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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXycwENid3n
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9z6IVqnZXE
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSlrFwyRgY
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsvUYze39j
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vQRJyBz7Y
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZzmYCRYxI
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpzkfVIbrd
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChYS1mEdN0
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0canJFvF8
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguiUAiS1T7
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRZKu16qpG
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpY4K5i2bZ
"Ya know how to make one?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGenzsSJVSo
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHd8F0bEnHt
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOQaNNJaV1
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufhhxQIcXp
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjnfxGDtSI
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUUVU5vxrW
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb8U77nXp1
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe1atEDJXZ
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVWWHETKFy
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSEzXoO7hf
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBkySMEpFy
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr7Dtl05SN
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSqg4LqoUE
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMjlkxLKXG
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr34g24Ssm
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxKOFECCf6
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKOFiZzfgp
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsz7gfs5dq
"Uh... well-"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqohq6pdela
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkoE4tZdgp
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7J3zSGvZ5
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKfgxQgSu2
"Ah, of course!"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5yKFzJzHu
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq9labccOI
Pars rubbed the back of his head.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQUNKUO8kO
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd675antNhW
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNgI2jYp9p
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGohyBmPjER
"Juke."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2J3r5WvSH
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxfMvl6KaV
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHh0vsEIPO
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd4h7bN5YZ
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWyYmPU5za
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HlRZb4f2H
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQxuvLEqZA
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcNESgoDML
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfv7Rarfk7
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPhEurbOxd
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs04GGVXhZX
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqppVZwWbzz
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkamZTlz7F
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz3GNYIG6i
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki6vOVABLG
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZXEv94OcR
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgjvDqjRZQ
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IB7ya2wOL
"I did this to myself, though."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUCtAED9pU
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8aEZwCO3z
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaOLpLyS72
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf3sZmIruh
"You're just lying to them, though."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaocKG97IM
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmDF27Ir9A
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQChHmeaaLA
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMY5wZC9iZ
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QdfNTWdfL
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyJiKRePWY
"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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6W8I6oe5F
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxDOSNXLDd
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrQzoatzH9
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8bZ3IjQ45
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaeHyGbkNg
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84ry52KgAe
"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!"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcMbXKY3xe
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs77D78DBi
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfsOkdfhds
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f5nlwbPIX
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBDoXmPgZo
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvlWAfqs09
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZux8tEyV8
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfNsnaasuI
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYKtGU9dv5
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4qopa4Bq6
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUVuREE2vR
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiJMqxfdik
"I'm flattered."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrjV60qYAD
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMCBkYDlkE
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb6rWtbVfQ
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7CfOq5wBE
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ364S2fjWc8
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7yQvAJyu4
"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?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcglTeI36Rx
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOCzVnmcaN
"..."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4ZFZJoqM7
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V9NebvAia
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW4tcNhgLv
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPz5KkPTcj
"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?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZuKE94sFq
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRXXx69iKN
"...I don't like where this is goin'."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l5cUBw1v4
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHCNK9bCCu
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBkts0TpYF
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5js6GJfLu
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn6qV7E64R
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYm0Qa6mcO
"...The hell does that mean?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CHUQ0mZVg
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DkeqeVnmC
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzGoiQ8oY0
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMybVeAs5O
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivHNBOvAfe
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj390JleYz
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFGerH51kP
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zLpkv4VrK
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WaBPNzhZE
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDmIP5vNTJ
"Haaaa... shit."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg51za9ls2v
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PCwvrSemp
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknAeCJJhJT
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDxq7Czv3V
"What does that mean for us," I asked.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3d3h0r60U
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMUJP4Owb4
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v4zbpS2fK
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiatOgy79FW
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb581vWhKSu
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOEaKGzqVJ
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenVl94lN1c
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡur31jJoFS8
"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?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9vfApt9kC
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF7HqTvApY
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVSRjM2f7x
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOz9RXzew9
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTfiniQ2uH
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZTzWHzYNv
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpCP31pChv
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MJQ4Pozyg
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?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGYvrb23vx
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kdeBaX8x7
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ6bIGHjjq
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8YLIIShQY
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatUuvn2lEv
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGqUoO7oy7
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf3rkhkro6
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Adp5PgZnj
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUGjdggy1C
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwNDYCyRv7
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZIHDDUo9M
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfPRgFMVrE
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpaVu9MuGH
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0e9POuCA5
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUqfhO0zfG
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEmYEuO23f
"Come on, I'm just joking around."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3Oz0Blx4i
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo7QEggvcE
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDW5ppaKQs
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3329eIKSJ
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddl0HinShf
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHC9ZcIoYA
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk53Kgju8t
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspRus7jWZJ
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhttb7hCOs
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HcjtD9vtM
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpVXVYzcdU
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1TcgNY75u
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk6h9bRAoz
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaKqTGEiLw
"Ya good to go, kid?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7EEQQRkgR
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauQrD3yp7t
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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjbZLtzflv
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvBMGMfqKf
"My name is Dave."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR8cuwRREh
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsAzGdA6sQ
"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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhaou6FKTl
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz1MFFbCmW
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY1pozavUk
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx7tHb6nT4
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?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvvh4EwFOc
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYrGXa7myu
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMLjeSwHe9
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHa1jceMKf
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d6BV4JmqF
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTQaWniItQ
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhta22y3SSN
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6sr8CbcRj
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqNcBIjlvr
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G3Wfu1OFq
"How many are there?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfIi17czpE
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2aIw7xXPN
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTHYcdnX01
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqcD4MMW2C
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAosmDZsCF
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy2pzliqVM
"...Come and judge for yourself."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA0VXPLwzG
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyhV4nmVcv
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?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7msACAzOy
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeJdHYFnfI
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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgOoacn5Bw
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQVYxapfHh
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE1E2ivDVi
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kJ6HRzKZ8
"They're okay, right?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXsx8Doa14
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpgyh4BD8K
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ844JgaPzKv
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJWe6QUNQI
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wWkbRVu5G
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xZuKOKUJv
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KSIK8J4Me
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5tHfIOdPW
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNpq6nih8y
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCt3suntHo
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xGgLvVqbL
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wi68Sz7LK
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7rrpmJZET
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqkCbWPZpW
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQUa9sROd2
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFXPol6ebc
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UMf1LQc3I
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiyB8QLrO9
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE6ZX4GKT2
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJOfrIVz6I
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLcULa1R0g
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g43ta2BWQ
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPmQ5sGMkr
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4WAQViaIF
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD81fN5R4N8
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEswtTGApA
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d5R6gw6jh
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Mg6LPV1T4
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb681QR2Eid
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlR12heqjK
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVwfU8aQnu
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhF4E27iD2
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SzgkTtcwQ
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyahBFPnqy
"W-Wait, put me down first!"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsZGBYtCy2
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAojEV9N2Zl
"Eh? Why?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcOXAOE86H
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTd5uoIAMh
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7owdi8TCh
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4Wihu0vyD
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RR1T7hECn
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeQMZwrZUX
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zcKi6I52M
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03qlrUOc2b
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD4kMPu6Tw
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW9enpyl7O
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzBjIUeKE6
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNO6gLNrpN
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HqiWfzD5o
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUE4GTCb1N
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY7ExJ3Ge6
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLdVOWvDMn
"...It's dusty and shabby."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOtp66s8Xm
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0koeS8syql
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0Cq9BBYpw
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjFHMIgGWf
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H096qaAkI
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirhodo2yGB
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX591iaSWk
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQrEntGjw7
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwCLXAlVVN
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C0eC3II5L
"You two ready?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD68dFvUMAR
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhKFYzp50e
I nodded.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJnhBjsEji
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1ZJnttP3g
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU86fhjhEa
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXK8n9RBG4
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpbEr3QUgH
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5S4txcn5i
Juke and I nodded in reply.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogjHv2nee7
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI55xu2ZfyQ
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQszObTYtlb
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoc2yAo2Jz
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWz5IdWQdr
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXiMXgqhgX
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaqCVmeuyj
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvp5oaqYvX
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKE3VjAGHI
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHYtfqVWxs
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mGQVvGC7n
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGozybfspN
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzFNQe5tCU
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzuTiNitd5
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50M8aBReJ2
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLRJSeEQjW
"Don't sweat it."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpboAestjM
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwPxNJrdCP
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQckHN5j4Q
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73cbUV1Z2V
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsncqlNkf5j
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RfOJtVpbq
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfP8DF0YPE
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsYBo79Ko8
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjSFIZeSLa
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9IuGLzfnS
"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–"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLuYHhivp2
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtx5BxHLcB
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWryRQOfdXb
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pkap3HOQd
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalYfHienlz
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7xUFjQAyM
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBfLL0MYcU
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNiKzWUYMP
"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?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjlIyKujom
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky2mU5ocp8
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvyDl3UeTi
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdZK36Tuq8
"Backup?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfT0YLXDtF
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNdXvA6mHH
Pars nodded.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvgmN7dNvG
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsofzPDlFqf
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JdwKmAs1O
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡST4QdEXPbA
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRfBOAsNrx
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKolcnPn7Wj
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhf0Q1XcVa
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosLMoZ7Mq9
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBnyWgw0fB
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLb9AHPXCd
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuImWY2rMy
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4R45uc6zl
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrd27DuwAb
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS2KrLQ6ey
"A-Are you serious?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbftTVoeub
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6uJoHKZQY
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3tVLh3wdQ
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWLmQfkDZ5
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW2ze8pEp9
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWChGSPyBh
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiX1BF38es
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ007iQAHdu8
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRSnhB2zGJ
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYwqFUT0Kb
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdNFosgIaV
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR7AP78mAN
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MLumoCNal
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK0KKnWk3J
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJqiunpEEd
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqboV38EW86
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4UMgbXFjf
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTh7fW4ewg
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarrzknXFzj
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLnI8iauo4
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BsMbWO5g5
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3VvNdHxeC
"...Gotcha."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rQ93eqJQU
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7T95xQAGE
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuo4QhVsYs
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GbvUuyKxE
"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?"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj070NT0KRM
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUoS2kq686
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsQWDN9SuS
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKh7BQjT5p
"I... I will. I still want to help."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CGWcZFi1G
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgwZnGzl4w
"...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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g53j0lbiV
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyjPUbYhHj
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr9RloHMmL
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEqvphxk0o
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO15TUyGZtq
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEEriPWlqC
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe5d2gzhrw
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrcgZoOFIQ
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1y28x6N8D
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbuco3fkjw
He let go of Pars' hand.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RydWRL0zk
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8rkf4KJUO
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPoT32yhFA
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkdH1YLF0D
"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."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFrQoprdsk
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gu0P3Wl25
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthGsjiM0nh
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoUwsUC3iO
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHcEEOrAip
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHjWU4ec2N
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVB8KEHYxo
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJZAW0ChhX
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F9wzxUZ4i
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkz87HyIsy0
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjPO2RYqKy
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAxqhqVa3I
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq14UH0iVaQ
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghdDoYhMXB
"...I shouldn't waste any time."435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKodHVnPjP
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAqktqTmYD
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.435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjGrxKgAD8
435Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwu6vdCcH5
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
and then Add to home screen.