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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAWcoSIa2p
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub4aMB51CB
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK4dzmQbPf
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7RfWJgyeR
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUvo4Cmkmr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH67FsfoTH
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q9wvdPcWQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmrgHQD57U
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1rz0Sn5fI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0187VquF2C
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhhZK4QIHX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqoQgP9YfL
"Ya know how to make one?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cUphnvojW
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KsfcWwuQU
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcwdddEkbm
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QJmcFQnon
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLkaBYBBjf
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs75eTjeWA
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfdmEcrwrx
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhvlBPIKjA
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPfmwCVZW7
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMttR5nZD1l
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVGfaJp4TU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY1qal3pVa
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiR0WDALiQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs1EM6RVwQ
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0E9PxEgvz
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhSYwQfCwC
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYWS1XUTYC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYguyFz1eB
"Uh... well-"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocJOubx2P7
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkPEEZAZsR
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb3Ie0FYEh
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVW3xD0T3N
"Ah, of course!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8kAUUz2nC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5q56jYFQq
Pars rubbed the back of his head.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMaNsltdOc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC25omdrZt
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTrkRSqQoU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSXIpmOEJO
"Juke."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLOTGOAyvy
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6vjnl7Djf
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQQwMg9lpE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCHuuihFw7
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGF9dnGy2s
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNckaw5byeP
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm16qtWRZvl
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVmoQmmkbS
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2r4GoEmXX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI13zkEWCyO
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqG0spbeY7
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90bHQmDRNn
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwv9uS2wxK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkyzlhu6Xr
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuxBlX7hlx
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4XbVSx4gO
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QeI2JuOhD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Lt5c2TKyO
"I did this to myself, though."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zdW9a7Pqy
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2qa6LmD0i
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovNgj1bKSs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpgc0N6I4h
"You're just lying to them, though."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5nnwkgdGD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXSji0DqEn
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvQYVchH92
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1GUXL1V6W
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwKCXdQW25
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPp78OpJEu
"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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13I2nmZRh6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ22LkbIp3
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXFJNgqGrT
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI5HEyaW66
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXHuYsWZKt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C4bEXXxVU
"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!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i4nGmzNkV
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNsoGM8E96
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA75QWq4zKQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4kvDxo183
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1aW38QcZi
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4y02BRjuv
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmheoXYRRU7
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE8JBCHdmP
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cxN2Nf9Zw
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0ls1gKCDx
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWqnh6CgUU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz3emgUryE
"I'm flattered."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpDg5u35Xe
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1P9Eo3m3M
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKhfD0mVRP
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtqbIa2qxa
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdGjFv8o2c
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt8lM6d7R2
"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?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJMx5qEOvw
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvJAt61j3B
"..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn2hwMZOjm
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceHRUxnzkg
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwrv8Bhxs3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICE3lSgFxv
"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?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4T4WUPnXt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97GeTdi1BO
"...I don't like where this is goin'."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLNg2SBHVQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV83if1zdHW
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWv2ZA68h6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFgznJxvOE
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tq5hmWGDD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSttQml6aoV
"...The hell does that mean?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7ys6zctU2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YfCufkf3c
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cChwK1Bup
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMzVtYYdsk
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x6MDz4ydd
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT7Lxn8Hlp
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoAd69pHFt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqByLWIKTPk
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5A4k4wp25
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo0TUacIHR
"Haaaa... shit."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPAAxUgtyx
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVbqz9hNn8
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6D0sFbjI3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1GDws5J2U
"What does that mean for us," I asked.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXjIGlPpUI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6bFA25lBk
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstxQ3lyZps
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf5a9mYCGB
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoNzGiQcwk
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI8XcGaeMC
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3kqCH2Tos
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyea6ljgOCw
"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?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwrNA6oJpV
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OuNM88vrv
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINPHFnhYLa
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdoamubyi8
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tiNbqQXUJ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVkE2jqjC6
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRfxFRpeM1
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSatgpBdnC
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?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspaljvj2ap
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzT4PeVSmJW
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHot2iFn3Of
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAW5WbmhTe
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP27SkAUZm0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwtTNbOsGi
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfR6LaoWP0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fGS0v57TG
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmqzetDv7c
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3aVGlZvf8
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8eEuTUTNf
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDA8uQYSwW
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7GDuoCvbK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYtxyYGOct
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6ZQfh9jsW
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0z9xIU0Bt
"Come on, I'm just joking around."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT98PPZVRC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ6wrSY7cw
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhXZbvcoDG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7yKk2hEJ9
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sIP04vYq1
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMczPcAYQLX
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc74MMHdJT6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWUmYSNCxc
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdfFvuw87B
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvT9dUQkO5
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAbcdPONpD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAnuFY1vzz
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhF1K0WcfF
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw52VWZoPk
"Ya good to go, kid?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYShyR4Ls8P
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIkAhOGAZB
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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pYB852t4Y
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlTYCxB26T
"My name is Dave."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84k28yKGw2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0HXHSbdMx
"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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYMQFopBW8
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTodjC4Y7Xx
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTaZX1tluO
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ94FI2pv0m
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?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TcYWnS1ME
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7XSnx9kHu
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdYgMtN9Xg
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTJX0ebyz5
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb40LgzaxwQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33KHm9Vld0
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxyiHMvOrs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG46LB3ZHP
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4HjYGfkV7
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeWFlcuMl1
"How many are there?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvMqFoIel1
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjeiDM3t2X
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrmNOniAxA
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeabZhHYAUH
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNF3d5FdPO
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPki4Jd1AT
"...Come and judge for yourself."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkLo3zY2MC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsGSXPJIN1
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?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4dOEfmzn5
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHs0C8mKO8
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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nwAWeBSmn
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL1YERwEjr
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjXzYv8CtS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G53SAS5AC
"They're okay, right?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbRiZnEDDz
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zlUxcnfdG
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBlPo9XyIq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcg2SiQS5ju
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcomusbaCzr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcwUtBgrAO
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAHHeEv59H
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdP6wmse0y
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLAl30fF5U
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1g2T5YOUcl
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nkyhNyF4T
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhyVbp5Zpd
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PSN7lfvOe
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfgdSXFBS4
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ823gAbaBN
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACh51dxqHC
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4H5SMkDTx
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JQPbc0TY1
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe5r3qDyTM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDtTZKP3jN
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHSzK0jyAR
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotIBlhEmnF
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu7hA3j6ts
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9p37yWb4U
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4Rp7OBKVE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T29FoPgJJ
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT3bPsbBVL
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHJSfYQS0g
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0nYDE9zIX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4cqaG9DsT
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CCUF1yfUs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIljtJW7J6
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PfiBLyQuj
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zqXIbLhPP
"W-Wait, put me down first!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuExyM7SRg
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqc1zBppFx
"Eh? Why?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJQ3nS6wX2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP2d1kCug7
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrnOHLJgmL
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MmluLMrpu
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8upZsLmHc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05zf88sc0K
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqstjr5Oxb0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxohO7S9lB
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxlLx4Vxjq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZx3SJvZnG
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tcFJ8IalD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVHPLSDO01
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB4EBkS92d
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMydCCIMgl
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzqlGxnr9J
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEvDLOMiMa
"...It's dusty and shabby."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4vCL5GOaP
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK2hA6Zvl2
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfGd2RfmZN
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt1Br5rmlU
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v41dkvpG6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAXY3kZIZU
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Lr8OMwdZu
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iJTxD6Lw9
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhRTkZ9WTh
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0TzbAQRQw
"You two ready?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkINzDUiS5
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oeOyJ51lK
I nodded.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNrXMOst7d
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLeltWxdgj
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto8Xks7cmD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FVtF1LUMs
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz0MSYep2p
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVrNY09P3T
Juke and I nodded in reply.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sCJHWIOnI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzHrYOZWL4
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiaw8ekzOK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QSwAbiox1
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4bMy7v1kY
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPh4UCbFjW
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoElX1IU7fB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Iv4yy5D80
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMavBqpAc8
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0JaVlzP4A
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ypzChhTkQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MnZlxW6Fn
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNBXpROtYI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnnLKcGwV0
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcGMeYxYpA
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW7TnwpC0G
"Don't sweat it."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO0MtmTwmv
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuwcC1u2MJ
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD3N5rWHkm
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb7grKOCPE
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUeX9MaCil
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26SzZaqB42
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ws8I2TyWd
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaNxfHcST8
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAfXeX2lBZ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pgBeRjLE8
"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–"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ek3qRmyEq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygvcJgWRQv
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MwXpap1el
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISTCx5X3gS
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrc8KgS246Z
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3OySOf6su
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF7onr9pAn
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwUYRaLZ7K
"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?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfdcpra7Ro
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt3XeaOz5R
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhrnphbCpE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53CRCEH1Fq
"Backup?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoVZIPen2Q
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX3RxVXbmP
Pars nodded.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96SsOSv7pu
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxec6uN1IsB
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLpVFDhNnK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrFg1XBmj1
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwAUD4v7PD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLolwYsubLx
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmGRcQhU9Y
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6xgcA0i34
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaVSqsZRE3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGDrfBYi8k
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Le2CpDOVb
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHpfA4Kdlb
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRKMXoJB9K
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNMUDeBWPN
"A-Are you serious?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XMbI8pPe2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA0GLhqBWx
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5kHsblrKP
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDeO6JmQdV
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtG9zRGAis0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZloIBoP0S4
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt7b29DQIw
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QR8NL6DCb
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzISlTXNAgz
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSABWjUbEL
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDraa18xH58
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNgTacRib3
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOe3QmXxUZ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJw9qY4aTS
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qygBmw5Qx
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn1iQngvz7
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKwrTfXRyj
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYQLl6lhcv
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOi1x3jIvZ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6SKqMfOv0
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGlfGN5itM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuexUYuuoA
"...Gotcha."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi6CKbpLhF
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgEr5DTRKk
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0G5PIIl2V
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDEhwEo7zl
"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?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqlmIQu0VO
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLr8bIcJ6e
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7qZBWmVCR
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TRM6ErN8H
"I... I will. I still want to help."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOx0VIzABP
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zbXJn7KLq
"...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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegPTw7I8GM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu9RHAcxmb
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3wCXNa0Bj
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMH57UGBHZ
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYEiJVaXZi
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWd2Oac2uQ
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGflj5MqQB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu1ZOIIHgm
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFuobFUGtv
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHqblIfyU0
He let go of Pars' hand.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVX2uSKUd0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IPXAAJt5u
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bpYXLxcwI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz74XNlcM1
"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."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwE19vnuFS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXCVwaxqy1
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4lr4GIfE0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDOE2xZjiI
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcnhGFORTD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcS1ua72OB
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8uU6k92YH
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfySgga8H3
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzv49wcwfO
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5tAyI3ghS
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFFa5nAOG2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc3EKyXaZh
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYFpyqNCZg
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsoRZU0pMk
"...I shouldn't waste any time."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhrC32ukbk
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfd1xvB8eC
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.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1vXCuVRa0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBn2xXgTps
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
然後按「加至主畫面」