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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGZ8fAxKZR
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsI7dNJVd9
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Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqyOeLV5IS
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"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMVWj9QelU
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We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HG2FurKl6
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"I wish... I packed an energy potion."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMc4NDEeYr
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"Ya know how to make one?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSADXcm8W3w
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"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1WWVRiZkW
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He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFxgCqqzZP
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"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSElhJnj3oz
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdaCsWBaVG
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"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SEQeDkvB3
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"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGAcIIgfLA
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"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1KB0Qn1n7
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Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHNCTinlNj
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"Uh... well-"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73lsdQCBjm
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"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ942w4Cvily
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"Ah, of course!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVpAhwsyt1
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Pars rubbed the back of his head.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjZKhpHA49
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"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxc89njHuO
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"Juke."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU77Fmo3zei
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I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnTPwrXQ0r
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"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXPApVvL0c
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"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8bbSK0SDP
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Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEI3rs4DOY
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"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWyj71TSGP
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"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyykNjAQFk
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"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIBYH4HFBf
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They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI71OpjAX9g
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"I did this to myself, though."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RdD03yMwi
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"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyETzhv7mMx
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"You're just lying to them, though."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoA250IjTh
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He simply shrugged. I realized that I was just sweating details. It didn't matter why, the point was that I became injured because of the fight.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeuthNqicJ
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"What Juke's saying is right, though. We weren't on the brink of death or anything, but we weren't making her feel threatened, let's just say."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0wJtJ7vfn
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"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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83HSs0H7dE
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"Why were you two targeted in particular?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKFUyovrNv
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Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmftnwahKV1
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"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!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9TIoucCib
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"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mwkAwTrOE
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The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q3kODhgJd
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"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMZfTxjcRB
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"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPYlk9dxT8
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"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE5nvXopxO
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"I'm flattered."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaRB80QlkF
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"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh5SHFYzRz
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Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhvAJBhyaY
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"Well, like I said, the mission's already over. Ya think if I tell the Hard-Bringer folk that they'll give us a slap on the wrist?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiryfUI7nD
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"..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tZKSsdfKu
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Pars didn't respond to Juke's playful inquiry. Dave had an even graver expression than before. Their faces were solemn in a way that radiated pity, and it was only exacerbated by Pars' pinching of his nose and subsequent sighing.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoSSNdQnVj
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"Just to make sure, your guys' mission was to deliver the letter, right? The letter in question had to be delivered to the Pillar of Foreign Communications?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEdtWEuoHu
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"...I don't like where this is goin'."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQZWKpX06X
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Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpf30iqEYo
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"You're right not to like it, because I'm about to drop the worst news you've heard all week: all of the Pillars have been subjugated by Hard-Bringer."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgdkA5oQsN
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"...The hell does that mean?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEukyLGnVcf
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"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixh2H7Nh6I
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0zA5PDwlN
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"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SEzsEhvK8
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"I'm sorry, but I'm not."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0D1FlWsNS
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"Haaaa... shit."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38eph8U0uo
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Juke leaned back against the wall and stared at the sky. All things considered, he was taking it pretty well. I thought it was ridiculous. I couldn't see inside him, sure, but I was astonished by how all that was invoked from his was a simple sigh. My feelings turned mixed.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA7QxltFHS
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"What does that mean for us," I asked.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakZx302gLl
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"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiLxorjSX0
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"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0k2UJh9bu
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I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLL7jAsVHP
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"I think I get the gist of it," he said, "If we wanna see the mission through, then we gotta kick these Hard-Bringer bastards out, yeah?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtyqp0p5jU
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"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wqRcR6kGk
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"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXidQJDasQu
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"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIweALwCoH2
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I put my head in my hands. The state of affairs moved too fast for my fatigued body and mind. I was certain that, if I just came out of a good rest, I'd be able to think more clearly, but I didn't, so I couldn't, and it frustrated me, it frustrated me endlessly. Then there was the idea of doing this– for some reason, I sat on the fence. I couldn't say yes to the proposal, but I wanted to accept, yet I couldn't make a declaration.
"Are ya alright, kid?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknQMdJ58Jy
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Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznHmf8DgEE
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"I... I'm having doubts. My mind is foggy, I think I need to sleep."
"I getcha, but what are ya having doubts over?"
I looked at him as if he just asked an incredibly stupid question.
"Don't give me that look. This is yer job, ain't it? Why are ya doubting yerself?"
"My job?"
Juke provided me with an interesting perspective. It was pragmatic and disciplined. It caught me off guard, and it certainly wasn't something I expected to come out of his mouth.
But, as I thought about it–
"You say it's my job, but isn't this well over our pay grade?"
"Hell yeah, it is. Seriously, what's a weak guy like me doing, being contractually obligated to fight Hard-Bringer, eh?"
He took a few steps forward, pulling his sword out of his scabbard and placing it on his shoulder. He turned around and looked me in the eye.
"I think it's a perfect excuse to check up on Dennis."
He offered me a hand.
"..."
His declaration made me smile. It dispelled all my doubt instantly. I chastised myself for even thinking that way, even with my haziness. When I thought about it that way, it was the perfect excuse to amend that dreadful feeling I gained last night, all that guilt and shame, even if it would continue to creep at the back of my mind.
So, I reached for his hand and–
"I can't even lift my limbs anymore, Juke. You're going to have to carry me."
My arm dropped a second later; his did too.
"I think ya should go to sleep."
"Out here on the street? That's impossible."
"Fair 'nough.'
"Lucky for you guys," Pars interjected, "Dave and I set up a bit of a haven nearby. That should be the perfect place to rest, surely."
"Don't speak with such uncertain language, Pars. The haven is safe, that's why we call it a haven."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IJmXN8iFt
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Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bdeaNEufA
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"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc9hrdPSQC
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Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHD5QcaSRa
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"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUee9iNWqT
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Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5Oy4cssJg
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"Come on, I'm just joking around."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlijv2UX2DZ
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"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHSPNbfQoK
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"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7GmrmqcV1
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Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7jkRVdrza
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"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aJ44sdtnv
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJUbanhmuZ
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"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSRPemeYKw
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"Ya good to go, kid?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6ebYHEDv1
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My attention returned to Juke. I nodded at his inquiry, but the previous problem persisted.
"How are we going to go about that? Even if I had a cane, I don't think I can stand."
"I'll just carry ya like before."
That statement sent a quick shiver down my spine.
"Don't carry me like before, please. I'd much rather ride on your shoulders."
"On my shoulders? The hell are ya, some kind of kid?"
"..."
"Ah, shit, forget I said that."
I was struck by a frothing curiosity. How was it that he constantly forgot my age? I realized in seconds that it wasn't just him; seemingly, everyone even a tinge older than me constantly forgets it.
I didn't make mention of my question, though. Juke crouched down and slapped his shoulders. I practically crawled to him, and climbing his body so I could get in a good position made me feel like a bug. Fortunately, Juke made no comment about it and simply grabbed me under my thighs and lifted me. I wrapped my hands around his neck.
"We're good to go, haven-guy."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YmEtP657q
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"My name is Dave."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73bCgKXBR2
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"Dave, my fault."
"Right. Follow me, then."
He waved his hand, gesturing us to pursue him. He walked to the end of the alleyway, stopping just short of reaching Pars.
"How does it look," he asked.
Pars winced a little and spun his head to look at us. He drew a quick breath and nodded his head.
"The coast looks clear to me, but we should be on guard. The Bringer who chased our guests is either hiding or calling for reinforcements."
Dave gave a stern nod at his statement before stepping forth and spearheading our group. He stepped into the street, looked both ways and waved his hand, motioning to follow us. Juke and Pars broke into a sprint, trailing Dave as he zigzagged between branching paths and alleyways. Uncomfortable as it was, we traveled quickly. I envied the lengthy legs of the adults.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWSVPFlqrC
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But just as quickly as their legs moved, they were forced to skid to a stop. Dave started the chain, quickly pushing his back against the wall as he neared the end of the alleyway. Startled, Pars followed suit, and Juke awkwardly stood around, unsure of what to do with me on his back. He crept as close as he could to the wall without squishing me, which I whispered a thanks for.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Gza46X8IZ
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We were all against the wall now, but that begged a crucial question to be asked, and Pars was the one to do it.
"What'd we stop for?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p5wQXJWnD
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Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo2mdrcL5l
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"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFqJ0S4R0x
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Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptiBOFrLA2
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Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvjHXrYvRy
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"How many are there?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooYbdBQpOa
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"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaLg1Yg03y
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"Depends; are they just lackeys?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxUkwo5Oqy
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"...Come and judge for yourself."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzqxoz5TuE
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOESRDkgHw
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?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqslb50apFl
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mtLiVtk7A
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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBCIzHBZn8
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA45dDt6s1
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0G4Ga8p1j
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"They're okay, right?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZE97RZIBP
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"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBKfzulg36
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaTEYUeCAv
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Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmubJb1U9su
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"The coast looks clear. Once we go in, we gotta head right on upstairs. Dave will act like a frontman for us, shutting any trouble out."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcxAh9IStM
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqDimhcmVG
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I set the thought aside as we entered the shop. From all the interior architecture I've seen thus far, my expectations were low. However, the inside of the shop was orderly and ornamental. Antique lamps, though snuffed, were sprawled on various tables lined with products and price tags. I could infer from the pottery and other ceramic objects what Dave's shop was all about, but I still felt inclined to ask.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEMqWCvHSW
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"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARPiTGa7a2
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"Decorative objects, as you can see. They're brought here by potters from neighboring areas. Very few of them are reinforced with mana suspension, so I wouldn't go touching them. In fact, don't touch them at all, any of you. Especially you, Pars."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRONx9PfGq
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"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbSKQxq2Ut
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I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XvDAkdbqP
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"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZANCHnOYa
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhbmql2pKn
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgZDIOGN3e
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"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7AsIeawjI
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Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDB1MhrBmP
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"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMZMSL9rhU
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He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3O7QvtbGT
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"W-Wait, put me down first!"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiajARAEEyr
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"Eh? Why?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PVc95BRZ0
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"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCWmRuidJB
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"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgrLZO6Sm2
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedXxMxoGA3
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"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxQxYU0kFK
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x8XqjlQY9
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"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7qyeg6D9E
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"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNDyX6op3Y
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGEfvpmSMe
"...It's dusty and shabby."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaL36IrSoI5
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"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO6DvORsox
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPmr6XhmWu
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"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXeKsDi9P2
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Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH9PJMIpAV
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"You two ready?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiD5JT30da4
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I nodded.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLCt87mtH4
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"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93VBWp1kme
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"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILYKpwhPfH
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Juke and I nodded in reply.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SnEUroChT
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"Well, since these are the paragons of the city, it's pretty important to capture them. Of course, the Retaliation Crowd is planning on capturing them all."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuoxBybDyu
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVqOJyXX8T
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnNpdulRLs
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Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3EBZbtsOL
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"They're in different buildings. The Retaliation Crowd is split into five parts. It's a pretty big movement, so if we tried to group everyone up in one building, we'd be too obvious."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1YcDvpSSb
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"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U5BPguj6J
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"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6fVbL5IAY
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"...Sorry, I'm just tired."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhrU2aVp6v
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"Don't sweat it."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYHcSW5S5Y
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I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlrvEvnqY6
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"Back to what I was saying, the Retaliation Crowd is split into five buildings, but they've all got something in common, and that's their proximity. They're all close to the Central Communication Pillar."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTcq8cxyNX
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"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmRMnbWvvO
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Pars sighed and smiled dryly.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xCU07Dbxa
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"Yes, the plan goes like so: we all storm the Central Communication Pillar, overtake it, and make that our new base of operations. It will put a huge target on our back, but if everyone in the city learns that we've taken the Pillar then–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP3Yjr4LhG
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"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuORW4qp9x
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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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEfLBhppyN
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Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqASBriktr
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"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?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1Egm2DmKT
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGi7BsMmdy
"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."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbzFzypZIT
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"Backup?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWxfHPqFL2
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Pars nodded.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFBDZiydBl
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"Since the Central Pillar deals with communication across the Southern Country, we'll send an SOS message. Afterward, it'll only be a matter of time until all of Hard-Bringer will flee."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbdPNo68vF
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"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmqpbQqVFh
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"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA4OWsPmoi
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Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrBuIR9nB2
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"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIYHSIEp1l
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Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOF5hzkgHb
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"A-Are you serious?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6KRAgQbQM
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"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuUyghNNP8
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"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgT7K2sObm
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He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHFEDsaUiE
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"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfxGTXnigz
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"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OsxqrkgAV
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With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMhF4gxqk0
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"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh3Hw5n5eg
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"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AYsiGcJ6V
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His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMdGM85O2T
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"I'll have to discuss it with Lola. She's the head of this whole operation, but she also knows a lot more about the Pillars than I do."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDuDsjmxBx
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"...Gotcha."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrduA3vbMTC
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Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMLZskQthV
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"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?"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfRYDfybXN
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Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQwPMcHSW5
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"I... I will. I still want to help."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHtZXnK655
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"...I can't deliver the letter without yer group anyway. It'd be a pain to have to fight Hard-Bringer even more, so I'm prayin' that we skip to the Pillar we want."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVBzEDwc3m
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As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqij2NJgCx
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"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabNpjHXzHX
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Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfvzGwp5WL
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"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIfZTshVPR
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He let go of Pars' hand.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO4CD9pBDl
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"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OYsjl28a6
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"Go ahead. We'll be leaving in a few hours, so make yourself at home. There should be food and water in any of them."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4izSRfZXa
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Juke gave Pars a nod and left. Pars looked at me intently. He seemed to be insisting on something. Then I remembered whose room I was in.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAeC3vwZqL
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"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAuq97uLJE
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK6IbtWMss
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaWxYqyueG
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He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqMUD87mXG
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6UocctZI7
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn4k0vzD7x
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPhzeP4e8j
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBHdHtOxi2
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKQss65yTa
"...I shouldn't waste any time."403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWCRoAkFNF
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeWf27duQd
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.403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymUQCiYFNk
403Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdVNPRW8zG
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
and then Add to home screen.