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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAlhIyvqH8fI
25Please respect copyright.PENANAXCdU4gtTS0
"..."25Please respect copyright.PENANA4zbRVvS2fq
25Please respect copyright.PENANAbAGXwZr0Bg
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANA0IPuD54fhk
25Please respect copyright.PENANAwQVH1TzQ2S
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."25Please respect copyright.PENANAC7xTgwdIVA
25Please respect copyright.PENANABFufFWaziH
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAujGqaCVoja
25Please respect copyright.PENANA6aCXNk5ht8
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAdf5BKVSoeD
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"Crap."25Please respect copyright.PENANA8D9FLMtPCO
25Please respect copyright.PENANAbrgcUS229c
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAJfmzTJyCcB
25Please respect copyright.PENANA06cNrDJCJt
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."25Please respect copyright.PENANAkeqhD3FeIC
25Please respect copyright.PENANAktKvX6nj9F
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAqXmuiR6d9N
25Please respect copyright.PENANANlKyesD4sV
I didn't say anything, because he did first.25Please respect copyright.PENANACXjSz5kTzh
25Please respect copyright.PENANAbgpdSQUgjn
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAfHmJ7TSWQo
25Please respect copyright.PENANA9QTuVC06qS
"...Uh."25Please respect copyright.PENANAgy6rS4WQ2M
25Please respect copyright.PENANAnNJOpKbgCg
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANA0S0wSbJVPd
25Please respect copyright.PENANACowRXWTYlf
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."25Please respect copyright.PENANAalrl2RjOWZ
25Please respect copyright.PENANArgrzwMg7JK
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."25Please respect copyright.PENANA5XTmil238C
25Please respect copyright.PENANAsPVp4ewQPv
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAuG0MkdTK8R
25Please respect copyright.PENANAf14x4kswMz
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAXMN6qcHbTL
25Please respect copyright.PENANAj1ScqhzfeS
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.25Please respect copyright.PENANAnWKHeaC3yL
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"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANA3zsWEWwnws
25Please respect copyright.PENANAUTM2sLAw5K
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.25Please respect copyright.PENANACwZh10fmfr
25Please respect copyright.PENANAQf9SAv1Kb5
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."25Please respect copyright.PENANAHd095TqusM
25Please respect copyright.PENANAWMypIWNgCL
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.25Please respect copyright.PENANAfQ5bS5UcLk
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"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."25Please respect copyright.PENANAGVtRT1qw7s
25Please respect copyright.PENANALdVWmI4yX2
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAsJnHdINMxi
25Please respect copyright.PENANAmvLdaXzXXu
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAUPqnjh1H6P
25Please respect copyright.PENANAHlmqr2hpqk
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAkTEA3SrlGK
25Please respect copyright.PENANAnFZmMY1t6x
–25Please respect copyright.PENANAP4guIAdPNV
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–25Please respect copyright.PENANAGKiM9iJRr8
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–25Please respect copyright.PENANA06b4Rp49Fq
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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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAlVxtfP0jR3
25Please respect copyright.PENANAo8Jr8gn2rt
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAgPr63jCKCL
25Please respect copyright.PENANAIFycqLDcNg
"...Trevor."25Please respect copyright.PENANAbqMZSje41L
25Please respect copyright.PENANArqxh6iNyg0
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAc1kkCWA6jJ
25Please respect copyright.PENANAmHK73JtQuM
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAiN8WxLuJCg
25Please respect copyright.PENANAuDVP6qzHrz
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."25Please respect copyright.PENANACrpHCfIg1C
25Please respect copyright.PENANAWcqg5CAfuZ
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.25Please respect copyright.PENANA5mAQPveadt
25Please respect copyright.PENANALIuQdAhW4D
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAUgOuCNh0VT
25Please respect copyright.PENANAfluWVOMICx
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."25Please respect copyright.PENANAumPAbRdrnW
25Please respect copyright.PENANAb4rVfytDHz
"Hmm..."25Please respect copyright.PENANAgEhNYDfMP3
25Please respect copyright.PENANAObNJB2R2gc
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.25Please respect copyright.PENANA7v5wRh5LXw
25Please respect copyright.PENANAWi7eeKJETC
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAlSDxcLsnOj
25Please respect copyright.PENANAA7KoQrSuyg
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"25Please respect copyright.PENANA3o99zPgs0C
25Please respect copyright.PENANAKwXB7OKhUf
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.
25Please respect copyright.PENANApsptVacVW9
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."25Please respect copyright.PENANAxzsQlr1FuA
25Please respect copyright.PENANAAaHamBtJHD
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAYs2FG25UOJ
25Please respect copyright.PENANAScUuxWbLlp
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"25Please respect copyright.PENANA2WXSbFRr1O
25Please respect copyright.PENANAgP459lQg6O
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."25Please respect copyright.PENANAFdIHQxs7UQ
25Please respect copyright.PENANAxQLUNIvhtC
"Are you sure?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAYxrDUwRLjJ
25Please respect copyright.PENANA7oc0DKC7TL
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAmqrLUEELtU
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"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAypWtgo6oT0
25Please respect copyright.PENANAUfzqayRD7q
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."25Please respect copyright.PENANArg5VNHduH1
25Please respect copyright.PENANABeSXVqKyYn
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"25Please respect copyright.PENANA8WL2CRTjBq
25Please respect copyright.PENANArNlLyFFzyJ
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAWLvfcp5i4i
25Please respect copyright.PENANAFsvwMgaWxe
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."25Please respect copyright.PENANANBzM2x7UsT
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I took a sip from my cup of milk.25Please respect copyright.PENANA9SpKeWXBb8
25Please respect copyright.PENANA2u1n5ACpx9
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."25Please respect copyright.PENANAEKFkotc27q
25Please respect copyright.PENANAQwE0RMWqGG
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."25Please respect copyright.PENANAw8LETipO8x
25Please respect copyright.PENANAWKInEDc9Pp
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAXRPZhPJ0uo
25Please respect copyright.PENANAacfhm5oKxt
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."25Please respect copyright.PENANAB4vipHttDo
25Please respect copyright.PENANAKCXqWlAimt
"Excellent!"25Please respect copyright.PENANAk9LVARR2QC
25Please respect copyright.PENANAWMrUKGn5HQ
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAKERa7v4Ikm
25Please respect copyright.PENANAW3IN5fyLlA
"I say, child–"25Please respect copyright.PENANAZTXKe22vIu
25Please respect copyright.PENANAeYMhR8ONjo
"Please, start calling me by my name."25Please respect copyright.PENANALc87BeQ8MW
25Please respect copyright.PENANAjBGpGtwkgS
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAMrnSrWAoGQ
25Please respect copyright.PENANAEWeoFhwYp4
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAwdAgZGQdgb
25Please respect copyright.PENANA9vdvdKcEFh
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."25Please respect copyright.PENANAi7fjbaVQPg
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I looked at him with a face of perplexion.25Please respect copyright.PENANAQviyCmrCaN
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"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?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAKWEBtJMd1W
25Please respect copyright.PENANAYt1Pbm2Vt7
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.25Please respect copyright.PENANAIemk9f5YKF
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"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"25Please respect copyright.PENANA63xBUEz0ok
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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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAQLhBEgoZai
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"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"25Please respect copyright.PENANA13U0ndAVkI
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As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.25Please respect copyright.PENANAopcGWe7jBG
25Please respect copyright.PENANAjrjCYLq8zT
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAkJ7liK4jf7
25Please respect copyright.PENANA78RhdIfqnp
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAqK4X429ncD
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"No. I don't believe I am."25Please respect copyright.PENANAF94zFN8jeN
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He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.25Please respect copyright.PENANAd0hdMDhyF9
25Please respect copyright.PENANA02Gdf70WZk
"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?"25Please respect copyright.PENANApbky26K7Hu
25Please respect copyright.PENANAgSC4Hd4AKH
"...How do you know that name?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAo2V8IEHeHA
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He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.25Please respect copyright.PENANAPpn7RGLopS
25Please respect copyright.PENANAtFGH0c9YPI
"How do you know that name–"25Please respect copyright.PENANAijBAGLyPsY
25Please respect copyright.PENANAXcYWV8jn7n
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAbAaH2alw81
25Please respect copyright.PENANAQoI8oIsWKQ
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAhYgpFI9pgd
25Please respect copyright.PENANAaKOlyAhkSV
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."25Please respect copyright.PENANALECflSnQrT
25Please respect copyright.PENANAnl8ZFdlFbO
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.25Please respect copyright.PENANAGSUpR065Rg
25Please respect copyright.PENANAcCNpzwYwxv
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."25Please respect copyright.PENANAv7rT1WtJJH
25Please respect copyright.PENANAvjTX9r71E1
"...Right."25Please respect copyright.PENANAc6rtc1mER4
25Please respect copyright.PENANAqm0F10g0rO
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."25Please respect copyright.PENANAd9TsD7Z7kW
25Please respect copyright.PENANAMoAtUZ99Hr
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAQpCYr6La3R
25Please respect copyright.PENANAhTmofMA8W0
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"25Please respect copyright.PENANADovc7WKYFA
25Please respect copyright.PENANAtgetVSqqbi
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANA1tVzpkzu1Q
25Please respect copyright.PENANAAOuE00jnwn
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."25Please respect copyright.PENANApy8h0Reg8k
25Please respect copyright.PENANAiGWV9bnsis
"What!?"25Please respect copyright.PENANABHT4gszBFZ
25Please respect copyright.PENANAzedaaN81ko
–
–
–
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAhfWvRPVNxz
25Please respect copyright.PENANA051RPUrDnZ
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANASHOxKWjeND
25Please respect copyright.PENANAkbeMml5dYd
"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!"25Please respect copyright.PENANAuulFR2TYnG
25Please respect copyright.PENANAT6Kp3zLYqQ
HURRAH!25Please respect copyright.PENANAQMig5LuLe2
25Please respect copyright.PENANARxaJ2V8hCZ
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAo5t1DEek5r
25Please respect copyright.PENANAMCB8L2n6xW
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANARC7UPsdJcj
25Please respect copyright.PENANAyO9QTK4F2W
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAcpaMwJ78tL
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"What does she mean by it applies to us?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAjLZhCwetN5
25Please respect copyright.PENANAgJx0G5attf
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAAttYFDo0my
25Please respect copyright.PENANABnQqv4JQPP
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."25Please respect copyright.PENANAOkkfHHmWix
25Please respect copyright.PENANAYI93uCkTmR
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANA1dhbAqB7Qn
25Please respect copyright.PENANAkBk292jTDo
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAELhhtasJrq
25Please respect copyright.PENANA5uTTWu465T
"Hey everyone!"25Please respect copyright.PENANA35oUQ3ZHjp
25Please respect copyright.PENANASWlxOx4eua
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAQbkks98y4P
25Please respect copyright.PENANAzR8jNKRYLM
"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?"25Please respect copyright.PENANASCbO7dQQzE
25Please respect copyright.PENANA2wxtlBV7CS
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.25Please respect copyright.PENANAr5i5ttzASu
25Please respect copyright.PENANACFN73b42Mn
"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!"25Please respect copyright.PENANAIAKJY1JuRR
25Please respect copyright.PENANALdP2yAbe9y
*HURRAH!*25Please respect copyright.PENANAaeM8xvMX6o
25Please respect copyright.PENANAEJmuSQMtp7
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAipgeakNJj2
25Please respect copyright.PENANAPJ3CRZLW1e
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAQTh5GBwIsY
25Please respect copyright.PENANAjR4KlxpxKr
"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–"25Please respect copyright.PENANASLsC0kNxcd
25Please respect copyright.PENANAe8NdoXPQmp
"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!"25Please respect copyright.PENANA6JcvNaYdC1
25Please respect copyright.PENANAuF4e86mK2n
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANApzZsPgAQJj
25Please respect copyright.PENANAEYsjnGQ48d
"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?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAd2ynOA3SlU
25Please respect copyright.PENANAmALszTuK4j
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAvV1F4otf1r
25Please respect copyright.PENANAnyjIuH1tUJ
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.25Please respect copyright.PENANAj5thmvBlUl
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"Ah, that's a relief."25Please respect copyright.PENANA08mpTj2ncN
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"Looks like ya do agree."25Please respect copyright.PENANAQAjefD0cSr
25Please respect copyright.PENANAmCCAm6Q8cF
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANATLZFWEh131
25Please respect copyright.PENANA2ZK6tCTSql
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.25Please respect copyright.PENANAvJnp2z6rJl
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"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."25Please respect copyright.PENANA1OAUMNztjb
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"Eh? Handled?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAHqUkN7OmqM
25Please respect copyright.PENANAawqme7NylR
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAeJcQLmK0bN
25Please respect copyright.PENANAGABKUquakV
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"25Please respect copyright.PENANACWPgM0zWe3
25Please respect copyright.PENANAJwZFmEr0IC
"H-Huh!?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAocXXsQ5zLW
25Please respect copyright.PENANAx51m6Yyrjn
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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAzW6ehP5WHB
25Please respect copyright.PENANAgSIH33H074
–25Please respect copyright.PENANA9u1rA0Mj5I
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–25Please respect copyright.PENANAW6NpFST6m1
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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.25Please respect copyright.PENANATt1QQ1BJMM
25Please respect copyright.PENANAoE2wz9n3XW
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANA5PPIfpMSjg
25Please respect copyright.PENANA9MWB3hsSQ1
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAQ6ZOYW9gKN
25Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7e7YhRJRf
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?25Please respect copyright.PENANAn1Bs1TZzMQ
25Please respect copyright.PENANAdSAZBsKdR1
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANARydhVnCtBt
25Please respect copyright.PENANAo9PjFWUH6e
"Can ya do it quick enough?"25Please respect copyright.PENANARmB5IbyYBm
25Please respect copyright.PENANAtioOo1K92F
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."25Please respect copyright.PENANAE1UeiQz2bI
25Please respect copyright.PENANAaCp9A8jsw8
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAjaqajnQ6MN
25Please respect copyright.PENANA00HkUYMV6P
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."25Please respect copyright.PENANABdVBBVEv17
25Please respect copyright.PENANAOgyGcDOqTL
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANA0UOQ0HUdfo
25Please respect copyright.PENANAaMki3A2StS
"We're comin' up soon, kid."25Please respect copyright.PENANAMQrHMQFWEQ
25Please respect copyright.PENANAwp5orPKfea
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."25Please respect copyright.PENANAee2YldADMz
25Please respect copyright.PENANA1kz6Jfhop1
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAxe4FJQoDoP
25Please respect copyright.PENANAL2kKjlWpnA
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAhlATrpeZtI
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"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"25Please respect copyright.PENANA3GuWdYvefh
25Please respect copyright.PENANAFKgt4BwdNI
"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?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAKycXc7LGuj
25Please respect copyright.PENANAPZQyG2Idt9
We took a few steps forward.25Please respect copyright.PENANAXADExKjXyJ
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"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."25Please respect copyright.PENANAcfTlGBUkME
25Please respect copyright.PENANATRGdMo9tCs
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAxJkZ9LbP9H
25Please respect copyright.PENANAbMkyOzTlk1
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."25Please respect copyright.PENANAmULnFpywTc
25Please respect copyright.PENANAoXbVRYizXB
We took another set of steps forward.25Please respect copyright.PENANA10SynIBnMu
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"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"25Please respect copyright.PENANA324i0PMIrY
25Please respect copyright.PENANAZADLdQyOMe
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."25Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7dsLh4331
25Please respect copyright.PENANAyIB3E94agg
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."25Please respect copyright.PENANAa9dd7w3nle
25Please respect copyright.PENANAfpS9YvKank
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."25Please respect copyright.PENANAtJQo67VkpN
25Please respect copyright.PENANAmrAZMPAkPw
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAyq1Q6yGKHv
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"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."25Please respect copyright.PENANAD2BFCffHyy
25Please respect copyright.PENANA8v6I2lSvkr
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAcXHtbVisJc
25Please respect copyright.PENANARmO6kaaAn6
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAynxnhSe6V8
25Please respect copyright.PENANAiO0CIU1sHj
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.25Please respect copyright.PENANA3HFu8r2xWv
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"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAEoGGO0KmJf
25Please respect copyright.PENANAvCJaaEUD7y
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAcZo5mUNf4W
25Please respect copyright.PENANAwHVCA07NJv
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANADYiWBMvuat
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"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."25Please respect copyright.PENANAzzql2ZKFqI
25Please respect copyright.PENANAZjynOCZ5ea
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAgxqq0JZwfK
25Please respect copyright.PENANA9mkaxFp4ah
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."25Please respect copyright.PENANARFMJztMesV
25Please respect copyright.PENANAjOW6TeYDBU
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."25Please respect copyright.PENANA5G2mBRFIE7
25Please respect copyright.PENANAAmX2YFqWBV
"..."25Please respect copyright.PENANAEhDUzLVYj0
25Please respect copyright.PENANAfipLkmzf1H
"..."25Please respect copyright.PENANA0OBxDlvmZ6
25Please respect copyright.PENANAOPlYAvCIw0
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAEjP9axGTuu
25Please respect copyright.PENANAr3qDsS9DoI
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."25Please respect copyright.PENANAiilA0pVuD8
25Please respect copyright.PENANAnNiCJyjoOh
"Huh?"25Please respect copyright.PENANACrsedPdCGb
25Please respect copyright.PENANAqYONs63tLF
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"25Please respect copyright.PENANA95UeJBFZZs
25Please respect copyright.PENANAw7rjuVAwoY
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."25Please respect copyright.PENANAO6PAQcZZ6e
25Please respect copyright.PENANAtqBbjRUY3b
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.25Please respect copyright.PENANA3r5kG2UjeV
25Please respect copyright.PENANA1nPKvJEyIC
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."25Please respect copyright.PENANAIgSkxNtqh7
25Please respect copyright.PENANAT4khR1ckZk
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAHzFayTQJAf
25Please respect copyright.PENANAvNFrT4Ou2i
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAOBon6uY3il
25Please respect copyright.PENANADlqlvz3stt
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."25Please respect copyright.PENANA0xSn5sP37i
25Please respect copyright.PENANAmu1x13fTZR
"...What?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAkESQXxi3X6
25Please respect copyright.PENANAredmyB2eEI
"Ya heard me."25Please respect copyright.PENANAW6EzWNYpRr
25Please respect copyright.PENANASluyyo78NO
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.25Please respect copyright.PENANAQFDphYWP8n
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"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."25Please respect copyright.PENANAe9NDZaVUOo
25Please respect copyright.PENANAtVDKqXfnSO
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAg5InSqID7p
25Please respect copyright.PENANAcRSjJjhy6u
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.25Please respect copyright.PENANAh0V25q0epU
25Please respect copyright.PENANATGiYYVzZNY
–
–
–
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?25Please respect copyright.PENANA3S5g9bZVSg
25Please respect copyright.PENANAA9Jp6B5wZl
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"25Please respect copyright.PENANAL7Jrzp5RU5
25Please respect copyright.PENANAR3bBZ5EVtc
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAGedBxcO1jT
25Please respect copyright.PENANA7DO64D3gqK
"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."25Please respect copyright.PENANAEk4bZveEIE
25Please respect copyright.PENANAISXqSJ5dPD
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.25Please respect copyright.PENANAUSQ8tRzycV
25Please respect copyright.PENANADa1Ab4teHe
"Good luck out there. For both of us."25Please respect copyright.PENANAupveIvkgnm
25Please respect copyright.PENANAMAPruP01N7
"..."25Please respect copyright.PENANAhhJVEZT4jd
25Please respect copyright.PENANAauwXcV15qZ
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAaORjeL9QHq
25Please respect copyright.PENANAG2nb92cHCF
"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?"25Please respect copyright.PENANA2RBo9aloTs
25Please respect copyright.PENANAMkNeOzE5JE
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.25Please respect copyright.PENANAaBNcVG9KMZ
25Please respect copyright.PENANA4rMdYmBaCG
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."25Please respect copyright.PENANAlAyacVNgKV
25Please respect copyright.PENANAnK2PyFqITW
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."25Please respect copyright.PENANAJB9AM2y39o
25Please respect copyright.PENANA8W6yh1NT1K
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."25Please respect copyright.PENANAqkKxoCanBG
25Please respect copyright.PENANAh1SqXXgQLL
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAdUmkP7ZmQz
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"Everyone!"25Please respect copyright.PENANAX9pYGYjCfM
25Please respect copyright.PENANAc0KEzXl1PL
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.25Please respect copyright.PENANAWrP2eX7mSi
25Please respect copyright.PENANADkB9zdG9iy
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.