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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHd6Iq5Vvb
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28xQyNZdW2
"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVsV515zLc
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T3kkEBvhm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEpkONBEOE
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsJ30PwL4E
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVRUCzoAQv
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEXdvW334r
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3FwW60Y2l
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfvL1lxm6t
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S8wJVaTxA
"Crap."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVokAKAI80
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh7UpeCRnj
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ai2CVto9z
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZSUzoqFSJ
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8UejrGXvH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUAjK9Dnx0
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rmz8nPvh2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCHv9mMN6S
I didn't say anything, because he did first.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBN49T0cA2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LFkTTA0uZ
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9KMDcCS88
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS9skdTniF
"...Uh."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUUJFSOdKf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUGHDLO1uW
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSNLAC5Ytz
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK08QAG8Nan
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa6lrkCWfr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJuP2MtOm1
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA0TiGkJSM
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvIfWswkt0
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTf3rC4aGv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAjO1pX0qB
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFr7XAQwhr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6FYJjAMTV
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYVVM0XjIv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpCFfi56PL
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4Xmgc3RZq
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuhQIjDUjh
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqkmC2bwrh
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwxkhtz6Mb
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp80sR7Ybn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJeh22p8Ur
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rLMUE5p7D
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbfFbZpjbz
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvzr0YOodV
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKuj6aecJX
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJWJMp3ueV
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhYXGed4pd
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRsNeObYh3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomJPWxTIPo
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgg5Z01BPg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcw63SWFgew
–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCLppx1CiF
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGNTx3bbIz
–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPn4w2qEMI
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAdfD54pg7
–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHJRfT7uYW
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtal2SqdGRe
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUNn7QRg9n
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf9qJuvnyO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKqiys2nNY
"...Trevor."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRRYTKbiiZ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO7L5r7MXE
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPldlA6MJ0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gsY4LYHPQ
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PnRgRV417
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gZ28rYizl
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJOQt0PrB8
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAttJhyBwr
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16L5UytL6w
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtkZpUebAe
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3QGgvd7fJ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMtMmKUgO0
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcFKWpHqOz
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PRwHd9WfN
"Hmm..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUTF28WRAu
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KVY88tfio
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLgZgIEInY
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFk6hg91Bf
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUztVohu7O
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9J416jPYv
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwOQ43mhjj
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABBxjuNQna
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.
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPSLYWXVmm
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzbmd2iL7G
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQiTbOc4cA
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3hOS4nzw0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ0pxge2p8
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E7RuLCGgl
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyJ5chcK7u
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfU4cmNI9n
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"Are you sure?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a1ZorKrNi
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sxOGKn9ex
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5JX0lGjyf
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJBgsRhoWM
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRTkzhxcO0
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5Ud98PBrX
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7kGgELJ8O
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g57Favcm3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyxesWyyVf
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2RA16VxdZ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsS5KdW3iJ
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgz7SaGV7Fm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd0b9dyaFR
I took a sip from my cup of milk.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj7B2owo2I
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4ahXpiRIx
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AGGrFhx6k
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6KYgV7Ydw
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7hYQZVSwb
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTW2vTLJWn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5iN7nBaSE
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiOwcwIb0T
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"Excellent!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAEGD2TyJm
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBGZt91OcE
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhneJWQrHSP
"I say, child–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShbQxRiOsA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNtzTtzAEU
"Please, start calling me by my name."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdURqYXtSMj
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpI9peqy9X
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTimfx0Jgl
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBPlV8EsYz
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe4dAYDIAt
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKrn463lzW
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AMUqQBYP7
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV20lOkJ43
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj48EebhoU
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AL5mQ0z6X
"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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg3HZkALvp
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBoz3gSaHk
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD5iiybwOJ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GP1Dc4WYK
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV2NyCx6N6
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGItH9QRPs
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jcEc0ofCd
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2ssKk6PRu
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2J1ixyJzE
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKubrz8WNN
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47IMCGaUNT
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVdW47lIWK
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslFwRZz5Bq
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnOi3yoCNh
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqZhxYN1tb
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo61pW2FxQN
"No. I don't believe I am."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLMuBX1JBF
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHoZvQaz2A
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aOIp9VZ3F
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy9xsb6I9h
"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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWFjLuHrLA
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSUYqnoclS
"...How do you know that name?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJam8uqcmK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a5iCpQggU
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGmEfKWt94
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh6op50DM0
"How do you know that name–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmpRBoKAay
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"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4LEha2rAx
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cNjM4q9Lw
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz3A5UjzZ4
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLeSBb0RHV
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj943tRlpp
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazreiSa9aV
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTIcKlrRgF
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlgIV00Vg8
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGUzVbAtHj
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kqDFmEGGd
"...Right."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJedcJJYgt
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeohGhlInd
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowRVPSbmov
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisn2Fkhvii
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeKynO3QDs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsGXjKvc5Q
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYJTprREDS
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWq6Aeuvtb8
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZlnRMvdwf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n0lRomeud
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFxEdUOLMm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttKbZhXEuV
"What!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG7YeMwlSr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVsGfUDI2p
–
–
–
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxS4dAWtWm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEegf2dfOT
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlIGdbj9Hr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmWanvRU48
"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!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PfKxqvgrn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5y3Oj43eb
HURRAH!219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CZn8dTXTm
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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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBThzy43jOp
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetaiJaufVY
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSan5YKlVn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYqmGEbq8j
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeapqU5Yfjt
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2joq4NmtX
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aILetSpkf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsqLztObBv
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPinvi5HXwI
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5LWxFAc4L
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Yx3BMPd1U
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzRnEOJaUk
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFY8ql3XWVk
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcitCbmlUn7
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QaEsccqxp
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZAg82B1Cn
"Hey everyone!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BevBl9bbj
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqZgbsaxhR
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl3aUOHmst
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KcTXePtMQ
"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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KLEv3k8MB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi35DuXC6DR
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFe2Gx3qfD
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsWvMS1tU4
"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!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65ZuGScIEm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAQumihrNl
*HURRAH!*219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4mZCQ3BB3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5krXIUfkhA
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoaz79zBHz
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDEYclz3hb
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDANy2WaSSR
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14Ytt0Zv0Y
"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–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHunBWNM2V
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrumi512gn
"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!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT8hLHHZ7R
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31ELH3JgGw
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t7lacfL9U
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEE8JNR3io
"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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34EKyhDLk4
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWSFtKM8ec
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07x7VC5rRU
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIIneHdAD2
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYbrUotdrf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdOSeE4L6c
"Ah, that's a relief."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqi0Rj1EAz
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Fl44tU2JX
"Looks like ya do agree."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEeqJ7Tnmy
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKZRKqgjiS
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjKRxuOv7p
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLf0J2pbjI
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMkPSRoxRW
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w66Kx2H9Y
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9RelCwwKV
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiBnWBOdcf
"Eh? Handled?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHEhvUbIbB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RjhN5ZMSK
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6G1hIHMRs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZLoD8n0u9
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR7psFNmko
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsOBlXQ9kF
"H-Huh!?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97rVFAr7R6
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptuLdV7Tel
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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc0LVv7jbr
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CRj17nm0Q
–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FLrlJ61gf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxi75EITgBU
–219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpnjQWJjxW
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–
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BSpCyrpqz
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOYzKglLr2
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGwWELU5t9
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIIiGqf4o8
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvPOjty0bg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynVyGOhcJx
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOH8R1B3aQ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4J6hW7arI
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVbREmOuNc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEPgag4P9B
"Can ya do it quick enough?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEvQvuFIrB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF5lJnAv6E
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt05eCtjGXl
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq20IKV1o0G
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZYID7l6mT
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVvIe8o4Oe
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMSGudNpJB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MNBhpqyqg
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR8yD3zP7p
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXzFM1IJRJ
"We're comin' up soon, kid."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TYnVfRCGK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusz9cpLE9M
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f14l1E3RT
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgF478GjnP
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk88uCW9s9U
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ8aq12hZM
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMucW1J43s
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfK6MDKanM
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m1EdqK44g
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaIhtFyBSW
"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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDnaqqfijw
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvbz9tABVw
We took a few steps forward.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYjffZ9iZB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIEtbhQs8F
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp1ogZpOsB
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBPsNDaSIl
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWRRA99cpH
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXlkVWlDUZ
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EaQP2Owe3
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2fnei3KAW
We took another set of steps forward.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdB7D8Ppsn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJd2jFKwZT
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Az2MZdyEs
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2YDtb6Il9
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwq9CTeaUg
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPZv3BsflQ
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2ZkIHdf43
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHydzo8g5O
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTLyzXLkzT
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ64GVZx4I3
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe4wj6kDi4
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxwl2lGRpY
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgyy3r8bss
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSjQ7cBPNB
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8CtDrruEn
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4kwm7wdjk
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpgyCF2TRS
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwfwtRoK49
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceVyFHvIv5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxzn1JIjfF
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3I03TnDGf
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgulqm8ClEG
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpiNcSOZkZ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL7aOf6tvY
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRme6pyadwy
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWA9icvHgu
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MIenMIxPK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4A9TN8G5W
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrN352wwPj
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0v6JHXnGx
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDFvAckh6o
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DKPVXm2t0
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiPJDsmEvh
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPegWVFo7uL
"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKPUABcDJp
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBCUUVofM2
"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96JgUl38Ut
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgZNyWi6FV
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptIiyhOJnT
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtk76G4xUs
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jj4YSo2YX
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kXUmUzb4Z
"Huh?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRTIazZ54y
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8knTsa9QG7
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zQ5nO8zyP
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBQfAp2Exh
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKJMMfuQ0o
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY63LhF293i
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B30g8AJMh
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpxThB0zRb
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC9O90u1T0
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n37ZX0oZR
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKLNo9uhLK
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v6SGZPNQA
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBrgKZdG49
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13WQ9ktZpb
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMlXDClSvc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPPkNgDFpp
"...What?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyzWlB4RQv
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv18XQ61O9v
"Ya heard me."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyz6G1qF7B
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r0xMggERG
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3rivMNN6R
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1NOGoPNvX
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4WImGnQW2
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHfYOuvooj
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjoE75zn27
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMnUgutNZ0
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IMnnpGTlQ
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWvnWIx9M9
–
–
–
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?219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CxSuNuF4c
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGStd69Lxv
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVYZiJxc2c
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5z4bBlDOq
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn637iQEYC
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN5886xh5V
"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."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaskSqMoKm
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfn2ltSNOR
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk8tQXiCaW
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHrgEW01Yy
"Good luck out there. For both of us."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ321jD6i4gX
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4SbfhXZg6
"..."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyK2UZalsG
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG41jPGCOpO
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDAo57PsBl
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ovzCQ2oJ
"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?"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B6nRLhIx6
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw1Zqfdje2
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBu2wf6p2X
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQoYUAaaih
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AzAWYJzEO
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpzDlTmhUP
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ibSOWvEZ5
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC3ZAV2543
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDZZ2nr3pc
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVlvkteezU
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhPujiVwDU
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwA8ZeGUCC
"Everyone!"219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0FyOylq1J
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicLKFNoXqS
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.219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AFHcOKhcC
219Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgTCoKbl6i
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
