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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZAziV1hnU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxa93WUKw5
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ViyymBMEe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSYDXAJ3ul
Juke took a seat beside me while panting, taking his helmet off, and wiping the sweat off his brow.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKOV2zIasl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH4FsNyEeo
"I ain't ever ran that fast before shit."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN8u01JYM1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXPpTw9kkh
We took a minute to get ourselves situated. I looked up at the sky, taking deep breaths.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUijDlUWbFK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEdWjpX5g0
"I wish... I packed an energy potion."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfSbteFSsu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN1iaydstX
"Ya know how to make one?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8nUv00lR9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7JzWzp5f8
"...No, I'm just thinking of coffee."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEQzNfMvy2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNvDfBcHLB
He clicked his tongue in disappointment. I made a mental note to check if things such as energy potions truly existed later.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3o2v337L3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB99gLJC7kW
"Are you two feeling well? I'm assuming a fight broke out."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS8nQBJRf0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSldz2gLsP
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnbxYay6Os
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbHmc0fLl1
"We're doin' fine. Thanks for helpin' us."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRnzJG3vlv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFpX01U8H0
"Sure thing," Pars interjected with a gentle smile.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlJlhRp5zq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI6xDrtb5U
"So, Kenny, right? care to explain what happened?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxGOuRduvh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVLKrY7dUq
Pars took a seat on the pavement, and the man beside him followed.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3FQCaXjHC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuGC0keVvd
"Uh... well-"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rmcsVNd6G
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb0rq8fwzz
"Before all that, how about ya two introduce yerselves? It's obvious Kenny met ya, but I hate to be left in the dark."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4j9ifrQRf
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOgMwPzgv1
"Ah, of course!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VdcvaJOn2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbIPvBqdSb
Pars rubbed the back of his head.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF0Yhyo4Vr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenyP9Sx4vb
"The name's Pars. This grumpy fellow is Dave. Nice to meet you, uh,"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBCZPsvS2j
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0fhUXpY7x
"Juke."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0SbtWN4uh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAeNAuy0hX
I weakly snapped my fingers, almost admonishing myself for forgetting a name like Dave.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddOfHMxdQY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuCuDbw5SI
"Juke. That's an odd name. Where do you come from?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0c9sEVGEOZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhsN9HcyPm
"That ain't important right now. Since Kenny looks like he's gonna drop dead any minute, I'll do all the explaining."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k4PcB0ZCY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1InYmEkc7
Juke gave me a sidelong wink. I gave him a fragile thumbs-up, whispering a thanks.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhLtg0tHzT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2eBS0HtBP
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzXdygM0o6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpJiE9s8OJ
"You fought directly with the Harbinger? You two are pretty impressive," Pars replied.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNtOORbl4h
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexGjO4RlWw
"Nah, ya should've seen it. We were getting tossed around like she was playing ball. Seriously, just look at Kenny."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZY86hJ2mu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd9tAIEUcu
They all diverted their gazes to me. I felt more inclined to correct Juke than to get embarrassed.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVESuKz2HtH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29epx4obDu
"I did this to myself, though."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DpcMiPoc2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ6Mht2r70
"I ain't sweating the details here, kid."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F9dGBTFvq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNcO1ysDcs
"You're just lying to them, though."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqFvoIMVYk
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTE8hzq65q
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqyuiYWblQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q12ops9fx
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11TJ0MYVh9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44OINjLwd8
"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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsMvFO0A3D
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvboFC9q1w
"Why were you two targeted in particular?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPONX4TnX2c
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCuAtjcUYr
Dave spoke up. My rest was short-lived, but I wasn't particularly miffed about it.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOjL6Wabky
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ8rAHqYvF
"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!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36fXVTvKHq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zEprz8xXX
"Your mission," Pars asked, "Wait, you were also tasked with delivering the letter?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlcIFoUH88
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ029nLcGSMK
The silence that ensued was awkward and oppressive.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqtyt9dW2w
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmhmGwU6zv
"Kenny, who the hell is this guy?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLPBhg7kYf
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLYo47iVEW
"O-Oh, well, he's one of the people who helped Rover and me deliver the letter."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3JnL6OgVq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuymc9zXgk7
"Ah, I thought he was some bad news. Well, even if ya were, yer helping us is enough to let it slide."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3izCfG1dl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXRKooGyLT
"I'm flattered."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0zq54LcL2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9bAAGUbZ5
"Nah, but ya really gave me a scare, goodness."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJLW19aXip
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsYcAzJhfh
Juke grabbed his chest and took an elongated, heavy breath, continuing the conversation once he assuaged himself.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyBRPcvN7G
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkoq4egSq7
"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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt3pPVTqwP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8DJ1eRw9I
"..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYAVJjvsbR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GdlxRRSN3
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW2tkfRT3m
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdf9zxcwoS
"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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsftK3j1pmO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiifxHwUmGb
"...I don't like where this is goin'."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjfk73JElj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcCY3xWO5K
Juke voiced my thoughts exactly. I nodded along to his questioning, which Pars took as a cue to continue.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4EkQymM0v
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mHPQbfMe8
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIk7lkL183
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfBVU5U8kh
"...The hell does that mean?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4gDKj8iwI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8XweVw0fn
"That means that the letter that Kenny and Rover delivered hasn't been, and most likely, won't be sent out."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSj6a78MXT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMESTrqB8I
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoNhbx4WPB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9j8M5zDIt
"Ya gotta be kidding me, man."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bm4P36umi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULcKB8jyy6
"I'm sorry, but I'm not."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdPEl3vSq6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kuqqLqofg
"Haaaa... shit."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtoWdmAhfv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJEFx957LC
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZz2hdvChbH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo8OWVRB1J
"What does that mean for us," I asked.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3arC9QEMw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWDEksmAcm
"Considering how you two were being attacked for just embarking on the mission," " Dave responded, "they'd likely destroy it once they find it."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiuP8Ii3gH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm0KyCIqbZ
"So we're working against the clock is what yer saying?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmsW3YkQDh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnEDCp3gB6
I was bemused by Juke's wording, but outright shocked when I saw him stand up and stretch his hands.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZylvbjN70
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8FeEGyEeG
"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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWjSCu5iQ6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2QIBsDK7s
"I guess so," Pars replied, "Does that mean what I think it means?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hZZBXTuvt
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7snhpEQrO
"Yer gonna have to do some more explainin' of course, but if yer already forming a group to counterattack, I'm all in."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGgpSv6ZG9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSu5bmb7ZO
"W-Wait," I said, "Hold on, give me a moment to think about this"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F11karKBn
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRbCVcsfNz
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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CQQhOZX6J
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3D6PDGyjj
Juke's sudden question dragged me out of my thoughts.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZg7dAhrYc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55PIDiDSnB
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxnGPO8BFj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8NWHKygsz
Pars leaned in and placed the side of his palm against the side of his lips as if he were whispering to us.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdI6iTPiOB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH0gDns8ZG
"It's just Dave's shop. It's a pretty crummy place, believe it or not."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhARjMCNROx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZi3R5QF64
Dave stood up, brushing dirt off his pants and adjusting the collars on his sleeves.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLO1a28a3O
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf0idAe2Wu
"I'll make sure to blacklist you once this is over."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXxgKoU5GM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN2MdzfXdD
Pars stood up himself, rotating his shoulder to stretch it.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMsNt8X7VY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLGStDV7Fo
"Come on, I'm just joking around."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBY9fL56NO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpo3lHvQns
"I'm not. You're annoying, I don't want you near it."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaynBpPxHjb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdGa0YaEWg
"...You gotta work on your jokes, Dave."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYz7nakQ9d
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahC3WTYEm6
Dave didn't respond to Pars. He turned his gaze to us and lightly bowed.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDT48tdPtj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdx0jDhpQC
"Once you two are ready, please follow me. Pars, make yourself useful and watch out for any incoming Bringers."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmJqwG4jmx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjnAOrcEG6
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrX6ecY8gX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpXQpCxoxD
"...Bringers? Is that what they call them?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGTHsDr7lc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqtd0Lh0UR
"Ya good to go, kid?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyunMhubu1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvPkth7Yb8
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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvceU15hIQh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLaahPrN31
"My name is Dave."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRubpIKHrT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnJIdcqCTj
"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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbOB5geHaz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ldVBfiDJE
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDd68Wbfoc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ556YkS3qVO
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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaHZvJQxfe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG0Sd8LusZ
Dave had his head pointed at the nearby street. I saw his eyes narrow from the side.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpvS1Eab8Z
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49EJ47dfBf
"My shop is just around the corner, but Bringers are guarding it."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qjuZjxjL2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7BU81hoYk
Immediately, the air around us stiffened. Pars' expression contorted to one showing unease, and even Dave's stoic mein dawned a blanket of sweat.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWExULPCSo
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA7lsTP2HF
Pars cracked his neck and knuckles, reaching into his coat and withdrawing a knife so large I had to do a double-take.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNo0kVbubJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJSs64Y4zF
"How many are there?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL8MTu9WIp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSaGyUpVWT
"Only three. You should be able to handle them, right?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyCdnpSsqd
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4MshIjrbU
"Depends; are they just lackeys?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRw5Mi9SvT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI8fTGPX8e
"...Come and judge for yourself."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoueOztUea
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXQ81vvfEi
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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ088MiIPAq0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qqLuedO0z
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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhoRNcLvhp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ268Dj6Rury
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bOUgqPpTc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0k5qAhatQ
"They're okay, right?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR8DNn7cRp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2c8XURlZL
"Yer getting nervous?"
"When haven't I been nervous!?"
"Good point."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwB535Qfxc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuQeIPitvj
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT8nFDPcPW
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej4QhqWvcn
Pars walked up to Juke and me while Dave meddled with the shop door.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bSQ7eU9HV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FkKiTMJhx
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckc6L7lcX4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeRQ70O2ZU
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsAvHlqMEb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyrCnRurca
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4LCEzUpE5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRDr1Gmh2P
"What do you sell in the shop, Dave?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByayynm6Ni
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatNJKrqROz
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IF2HUJkZS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HpEynleua
"You're a bigger enemy than the Bringers at this point."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyIiRLto4F
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKhwaTQ1ZV
I blankly stared at their exchange before returning to the conversation.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6eqN5VaQo
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWhAEbiVzi
"R-Right. Have you made any of these yourself?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw0oFlPXAj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzKl8XHRNU
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKN9UOSi2M
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6waZdm66Q
"Wait here just a second, I need to grab something."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivkiZk2xxh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs41Nt2Zi4
Pars entered through the door. A few seconds passed, and he peered his head across the threshold.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4Jt9A8eTO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxBXzBObwn
"Nevermind. It'll be a lot easier if you two come in."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLs06ApHVn
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByuKZKv88A
He motioned us to enter. Juke began to move, but I quickly realized that it was a bad idea.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jQEevfiAG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyzOjG8Nnl
"W-Wait, put me down first!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt51vGe6j9s
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡletwFaUBUH
"Eh? Why?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AnnJJbvP0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4PlOVAYzv
"I'll hit my head on the frame. No, my whole upper body."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPJgzIKbSa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJo7SUOs5l
"Ah, my fault, my fault. Here, I'll getcha down."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG0NEvzA9a
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBEK0NKeqY
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBmzbxUuuh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWxAHtbTeg
"This place looks nice," Juke said, "Is there where yer living?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzxoF22Yx0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRefttQ9f7S
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURUB38XeXq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rWGffeWPP
"Only for the time being. Also, how on earth do you think this place looks nice?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbVbpRx99e
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicO0JGVyRs
"It's got a bed and chair and everythin'. What's there to hate 'bout it?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkg4Twy2In
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdlVUvc5Pb
"...It's dusty and shabby."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzuwpEkLKX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡok8foLojBX
"That ain't the room's fault, that's yers."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IVOR1JC5W
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q1DDuVU3F
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60B2hMGOu5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfIYAOj8aL
"Take a seat, Juke. There are a few things I need to relay to you two."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGt8haN9Xm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0lwv062Cn
Juke nodded and picked a spot on the bed. He stretched his arms before giving Pars an earnest look.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5tTjCkdy7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBrEAulUhd
"You two ready?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ3zszqI1e
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQg1ApOM9o
I nodded.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgNEsmoAgO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KpInq0psg
"Get on with it already," Juke blurted.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqfDXZXHMZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs3xGECY5c
"I'll start you two off easy. As you two know, all of the Pillars have been captured by Hard-Bringer."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgFpKDXsKm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0idkzHB1LP
Juke and I nodded in reply.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKIlkMxlUF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQf27gtCQN
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOFcy7C9Ki
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rcdRTE2tg
"If I may ask, where is this 'Retaliation Crowd' right now?" I asked.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2nM2U2DvF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf6z2G8A22
Pars shifted his pose and rubbed the back of his head.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LLs1a3jQA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDLgtIcLJu
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNcpu9Vy1C
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uKU7xw5oz
"That makes sense. I'm assuming this isn't one of the buildings?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi6A3Kt79E
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXhVW5hFoU
"Of course not. Why'd we be talking about heading somewhere else if it was?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIUt4CN5Kv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9wJ8d5jQW
"...Sorry, I'm just tired."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aNLqQB1vQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouB0oj0xHg
"Don't sweat it."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKVqAWNe9a
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKigC7RytcJ
I sighed and rubbed my temple, deciding to hold the reins on my questions.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz3OkteN3r
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV0pNN8Wx8
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARHSAHiiDR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ge22l5FST
"Are ya gonna say what I think ya will?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4FkHfPRL8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNpFGQqiQ0
Pars sighed and smiled dryly.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYuji8QjmO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ6FHjtCBF
"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–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPis4wKUdQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT82qP5y5y
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVECpFzzJK3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2bZ1eMbjg
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsDLnWaqv9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3E5bVhQe2E
Pars, however, seemed unfazed, almost as if he was expecting a rebuttal like this.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRFbIERgJa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEAqVSwPJx
"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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcLwHzRLhN
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx869BjypU
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEUoUhqwGV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNijBnXGsAM
"Backup?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjfmQfJiK7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7OOFFuwvA
Pars nodded.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKNdTlvuX9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWgpk5fCa4
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9tsx7J8fu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUxb7G1j0P
"A matter of time? How long does it take, huh?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEESK2Cm0Cu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLyWj9WgDe
"...Well, as long as the raptors are still alive, it should be a day or two at most."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1Z7S1PEQT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE3ir721A7
Juke gave me a stern gaze, and I returned it. We nodded at each other, and I took the responsibility of breaking to news.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNizUlHOAs
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5XtE7t4oU
"Juke and I were at one of the stables earlier, Pars. All of the animals there were slaughtered."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSGekkWJFZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJDCt9YjWv
Pars' eyes widened. He leaned forward.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfN1ZAwdcP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO8WF5Ravf
"A-Are you serious?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3gUGm68FP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGAyaLFUe0
"Unfortunately, I am. I doubt they spared any other animals either."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW47dFrc1B
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jlCmHTA0C
"That... shit, that complicates things, doesn't it?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOBv8isdnl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxEKILYjlw
He pinched his chin and gazed at the ground, his eyes twitching as sweat washed over his face.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQoI7pr2DP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49tsrvapFk
"Means ya got a change of plans, eh? That must be a blow to the gut."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviYsPpEDrk
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfHGrNkIV0
"That's one way to put it," Pars replied, "Crap. We were banking on only having to retake one Pillar, too..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLGKx9QcSy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaOiJFkntd
With a strained face, Pars induced himself to rumination.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtThOzzRCVE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34ivk5Zk0h
"Since yer plan's ruined, does mean we can go straight for the Foreign one?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAhgB0KLc5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxkfnfrdo3
"Well, that wouldn't be a bad idea and all, but–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTiLof00n2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxZkzx9Zt7
His face stayed rigid. After a while, he just sighed.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxaFxG6Z0v
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka5a6pKK0n
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8X28ow0T4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTZp8YrlFL
"...Gotcha."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXc1VSP0Rsx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRArEaosIna
Juke meekly replied to Pars' conclusion. Pars fixed his posture again and pushed his hand through his hair.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdf4JkBiG8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXHNlVBKAs
"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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn6pVqXnXe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCKZYUTvUF
Before Juke could give a response, I opened my mouth.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtYaniHD7O
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3dhNGBFWx
"I... I will. I still want to help."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6GctM0mMp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1iv08dvYP
"...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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVu9GQ71kE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDDpGag5EM
As Juke proclaimed his thoughts, he walked over to Pars and offered his hand, which Pars almost instinctually took.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik4IuK9oGK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjteA29CFz
"I'm glad you're on our side. I'm expecting big things from a big guy like you."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb5RjWUwwk
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisqf02aL1Y
Pars slapped the side of Juke's shoulder. Juke stopped shaking his hand but didn't let go of it.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxqC0a6HTb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYTUCunFo0
"Ya really shouldn't, pal. I'll do my best, and that's all I can promise ya."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiwSId2AzQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G8GfTrcbn
He let go of Pars' hand.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo4nh2NRD7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oAOvragk7
"I'll crash in one of these spare rooms."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87gl8cV2S0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo88G1GfgWM
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JlKnRHdNd
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eR9FknvMm
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHvCLlOvec
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdI0WY4vBF
"Oh, sorry, I'll go ahead and leave–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjDcXoht6t
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanzZAbvqOK
"No no, stay here. You're exhausted as is. Plus, I'd feel bad about kicking a kid out of my room."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZoYTfgmyr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz8HRtSEd7
He crossed his arms and nodded to himself with a satisfied smile.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYiKx1Y7GY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv56CQfiEnw
"Rest up. I'll be seeing you soon."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHo9NjOP6g
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFIdiLaRht
"Right. Thanks for the room."
Pars turned the other way and exited, closing the door behind him and leaving me alone.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXtRV0Lggh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XIHGp7BEA
"...I shouldn't waste any time."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJTrttgmqG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImHMEI9I2X
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReOxJ6xla7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7AepAifcF
Uncaring of the soreness this position would bring me, I immediately succumbed to sleep.
然後按「加至主畫面」