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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjiI02kExd
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkWtShhD7C
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQs1twGTLo
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbM6Kh3T1A
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrnqAvupi7
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgOHrsHmj0
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVcw10z1qc
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28hOMDkYsQ
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQQYnrJfqF
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuIKsWoxw5
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbmtoePna1
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4p4pfTc4z
"Ya know how to make one?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD4CdM4c4A
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCxxzqLmbW
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ioK5GtT8H
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs01YrTAIWV
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXifFmvSm2F
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXvIHKOSic
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpq4ZdYN61
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzZvS7cxvL
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P0V0fjqHk
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8v1qoGYuh
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcc0bIJMR2
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnrourVv5D
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS9zTvPaAZ
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq97H8LFyc
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflHBm10bnL
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnROR3Q3qv
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo83ZY6zPPb
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolafmEgFrr
"Uh... well-"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnEtUyWK7p
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaDxQQwZsN
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfkTEMbXB9
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lXDYtv6gB
"Ah, of course!"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVMjUkg2Ut
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VKUfszCZ2
Pars rubbed the back of his head.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIToweZp9jk
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcvAszHrvS
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17IO1aSjbL
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhtdqsyy6C
"Juke."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniBgUgdPDf
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMsy7Nypxe
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjhrpc3uDC
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbUqWEbRdi
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2upcHIM0a
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5c0eo4NV4
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmexrvynem
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsakLTjq42b
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDbndEcfC5
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6rXLU58EO
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ySjacz9UP
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyQxl7x4TH
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrrFTyS8Xh
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6xUxgUAec
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmthavEw2YF
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHW7d8Tytwr
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycFc7RlCrk
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ1SxCfJ82
"I did this to myself, though."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ059FsZXh0m
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1vxsxXmxE
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1fisETQD7
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4AHFHnBp2
"You're just lying to them, though."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bYY9q6Al2
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhZjfVBqbC
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYCPVUJT3P
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO1Xz1lciW
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EJXsY6VXU
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjhc3TmdBF
"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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuE5mFti31
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWGpO1mAqL
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sFnDiiirP
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvpx6SY6Xm
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3d1LNtf1s
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKcqdbx6JR
"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!"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBkHk7Buev
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLwn3fqGAh
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBhzBo8877
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmhWUGPlDm
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdH5aakdgo
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL18WaECAnV
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieYBQba2mE
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r56b6TcTy
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFzTIonbzA
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWDXw6fREo
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2BpxWW2Fz
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs1qJ5qcYN
"I'm flattered."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40Yn70RhiT
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Nk2YonNZT
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EYMLBN8EP
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yt9OtKxQW
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BHsdRtFDb
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMISUWVu3U
"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?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWrmmg9PPC
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnnVyMO1CL
"..."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu286YzHLJ
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPhVB7F4SP
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAWObHjGoV
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaugOG2sdO
"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?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqVUKR2bu5
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRXlwM88fe
"...I don't like where this is goin'."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6kg5z2xhj
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUdyjnUJrD
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qdMUhvVxO
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz2Ydb3LSs
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTjtJwhnNt
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPHirJx0Lt
"...The hell does that mean?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLdPIElY45
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj1Btizwt2
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IbntIQovu
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81j6IC1Ekg
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVpEsy2fSt
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1UZ67Oe0p
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Sbs1KPN5M
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq2W0ZEmpr
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0zl0KTSPS
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs6lYLklPx
"Haaaa... shit."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK9N5tNZgI
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XDTpXdpOO
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaedq2iqgw9
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23Taqv9UxN
"What does that mean for us," I asked.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg0ReZomoy
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKJE16qHxK
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdR9TlGYl0
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPu9PJp0wr
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HIBUJn8KI
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhcp7mLPEZ
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgPFcgLbGH
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXTpquzFNi
"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?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb2Va9cAXu
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNGnYE7DRs
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVeJFZf8pn
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63XNw0n6vH
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjJW7fn8iP
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYyqJFYsSR
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshMmn8xSmO
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ip9BhhfR5
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?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV15NAixPj
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphjChqzv35
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlizRNjlen0
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe3Sz7f5i5
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiYynR8q8w
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb23ikITdL
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4hmxRGqaC
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjjSXf9EWC
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJgdQJTzW8
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywlNZgtkAs
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVG2OGizJie
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC8ZsK24zW
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrANvFALzUd
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXjlixtnQE
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX40SnPxN1o
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uXA619lPH
"Come on, I'm just joking around."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ02oFquyLq
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfkyjPExqJ
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0HfwFGqXA
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUbqKDi7xO
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxCsHoftMK
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAlsFLbBWH
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaVdc4uRyl
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQxyiWybAo
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqzmF2dZB7
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fgmekEJm4
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQijfYrqnec
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD1f5TLiRb
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLbz8ySPSo
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdmtYubsQD
"Ya good to go, kid?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfFQTffGey
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TqWMXgJsh
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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedi4bIou6x
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdQC9Wr3lI
"My name is Dave."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqvKg5T0Nj
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DsvNASmIc
"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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLNvcXhgDo
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRZ8jotrMB
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmzXedMmzA
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGYlabteo4
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?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKv0GugaBi
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrSyoetjNm
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiREup4dkkO
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNwpSUEWcO
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvMJTYlQFV
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi8Vc7vB3d
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde9ENrrLJe
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjM0zSyUJN
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm50SOyCtsJ
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pOxA0KVeh
"How many are there?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i8qcbaKYz
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXwffInh2N
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GvtgJADLj
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqHCHRqTyu
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse7N8Gqilz
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVSOEt0XFx
"...Come and judge for yourself."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgTHym3NIc
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryoTlZhavh
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?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruBHZTGwMb
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7hKCHk3gA
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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnrZHpLg6H
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJgRJsa8FC
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4zDIBkEnl
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCqsbA4uDP
"They're okay, right?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgThzDCGmx
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq2AL2a5HQ
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMtTZvBNEg
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou9lm2OkTc
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdHNBCf7Z6
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuqUqpDzwH
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdGmkZBM5l
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHOwwqhPH8
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH881WX3G5z
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTHZVSNWgp
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxilWuDCKn
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuXilauF4q
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjFRfWFMra
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bMcDA848F
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPIlAchh5l
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPan7xJZBz
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g9T8Vk95U
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfjJslUxSr
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGipCxkvUyJ
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbY2ZaHXhW
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA5J9qa4AX
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nqZzbIBxC
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZCD2gjZan
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGEnkyRm0h
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWejC4aPdAQ
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuUI7Lz3eK
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPbJmfVW12
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRq8kxhyUt
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WyuxwC5dP
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0RAI1TxUB
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhJv5wnPgi
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2wcyMu3Oa
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyWLJHH4T2
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5z5Keml6j
"W-Wait, put me down first!"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutc2FfpczB
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtywRweYgM
"Eh? Why?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQFdsk4L6L
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw3HLcMG5X
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QA0hM7FAf
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu4TEhm6tk
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyichCMjpzZ
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDWjmXrPLQ
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS6JiHjMkU
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o7o6tYay1
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47MhdR092X
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjYZ2tweXr
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBZlbKjwK0
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHdNalE9MN
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiaYVtfOJ8
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsdcPMG0QV
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhw2dfuXa0
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeHVjCz8h3
"...It's dusty and shabby."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWP46eEBQL
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtYfuEvsbp
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbND09LZ3RC
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwSER1yCQe
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhwNWBZ3sB
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdlllACyDd
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc67telETaV
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDhGsT5adq
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdkKJaA8U3
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSSJI2X0jH
"You two ready?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NwS5IoJ1d
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor8kqR47MT
I nodded.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJFqV5mz6i
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWl4Lc61Fg
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy84YfaoxW
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz2VLgImJU
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNgAfpeiib
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QMjmndfre
Juke and I nodded in reply.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqZSbXh15b
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5crmMzFpCX
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCamTGOGJo
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwCOGHwgAe
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULeW5F8ipM
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3czZB6yLc
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hMxKhmqT4
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZigqimAuu
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFMAIH1QUr
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCYs3katNa
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu4Kcg9fHX
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDrhYCBd8i
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIZrwqjnbx
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSHAUYC9ME
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn8scdzcg8
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifhFu4FBsD
"Don't sweat it."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3PW4S925h
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXynGmPX60
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0erjvs712a
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyImUG10gu9
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowj9XEGduU
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctcd1bihVm
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk06kqpIZgt
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvURoX2dqM
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkigNSF4j6
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWioTOILeLQ
"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–"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9Acl1oRNs
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFV5yfyt1o
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZKuQy6w6R
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSuK1u0mI2
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VJFHTrogu
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBXHhY54Ni
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5YOsSJak8
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WnPmIgNyZ
"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?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTcj4dRgSS
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydgYjFUN9L
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOVmlzFQm8
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTweMbeQbS
"Backup?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlVHWNkFgr
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTCurmzNcS
Pars nodded.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡompiSsjY6O
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtYyfQIfWm
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq76iJgSRp
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI4lEbNr6S
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspKlfKxOua
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7L0QfNUJl
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAXTqlPG3R
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKZDhtXK5I
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZypdVFVSo5
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipdG6S6pBD
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsGIw9DerG
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkWrC8uTx0
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHVRjlzIdl
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O90RQANn9
"A-Are you serious?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tgwkK2ZCM
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLjbMzTJLr
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5wezo2nt0
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ytt2UZMXD
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCIPXedPYX
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC5JZugJAz
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBQiGjGMbn
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKyeruQ9X2
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx5fURNtr0
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XYoWIVZmh
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKwpDtaQBD
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcgvF9ziib
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMet1Zr85Gq
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii7DtoX3Ki
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW2YO2whpQ
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcIEviGNGw
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVytLqxzlUZ
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGnS5cpnjU
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZQNysPkvF
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9a9fBPleZ
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhXptbgN2W
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSthLNVnj3
"...Gotcha."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF29aThnOT
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtRDp6wDM9
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtliHY7SMY
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkurCexo7ne
"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?"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWCN2lh2gm
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0gCAY9jFm
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx20JwnjEk9
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJNSlMrXzI
"I... I will. I still want to help."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PXen6wOcG
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFfNoWJLbC
"...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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LqGRyhgET
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1djzz996r
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxqQJiVfk9
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtY5zdaczxz
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflVhpEXSGg
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ158GTWIY5b
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhQDzwC4HL
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2frwIuFZt
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlPoBxDS9r
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUPKMoZu9C
He let go of Pars' hand.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4ZvCvTqZc
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqlUHcwPh5
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKeU1xhtQn
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaScMsGvDE
"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."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkDbePssf6
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa2iQfAzHV
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnCccthh14
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkqj4N7hEG
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWS5sFk406
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfmUramwka
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRBfbQcqkI
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPbtncfhgG
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40rXzGXq5Q
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPJxb1fY2F
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0eSt13lLo
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCdxVRvnfJ
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpg3DV7HFR
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefO3D0Kj9f
"...I shouldn't waste any time."259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8iKwGlB4X
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkUL5SWckm
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.259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bIG26UzzG
259Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6u82U1dgo
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
然後按「加至主畫面」