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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItvNZGY3S5
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGcD0gxxgw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7IDtPMLgH
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI1vNM52e1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtaMcFbcfP
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW9GJsbqfO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3JwG6HLHC
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw3pnXzotx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dV7KhFVrA
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClCfiH94DD
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JtdEfdwNw
"Ya know how to make one?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrOohJtUNL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA9dzhU4cP
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jqlw0UwCf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iav1HJeEV
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcza6E64xOq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZFdq3GXph
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK6sTveRp6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ktOSHv9iX
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0hoEOTdVF
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsdpLwJPCu
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRWbJcW9C8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX1KmA7PEj
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSsGWg6woX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUXBnrLEeH
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ5gEjt2K4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpdUTDd8XI
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUsczfwaJJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosMHhvNxLp
"Uh... well-"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu0g7miyWL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5bLg2rd9s
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNTjZfGOE6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn9nCIfkTc
"Ah, of course!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLhLWr89Uq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicyvPrKc5N
Pars rubbed the back of his head.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp057lUMSy1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GooCAP6rD
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObhyKC9U7L
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Z37yO6yMs
"Juke."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtfiCixisl
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4HsDFbcYy
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozJwdB3oTk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5in7P6r9L
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAsNpD5ShO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVoUhth8lx
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c7MEeyyyV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMre1qsvyy
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpCQoeu1XK
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvLBW9xq6y
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib0sTnyTwA
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjaCO3atOn
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHN39BiAc9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Br8VOgsNh
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQGMmRwLgC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRrLxVSsVo
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz5AXPeN7a
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92oaQGlSn7
"I did this to myself, though."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMTzbAvi9N
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnUvFJACGo
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUZz8COe6a
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc2WHjhoAF
"You're just lying to them, though."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vZK43GchB
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iTYNx4JPT
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8T8KJv9h8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8iX29kYqk
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLso16hHOX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP8e33C5Ac
"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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYivRVdiIq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ny5zcebCc
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO5vmdVVk5
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqWkulKgVH
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYssuXKCCc1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1a9AnkX2W
"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!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOLQU7n8Qb
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKhS04yKIv
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX311K7HU8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0HtlcubLx
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbpsagktFY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM69JuH9W0r
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxWtjH9cLD
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3ukVoe2aC
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf25R98mDp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nqjkth8S1
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADRRrAYdFQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJtDOcYRH9
"I'm flattered."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7j3dyDfxX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ6xbSxfLu
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN9kd8WtbQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIDv4SUXEj
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5jpjfZveF
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIgjC8WFGl
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ehXJbNIl
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HYES1A7wV
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa6NofJwTy
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1pUIpDY8W
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdBrACj6eR
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYJbYUYc0S
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YIaHJlJI4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Lf3mR6Wwg
"...I don't like where this is goin'."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIae591WhaI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQJdvnkoRt
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHLlmBlaTi
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiVYZRtlLN
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7hCJoSNNL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9JwGOd6EZ
"...The hell does that mean?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrb9xuZtaO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHjnRz9RW9
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tRdFPdQxh
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJhC5kbMF9
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbKCHM9M6n
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYVMjJiecj
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRQCosvW3T
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIW3f2yivb
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4bumGJx2d
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQCGRjDp8s
"Haaaa... shit."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj5Jf6nW42
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1so2fTqqyW
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkllihSqw74
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8gPvKcNHL
"What does that mean for us," I asked.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTurntc0V3t
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahmqEyHmrB
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjIGTNYlF9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpBpxOelpm
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuyPTWlSHU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm12d8drSO
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5USFKBx57t
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHacg6A7dPd
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwyQWiUhJP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1K6eiDNhV
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM6dIYGKHH
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpOqlQVQ9f
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZwIkwSBf7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB9zZg2Cju
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZviwI7aVet
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlkT6TWUdB
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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEZHTn5ieZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbqnJetlYf
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa957tH7vJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwAsh04aoA
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeIss2pCCM
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9lhI1I7Jb
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLct4Ut9ed
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h01CMIwNv
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWdZSiJjA2
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvzsCXP6Ru
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSzvMUEuCW
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCLYDMTL5f
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8asYEN6ZZP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k95q88RKe
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3SS1mZAp4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvYkY9T7vB
"Come on, I'm just joking around."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYKnRSkUIa
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2z6PNG1P3
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRqmYJjueS
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvjJwgxbZe
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl75N3XtTf0
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjzEcr9K15
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0ujBEYpsk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIOGX8voGz
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY8GMyXDCm
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qR8z3bLB3
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g3T5Ia3VG
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxOiLVh4Lm
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sDLstMF67
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPD1qrv1RT
"Ya good to go, kid?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7DUZ98DjN
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL4I7sO9nH
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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUbANWfVYk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2zRt9kg5l
"My name is Dave."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVpYESf16B
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29yRBYyHHx
"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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkyG1W8YA6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbzmC6c7CL
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ENeicgQvF
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQjSrsByiW
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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnIN5fHV6n
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYxICxDvWH
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclvVfjEd37
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2FosPv2wK
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35OsIfqao4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZOSAa2KpG
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM2TdtSIkz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gJuMIsD2m
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxrphjkFrd
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinmgnms86P
"How many are there?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpWB4JiZfV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXTzEHeHDC
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Nd1DuXmrH
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAWAqnbs3n
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mnwVPRgT9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4rWXPjE9D
"...Come and judge for yourself."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsfSWPxpRy
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2DvZH6GTl
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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc0aXGT1te
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOurFeRddkp
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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGPFfgAOIL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJew74QH7PK
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05MN56oE9U
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3GIVLs4QD
"They're okay, right?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLlkqSCvun
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55p6uRZYhs
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOOMuuTyKB
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbHvOii5hh
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YsB0eYfjj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S6goNtlUo
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoITajgkgG
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvBZswD2AE
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9APXa1jit
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvExZEX7j6A
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1qenkNT7w
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHC4WbSnPA
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65LVo7sKZ1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwxmDjekuP
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtKWxE5wPd
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXIjL1tNJv
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpILC1oJBY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxY2mtgYnU
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMP6zbT6fL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eTtDJpDF2
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjfR11IAZZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjJ74pkamk
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsklLjPfoa
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy1ao33jmm
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pTH1SlQ9Q
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wx9gzEQEJ
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaKlp5g7C6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeOE6EuGxt
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkiOPhbKVK
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4nw5tAtWg
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNEdQxfs7u
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuGiXHyGlN
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzejUbLx22
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWFeKR8syO
"W-Wait, put me down first!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuLSwq0YP1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjRvihttaE
"Eh? Why?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVNNkvV5UQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtMyRfImET
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFEFtLSDf2
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88nGbfkR5r
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO762oDcix
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPYqadG0d4
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl78b10itM
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvWdxdRfPc
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGDGh6YWaz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7QNB6XxRN
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw37YWgfQJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhREZCZQtW
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26cnDOPHNw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg22K2CpyYT
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0rpTiaqVK
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rXdDW6jQP
"...It's dusty and shabby."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7qNazuxPk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ8OAoEUVZ
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgNFdrd7Uv
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi1nL0o2zQ
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8epgOc6CZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbNCnx6inP
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W186I20t4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZILUXXuTl
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2ZiY55XTi
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk4Hex9bpf
"You two ready?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLHi8nbXBt
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJxaxXdS1u
I nodded.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xmOV3Up21
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSjvZ75BUy
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzmSlnJohW
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky2Bom6r8f
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex8ZeP58Xu
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzo8MSA4DW
Juke and I nodded in reply.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHab513F6sa
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKgOQo3pBY
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN838kHVx1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3dUwfSYf6
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLevBPaRqd
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3DnYioqdd
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflY8Ng0nN0
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GrrK0sTgR
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweZ7A6W2Cp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAgQmjA1Ls
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUZvhmGaEc
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzr3Pz2uCV
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4txGkwcDo
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOWJ48ZP0R
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOjwuIvDhk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTGGhy9gdI
"Don't sweat it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFN4xrBfUr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUaqHRCz41
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49aXvSz0hV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9r5Owp4ad
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWrFDkeH4s
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpJSGuPstd
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0dPtjYJnC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc95bVIZgwn
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5M9JxYSjZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCxSQI9zxu
"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–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkHi9oxw2Q
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9hYtKMt55
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfS2wSwTWV5
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC610CFfA0W
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe7G8fRRBD
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tusmBaVkt
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9xTYeI1me
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy1vt8xCRZ
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfORrBKWaS1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhTZ7U5250
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIR3fxx8jH
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTVOHuALFW
"Backup?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhirdPNPMxb
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRUBJF8M5h
Pars nodded.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAKNgnf9pL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMNJ14XAHW
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKhXRVk67E
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanjhxyXByG
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjYvz1ijtx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNGoEVuDa3
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRYfYvONxo
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4s6EwnoXX
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNIoRSYNGC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdxlQ5XwbX
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqev0pEBeFJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4HFyp2BNW
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25GsKKy0eg
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHJ4QQW85p
"A-Are you serious?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa72FLrbYhX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F1qb5r86u
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOGvvDFZvn
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51dfTegLOW
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipqLSBYT4o
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq5cjIaSrd
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVi5a968c5
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtZmU55yzA
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqrehYEQsX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdyJfi5Hfv
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmvWbM2U9w
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6Iv4WYn5G
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXemUygnNl
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd7nyyIRm5
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNGPmA689Q
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP8clYYsFd
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZvbVlJPFr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kbyay08y7
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYzULcTOst
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQxGYRhwcL
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAK57qQRKz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpwSA2sCuQ
"...Gotcha."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gd5F5tVq8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4fzucQhmJ
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNMTzA7RXQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xHSrWGHE3
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUmTW2vhB9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8es4oP45C
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6HliwvIh7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklG2xYUgEZ
"I... I will. I still want to help."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KCrWLBZFX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGmMuYd7FN
"...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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsqCsrKLYw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TVRgvD6C0
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnbs3v1PrB
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu6v2iTKF0
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19l5RrG5Ug
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1bdVrLQMX
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAYlVsJoFS
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwoQadzqIs
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1VyL5BDoG
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALUNxI305A
He let go of Pars' hand.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcvd19VyQC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4QBhhWjqG
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7Gflwy9AI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltW2JY71xs
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf0tr8Mtey
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuM1FM8SKM
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNVcWZRo4t
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueTWjJQfba
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9qii2g2dU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12pTkvmsKD
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7RtKOFdBx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nzmQZdQRD
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB61tQnFP4X
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RYuEnEV5D
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxUnSyX6O7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlbBwwBv26
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjYFgDnZBe
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmsYgRm6gb
"...I shouldn't waste any time."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCnVJvpYuj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUgksDCpvJ
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMDjX5QWtn
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77uACBec8W
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
然後按「加至主畫面」