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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbolUwPBbSo
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NeVl06K8p
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bIWDdpXR2
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO6M0YglJ0
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtZbWhvZoj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEi7g3oxhG
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdl6R1cu46
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4sW5PsRXO
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvMyvc1OBd
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8fxx03LEu
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwZ9MfLHhc
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFLakTQxS8
"Ya know how to make one?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfBoitY3aA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf0enKZAgX
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfiEgAX9OS
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TVOV3Fu0q
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQyXKitBdH
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg9A12gpyK
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRnE78C25n
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmIvv8Lz22
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKtcBPyglB
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJgRj8qFsA
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgQp5wOCwm
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXJqk2lzoB
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMQZNc19IN
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpKaEyxkb8
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5EsGFoJeS
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt72vn6zNy
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASLOZUr6Y4
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKIwX4kBpP
"Uh... well-"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jaTjfJakR
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJql3JNeCC9
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXBkIWKrAa
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYhEvIeIQX
"Ah, of course!"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuwBkWXNd9
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFIMjlPM8r
Pars rubbed the back of his head.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs7vm64PLl
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxh4UNu16x
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuFambAVlP
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISmexrZuyl
"Juke."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCCigwbmBy
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgAgCo1L1p
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnOkPu8Zza
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sZpZ85VKd
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fMOKKurrZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eCx2f5fMN
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz4XTxdsA9
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa8mUvmqqT
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEBA9dCOqQ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuPP650gxq
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPbVTZylI6
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqFeoF8y0i
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EvOI4Kfz6
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZvcrgtaj8
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuGZiKvJeL
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd499RkpUYG
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmecmCn1kI
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQQsoTmBUg
"I did this to myself, though."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO3ZDZm2Um
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBTnnQj3I2
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3O1LFaN6v
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkEGIVVKJD
"You're just lying to them, though."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEAjCIEyUa
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqje8kAOYF
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQp79F7CoY
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOVMAxmjC1
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dxwp4S1gh
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ecw1X2DY8
"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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpasFM8jxY
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSNKE4kUCz
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78wt4eziJq
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMTUJzH2SU
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1qz1Em8Yl
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweOAnmHAbR
"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!"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtCtczYfuN
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WW2dBs9Tz
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy8frQ4bQj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9cfcdFNd5
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKKa5Pb4bz
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVDvppjm95
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1RldRNvfH
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMMV3W6BCJ
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tQneKACtc
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMyuLHW3K0
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHCgUaZoZ3
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8NwrG42AR
"I'm flattered."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ujONb4kvs
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIBl6OPSbh
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrDFDGiVuc
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4ZT9kiZuP
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMysVvjhAF
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FRAr9UxJc
"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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CCaL3FhmO
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3clI3R2FHS
"..."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhcaIeOASo
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaTzvo99xa
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpgZP6jrtC
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4Qq9sBnUw
"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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWVQuxeaAR
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr6QKFauZJ
"...I don't like where this is goin'."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0VJjwV547
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR8QoY3Fnp
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSXVbxO5AZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmPUbh5Fwq
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYXJ8PWIVq
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDwZ6nF2zI
"...The hell does that mean?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMOGNsMmRI
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyJ7I3nJ9n
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaPkhNtBN1
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBoc3lK2jY
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XyYhUEgja
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxZa1djLzI
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqHxS2Pm4g
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpQSMHZpgL
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9sovhBcWU
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oWMmNskLp
"Haaaa... shit."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1DiAlNPXt
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIigXB6xWV
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgwDSIX512
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJet1gopY3
"What does that mean for us," I asked.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjoHc4CBHC
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IMtiZELr2
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfgYw3YxsG
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87gmhILwQb
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGQJyWHRY8
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEzoZGXk6v
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NNCaeqWTZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTvmUjfR6M
"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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFRPkajH7y
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79weGIhP72
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cgRSUMkmB
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MZJo1r9QS
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5kAjDV9El
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL92wYuld7Q
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxmXt08KTL
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnTs8tjeA5
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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv7lPJuaOO
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2F1RxnukR
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw82VmcCrk6
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvijEJjpreH
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzagAHXPxXY
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DvZmzBPtg
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL05cf2OF7
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSA09b5BwH
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG1w2Tzklm
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKrLLifgmf
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn5nkgExxM
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4sxKm8gtr
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0wuXqYyqz
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ585oSoBrYm
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TsFFooiep
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRnf5WoMua
"Come on, I'm just joking around."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwlgBNGhxK
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iE4U303BE
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8f55k30KZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWggmQ9KPsd
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOcWkV6xct
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgri6G9zJOV
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3FYyh7CBW
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU79YjvP4oS
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LAVnYcWAL
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4y3EoPnwx
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36cB33fq0e
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaz58Twc9I
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYy71ftTki
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpe08ngQuA
"Ya good to go, kid?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5f9VZa6xZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93QgCqQzfU
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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK7kVjPYIx
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHj5ObmJ3Z
"My name is Dave."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFxVlMZXqX
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5slxWAofi
"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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWmgr0BSo6
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm69fVbTe3
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ81jRFJef
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS1Nxfp36F
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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfhiptyuEj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQkK7kuyFV
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz92ueIfX0
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYWAXCd5mT
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYSeQdZFrY
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbombsTZj0m
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8EacBj350
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOjFbx0Pgn
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEmmNYBYAK
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQVDMPeCMR
"How many are there?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OKlW8BpCH
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbh9h3PPGA
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEcYytO7Wm
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLPuTaDstI
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0vJLh34N4
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8Uom3ecdr
"...Come and judge for yourself."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUnLg21Aj9
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I4nuSZ4W4
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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte0OZpLkf5
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpEldWfEF5
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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZvULqiBhP
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7f6Onphmq
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFFqTWtoml
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbTAgnPsC4
"They're okay, right?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzNCcbkmK0
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAIuxmN2U6
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcehvLcKLjB
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj2bG64x2Q
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bZzCzVIGs
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvLIOMZzwZ
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23n0RvPeGj
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVp6BeM2V1
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKn64xcU8O
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcChYzwukq6
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnLPZUcBNx
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgex2RRKQ5t
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKN76Tx5Mf
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMQQu5LSY3
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWWGcY4Uj5
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalSXluVBbD
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH9rhqLOyT
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oVYaxuOCl
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72qqqcp2Ro
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYtf9vdq6o
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQPH4Gjzds
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWZ8TnpgGC
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvpCVPSwgZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxd1v1Ud02
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLipq7mFEO6
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dwEUmGNq7
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoJKLK0FPb
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Hei8ozLN
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsqqgLm2po
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl6rFbuPWl
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEZT8e2QxQ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoP6bdIEC2
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjOO2ihhXa
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEntmiaqBth
"W-Wait, put me down first!"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuWpmUQRnc
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEtwsmBesX
"Eh? Why?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVG7dk4qbVD
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtlMVkvRWE
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZEiRzcLTS
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MJgWqaWlm
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqydSobYZg
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GOWYBAFXq
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1QequeVnv
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzv2h7Kuit
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQxPZIzlNC
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1Hzb7q0t3
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Gnn6qw2u
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHTj1pz7C3
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuk5fZGVA5C
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNs9kS9JZ2
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVIvbSYqFw
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs2NobTM4f
"...It's dusty and shabby."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZbqifkFuD
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nt58eyGcJ
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI5PmSreZ0
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFnpgIazIx
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uUrbZW5yI
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYs3unjSt6
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0PeSNU3FU
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvhupoHKdW
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoQzzlIl3L
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTOgJ6Llp7
"You two ready?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsN7wsZdmf
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXbPeFyBsl
I nodded.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94XFdAMRLt
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pDcAhDvrx
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd6rDiubj8
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYIJCxfPQl
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqSjUGC6T3
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuzvrZUM9E
Juke and I nodded in reply.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgXNde8KtJ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNOXsNhnpK
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0YV1qrcHu
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEZ624keGE
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYqUeZHvzh
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlsBHovnB4
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkreJtP8bn
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlN2rhDfLp
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2TTGDjp9L
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5LTPKrhFu
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1uTlsB557
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRQmHwkvNp
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7no1AYuNm
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ616wpX4fdM
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YB1lcBT26
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cJ54jTzLs
"Don't sweat it."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Yi59mg8GZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKU4wqx335
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKh6W3M9qW
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaXJVaCEN4
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnXyijlkij
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3FjJ0NcyG
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOTdGdMLzN
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF1VAnE5Vc
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbwskUA011
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPtThk9AbL
"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–"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZgP7Sz5eN
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjO1iQnaa2
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLCrjXHkdL
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN8lCe7PhN
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneogUtRDa6
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vmTWSTXId
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96MmFsDuJs
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMB3FJkuUl
"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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2XRnIHDFw
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U7tZF0XV0
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kGCXh2peX
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH5jCttQOB
"Backup?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTmmzfiEYK
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7YobTMwUu
Pars nodded.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8pIKv7aQr
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGV0bWoAzI
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHkmDZK393
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTiCrc0qEg
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1If3lCyFc
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGW2fUSCfr
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpy0L4iobg
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXmRltelLE
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8feuooIyv
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fgeaXaJkk
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSGTejAH4c
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5bw6RPtzR
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T6BtXCVgi
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vjJJ2oJEi
"A-Are you serious?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVmnKDxWFd
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7bsoRQyVR
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisngErtSsA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtTvk3g3ZV
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WIS17GTPd
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywydYP884T
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3iPYIXrPZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OlXWpuIMO
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZiO7IrBUE
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKkVHx0u2j
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ604Mv8yAK5
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBRUy8xKsn
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j9EOM35KT
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYAzedJQIs
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaW0A4cldx
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxeJPUBX7x
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jlqgIzooy
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Telzqw5Y9
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q0yZ0q7wT
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NbYwKLwUF
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9h65aJkML
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzy3xvuUtX
"...Gotcha."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvyeB0mWcv
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31phZ0NnZQ
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9HP1rPkXL
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDOiFXE0Hm
"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?"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErW779582d
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOvehD7ogL
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSKyVToEGG
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOa2jYa3L2
"I... I will. I still want to help."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZRsAazQ4X
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dpC02GNLi
"...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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU0MbJ5RSZ
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR6LRaQLGM
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjV12Rfkok
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0miy6Pb8bk
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmDRhlSR8W
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNlwxXQUrp
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOydEiDwSG
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2DVsWYgSn
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFNLcpBSYh
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK05ok4LHDp
He let go of Pars' hand.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXDvAVegbp
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmaWUgu7nN
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl11Bo1x5DV
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuhMrBFfvE
"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."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgDoRlfB0A
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6SnLyHOGc
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p3IzQVxVd
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp7aLF0eI4
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDFPkVp3bN
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaMvrVFGgI
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdAFLxjhjc
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73dd98MiNg
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7qB5bdSt7
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFqiDYtaza
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCjoae6KCA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcjLYIfovm
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Nw3fE6Lj4
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mXNiKB7uU
"...I shouldn't waste any time."434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxATuztTv7
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZk7DHPlcI
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.434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVsbxRqDHb
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEzHo2Hpet
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
and then Add to home screen.