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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIDU6aIhv6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvkyijImbo
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEvQSfsLuG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmt4NrXvU6
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUPm5Vk8uu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6fMy9HvNe
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYvkupnKAq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YJKkKPkRA
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkxi6p43iN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD0lhURjDo
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KrlGsSojM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PJo0slFOx
"Crap."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnUEgAjSdF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf1oulA2FD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqOQtRkAFX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkYddWAUMm
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyW1kp1xs0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW87guIzr3
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL8Di89E7f
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rI6nJp1gS
I didn't say anything, because he did first.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYuHE1FTlH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZgMLI4Dmu
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKLE5MrRcF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh2TkA5b2W
"...Uh."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38S3xj7DqS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7Yj75vBO3
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe2PBt9R5S
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXpqB9QfQJ
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR56M5ffuf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ333G3EM2hv
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoHxmeXTFN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d2CL3XWZR
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cefovu75U
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU7A8hbvwy
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPIJMTCH1e
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0WaBRJk7x
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA6S45GnjF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd9QdpL6w2
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgfPqJKJZT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxRu1vqoCD
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbTmL1HiD4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybPGKRNRMQ
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiaLhSfjgj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBFovRVKUt
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw87MvGehwJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CQ2QygKGo
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYDBEBei78
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNzrjUmJlx
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaTs1y98QO
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1JhSJU1Qn
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXcltvMdaH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cgx4v9wdt
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIYMuIT0x6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQtOg5z472
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBwloRECJw
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeizQD8gr8k
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXapGUPhyU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZOgKm6K2c
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMXf9MQUWX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThqJ9InsT1
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMGjb2V0Cg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJw4TucsFZ
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsZiAlxWg1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TiZrntDkI
"...Trevor."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewmQFpBxxL
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1PCj0Wi5V
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAYz8E11xL
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9Dp71JZkS
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt5YJpbJFu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVRAwD9MWZ
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEDtMOF1ao
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6vex9sDtq
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kKMav1gOZ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP1dQB8nAz
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybu2A9ngeM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hETbnFYMG
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdZJculSi5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyteA3Fyy42
"Hmm..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cm9rYGKlk
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfmqJjznrD
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5tFYt3Npv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cV5fdVJwn
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TnEUt5MMh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeVeDIRQqp
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTB61HTahN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71jP6LIWvi
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.
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6zYK74tVN
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcbbNKCUYV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0vXUkEQm9
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpwFIC8lqK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWuR8bptVR
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK15vSoeQNo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DsMra1fER
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7oizh90xd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKTE27Fhg7
"Are you sure?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UXFwQCg09
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPud7oLHwrM
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOnoGMNbwi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBL9aOKX1O
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvZoFD7jpz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYRcbhIV6F
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJnnWzXR48
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG0zMBcZuP
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeGeHOE2vO
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELyeAwsED2
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHvusjj0vm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WZsCRSG0b
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScQHVzFMOY
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG52Fgiy3fF
I took a sip from my cup of milk.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlUN4ToxrM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb4XaRMMHp
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohecJa8obI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXxjbkvZPP
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqFuFWx4sC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW6pQHvpUj
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsN4WgU52h
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdeVBPA38u
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBKRcxXzeQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnH2mDUbZW
"Excellent!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkINa7Mr4mr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kcIEOjZ9Q
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6igAGWXwY
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaItmDWfXa
"I say, child–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRqCNAmIEg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wY1ePRlty
"Please, start calling me by my name."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2u4OVnQ7g
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6P9lmYNKF
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHvRty5tL2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfmGRR7RzH
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LkyoOVj4R
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdyL7UhxDd
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxFDq5N0i7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiUvaLt16R
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrrgZmgCnO
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBbPQlTm2a
"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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oZVJe2LFB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNMQVQayeL
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5ohkK7hap
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivbOE5XoV9
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxZZpeZmEy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD2263ZUjN
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfixb6Xc1gm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulB6Cm6zRQ
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBj9MfVpDv
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5fFVvTzbu
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2NMrYU1dC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41sy0p7gWU
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98luts1eAI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm32eQ1lICS
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9vqfPEhAI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSDW7rcelZ
"No. I don't believe I am."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmPBCJYSou
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCtNpnZ34m
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj70JymHcOr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeZqpABMI2
"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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ799hPvh4Y9
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLda00UnO3
"...How do you know that name?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvWKUbJd56
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfACPEwNAb
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsUMSjPijs
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84MiWcIIpy
"How do you know that name–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDW5INMFZT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJG9pexsmM
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsr4sxghiC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbdJYGltre
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvsQX34E9l
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukBjoKv5cB
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9EWQ92sJf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRKUrkHTPt
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo4h5jbUy5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKolsGMS9My
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiovdO7haLD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWYRUPTUVB
"...Right."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFaRe2cUO6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDBHbi9HMf
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfJvzTy1Ds
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sfYEbYo0f
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsFHXFKQQA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypFmuCGetG
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGSAnpQar3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFwVyQP8Ba
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8vCoZeCKL
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71mb2auMC5
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztq3YVe0B5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6a8zQN4nm
"What!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgQtPnZLGJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4MLwcp40A
–
–
–
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fNiove8ts
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxiQghp7qD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqRX30R8xr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLaDVwzcI8
"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!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSbth9Okq1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxGEmZQvwC
HURRAH!184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1ykI3puDU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhuSp9oizV
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToYglrldMY
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbt2JNq3Hm
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4xcY6w5Ic
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQMfsKgDGK
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpS6Ukmgvh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIwlIa4ie1
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZhPbZyBkb
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYzILDtOgv
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xAmfk8bYY
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDGkwCsybt
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ROQmpUM5B
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv7EUNdEZX
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP1BZunBOl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuSNMtqual
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERDtw1SzyN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0G6oG0Oi5
"Hey everyone!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXArdYr4d2C
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEbkMEEJHT
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEwYWAo3jX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIuWl5WlPV
"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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2Jd0ojPHI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtjwEkOJ1a
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4glUGPw6up
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sKoDpJslP
"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!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4vCbeiaqG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9WsO9tQ1N
*HURRAH!*184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGUHoLAPGf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEpRmmeuDd
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc5yiorPqo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibaMUgRhjJ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QVKGz8chg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GKXMgf1GA
"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–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LnxlNC0rH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAjmN6tbas
"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!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze0kafm83a
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8V0PEOem8
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazWfTcjVTe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfCw1ujlj1
"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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SEhBsmaQ5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJanB6TiT00
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5wZRP17ts
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODVDMjkshJ
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo26nGnTz1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTrBObsv8s
"Ah, that's a relief."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbRQLyP5kA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVg0Qdbw57
"Looks like ya do agree."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErn5mJ93nf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK3zD4wzxf
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ABVtzglU1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiAEFFJoKU
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLTxZG2jij
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC64bN3obH
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvqp9jZSDc
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CXCvmY8pu
"Eh? Handled?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTNhJaZdcg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCeqYGdeQa
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOTKJG8kHl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs48WawOQk
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmWpeaTtgU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5xdeXjU0B
"H-Huh!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQUfZMVIAs
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6F3K2ZaK1
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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ8THLnjKF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpI5zMxW4X
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ8obnGTCk
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6DhSLz6X1
–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DhQVCTEZR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrXCBc0UwA
–
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJnQuIfUPu
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rmbHYYWKK
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzUK0w1j3L
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuqgN2nYgr
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnIicl4IZL
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpjd8nbIR8
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXzrQ2AfVq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiERxNOMTtl
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjZIlRhZ9V
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTGvrVXGJv
"Can ya do it quick enough?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBxSvOzvQS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTWcer2TOL
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GJvc7d8ps
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk2UIdARdq
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNOZXIeuld
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX0ypkSlst
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGchqlCrCa
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45jKNTEQbZ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxd1d4gyOJK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5yBSgtGUx
"We're comin' up soon, kid."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizjZlfB2h7
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcIa10EGdC
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZH5KjOcH4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl33E7igjGo
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRzWHpeE2Z
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhKIRUWEfO
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA027DCtUG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO7SkZlhMp
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiWWmphdEN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20wQ7d7YRv
"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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKU7g4UHLq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jf8GImp5e
We took a few steps forward.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPBPLVFaBR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGY54EDOzX
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Obg6drhlk
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGgflCmONp
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuuHwLGIS5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTv2KU4UWW
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLCxqtDKhc
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2THkpgJNv
We took another set of steps forward.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yav1nd4la
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwEbyYutbH
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI09H9l8lO1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tUmXv3puz
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCEGEwICda
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ibnsWUQdL
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vr4OtVTos
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsxoZG4E9l
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8joJlwZEV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOCo2idOy8
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3ZrtlzNhf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGoQwyqmfG
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOZ0k1Zx94
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0si0E9TRxq
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zLzNzsGMD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcbinURlNL
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh95qZ8VJTB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwNAy9hvNa
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOR8RABgfA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhopn02ZaDn
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxD5OIZFXsn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag7XtXkBDT
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYvc505ZyG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTALt6jf1j0
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1WsOtXVRg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WLO5pwyWl
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrf0YBa1rk
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA3RoUH2y5
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2qMDwWt23
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDxWQ47LPE
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEq6VEl4kN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipLkGfdh9p
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPZ0G0eO00
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGSINXCg7e
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQfUMybi91
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVptK9VccUc
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37uTSKVdrl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGLdwPEzTD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki2ZxxkDyh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiYB6s1qoD
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97ZU0VLiYe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvNUwkjULR
"Huh?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CtF7SMn9I
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPUPSvZ1pR
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnTlvpfzB6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0U6IP6Wwy
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk59q0IdOUH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhJFvfhe64
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W6yKh78AG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ960HqHU7z7
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCu85yCPJ3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9ue3hboKL
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J1dsh87AM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQF1iVrMrG
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiPbAuyXLz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8ef7VAZ3i
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGtJJoi3kK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ1HHfuzNO
"...What?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXw2vh3iBo
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTfOEdQ7ZQ
"Ya heard me."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iGStTiWEG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q8yDabejT
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtPdzEFT2x
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8yO6GR0sa
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfLLv1INoy
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VG4N7jhl8
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhP74GjbTH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBdQPhs8hU
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5iYup4WoK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00amtTaArA
–
–
–
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?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX0uZD6Rwi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFIddaDmLf
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QMT4NNmd0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfoZ5Wwkx5
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHEKgddiyw
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcfBsi8nkW
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOA2KXJPYr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHL1lnRy9A
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpdhVbtM1W
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lAPiU60aK
"Good luck out there. For both of us."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ixow75jXW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU69MlR9su
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8hmh8svM6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVXUz902Uj
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZkzTZkD9h
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XxNxWh9Fi
"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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjTlqaq6Ai
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDU4s1J2ak
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvFTRmb0ny
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVGrMC6rKB
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oekEuM32c
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yyo1RJ8Ts
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXpfP822Ok
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsJHR0qTfU
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJYr7HAwCx
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzDlJkOGPH
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKqdhCtgRH
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLd9yQBSUQ
"Everyone!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdWrX7DpBV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4huWy0nxs
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkCaziLXWi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7l0viAoZt
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
