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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23yyC2yujK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDHuOWEnc3
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqahScEiGNZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC9phJLJCn
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iB2Jsl5Jn
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstuYnrDiCo
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiGPmKWReL
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYpD48d6Pd
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQzpjcTIlo
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NQV4oR9I1
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOFThorusK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMkh7mM99g
"Crap."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB955kjRdYk
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78ZHhg2v0z
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrbPobS6jp
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniVsmBH8Ad
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4mNHZ4x84
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkCY324ugy
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj29hjG5dKM
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5suMI7ls8
I didn't say anything, because he did first.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYXPDfZ3NZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgzo8xKoTF
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzk5RjnPj3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceMo7VXXmf
"...Uh."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7HsVHJF2C
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvNXtMHCYf
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv14RfFiaim
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3qJzT1Jz8
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgocIa4w5W
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoprRzTDqCJ
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WPHE3kw49
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHmmKEgFA9
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25syhRaCf9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuoW53rCdU
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwIh3Pqnjj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wBuJ78dHI
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD6WkCZ71G
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUOURFrCWV
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U94onimK7
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVKiIgcSI1
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWMtefhY9H
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcY7kmAReQ
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkNJphtmlP
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVg0sGAa5J
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhL7boCPVX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjbIzkdScY
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBffNq5Mnj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUnTE66OgQ
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nT0xzNPHt
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YbFaRdbZG
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36DHJot5d3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcA6oxKS07
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJnK9mf5TG
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQPpCDY0AL
–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrpkzOX6Jr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2gpYJI52W
–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR0xc1BFvV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qN11TI5eR
–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqjdHoGjLV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BJTa3RNgn
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡambneZ82Kd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yK7R2zIMI
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENzJE2JiRJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFJJygUIWr
"...Trevor."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9JlqnnUa8
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv2hQcI4hw
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxC1ZeDbrR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSsnuU8IM5
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7LxNtITj6
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SPQi5SZJg
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQe40hCQAR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgFf5u7W8D
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw5MwtBP4L
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPlLlkD1Zm
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26q3ZwqXQU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqXajjKU65
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qf9rZS66R
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcrxuEaCOS
"Hmm..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEuUmPmIEV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K2zNVS30j
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28UOfUXnJH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsuIId72Hu
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsPMQSjLUI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TCj4mXhK3
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn5cha2NtX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAowym9FZro
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.
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUwuxtliqa
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPQTWZwvdi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUk3DnMIDD
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUufkSF7QU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fCUr3poGx
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIJqT5bJtF
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lvrn9ME3h
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6J1cw1gRE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQrEB6RMxt
"Are you sure?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqOb020LsF
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRzrMcHHF7
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OjgfkZUfh
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMDrAQExao
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsGZIlLYWb
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gxJ4catpO
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysJHDKXMlh
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xi9AYcC7h
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1m5LL7F7c
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTYuJ7vvqW
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPfsGiHdts
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMueh1EOHZ
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz1hLGOHxI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAI8MolWcR
I took a sip from my cup of milk.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupK1hAglbM
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m5yVy94mq
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcIflCJGGH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYPR80pFTo
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKuTrsj2vM
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVnvkuhSYJ
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorJMo1Ezlk
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38ZmPKvg91
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbo6BVKlND
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk6sxEYb2B
"Excellent!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVurseZybUB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrxm3VuYMM
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F37C2pnM6
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnCtTYR5Fp
"I say, child–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRgOdA5TKu
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUSSwYHPEu
"Please, start calling me by my name."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6N5hUc8n0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iWlbvNBnb
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsCYbUyI2w
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyTZHlWcTZ
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocrjcvlnmV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k1ZKto3QA
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAVmBmJ0Oo
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupMXf4BZhe
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND2lQbbBFV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAL3npMKFdx
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb6eynghFY
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBfQigoAcz
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m02f8IVoP
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kFFiH5xRt
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV98j4NAwN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ONAZxANmt
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCEq14DBYe
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm612i6Nw0O
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCXpXyQcuU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qWAzwve2C
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXgSs2yBkZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgrX3usf6W
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbDAPNnUtb
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XeusSWjkv
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8PaEUWyNw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XeOORDFoG
"No. I don't believe I am."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQwxYPmvjo
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hUGDvmGQr
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZymz79DIH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosDlsgOLSG
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YhwN4vIgV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA1Y9qGW66
"...How do you know that name?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK6npN6VpK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy87tx1fE2
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NzSUhwi8J
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfPawuKria
"How do you know that name–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2bSt7pilV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGUyEPOIDl
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w1RMHAlTQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle1Z1X2rvT
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL6ehxRblN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObgO8OxbSV
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn9RsBbw39
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC2YEbZCfB
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckihiezfCs
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0bs34okoz
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BHrMmtvuy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsWUHJFDOb
"...Right."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf9t44uqJX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06IvqOY3tG
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgLCUykYmU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DxbHOgcIi
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Agt9s9r2z
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCQEzRReNz
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanYS3pr2x2
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c9kGFHy1a
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nsIRhoP04
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCkivZzvBK
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lyRGav4Os
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNyWuOqpHn
"What!?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTq89KJOWF
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHMVPW5V6b
–
–
–
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx1LsAs6wZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zEUOlVg1o
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SX1zOkoL3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMglYEo4WgP
"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!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCqqwnW6Jj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ2DVzlNmB
HURRAH!193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlRJ6kUSAz
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL3q0HYM9H
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAQwohiRgH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhSCBBW5pk
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3e2kdKUpK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5NTwdJ6OF
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiSndGdowu
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm74GtxNFC
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1s3A7Auue
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLfwHejDat
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg1LDnhBiM
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJDZcMvDdl
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR08Idig1e
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFaarux5mF
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfnj0LUgQi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7gXttpVI0
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hBenPCh4V
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdfMsOZiAE
"Hey everyone!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefxjFFlxd8
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz8wq5rYlx
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcK3B25IEJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ehruXu6sd
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXbzO39dN3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvne3RfUKFi
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4flYN2zwrg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSti259WGk
"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!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwemUmIkzMN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bI09u0ko5
*HURRAH!*193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM3hSPGZkU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbYX6odsUZ
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIJIyU3OfJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWsoxT2svm
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oV1eEXWrJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBc1zNzQjw
"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–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oxgerow0F
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmRAnlERbl
"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!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AlVdVuBbi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeIyNakmiU
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz9TQZyWSo
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmdQfh6FLy
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZbZfFpaDy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ531oqaMVYE
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZxLO2IdVp
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbiJEy1Odr
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeJuFGy1Ml
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ATit4QYdi
"Ah, that's a relief."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKPasREHbh
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98SKDIIZr2
"Looks like ya do agree."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS7Mtc7312
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvydPbs6jS
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26Afw4G5VJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVN1GOVuOi
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANEYhr1KhL
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8DZU67Wb7
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSwC2IfoZh
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42SsZH4C17
"Eh? Handled?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALRoxK7p8W
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pO5VbrbVo
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ8iU87Brx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV92HoHipUU
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCPXjfsWdj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjL8aipsIX
"H-Huh!?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvDGmEDFpA
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4pQ58wYIX
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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRuVIOzL9v
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg8ju3HNo7
–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSBmfrWGH1
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8IJsLgQA5
–193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcml0i8KPT3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGML8D11Tk
–
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy4zvoySb8
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA4MfG1YH5
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MzkPiqNn9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBLnxywewj
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuNHGXQuy4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgk03sCZUk
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZGmhCAMuW
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfjpdMqMhh
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYT51Nc52k
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUC3t6of92
"Can ya do it quick enough?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7qAdF9oVc
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu9oa6gw3f
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz16jir1vx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZrUzetPij
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbjJhIVRFj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmsIngsO3b
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyVYYFLBVA
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5mfCiokhC
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfcqiYVNzt
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nOy5bz8sa
"We're comin' up soon, kid."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrrC1N0PAy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSqUYLHWze
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVRg5bDMCN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALJkXxl68d
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UXEIM9gsC
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVFRocv9Qa
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt57EjKW1Z
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaXMfqrPmt
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCFAhJ7W2p
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVnOa03zyT
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFJ5X6mLEP
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5miE7pe2cz
We took a few steps forward.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ782ibW8EB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThNvHMW6BY
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDxnZNqbGz
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU95D8VVLbU
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwb1C1FEvT
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBfYdJyx0U
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS8abLWph5
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHsLKqtN8C
We took another set of steps forward.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8J8DlMEgb
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBgMq16cPQ
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqrGSciAXP
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UBUgPlfUu
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWHBQCIivK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUq81sEUAP
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsi4wKWWY1
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPXTsGQmzr
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoNY6kKpGw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ788gFpqe7F
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMEO7WIBHy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6YqWYo5NO
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZicRKzCNG
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7fyK417fv
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxrKmCwkhj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZYRcUFYXU
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidYcy8BlBI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5FOHmcgzr
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeccGt8j9qX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0c0VRu4Il
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf6ZhLVPAG
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrK8uQ96LF
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboNZrnhyJ4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsrIsHEFvm
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7q1kw0wOw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8ubODog6m
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb0MKPumwT
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuj98zfOM9
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub362oykRO
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhlnr4TZrY
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkZJuQQiHE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxjmXQc2tw
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8csyV691r
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48DJm3xisO
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv8gpTTnoS
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMGirTxKUP
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfeSGFUCoN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiFqL8COuk
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAKoKcE3kG
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N3BS5MSiZ
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSSpXAafuV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGBalX3iUA
"Huh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV3ImiVreO
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27lZ8t0Bqp
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJY3J4qQyEt
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8172YG7SFP
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfFHdO8CON
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLzQcmifcQ
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRJbNilmsV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZDTxDuxXE
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8nsuc2FOi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcou7mH1Nbh
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxblqcw1ep
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jIn1aAePA
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVDkd4S8oD
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHbM3Y0sna
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOZiof0uPv
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzhN4f8KV2
"...What?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo292Fx1hE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBzdKLugW0
"Ya heard me."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZIy9hJrA5
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkvAKB2R8q
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZTOTkjTEk
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB5gyu7hAv
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLnUV1HHOR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLJ0B2YmHn
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysR60Ywa8i
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuRsiwUCFZ
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXmdfz6Uzi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2jBNgCcLo
–
–
–
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?193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb6vXl4Q9x
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHsDLSbmW2
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmoyBLs2l9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5BzoPQIdz
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEY41Z4kQP
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHrxYbK2ac
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavAjaO5r0U
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBGm3iCIZq
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47S9rl2iGJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSjyKGfw2S
"Good luck out there. For both of us."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibhkqwzkSy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqimgktjlO2
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb9YQ3EL9z
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9jmNPEkfe
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwRHPCMN5V
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoPNG31647
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkwnM4JQdw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KEDR4HBh8
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS1Z7zytI0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX4BtVGERa
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMubB1yXlIr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nY0BSkuY6
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lIkVwZ4uD
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwheyYG2pG
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaKUgrKo98
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV07qPLKrw
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx9QpQfhLU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawrGBWj02a
"Everyone!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadVMwF5ty8
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHjca6NH9a
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiWyWaH42S
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2CIQ4Sr5h
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
