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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTdRTBmmY0
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRDlkrrzBn
"..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqp2OHJUTa
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlXfxFkZNB
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOoWNh31pz
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVI9ZGRX7T
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ234TL2ddTg
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtuPmO1zkW
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkfKUVfJlh
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp1lfCwtr0
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMBXhdLLCX
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8l2fm39Cl
"Crap."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBu0L7djkp
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpjgAfaMDc
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13eK7moIwI
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFMjGvDi3V
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJc8Ss1ofW
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Vqjk8L1HA
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcm8HoYWo6
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhHQUIzc56
I didn't say anything, because he did first.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZX88TETB7
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4EkrLpb9P
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtm3JQXPrjZ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy40BStznhg
"...Uh."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pkCGwPpWo
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN86GKczjJu
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KemebLA2h
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBs9gOfz7l
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk0IpXUCgs
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqU6w5XShf
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPNXKlaP4r
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNp3Sr3JNc
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6JsIcfi1O
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ73SIUVzZ
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSky2VdSjPQ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LBWzrE1Sl
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlHIYYiTue
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hPOth0ujG
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1GokKkLsd
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY1N1mW3Ha
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzELHlMKKLD
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH2O0Qb7kM
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndGXWcywDZ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA1yg2X7ah
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1cGFCEgJr
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPrXIqtgnm
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAJQ9FUMUk
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7xEqfyE5N
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5z3h2oAdl
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9wdOJONv1
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbQiiPQ3xn
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LDmOkvyEv
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMghzzNzev
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRwEgToiwF
–149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ArV5tQLMW
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMads7X68TY
–149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXMkqStB9A
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–149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HNeao4dGw
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCamuFIdqT8
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmk0nB1XQT
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD9DvBR9mL
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32vPlJG7nP
"...Trevor."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJPQ5wMa7D
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFcVanXblN
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhJXRH6HDx
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxilWl2F7NK
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTel4OY5Ql
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhoWiaZS7F
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpOyEg5hYT
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh71y5QY7Ta
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYaJrFrlM2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IydnpNUei
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVLRLAxfCO
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z5MusYdiK
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBedzJHZ4Y
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM5WkfwpGv
"Hmm..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gB5rA0q3d
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmhgNMsXmY
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6yWYQ0L9D
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfC3IAo8hK
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ64jFkFgu
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArD1d8g8f2
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE1DixdB4u
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsQONyxBHM
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.
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRH3qvau7G
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtIiF7SvhI
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK143xbKnWJ
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLah1K71Nd
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4siihSTm2X
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBrn5auap6
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRZy1rpIgJ
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzgjrmhuDh
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWAeBmghv7
"Are you sure?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1DNIeIeip
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWEf5ivjzG
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPbi2e7KVK
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf79NXuhv0
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWuVHQfIUM
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQYlGQG78v
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g5IzAtvl9
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSmAGW2ISg
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwvHFURLZA
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3FglpjVEW
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zsE0Wk1T9
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpN5T3hwOW
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XRPIyQOls
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW5Gi0zFC5
I took a sip from my cup of milk.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2cpUVmYrQ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdddFFcNBt
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaLrDYd3bc
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hxLzINgPE
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04okPmhB24
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKc7xjsjLM
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPpndvI5re
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QrlaHouBv
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqkp7yxewT
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxEevK0ukY
"Excellent!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxY4p8AJ6W
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAL2vhGFon
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM3FwjuzBh
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVQN4flcav
"I say, child–"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dMSiGq69k
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfQ9YoYPU7
"Please, start calling me by my name."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDX8dSJHU6
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHHQflEk8m
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXduhpucIQ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9y79KMPxb
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw0dnfpqui
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yLxqz1pWp
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CO01fC3Qm
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpURT6INWd
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarVmWIdWis
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioX7isKdRQ
"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?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ilbrAPuy3
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m5Guaq1IL
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQnvi7ptTF
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLPVI5e2Ff
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJpoDTl6OU
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9sduUbDRD
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOLp3wlr1L
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGIYAq1X00
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYKW8WqjIv
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV0mGMXyCE
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOcTwm7isG
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS7L474v33
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ923PwJjqIh
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4bmDTOsQF
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7tlfIjFQg
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQEfO24zqb
"No. I don't believe I am."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTpFZTypyJ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcFMHxSjSO
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Eb86LnDW3
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKkr7GmJk9
"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?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJlPo1WnlX
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9zz6QPkJz
"...How do you know that name?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOlMPMLmcQ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKoo3dFEgo
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyPfe2Eh3B
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHddbeO664Z
"How do you know that name–"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LYFqjAGU2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvodkQ5P5n
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnPB2H5qPK
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5GGlwD73r
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NapSZ2Bxn
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujhiLBjEfR
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFrNAXQJSY
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSsm9gsKQx
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHeGtDUXEf
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpzHwD1i1F
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomHLBWQ0zX
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzonwLVNsM
"...Right."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIc9tvH6Yb
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZGzl5Q0Pk
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxw9tQjePS
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuzQtVDKj9
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiYpZSzczP
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32sAteLUMr
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKDYwqeGaT
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpVGKSYySp
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SRbLy8aWk
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i1K6R79ls
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHk1TCgLq6
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegRfm2RMnq
"What!?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWImkDPGsR
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX712Rsy2JZ
–
–
–
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijIoDLmPVY
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0uW9WqWtp
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXancW7qRs2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlX0h1HOb2q
"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!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOIK7oNCu8
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3U39Uyi8Z
HURRAH!149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmKGsYr82u
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdGyk7kck5
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9io64MJVxB
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos0RDV32Zi
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjY6WuYXWk
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTfZrCu1UX
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLPD0SKSFl
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWfLAkugmb
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMR1c16kIE
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYP7UydnEYi
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJYMEKTv9t
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYG5ZWt6Oq
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXsr7SEJav
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyFd4c9hxW
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzCMd1pXWf
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonNYr4XKkK
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4kJyZLRgz
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGrhK1ammT
"Hey everyone!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0jTQDVgL2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyXQuaLwoA
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipMRTaKeb5
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk3NNvIHn4
"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?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4g4qq7KdQ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeb3QspqRI
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQIqDpwuqI
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlV9kKuBUn
"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!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ7SMUkA2I
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd1ufm6rbE
*HURRAH!*149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWAtohMO9V
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg5oGw9WjZ
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGEOv3wvvz
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgsp7eThKZ
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7izu2sXHQo
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZAboKe32V
"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–"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurc5mMElUL
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzKIqJh1Lk
"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!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtipEx8Rml8
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4SRVhWon0
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZzxZLgbkj
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvQqmifNFB
"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?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobNcduljg2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwsuxxtFWs
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvbABX2mK5
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wF82xCxiq
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo2jua6d1Y
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxRIS3yjEo
"Ah, that's a relief."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcvdFsqrMj
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3g4UIy0uS
"Looks like ya do agree."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCIKXwzk3R
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTmcc5XEd0
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyCTNnLv7m
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvh1Av26J7
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQifNc1G4z
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6Qu1Pz0uk
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd8seP0ZcR
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm75t2TkaqI
"Eh? Handled?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjaJSUbf8o
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkYTzBzpb6
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x3qIkwdsH
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTbu81bxpE
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3TOgtXthx
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa5000aJDf
"H-Huh!?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2XDglS1Hu
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh8XONyeHl
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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sSFOQzew5
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tlRSfcXJG
–149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4rGfFRFu4
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–149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuPrhWBnt3
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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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5kw1cNhpH
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI0DaT99XS
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBLIZhW91A
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg96FNcWpZ
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KjcJN8aTE
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSiMFiQB0e
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3QNJRGZ3e
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKz4prbWlt
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPEG1Ome8n
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWudVqWGFid
"Can ya do it quick enough?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16KR3vucld
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBqlaT150u
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3BtouLJ2N
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HjrLtJgyx
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRucqLkTb44
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9ODUpU3WS
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiX9k0fNrw
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX0iFot70Y
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZNJSnPSCs
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJgxZq1P7M
"We're comin' up soon, kid."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCETtSSYmvz
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiQkvJzLw2
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEbOoIRKGP
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRVONaTqZj
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgagy4ve4Bm
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYjDDdLtcr
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTx5sIt3sJ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSfAaejfqU
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxXRSao9Wh
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaqr2HseWt
"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?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aZCoYC1nA
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJZaR0cNAQ
We took a few steps forward.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk62zDs90Z
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV0QOsJF4s
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8MUZrROhM
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgNfNdxqgA
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigedYohQlB
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1aDhizlma
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuWJ85qAa8
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaFrqWxRt5
We took another set of steps forward.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh62rzibxhZ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4W5200V7B
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwekyZw86e
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfFPTuqNcD
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm6cruDhMf
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8goieMmH2
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXrHnRZADE
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbzXRJjPmR
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vhVVOY8d6
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eMKEKguJK
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6yEFidqAf
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBJBj3RL8F
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41bXynCvho
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NkSzHTlb6
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotgo4mppRY
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMfhlAbEP6
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGsQDkIEmt
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l9b4WPZqz
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygXWhH57Z3
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnJcbWXmYI
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ss1QFQPHZ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOV8opy1E8s
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoJlxGSaB2
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N1K3eLSQ8
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZg41Fo7dvF
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEozWJPOr5
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExFcgK9CEz
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdJlplbNRj
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKlHNkx6QP
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ510Yf4dSFz
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLm9WdFoNo
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOihZnSNWy
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nEjVHaTj7
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmLeZ2plyQ
"..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcMW6jW898
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbre73Grm8
"..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZcbqcNcU9
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUoC2YFBJx
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtNewdBBGd
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz63MS7mKr
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77O4TVrHJg
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFNhhk16VR
"Huh?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf3hQsKKUn
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wo2VVy6rq
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmEV8VlYsF
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeR8Hz5EpO
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Emo9zRyWb
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUo66q4lI8
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA7JKqlXHH
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fmYnsZN1v
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bxc3ktvQ9
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HlmqRIf2P
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LRQkQXfKz
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpFB4Okoug
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9XpqWw0kl
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0ekusIP7R
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93kEpb2I9F
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbnzbpYKAJ
"...What?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9scxvsj5h
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHPGPEfE8u
"Ya heard me."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMbnOTmaia
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgv8Ek5C6U
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq2XadKsll
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeTQoHFkeY
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8EcDAaTEY
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UeA5gdARB
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ybwahy4lD
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlOnTFmKV4
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFl91rGBo6
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqL8T2xCFb
–
–
–
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?149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6C7lWsR2J
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7CO7vInCa
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH46Fv2el0x
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9uN6l1NZP
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgFMFax3hx
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFZUsvgdAL
"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."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVGXVcv2E9
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq65FkCvOU
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9up8HA3LOF
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CMpEtHpqj
"Good luck out there. For both of us."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTOSwm1jxx
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5YGN8b31E
"..."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57YUI3kCgZ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIW1lnJeQ1
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29qw9Im4RL
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmzlBxcm2m
"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?"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbsddUMQex
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfGkJ77nk0
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzSnHxGaBX
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCpkPVKXNu
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5r2vjxjcb
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZMJldB1oZ
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfDBGkiICh
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBBQFkhCZV
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr4vCOfXAC
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFjEQxPbx0
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o7WlrgZF9
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFHfNAprrx
"Everyone!"149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe624K6KuJ
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4gTDuGG5T
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.149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxBs3ixS9x
149Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3TJSG1Bdo
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
