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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaixzzQwqmn
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9aUh78Y7W
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKylbIbeiY
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWShSN8IqT
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt2aMKDVJd
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rQTJErvbW
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiGTaf2cz6
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKeDjPbhsK
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyqog0yAlv
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPZ6DgI7sS
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJpLuv1qS9
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm8qIdcwEw
"Ya know how to make one?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hyMicZD8O
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTGvlAgl8x
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ArX3RjHJH
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuvb6iF957
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Zq7UDug7M
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulvabhqVwi
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYI4ZUwYsX
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncMvjcecga
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lZq3wnc4E
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ3ni3prfd
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvN59VMBri
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKPtaVc2BS
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoYrnhiFZm
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28CINieUVm
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ImwDe689A
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAja6kLeaP
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn9jFk3TKM
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvTUDlU402
"Uh... well-"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAHPMBFpjV
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYsl42iH6j
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO3AG1UB6g
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuvB98eMIa
"Ah, of course!"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTraEkBLnVw
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIqBfG2Mfa
Pars rubbed the back of his head.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaD2G3ClIy
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6rd2VvcQl
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57lVZK0mQu
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6VlKtClQh
"Juke."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQveWGWX8fV
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRORf5TwObA
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lB1RMwAHr
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2sLxrtdYc
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0djK753Te
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1YUMwueCh
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8HGimnFac
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvhEWZG79N
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpDkhvG3hT
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKqAYPd9c7
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2enQda4Pb
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCp5VMtdnUK
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5frX70aGq
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrp7iEzRX1
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPT6ORmjnO
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU0WpWTCBO
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWed6Hk3Y5
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5znPaHRxa
"I did this to myself, though."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z2cbbDKqU
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZQQgfcnic
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60urWMXP1m
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoGjO8WWcC
"You're just lying to them, though."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUduT1Rre0q
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmh0bPBton
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkZQ5YOWXV
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCavhDOwdO
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwqYfLcFMP
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUlGotEOUq
"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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCWeVjZBEN
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZDJU342IP
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxmpf12Dab
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUVX93DzyV
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpEwT3eS1w
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXEQ554ODm
"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!"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLVfS3T0aL
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qaNIgQv3w
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0jIpE7PzS
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrddaiCxc33
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoObbTjia6
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGYkKKQyK5
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5WTM8xDMI
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVtJlTy8Or
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgCltOtVhn
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cwhzkONdS
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHLDI6ttq6
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhpLVULLxX
"I'm flattered."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C2Slpx7MT
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RMCDGmLmA
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx4Di4zKfl
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcZjvHPrhH
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliM2AIXDx2
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ebCVojenc
"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?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW1P0YMz6p
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQsgSz3RIq
"..."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLrczuycLl
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy3nsOnMht
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceHvKba4LX
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojUsNpeF1q
"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?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJIRPPyLVm
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJpjGJZvnc
"...I don't like where this is goin'."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9cLzqJN8v
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HwfeB9GFU
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWouuFPuRpq
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVBMPLk4aR
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdjYbYVl1g
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKltA8qSbs8
"...The hell does that mean?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagTypRd6ga
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WiI3CzQht
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9azyTJkWY
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsvsGKekPV
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYE5apxdpx
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsgEe1M5zc
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFqKu8ddzT
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBIvarMTDD
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL5puE2SJF
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkJmJOXPWq
"Haaaa... shit."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQW8JyQTcn
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWkhtFGV30
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnQN4q33RK
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV2pikz62a
"What does that mean for us," I asked.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycxiM559WY
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsB3ezFutY
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh5oWIlvDR
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj71pnNtfYh
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyslrtbsYUW
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvW39jUx2Y
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7XY0f9mfS
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPKQPpOog6
"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?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsOfzfDI9M
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1WFVgAU60
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgujeUDPBOn
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvNnJDNSgG
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5OIigYPep
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEW8I1Y0Us
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKN66GQR38
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM55CvDcRu
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?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0chhM4zsX
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULDujR4NTy
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy70G4lfKTi
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk9eFxeLaO
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSjabOkiZu
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW413yIqDC7
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo13Zc6i8T
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiL67DHpfi
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsyELFxDVd
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBa4meha5y
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9m8L69DwN
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5eaNdy2Wo
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3RPL6ss1i
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy1VdP7cP4
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IszqRi1fQ
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl1Ck1SHVu
"Come on, I'm just joking around."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhAgf1hymc
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFohcbdfRUS
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoi7r1hZ7V
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy7IVFY79z
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmrVEtLf9q
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgrlzftPAG
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqrywSbE31
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0QoIU6Faa
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSkXSdwikC
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBLi64t0qB
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoaNmcmTI5
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuMu62pYXa
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zMmJ1yBJC
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVhwOtshpd
"Ya good to go, kid?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXqB5NwYpI
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBagVNz3lW
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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8TAUi4EES
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjasJWC5O2T
"My name is Dave."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpin825hry
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzDlWmPtGh
"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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDNEIZ6yOI
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWEOX9CgZI
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3bilRrnbO
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdYhwk3KXf
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?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sQ97gsNq6
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooL1iNMSIy
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR7rzWDDhA
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUzPB9SRkY
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsx49oUqa1
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbqGpv6tfl
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNlGQZl5rm
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSJMIy35X9
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLZzEkWkMU
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"How many are there?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmhqc8GDrN
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHFTMWyHT7
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23mPMiDJ9V
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC2ntmpd4w
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QOILofGQC
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkMVlMwwv0
"...Come and judge for yourself."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWv1eERPrR
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WEmckf01o
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?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubte8g2xAh
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXnmm95ith
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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrYCOKGvNA
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiZ3f5aO0Q
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3ZqxYKzaP
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvF9xDL4xw
"They're okay, right?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IvrlWusgL
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KWSzbqRww
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN5XcpVkmv
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DzwyRWoMy
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDsDMgwcV0
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqr8ptuW1b
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg12Rq5cSP
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoOelvzLUK
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSPtI2q3Nx
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEgADz5Z4E
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhnQqDZom2
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsXoyiSose
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqJ0C5Jlnb
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAobyFcSrH4
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj82bxRfOU6
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpU2DUFQpP
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDy7j7wl6U
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtBgjUFhEx
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbTWvntZAN
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPqSeLErOH
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP57bt6B2l
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7Se8GCTyn
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuKEL3E3yN
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cotU9BE0m
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy1uluJo51
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHkboYvmnd
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrwf6luFGQ
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNtu2XQmFb
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFglbYh6rkS
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcb5hfkOo9
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QdleHsWF5
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs6TFqPW1y
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc8LFGCA9E
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAzz1gyvhL
"W-Wait, put me down first!"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqMj8EtPHw
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2c8cKr6sA
"Eh? Why?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXN5V6s5Hy
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCQ5y3daNZ
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC37Rs9LCRw
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCQkWZ2BBs
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPdqvasTzX
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9Qux5Sqib
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk9i6wVxl9
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9H8N86H3g
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1pXMpGHRh
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jOterDrld
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQU3gqewgA
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDoZo17Gs3
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzPBtyvmRC
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EvzpNpzEj
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXiyHumgiu
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsT9vvqdcW
"...It's dusty and shabby."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73whleP60U
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QguE8KWmJ
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxDlXnDPRA
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i2DJUwsbq
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLkqFVDX1o
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCJksrBJ7i
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjRi8kZN1p
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHclLf9Wz1
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsjwkQ6uWV
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEcVBlwOOP
"You two ready?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HU8cZYNJE
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzu8eGX2WR
I nodded.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AvxrkZ3FM
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy9uji2EQZ
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsuAfXyFYg
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNWtuzHvWX
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRr7Ebz79H
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7KPzdKWAc
Juke and I nodded in reply.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxovXRQmQQ
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmIX5bu19S
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vE5GnSMPU
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzbZDLCABN
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FibRP9fB8
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkt72XhEii
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywf143P49x
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR1g1RkZby
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsUArwhHDB
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XqFBweQ5I
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eHlOPZr2O
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRBfzZbibn
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMLU0v6MzK
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0upGobD72g
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPlk8MxAJT
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kJQaZF8Ps
"Don't sweat it."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPZNeTSNIO
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LCDaqxrrS
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhLLraIboL
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoc6mUmo3v
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88RglkC0qJ
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWT6Qk2Ynf
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUton5hDHE
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ooqXs60hk
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzhZxC2cAo
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zGoqTNG1G
"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–"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol8ID3LvNF
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqN0JAH2df
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLpq3DSocI
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UepkXyc3N
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMYyuWsge6
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8Ro3spG5Q
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkKuwOd67x
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35mmPakRfr
"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?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmIPMGtV4f
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeXfpPJeO9
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzUOzGcSyO
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZxT8IUHbH
"Backup?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2TI5mhp21
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbyzM9bCLg
Pars nodded.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmN2H3bfec
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgdL9DLwO7
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bGRZN6V10
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr9THflkwu
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HcmLa0iEh
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kWYd5mKKq
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb3BcOgqGH
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSHzEdPiZB
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0du4q5YSGU
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8PaDZWiEe
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kPmJ4SpYv
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWN2A0CqM0L
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EjPdOkgcF
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNJD9uXtZD
"A-Are you serious?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwBuRjv2cG
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuuy7GBSuA
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wBXpauzBo
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnUMkTrauB
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIG1rZxunX
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKjADmQ4gX
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ntfk7b2Fh
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxIyXYoDyH
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIfkjl6vor
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj66CQFqwv
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd22orTj3rM
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkW7exwCmr
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qXtVnR9kM
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjW17YZJeJ
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvFFuOBM56
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtfmWuvUUw
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2I8jxBGer
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9Im2d46by
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc2xTNvsQf
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJJ2V3Mw9X
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWjrdqhnBy
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScmwr9BsYY
"...Gotcha."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzTa0lrblr
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmTGvQqWOm
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7giFH0MJO
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTg7QqMzAT
"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?"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG34PZ4PK3
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ3qgOdQwM
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuFQCSXKf1
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqRLFF57VT
"I... I will. I still want to help."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPlgumAjQK
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkUulUBrYV
"...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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpmtRjWJh3
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZb2y50q7X
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPcxAn6VQ4
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdmaK0xmOf
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HINF7jsyL
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6lHgftAQA
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWJhJOwqBP
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaXKsdRvlP
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdYCy8Bgsl
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlVHvD8qLA
He let go of Pars' hand.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFKbGvsLA3
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuQKFmAoVj
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2s80W4kfT
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUxIJPBSO8
"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."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6v0fRJ4CDL
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFLBVw7O5B
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWij5eXUrJ
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtriVnqFXM
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe5PL5Sifh
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrfe5w0sZU
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwf0ahmwpv
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcJ3AlshLK
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6W1KqGxaF
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOlYesAxhW
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBPQJEGCcZ
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvkSoX5m8G
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK3n1YuTAV
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfJLLdP1oo
"...I shouldn't waste any time."402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlcrKxlceW
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP27oBraq3D
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.402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9fPfg2uhu
402Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZjP3cfIs8
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
and then Add to home screen.