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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPXwXzbLTy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEycEA9bYt
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVVL5gF7Vc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimT5gqx59A
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtvvO5RycF
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw9j5F5lLn
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFERkExxN8k
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXPdJCRBiZ
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJPrvZkgVi
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdCdJd7bfI
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsueNnt0jj
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNldCMpsT2u
"Ya know how to make one?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcllppqNlwk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YWBi6DDz4
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHsYSWPaud
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR2Vu83l3u
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7IW8H2ALX
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumDxUuqN4A
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDQSzp2yVN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sy7d0rrjC
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OQFryw6hl
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoVQ9wuUBF
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxCeMfAUd6
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uVLBKADgo
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yGcL7dJaw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Fvb4mFn1I
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRap0rLQw2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4UiNa220L
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAM848GOIv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRiMj7FcT7
"Uh... well-"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWAdVaN8jc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPrMlWx0qr
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHCTCgEXuf
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4cdFvnvDp
"Ah, of course!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N9EiC8FbI
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF0C6GkF70
Pars rubbed the back of his head.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio3w0MhUqa
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZP92jVNx0
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm74P9KD7q1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1OacqeJH1
"Juke."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBjmIT9DkF
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVoL6leGAJ
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIqTmoGypR
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7jcb0pi0Q
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwOqHaRYGF
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQmYkxwK6a
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl2LnnsmhZ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OXFNltQ6n
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXavdK07V61
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qm5Xdg6xt
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk0E1eODVU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRrojrQSWP
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIATtq0HTe
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0s71lEjsg
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ98FOi46o
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFunAyZJ9S
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoKUzKkAXo
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAiKh5XQQs
"I did this to myself, though."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6ydG8Kn2F
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX90MldVvnP
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHypRdZ8xn7
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx3l9a3XXs
"You're just lying to them, though."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsslW1QklQM
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmWDcVYJbJ
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vM5NCftoE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WVW5TZSkO
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDHZNJgqvd
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDve9qM8az9
"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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYxOJ8w191
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW6cXB8VWn
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH7ZKgVzKp
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp7yiA2t8a
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ1ZVngQxz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kkXbOyZ3E
"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!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJiFxjETJw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt1ZFcunkr
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWNDBG8b86
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcEuESxOCY
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHwAO6RXum
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4yk4uAIYs
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHfginWtgU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93P2cRcUC5
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwMUtmQETk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71IzTxjC9L
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJVCOClSQe
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGR9Ze93b0
"I'm flattered."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ymrEkrjFR
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWnxYT9lbs
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySGFw5RzHw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm56aB5DmNg
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl8Ce3P2O3
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEnnuY7qcP
"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?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmRMpqESuD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DCxYz1KDw
"..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA8K97qFEk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX9yfTX6uO
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1za1iP2U4
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOcUxy4kb1
"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?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWA8yEmYTZ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4fhY52sCV
"...I don't like where this is goin'."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0STHNAeRED
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8qcAEG4S1
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxuzNVuOfj
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1wqsIWV0T
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMwEHaBAKD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtigfEK0RL
"...The hell does that mean?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DnVM8r9fq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xhMLPyiNL
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvtZIN7JVy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcogGzMeuY
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnCjmU6cqR
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn3vgdKwXA
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKo6ddgbkf
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURLqleoJJ7
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gJUldF6AM
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK3fE1Dq22
"Haaaa... shit."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kc6R6f3LP
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49dTxahmPr
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKdIID7rHa
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l5jXWvwLO
"What does that mean for us," I asked.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd4omSw9yK
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxNPk59o5R
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYpsfouVgr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLjENUVurh
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1aRfZ869j
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxqEvCSWTb
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UKO6Nwh6G
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncnTuN8i0n
"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?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oSyLa5iFi
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q1mPqyD4h
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKKO7SIPXl
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYT0xDdAxT
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cle3e2zz9
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR1WQRG1QP
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssyZaF75sH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ceby56erg
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?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqNxjmp2aq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf6JYQ5ZJO
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesyR25Q0fc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CwClfvxMQ
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsinQFsqSMX
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCARrR98Yl
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIVBUmiITE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOcamcnVP7
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX25rolNud5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5SeFxCa7P
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzQkIs1KHw
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqyyzcDAS2
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeQNqDg9c6
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19d5AdVgrh
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmj7ZxJsjG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDpvVFhC5c
"Come on, I'm just joking around."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJcCjUowmy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFd7ZEF36z
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VEU5YKvVI
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlchVaYUXhX
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdqNPXDjnC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPMWcK2Hgo
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIExVWZvu26
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1zldJ6yjF
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0zhjvl0Nx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0EQS1M30v
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxbaNV6xAD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCToFNJogkb
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQriLr7yYz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBkAF54ejP
"Ya good to go, kid?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvv936ozCT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeax7VwQS6
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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2DHuFqA65
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKF6DWbyhK
"My name is Dave."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoqEIEx390
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJzas5c0mu
"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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyEtBHMYes
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwerzJhkHC
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeXjUdrNpH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTZ1d7cLGF
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?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N8HY102Vk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOLkFvz74f
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynI2XonQUW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zUInCAcxa
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RyJjgQoPp
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPtLzNe9vv
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOehHSdZKPT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSByU5OLBdB
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhllgZSFf25
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt3CEQoBSU
"How many are there?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT0aIQgo1a
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kRmdMnD0Z
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYXWKQ1BhU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJykYmP9kja
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4rEY3c6Jq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD5vpylMbL
"...Come and judge for yourself."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeSSkyg9bO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2T5sEVjC3
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?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CZM5OUV7Z
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84eg8dmfZh
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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVhTBjsjUD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4R9cQD0Po
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFlT2tJtWU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusmUL3jnQ7
"They're okay, right?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVXuw06QuA
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf04GUa6LT
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdVL8hDUOk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iESaMxaZF
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVeI6TDkBn
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC8eoqQIiG
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUrdreho2T
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ541JtK8F85
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQhSHBrbyP
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76v4c8536o
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAx5h18GCk
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUij1KXWxpt
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F6Zsnwynm
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOUnoQKJwo
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96O723G4Wa
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUz4QPBMy2
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhepVdLtgf
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEvMpjlWqC
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVuf6N8sYU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0hMwIR3XI
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zuCg0LQ90
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0OyOzJ9LA
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjitX60eNsE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r8g36VIvX
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvh1Bifr5C
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzA5QLL8OZ
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodh7LlWE98
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh8UHgxfdv
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC612wzsLQQ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpUXae8vQl
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuDEnEPrJg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFAUi45Ymo
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeBkc0S87M
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PCfhRuNpS
"W-Wait, put me down first!"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn0NNGMhBA
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuesM3WUhuS
"Eh? Why?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcJ3vMsBN5
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy0V2lzyLo
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZJMr6VIDU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzqfRedZj4
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyrSgOKEEr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSoMyjAjj0
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs1SzJZ04o
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE9uKxiQEY
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcSyUb9T9X
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZToOclMGja
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVpY9kiCs1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxVBbvbHuw
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygLSmx2O5h
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPaDTlLGHn
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T2rVqhFvn
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0MvXqWcxW
"...It's dusty and shabby."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9WpJ4MEK6
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsTavketWQ
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5Af7McQrW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnc33UWFYQ
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhoqkoWWFf
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCKfibqgmQ
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUmVbJfEw6
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe2HWR4WmL
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecE6J9oDvu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcGd4tY2jL
"You two ready?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJkmCjHyaG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlXQCzhFL8
I nodded.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTRNEtMrdz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebEeWxAv9i
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcshbTBdbep
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nxcbXb7Wd
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8JQbUguf1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2Z32pjjDF
Juke and I nodded in reply.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeidoSzPqso
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUhZjkFZuE
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43TX9CCZge
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i1Bu4uVJe
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapgWKvEqbA
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZnhu2sMmm
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm9Fh3xnTC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVieufDkta
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnSjQnlkY9
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNANRfNLVC
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkplNFMt8Vy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8sUyJl8bc
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJUzfM7R3z
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyySG6byvLA
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pPIbaDHTH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG1KmL453a
"Don't sweat it."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpcYK7oTmA
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaEpduoLvu
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKD0MGflwJ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKOpaPDc6T
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5DYJltu5S
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH8IkAoIic
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZghU6M3CyT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWgl5k5pBB
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6vvxtH5OL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ32Rg7mTHF
"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–"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWuAC6zy3U
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOOqAWtIrE
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtbD35HLEY
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPiX0N36E0
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfzJ6xVnMq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjcsQHekyG
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrQw9rE12h
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMsghKc7UC
"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?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvkd7JHqmp
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLERmM9wvj
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFduGOsUg5g
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI46sptmRo
"Backup?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP3MKEJSqW
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79m33bv6CN
Pars nodded.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w2MoPmes8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0LdVdv8Uo
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DBej9IqmQ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXOOO2anfN
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSigT6DXS8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8evMCqZb4
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAAAHMSBTv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DZVN14pUf
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JYypL1UdH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQqkLn15g7
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4H1PdVYGoY
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCERoQdyAIl
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GgRRfDr7x
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6pHXLEsVE
"A-Are you serious?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMCqEh44Kx
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbmkRA04c9
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwvorVKORP
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB4q59PTuJ
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJAxGzZzCy
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BZpTQZfIz
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW9rFG1rTR
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu4daBbEZk
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWPJ0cVoaX
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOrt4lHpgV
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbyYDHWmFV
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzem0EVWAGt
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnduOF8X3L
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yC5mJEE0b
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw2zcNruwd
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7ZBM39eI1
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasWwjDaX2o
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZpEsmZ43G
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTyVf36Cbv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i2ohg1em8
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcbepLpQHD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsAuFMcftZ
"...Gotcha."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUpTTNZFhz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzKnsWdumS
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxc5ZHweLa
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzXWu4gUBW
"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?"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ2mWLw3iE
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE9DlrPMB2
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WtgCe774n
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5b1ETr8dL
"I... I will. I still want to help."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdczDFOHRLR
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuEctOCzVN
"...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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFSOoD1IDq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilzqv8Amqp
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor90k8jlcv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xHOjU4sZQ
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9vnfphQjT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPljWwqjEY
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB2aJFhDxz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGMe2WJ7xv
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjCAX8Ngg4
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPXt0bkJne
He let go of Pars' hand.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBRv3eYa8Y
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkOrgep78J
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofPg5A4Jxo
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNhGrFEZtK
"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."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEP205NBAL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfyAid9kBy
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy7ztYB5qC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2QtNSabaM
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQi0aI3NWd
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0ZEsPcY81
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX5twPQGtC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVktv9BsrjL
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW28udAUivs
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h0q4xEtoQ
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjaGNvKcin
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eVe5hpexl
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBsuOR2bi9
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPV3agy0nx
"...I shouldn't waste any time."223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz97AJ0Tru
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ0QrrRaEJ
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.223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3PAJBezSc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr36NNbonGu
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
然後按「加至主畫面」