My eyes pried themselves open. Little in lighting, the room was easy to adjust to. I spent a few seconds rubbing them and stretching, and then I became confused because my core wouldn't stretch like the rest of my body. My environs registered with me. I settled my arms on sturdy but soft armrests. I was still on the couch.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLqcV5G99k
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQSuYGriBe
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C2fw8N5za
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboOn1IDhLy
I didn't know what to think of the situation. The moments before my sleep were hazy, but I knew myself well enough to construct the memory. I planted my face in my palms and groaned, leaning over.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRewfdvRuhb
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY0Qrdvcpg
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiDdqqVM6S
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxQ7kniRdP
I started rubbing again, but I stretched and pulled at the features of my face as if the action would shake away the shame. It didn't, though, so I stopped. I pulled my hands away from my head and stood up from the couch, looking around me.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ssxa4EyJZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm2dgBe4GY
People were there, chatting. A few at first, but more as groups left the sleeping room and entered the kitchen. I hadn't even noticed them. At the very least, I knew why my awakening was so sudden. I would've laughed if it wasn't for the intrusion of my bashful dry throat.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme9skhNYPX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupGyGxidJs
"Crap."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yYhjZIKDd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQi8x0RvcV
I had to get a drink of water, and I also had to eat. I took a few steps forward, noticing how woozy my gait was. It took a great deal of effort to get my legs straight. Once I did, I shambled to the kitchen door but was stopped.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxy3w7Frpq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKI0v1Mtgp3
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E6kMY90PY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyMcX8nPe8
It was a familiar voice, and the second-to-last one I wanted to hear at that moment: Juke's. His greeting stopped me in my tracks and jerked the sweat out of my pores. I turned to him, almost instinctively, and stared.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklxhKIsai9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdApvOW2oWF
I didn't say anything, because he did first.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Jl2IykibF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42xNFZ7geW
"I just wanna apologize to ya, for, y'know. I was tired and loose last night, I had no business gettin' riled up at ya."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzILSyRDLJ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1pAda5UBw
"...Uh."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz41xzhsKn6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTVWIm0ihS
My silence continued. It was for a familiar reason, but what caused it, wasn't. I didn't know what to say, to put it.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyyIrbCuVC
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAO8lRORBn
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3bybTUXHk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELx1AOpYU7
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Euo4U0kPv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLhx52CFEa
I stumbled over my words, and my destitute body made it only harder to utter them. I gave a half-assed attempt at composing myself and replied.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtp5zkxBFt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8KVGZWh1z
"I appreciate– thank you, for the apology, but I don't think you need to do it or anything. Really, it's fine, no hard feelings."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoguyO9734
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHisFlEvflS
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TrkAqdEpM
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeH2tZX4Sz
"I don't believe a word yer sayin', kid. But if ya say ya accept my apology, then I believe ya. Now if ya don't mind, I'll go feast on the food they got 'ere. It ain't often I get grub for free."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4TkkKpqKY
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsZDRiEvLx
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOq6DknKOoj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCqpBw4zWz
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68MGBjRUrl
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSkSaXOZo7
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4f4wE3bY5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOFRebuZ3r
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNS0haL0Fa
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqONjxhtD6Z
With that remark, he started and finished his journey to the kitchen. I stood there, my body begging me to fill it with liquid, but I couldn't even move. Ordinarily, I would've lamented that; I was growing tired of feeling this way. But it was a different type of paralyzation. The type I'd imagine would happen, plopping yourself on the bed after a hard day of work.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC6KsvNnOy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTLGPkoPT8
Though I couldn't agree with his words, their impact was undeniable. A weight was lifted off my chest, one I didn't even have the time to identify, and a smile found itself on my face.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGY99sMd3k
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV3nfBHbjc
It was still a challenge for more reasons than just my body, but I managed to step foot into the kitchen, granting my anatomy what it had been craving.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnUJo1XIB1
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1spfUHNvdh
–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvfhA0fjrF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklfaURwT88
–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomBZEDFoVF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRIO3aTs6I
–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr4SxIBea4
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1J64D8cLQ
The room was crowded to a suffocating degree, as a kitchen of this size wasn't designed for the nine people in it. Despite that, however, I found a stool and countertop to have my meal, as milquetoast as it was. Milk, bread, and fruit. It was as I crushed that bread between my teeth that I met the second person of that day. It was a face I dreaded to see.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JMzipp5UQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1vdEzbyQW
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP0PbFN3ls
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjCXpyZnph
"...Trevor."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdAc59rBLC
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3NIrPudEm
The chubby man with a face too sophisticated for a place like this. That's what I regarded him as, but I didn't dare forget his rotten personality. Or, rather, what he did.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthSwUYEsYz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQMHfOBUcA
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fdH7VaICy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEOEnlmtYi
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9lERi9qVb
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYANpciXaFG
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAF4Gx1Kb3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WYA2LQ9tL
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AziG6zGoQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNko5k4GuW
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoIjJ8q62n
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaG2draKwE
"Hmm..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4H5rH4IN3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb5cFoAZvN
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEbz42YhbA
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcNOPsWBVE
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu7VT8ULtN
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRD8RjDOsq
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRVEMantzP
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhR3mwksX7
I nearly spat out the bread in my mouth, hearing such a ridiculous conclusion. Then, I realized what Trevor was doing– or what I suspected he was doing. I quickly cooled my temper, doing my best to ignore his snarky face. Though, it wasn't.
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7URtPcxGW
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq4XXqh08C
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjM9vo30Cg
He offered me a hand to shake. I gazed at it suspiciously, darting my eyes to and fro his hand and eyes. Seeing nothing sinister in them, I took the handshake, and did it firmly.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESCO09koix
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsTFNysRHX
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3teHHYSLz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOMQEbheg7
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVaLsrjTbc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PqkwCYY3z
"Are you sure?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhONa5whxi
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7lbSDXD0M
He leaned his body sideways, dragging a chair in front of him so conveniently placed I was sure he materialized it. I sighed, realizing that this was a man incapable of taking a hint. It wasn't worth, nor was the situation appropriate for, all the fuss.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZblLKa9Rv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkb6dLDi1C
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4WZk1eY62
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3G04KGazO
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDBziVq8t4
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQvD62gezy
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhM4vYypJ0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98aD9KZGLE
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToOtEqqmml
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKAOLSS0M9
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpIL5HAnXK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdbVEbuzYh
I took a sip from my cup of milk.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPBy7LHoHy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMl1oKFrBR
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDmoEZ6CZL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm3qMkJHrF
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchCqpvuQTc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsRJLLeP3k
I paused my hand, mouth agape and ready to take a bite. His words suddenly struck me, not because of their merits, but because of who they reminded me of. A kind girl who likely would've rebuked me in this situation. I sighed again and rubbed my temples.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnj8Kn4Lwd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV697892e4l
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OObGUjQ3J
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUihLdxZ3o
"Excellent!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2cclmSf1K
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIhyY4nsUH
He clapped his hands so quickly that they looked like fluttering wings. I ignored the gesture, as I didn't want to regret my words that soon.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAjPnbm9qw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszVKnebBkw
"I say, child–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLUiNEQj9p
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXrFsfcp2w
"Please, start calling me by my name."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJLoVJXc9O
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3sadLGyfh
"Right. I say, Kenny, this food may not be delicious, but it's familiar. Who on King's Peak hasn't had a meal of milk, bread, and a random fruit? I find it comforting, something I sorely cherish in these moments."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BiVFpo8EE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuFcHFvTYc
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTQAltEP1T
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahmvUmP2EO
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9dOyTS2kb
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXUULs4oAy
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoFtOqMncS
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY9dAQFHuG
"It wouldn't. That would only be true if we were being served a grand feast. If I was holding the leg of a chicken instead of a piece of bread, what difference would it really make?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCDvEF167m
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlCVwY8TFE
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8ufuRY1Yz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5gHBWXvIw
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfy9MXZOld
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1t3abo0xN
I realized then that, this was a person I simply didn't jive with. The smartest course of action was to finish my food as quickly as possible, excuse myself, and pray that he wouldn't follow me.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54eOZwhhMd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi8L5498IT
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iq4nvGCyK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnV5mZ2vX6
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPEfybGdN6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFUuA5NKLN
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX7Iqh7SCX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Gm9avrCFF
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcMc3OeSHZ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7hMvLG5eF
"No. I don't believe I am."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hfl5HGcRB
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSsUZ7bDUu
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwhIVzTQlw
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4I7iMPv2w
"Don't be modest. Perhaps you lack experience, but anyone would at your age. Yet, at your age, people speak of your power, of your potential. Bison Frost, they call you?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPS0LjQQdy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiaE019eYI
"...How do you know that name?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyJNAtztsa
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa8CihX93x
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OB70glgI0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqIwDUubiO
"How do you know that name–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyLO1rxjpL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0AI3HPW0O
"I have no doubts that you'll survive today. Someone like you, one who is feared and powerful, one who sits and stares at walls as others chat and bond, you're meant to survive. But in case you don't, I shall make my offer now."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpBWAJmXIp
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIi7XU2eni
I wanted to make a rebuttal, or at the very least, yell 'no' right at his face, but I couldn't. He leaned in, whispering into my ear.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9IPUM2wIH
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V5NYiEWOi
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7W79p1K10
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHfQjVjMqZ
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8hUJyM8Cn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36jfy5igMn
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VIqDksEg7
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2kZ2Ja6nZ
"...Right."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9B081mM6Z
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqx1m1FuwQ
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqncVKdefX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEN7YkS2rB
He stood up and began to walk away, but before I let him leave, I called him, as I was hung on the last thing he said.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfIcHodBlf
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoQenrnjlA
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOeOZOtMRg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OuKXAt3Vq
Assuming what he had said before, I thought it was a sinister, foreboding remark. Maybe some audacious attempt to predict my fate, or some vague remark designed to hassle me in quiet moments. He turned his head back to me with a surprised expression.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthRqLJnTX7
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL0kk5TkUk
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwz7X0Eecr
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68wwQfQHm9
"What!?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEkmfgK8Vy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eWyuKjWLF
–
–
–
I felt like I was pulled away from the kitchen by an invisible force, though it was my hurried legs that brought me to the center room. I didn't enter yet, as I made sure to wait for a decent crowd to form first. I waited as I sat on the couches, observing the Retaliation Crowd as they made their way. I waved at Juke, and when I saw Rover, I did my best not to hide behind the sofa. To my own surprise, I succeeded.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpWKqcqjiU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJnvOm8eYJ
I didn't relish that little victory for long. When enough people entered, I hopped off the couch and made my way into the room. Lola's stature was noticeably different. It became quickly obvious that she was on some type of stand, and with Dave and Pars at her side, she was a gallant sight, demanding attention. With a radiating smile, she opened her mouth with a boisterous tone, voicing a speech.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9HJN5dLiT
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6278EQT3e
"Friends! Allies! Neighbors alike! Hard-Bringer has infested this wonderful city, and it is time for us to weed them away! With nothing else to do but fight, fight, we shall! And with the will in our souls and strength in our limbs, we'll win!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33ztF3OqR0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6R0exxOqj
HURRAH!207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtE5JdXD3j8
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRut76qRIfk
The ensuing cheer was deafening, but I prepared for the volume by holding my hands to my ears. Her speech was short, but invigorating, and the crowd rallied even tighter than before. Though a part of me questioned how genuine their reaction was.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCN4AEBk3V
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxjzvcpazh
"As we make our way outside, we shall form groups of two. Join with who you've been assigned with. The same applies for our three aides. I'll be the first to leave, as I have to regroup with the second camp, meaning I will leave leadership of this camp to Dave to my right, and Pars to my left."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLTbb4iFEG
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRRxM2ri4Z
The two men saluted, a gesture showing their enthusiasm for their new role. However, I was more pressed with another thing she mentioned; it was something about 'three aids,' if I heard her correctly.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvik5LMmqku
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvaWr3VyEf
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSizcjGe3aX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFDvWkKoU5
My memory stored no recollection of being placed in a specific group, because no such event happened. Panic flooded my consciousness, but a familiar voice assuaged it instantly.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzozrHG29C
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ehNK6iUW6
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBMyFzvD5O
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBEc38gqRb
Who else but Juke? I spared him a look and did nothing more but firmly nod, returning my attention to Lola. However, she wasn't there to return my attention to. Dave now stood where she did, holding a clipboard in his hand.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDvOCjAoPr
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUmdsJOwB3
"Hello, everyone. I am Dave, and though I have no affiliation with this group, I have worked as a City Officer before, so please don't be so quick to doubt me. This man I begrudgingly call my colleague, Pars, is here as well."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENDUyAQS2s
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY3y2ckLMJ
"Hey everyone!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgBUiCrpjE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMe2XbQIUK
Pars couldn't help himself but to wave. Many members waved back, and some even returned the salutation. It made me realize that many people here must've known the man personally.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhMQdwrgeV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBMNIIGEt4
"We'll leave the building in an hour in waves of one group, arriving at visible checkpoints. The group at the checkpoints will nudge the subsequent group, and so on and so forth, creating a disconnected chain. We'll be moving this way to avoid being spotted. As most civilians will be indoors, the streets will be empty, and we'll have to enter and exit them quickly. Does everyone understand?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPpCwUOjBc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoohTp7rwjN
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd1RQsSw0v
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnoIY8wAiv
"Then meet back here in an hour! I better see every face here again, or else I'll get Pars to mound you into a ball of dirt!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHwjznBqgL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgn1jKjUi2
*HURRAH!*207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxBsYljBbc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHejyQzcwR
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp1SbCOJzL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVKdbOGsCo
Despite the ominous threat, the room's enthusiasm took no damage; in fact, it looked bolstered by it. The fervor by which Dave said that made me think he was serious, and the reciprocated energy hammered that idea into me. Only for a moment, of course.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwfCf3QwFL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV2mP651g1
"I'll be in the conference room. Should anyone need me, I'll be there. Pars as well, though he won't be of much–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboqto97Hte
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9BT6YY6Tu
"Alright, enough of this," Pars interjected with a jaded voice, "I can't believe I'm being the voice of reason, but I can't take belittling like this in front of my coworkers. Anyway, if you need us, we'll be in the conference room. Just don't go in asking us to unclog any toilets. Pack what's necessary in the meantime, since we'll be relocating after the fight. Your luggage will be taken to a parking spot. Will it survive? Who knows! That's for fate to decide! Now scram, make yourself busy!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpiXrxCWop
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhq76eQibQ
And as if his words were gospel, the Retaliation Crowd dispersed from the room in a flash. I stood there, still as a statue, reeling from the speed of their escape. It didn't take me long to recover, though. When I did, I put a finger between my teeth and began to nibble.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOfJt52cXx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxmEIs6UYl
"This squad behaves like a bunch of weirdos. I'm glad I'm takin' the job with some level-headed people. Don't ya agree, kid?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzgq1Dsbye
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VZLFUdcVx
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0Ia3Jdfw3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZJuCaXrsX
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc13GgIjTEE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHy6Yl4x9X
"Ah, that's a relief."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJXl5cEHlV
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjhX3qGhp1
"Looks like ya do agree."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajUp0tvAkJ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk0TzhIVm7
"No, not because of the hogwash you're saying. I just, when Lola mentioned us three, I thought about being teamed up with Rover, since I wasn't informed about teams or anything."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4d0B5NTyj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafVnejKSeE
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPoVpkoSE6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOug3Nua0vy
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kNeFqXuDG
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrAq5QxxU0
"Eh? Handled?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf7RPsLv5I
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOwaoELmsd
I held this posture for a little longer, staring at the door leading to the first floor. It was the gateway to this whole operation, unavoidable, even if I wanted to bail. I found it fitting and oddly encouraging.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR65Qf02DFv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgmuHEN42T
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOgWDHbUvg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdYkhagGUr
"H-Huh!?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDO3zwymCy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMO2MMvJSo
My attempt to psyche myself up was demolished by Juke's unprecedented remark.
"S-Shut up! There's no need to point out the obvious! Anyway, let's concern ourselves with packing up first, we're on borrowed time!"
I rushed to the door right after, but I didn't open it yet. I had my hand on the knob, raring to twist and turn, but I had to wait for Juke first.
"What's the hold-up? Come on, it's like I said, time is limited!"
"...Heh, say kid, did ya ever fight with yer parents? Maybe yer older brother or sister if ya had any?"
I paused for a moment but continued my frantic yelling shortly after.
"That isn't important! Come on, we need to pack!"
"My bad, my bad. Yer right, let's get to work with it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaofJAcqQy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RJP7KGZP0
–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVCI2kReIz
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0jrbpYfgw
–207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhDr7lhDRU
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJSgV0jztK
–
One deep breath followed another, a sequence not dissimilar from walking. People walk to reach destinations, and as easy as it may come, it's an intentional action. It was the same here. One deep breath followed by another, with jittery limbs as compliments.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuEaUwdd6x
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsydcjMdmdT
I slapped myself on the shoulder, moving my arms to tire them, so they wouldn't tire me. It wasn't enough, so I sought a different distraction.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzig01fy8Gn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvJWFYeQDQ
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4C2t2orpd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc2U21FVbN
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwbZwPxCD6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPOxO6URHK
"Honestly... I can't say for sure, but they're either energizers or healers. I don't make weapons. Let me take a quick look."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13yzUZKkfg
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD1cJ4hiur
"Can ya do it quick enough?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDbhIz0Czv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxySpnoKzD
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyypEjXTBxd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLNkJMzrYt
I opened the bag and sifted through the contents. There were only two flasks left, but both were green. My memory didn't serve me well.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrbrFi7lQk
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtadgIFKW0u
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmcJNUam8Q
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNhryGnwWu
I carefully lowered the flasks back into the bag and zipped it shut. Looking ahead, I was shocked by the distance between us and the stairs to the second floor.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclblDAAbnX
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuwFsMvJGv
"We're comin' up soon, kid."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5DdB91GDe
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUJDTxNMx1
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCsSjzL6yr
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeOy2JcoEW
"I can't lie, I agree with ya. Most I've dealt with were crooks and monsters. That probably goes for all the weirdos in this city."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G9KppEA4j
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqDG7wEirm
I nodded at his statement, and then what he said registered with me. I refrained from making any comments about it since starting a little argument was the least appealing prospect at that moment. Though, when I thought of the alternatives, being stressed about the oncoming situation was equally unappealing, and I grew weary of its frequency. So I made a shift in topic.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lfctFnq5S
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFtlLURQu2
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDb3vCflwx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudXr8UxTPi
"Ya could say that. Wearin' what's comfortable just makes sense when my helmet is armor enough. What about ya, kid? Is that coat the only thing ya wear?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3tBvCAUcK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoEwXx8moT
We took a few steps forward.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAH1Pq1Tpt
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauBYldsw9D
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqtWN10X53
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JUcfjvNMh
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuLc1RO5Dx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbanwfr6osH
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhajotRkcIm
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIIdx4f6wK
We took another set of steps forward.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN4wfU2fOR
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3AOAvwsSm
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiQsha7023
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WQjvxJwMB
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzHlrUjMEj
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLrC5eUu05
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItuVxEs7dv
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhzXFGZY34
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbFO47Iz3t
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkA0txP69K
Another set of steps, and those were our last. Now we stood before the stairs completely. There was a man with a cap, getting ready to help the group ahead up.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoKa4iGexf
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2pzgnJ6EP
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE8A5pwBhW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwj1UtCWUf
I nodded in reply. The man walked up the stairs, leaving me and Juke alone. Filling in the silence, I asked him a question similar to what he asked me.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYHZjEV8BG
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOPMfK2ezO
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpIZeZqdMx
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjIu6Tct0U
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfz1Co9Ft3i
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv40k7YWZ4N
"I ain't so sentimental, kid. This was just the next one in line. I use 'em up pretty quickly, cuz I can't unbend or fix 'em by myself."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsd5cPVl8S
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRRavztRIs
He pointed his finger at a certain part of his helmet, and I noticed the way it curved inwards. It was so blatant that noticing it now made me feel stupid.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZu2AqgIzF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBSApV9OXJ
"They're gettin' expensive, kid. It's one thing if ya buy a helmet and it breaks in a year, but I need a new one every damn week. My Endowment is almost a curse, heh."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo96RyDZx02
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpPl5jSYfX
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EoDsXYgdc
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxs1OC1Bw6
"The hell do ya take me for? If I wanted to be a bandit, I'd be one. I'm shrewd enough, and I ain't helpless. I just got too big a heart for it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI3iesGvCJ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq59DAzgzXY
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHbmJ3qH6N
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EJwhVCt8T
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgE3aNN5wh
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFKJLYITvj
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA3B0HOcwR
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedde79oEPE
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hbTZiJjxO
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrawsaOrJlS
I had my eyes glued to the stairs, peering at the door on top, waiting for it to open so we could be told to move. In that gnawing anticipation, I found comfort. There was solace instead of awkwardness; a deviation from the standard, and though it was jarring, it lit an ember inside my chest.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqThyPczIYi
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8XKrxEjRd
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8YWtj1vm3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pfzOt23bn
"Huh?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb985uyDPw9
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lvEUhngwR
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u755ka3as
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWwnGc8x35
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq036RWSuE7
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHlwlHqAMn
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsysAtBhfRF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpudQbQRhO7
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JsAylzk2N
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZRAeTJP57
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8T8df3qrE
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprmD7dNQc5
Then, the door sprung open, and a foreign light illuminated the steps. The man exchanged looks with the two of us and motioned with his hand to rise up the steps. Juke took a step forward first, and I quickly followed.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm645GgGWrd
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I9bQaxDmK
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyGUMxlArL
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeWM8WfGbP
"...What?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlFuRWgIfq
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfor4InXnX
"Ya heard me."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9MmJi3H7l
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a0h9DFbYf
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXToa2QILzn
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq7J2RqZLI
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdREOgrGW5
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKXQUrL5NB
And as we made it to the top, we initiated our part. Though he raised questions, Juke had a point: now wasn't the time to think about the situation, it was the time to act on it.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbtcF0ips3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtiANq5WBS
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlpIhZJSj6
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF4xoUP3A7
–
–
–
We arrived at our destination too quickly, and I couldn't tell if it simply was so, or if my mind perceived it that way. We zigzagged through the streets and into alleyways, peering around the corners and hiding any time we saw a group of Bringers walking by. The process wasn't dissimilar to Juke and mine's time before meeting up with the Retaliation crowd, but the sense, the atmosphere, was different. The threat of being found was exacerbated by the need to conserve all energy because the fight ahead demanded nothing less. We scraped by without being spotted, and we found ourselves before the base of the Foreign Pillar. Juke and I were in a hallway with the rest of the camp, chatting with each other, easing the nerves. I saw some familiar faces wearing expressions that made my brows sweat. Nigel, Trevor, and the man with Nigel I forgot the name of, talking with nervous smiles and lumped throats. This was the deciding moment, not for the battle, but for myself. With all these pressures clawing and maiming me, did I still have what it took to move forward?207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gu5LiFTUF
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSQZtnNMh3
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpp6MNa1vy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU4kMDwY41
I confided my worries to my friend and ally, who sighed. I wondered if he was growing tired of my nagging. But, instead of an irritated response, I received something shocking.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYeSaQPjqr
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x55CA1ZHe
"I dunno, kid. I don't wanna crush yer spirits, but I can't lie to yer face and say it'll be alright. It's Hard-Bringer, kid. It's a dangerous battle against messed up folk. If it were up to me, I'd haul ass outta here, but there are too many things containin' me."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5vnXNMUmW
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3kY8MCsMz
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeicPSQmMa
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxuyY0cQH5
"Good luck out there. For both of us."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC7ENOTZIy
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoyAqF6EfG
"..."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8JWyPEbpI
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPeKOFyofB
Though it wasn't what I wanted to hear, though it was the harsh truth I'd been turning a blind eye to over and over, dancing and taunting me, I didn't feel distraught or terrified any more than I already was. I had a few words to impart and a thought to express.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1ccxeugk3
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6cCFvrYHu
"You're right, Juke. But, it's like you said earlier, it's just something that needs to be done, so we're going to do it, right?"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBwS1Je0x0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv7qeIYijl
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIItFqJIw0
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKoIBiEKui
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfOSkP4AMT
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhTkWR2ZRr
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbaVUTwu5L
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBGf45g5Wq
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTTBDKiS0L
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7At5ff1sF
With how frequently I entreated people for affirmation, words were beginning to turn into hackneyed platitudes. But our exchange left me more radiant than before. I pushed myself away from thinking about the fight, counting the seconds until I heard the signal.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSEK5MB6VQ
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLCWFDkbDc
"Everyone!"207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF4gwAancK
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtb90xFIJG
And hearing a familiar woman's voice, I looked up. Lola stood there like a lone, gallant hero, out of the alleyways, holding a battle standard with a flag. She didn't break into a speech or a call to action; that shout was all that was necessary.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8omrVcJ3t
207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wo1ycmTbk
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
