSCJSZJgT
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSwHDG5UQt
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxTkTzRhdS
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZM3nsOg5J
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXvY1n17Wb
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXLJjyEBcW
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYneCrpEuP
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpGa32fIEL
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquYhYOLy9e
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LUisOSfHT
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYstoWPlHkG
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcL3RZr83H
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMukyfTWKd
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFcYeJPMjz
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQi1qXhDWk
"Come on, I'm just joking around."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGE74m7kFR
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHuGUPE4fS
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNveKXcIL30
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY8yi53UMb
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6ZwZ24wsa
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoevVCwO9qk
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7EGIUv1bT
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HSQBDErxl
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39UxwSnMiC
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E4GoDKdIz
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHSQZ4YZ1W
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvROhRhUDAz
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZrkuSsFtD
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyBI3BSXed
"Ya good to go, kid?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecxjJACewA
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiafSLDhEPp
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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLe9JTuejr
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jl4H2V4mh
"My name is Dave."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG7sdQ21Cz
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhlRUJDZgK
"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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6Yn1AplJx
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTYXwdg7Wy
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ683ftDDPo6
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryF8dnOTnp
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?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6JDa3gxvX
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlDCvTzHsS
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ1viuksI3
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUamYnmiSHp
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Abgq8q0iF
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXc61Bj8Nw
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiB0BHDluc
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnSTKod8TJ
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"How many are there?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVE9VrpybV
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIT2kZF9ur
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEsN7rPXjM
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSfHkjhik0
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RnNpCy1xU
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZLlXqXs6u
"...Come and judge for yourself."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UWqOEqYd4
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX3AmKLMgr
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?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E2xXRZEBW
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJslWEXilE
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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qxvaUDmN5
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRNIj3Rx2z
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJOLkO4jHO
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTpZrjeF9W
"They're okay, right?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmabtqaN7E
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZLBQRHwNz
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfwUILKtSl
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvyuo6TYCQ
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYybuhvThCs
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45kLQ4trbL
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy9tVlXpvs
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0V723f4hV
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s2SYL5o2g
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZycwXXMUAK
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR1IV5u7XL
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWNn9Bz6mf
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjClB4KzdH
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILaalcFEyk
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTvOG75l77
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1LOc7Me0U
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3H0IWnxif
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kr542L8up
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr2oxUH4va
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6CSYR3x5K
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZSmOr3vfh
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbsvoLCBPW
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uEH2AqJyJ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4nOikViUT
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5r8WUZPtL
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XINXvYjN5
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjxonrZjl4
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmncWnVj88
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMI46MPWTy
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAAF6fEKt0
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY20lFeEHUt
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmGu55gFnO
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybaYQPwrZg
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD7SFWA8cY
"W-Wait, put me down first!"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAsBAX0ZHK
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K7SCm4TsI
"Eh? Why?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgEXJpF7El
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXui1b5K72o
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOShQ6Gbl9f
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbV9Dri4KT
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrla1JeLvF
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFIECpJLOX
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHVkzsI1VQ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUfsEn9EFq
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr6k8fokps
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumBw8ygt1i
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AFwM2t2kO
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtarPvgtc9D
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5FPc87gMW
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvozby3bFI6
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFUq7Ctubh
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVsKsRM627
"...It's dusty and shabby."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKG3tDwWyM
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRfZ67lrfD
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuJLbuc1KH
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEjokGvEw1
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp1OdPhkjf
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQusvmX54E
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrVUb9K2Qn
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW3ctwp5IR
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH1WH7CdGU
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUptVwOKAk
"You two ready?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SgPF6zM9P
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuSHCzGUVP
I nodded.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbu7ZVrNIH
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdertdAoM7m
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq7qAVhXtq
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TtkfxLgNR
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC67kmTbkED
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGLOOnKmtx
Juke and I nodded in reply.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uRDQ1YabE
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh29cxdzkG
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCdtvDnmge
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoM2yqj45w
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wYJIMmKpz
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiCKDUjNRy
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSXSQCiIFL
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB5wLnPHFt
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8zFbZGBLq
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgGFZAYVl5
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSiv48eczt
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpotaqgvZCY
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7hr81J9Xf
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevCteYuico
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo236yodCBK
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAAvfqeH8w
"Don't sweat it."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ13tx05gan
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPE23inG9b
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWW6kvDqVJ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj1HD6xx9o
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXco3sKXntP
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONGbDF4mAf
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP1aoWyDIi
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MraGBedeL
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tv9xbNZQT
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGJFRB7Cnz
"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–"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8VvPKGSt7
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj9qsZa1ph
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdUvP3hEVs
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptXooEGr7W
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7b9W68AsH
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLtoM9ta6C
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARud8n2f7C
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV9cyZTlOW
"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?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTXqNvWEAW
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyCvbkZtm6
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8EVuYd9aO
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnUc9iq8kP
"Backup?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P118dQZxm
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC6TNhlDr6
Pars nodded.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORBjoWGjp2
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnv9RAzenk
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdfkQ1gkh5
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoJ06LLKO5
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EDsrXPBHF
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojXsmqcuhu
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtut0spsVi5
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg09ZZ8kaV
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEYogf5HtQ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvZLRJqFm6
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQPqrVSUqV
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5HynbmM8j
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ0bfhIdHs
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0NvVeT32r
"A-Are you serious?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTnbdvzqnT
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae73GEI2jo
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EFLh3FCTx
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURI0mjanPz
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI2arTuIUu
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILZ1QFwaN0
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3kFy1uMB6
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgGaMSTpqU
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6MInu2791
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmutSu5dOdb
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklzornvLDw
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaNfUT0VGR
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3HF9GScOy
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK07ngC6bg
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxteDK6PJB7
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ222rkSDyTW
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPGpnunFx9
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPGYu1BEgC
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcA56BikC5
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhffqJIdV6S
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13QffwGpRM
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw9q6MzxmF
"...Gotcha."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZPSlpd39M
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCIpLMSwN4
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClmG0S9nSL
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwnP4AYRca
"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?"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZKiuN5z3C
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgtFGZHC9b
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvaCCsRjNO
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOWEiQsoit
"I... I will. I still want to help."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeaz6Jl96K
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP2a9c9ozA
"...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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9SLLn0Vty
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL0aAQPQp7
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjhAltrnju
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JtE3ow5y6
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym38jbt5eR
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyzzZtEnPZ
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6UZnUne1J
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lDQSjTb7A
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKWKETz3on
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBARSUA3Z6
He let go of Pars' hand.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeka2L5bgD
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49LEOtowkZ
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yEiNXMJxC
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ilsaWbJPD
"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."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySHy5xaslx
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqsvISRYuM
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrwDxlJjRe
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiTVWSzNWz
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nB9ePEqi8
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD1811p6k9
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaqtUxb4PB
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHrXpCYGwO
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcjXkYpFWZ
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAAX8ptUZb
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoBE2vuP3G
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡup9B2TVheU
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3G0uQ7l86
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFms7oVDDwq
"...I shouldn't waste any time."243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwNxCj8ygp
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuFw72PD7h
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.243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DoS0lDgVB
243Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg0fxYhPBs
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
然後按「加至主畫面」