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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRyFhD3QEp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgtoo1aQy5
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DqF2i6CT2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYO9pifpir
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a5rbzsnWH
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAwi1GlQnN
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeebOL1Glni
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wywlv8h2U
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8ABXFMhV8
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj3VYy833H
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdrcxI01og
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchcO5blf4J
"Ya know how to make one?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFI1fY4YhD
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowXXjGFPjI
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S9zRU9axl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex9QxblEBP
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydqYac1fDv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX3zbSG89c
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPgTOEmGnM
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11QbUsePbC
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIrXCXh699
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BvTRzefY7
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiETOAYdhw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ThxN2yFGv
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsFwWny2ri
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYx9xJjU7A
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZgAh9EYNJ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bi9DLVdIj
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZUIki0ISp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA1aRr59zD
"Uh... well-"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29OG1zPQ7d
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHmk0O0d5N
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN0JhpnuEd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbM0ct7IQi
"Ah, of course!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FdSSiTysp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dHTkEv4SF
Pars rubbed the back of his head.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkbB6jTIQa
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCPGUDq59D
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopmnxun1Dl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UCEOK3I6K
"Juke."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsFwBpmtGl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEwpgIgftQ
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v3DyNhwsg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskkZ4IoxLA
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Lvt7kYmZ6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI47EX4l9zK
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTcQv8aznZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAekRFjDUYb
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUB4xTyDmD
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDizLSYdcR5
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7vtMxiGJa
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcdlw4NEPE
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDwhO2hkGj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSB6ErXBkw
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZxrYGrJUx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDskciEvqVp
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczxFNiVBN0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv1BKLkRXa
"I did this to myself, though."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1csjIijBz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRdML1kqBi
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon2eCIUsoZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpaDWa6LHE
"You're just lying to them, though."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKTiGpPAUb
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1tigUzFsm
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NpGh18VE3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuuxzbHIiS
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIBRV4MdyK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKEOlxQNmV
"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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg9NK5fQDn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJYQtS3xMq
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8V4nOn7US
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6zRUB6rF4
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsBPsSzrE7
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoj4HQVKiSM
"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!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG34JAPRjVR
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTAYDhEJza
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyMaVz8ewf
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdQXmumIPX
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY8BM4jZGh
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6gLkaeUY3
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQBBec77ex
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9QhAocD7E
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjJpZiJY1v
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEeuzDstCt
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUImkFJjcq4
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTj935A0P4
"I'm flattered."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UUikiJm3G
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpCbYXOzdD
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yC8KTmIUW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCc04f9Yod
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqDVPVvg2o
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbUfPURkel
"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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSeVUgs7BI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc6xxdPwjg
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlgGEl55zq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N1PvMcWne
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl2S6laK0B
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEnosj8iFE
"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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mPBEhG0hi
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomr18SpEit
"...I don't like where this is goin'."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX0jpP9Lye
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGLGI0RfgY
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSwM5rhD8N
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3puTjMKBt
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwxGzELggS
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWv6oL2SvH
"...The hell does that mean?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyK1BYq39q
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWfuAmX3U3
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Cfml0f726
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqRQIiL39N
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNltQ07JW9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbRSRmCXbF
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58zIHm5Hz9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1VvfSjsTA
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNy4Pk4zbX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuylWp0rVOn
"Haaaa... shit."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzuCz66ZVj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6OQIeDfVQ
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00gZWV6QHi
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lRfMthDXC
"What does that mean for us," I asked.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jOWSKuEQo
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQGq9bLJN3
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKUpoi9mPO
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3MBHzz29n
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ipwphd3Je
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNUmTyffCg
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq132ADn1G0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7Rk734vUg
"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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nv5kESRjA
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCjOtI7uHT
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NwtnmQm73
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog0qZhGXWT
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqBxjMQXDY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmsW5THCjV
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsVwimNT2i
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJGsvYLsLz
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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIIKILYA9I
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptKv22BKJf
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyX1AOmjYia
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4hSD5TOB9
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaVFEhziGH
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRcR5YmFyC
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXH96KBSU4
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE58qqclMDj
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lAup1HDmB
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36UdwgSPK2
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsju7QidUgS
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrIiI1cGo2
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzre8YtCjdR
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaSiLIa9mg
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhB82vDIFt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnjLYv7ayI
"Come on, I'm just joking around."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCIHcPFGBz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpf4V6CWTe
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrI2ewae8u
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FFz3c3Ra6
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkniejyf15w
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs6lJhwguN
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQBMss5J4W
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I0TibYhXB
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkvf9vBKbY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJe6MWssOU
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOommLPlTVJ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kB1nZTR6t
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkVclt5kZ4
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49q5exH7bY
"Ya good to go, kid?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ178lcqN6z1
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BnxYQJvqZ
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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEKiwGueXb
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVc47cN3oC
"My name is Dave."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6npUaWLHYv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AJG0U5kGx
"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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaBN3PCCHj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznfC4VJSxq
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E26G5u5vy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWypKiUdLfy
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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuR0eYhJlc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZz5lLmGbo
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe5JplPnmK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HhclbJ8zE
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOomFEPlKEZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg1226gj4Z
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3levJhSpQ5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMhiJjygA4
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61huHk5h0F
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHbSoGqfRM
"How many are there?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8c6EElGY3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMU9mqg74W
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJTBPOS2dP
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXe57rZ5Z7
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9S79tjNnu
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbg1J95fNT
"...Come and judge for yourself."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn0PVi2u4b
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5lTuHy80s
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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0sOwPlu6t
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmeV2WIpdb
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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5kOWUDlm6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrll7lv9djZ
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaccQUDO4sN
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsVHxX0pcY
"They're okay, right?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnK9oshEEX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDB8PkoeVP
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7enBIeVwTt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9gDhfQyut
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP4t8aTn6o
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLltFhbDGe
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk9AGkqLHE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkoWq0rWFp
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f3OriOgPR
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqfcd2QOk4
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa6XZlhJFA
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDemrj5A18g
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYP1rGgvZ6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rKAZImtxE
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vSp3Vwana
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGG9xAsPZ6q
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VnuCN32nL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAe1Biaoswi
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4sZBal12P
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnBXdS4iVK
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28sYA5mVrq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVrUZHSnDd
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoug1xKO8Ez
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlKghcW3pt
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuarKpnfFhV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN3LsXRWJH
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YeyCbvN70
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0giLFywe0p
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao8ng2Svez
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zh1TIGHxl
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sTQ0FvDjM
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDvZKsVtYQ
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU86OfIIul
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTXjN1PhaC
"W-Wait, put me down first!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GrKXqm8M3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkhmfLKbbJ
"Eh? Why?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5vzgkRV6o
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwZDQV7jay
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHk555O4vQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgke7HYr9pk
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTlQBaWfOk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbE3HkMA4z
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1qT1t0XfA
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6QXk1TssF
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97nM7QumI4
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs2Aw3i1dX
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNZF7jg8UK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCdaxgmNpq
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRsIDnkLzr
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwHmQoPFg0
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD5Nw8Cc0A
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OUuoz8HNk
"...It's dusty and shabby."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe41LtLVVHB
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPyL3eCxFD
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z1hjNToa0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGy50muWNa
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d46O4mysj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7aH68xWmd
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OPvp68q6D
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOt0evbghc
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3n0M0Uyje
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzoiWjUqkP
"You two ready?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1pdNuKAyP
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvWWvbfGhw
I nodded.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wcBl35zxv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTfFzmZ9Bf
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CaoVKmpAg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK3C7HNfqv
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTS37MaOaB
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fJdVX078s
Juke and I nodded in reply.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahQYa8NqmI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPfOeatsoy
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiTEMyxXRn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIN3gfRZpj
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTdCpbpb7e
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBnUJybd11
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m4U7tJzM8
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN4CxU9tAX
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDyfS54NnV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzuu1FAIwd
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZTL7A6Rkl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXfOO2UC1M
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjoWfcPDv5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF5WGCiVFF
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RaJmm497q
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS8J2DJ1dd
"Don't sweat it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeSXBWGMtY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxclCnErBCF
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYStvY2sxq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmSNYsktne
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ6tPpqFvh
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLB3Uj6WKy
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVyqzq2zK0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dUd0jACHw
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0caE8f5hV1
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHXcqQ1x1O
"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–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZZatOT07q
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4RMU9B0K3
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5Y7cg52WP
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOodjBmnXy
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2A9bUQs1B
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutHyH3ZpYS
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrpOuXOr1K
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4TEffjLMJ
"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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbarWEC1DCr
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGXf4WvmpD
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCAVIVkX31
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SjmpaedtS
"Backup?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4TlbJ1SQU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kzegR5ll8
Pars nodded.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6jguf9lJW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iZxi4rwvl
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBsJ6g9Q2C
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqm7h0Cf9B
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15MJxRlSSr
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9frWxOmhGo
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoPJNsMkG9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRL2CVWT1M
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg1WK3oUwe
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c5By9SCrF
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZEOw1N7FK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9OysnW65Q
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUkUc7T5Ay
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekzflkLX0S
"A-Are you serious?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeEuiUyR5r
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma9Ac3cXG2
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b4B1rLsZD
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCEgCtKTIk
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYUqyYrXGg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGuBpga6jm
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yhUo7FX7n
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMk9dn8TI3
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJAF5mO7Me
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSryXDR75j
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId7jglZtDv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRAc3RE2BZ
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVSIR5R42F
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlosjTlHQnr
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsnaUlm1ZE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnH2MmtY5t
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1qelno2Dm
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYcBKhoU5u
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf4srwCeNE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63aORJuoXQ
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE3rta8UOm
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhTJulL8gy
"...Gotcha."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvP4LMNg6V
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMyGA5xdes
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YtLe2qSTl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoiwvEepsl
"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?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl0v30IM7l
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrXFexT9bR
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5CD3fpbEp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkCYxUQXmk
"I... I will. I still want to help."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwnl5IQaxg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKur2zSNamA
"...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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGlEs4lnml
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT7NDoWfuS
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYWamT0yxt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2ApondRzW
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhPzuJLGiE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFzsHInhL8
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaa1SmXo7P
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd2GKe9c7Q
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLOTpw4mrh
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAiqVSu0CQ
He let go of Pars' hand.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmm9ZKadYU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF01ux3btn7
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rPEs3NYaw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtNOq8chA7
"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."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOL6sVStiF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrD0jeefFo
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECZ5Xon4pG
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4cneXZpNh
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehE5Buvux2
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hkuqHTgfW
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLgdq0X5sg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU5GwukeVP
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLNQ1L0sXz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9yt4i1RO9
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6Ndw6bf5Y
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsw32q4OC9
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfkkL2EGCX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVyVkTMW2r
"...I shouldn't waste any time."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnWdMMu7oU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxLWR9FNLe
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.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNYtOpqsdk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko7ei6Rspc
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
然後按「加至主畫面」