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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIsQHIdRhe
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"..."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S8KJih1O6
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I didn't know what to think of the situation. The moments before my sleep were hazy, but I knew myself well enough to construct the memory. I planted my face in my palms and groaned, leaning over.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76jkd8RBgP
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAtYzcVbTy
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0XdrYbXpL
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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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zbSHxWOCf
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZBvyCQFJI
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH3xS2y9LR
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"Crap."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfhDY3N32M
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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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVUfd2NlkY
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"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbkXiJSfXb
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdBgrUIlFy
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7EtSoed8s
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3f6kavxVT
I didn't say anything, because he did first.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXacFIRC9Lv
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2FQllb62z
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWyaBzrj8b
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"...Uh."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LPMi85F5l
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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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA0ZWqWwzE
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iHScUeKWD
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57U697DkcR
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1OB9CE0uw
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SnQvNY5qJ
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyOEFNSKQd
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W8Jd8Kup3
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdfJ7rsHtf
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDqD0SrAQT
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB86xAMRhjC
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfcoD3nmfB
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jG9Cie0h2
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdJbbkFqXl
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEG82MKD5d
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jlL861TdU
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd8ckLPaPp
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOP2VvAYL5
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ98R1nSDx
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwTrJ5xPw4
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmk5vMUD2i
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LKe1nCkkg
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C4wWeGABC
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevbn35cDhu
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7crv5HbiQ9
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECQDCmPWnI
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDxk0axBG8
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfVug2Feyx
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–125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uUwjgDQBT
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–125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTE0bRuh8T
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–125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmtIIlpr4m
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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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYL4CmcqXuO
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFqZbmbTGy
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3hCrnYUAf
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7myCNyxpJ
"...Trevor."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiybIXGaz6
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWN5yzXfAQ1
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm1gBOB41S
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYdXb3SkkS
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb2xILZhZy
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCK97hxPiT
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHQ0273Alt
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy99xumuDt
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KmHYJbkYy
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvaeJ9A2z6
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPAkQt60vE
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym39L15X0L
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxS2Sm6tpKk
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHLxC0dq0z
"Hmm..."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs3w1w68VH
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He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvWJ3X0HUx
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciKuj67KXg
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfudKHiKJ1
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAqmdNbZEZ
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivsFggc2G0
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIYE68AVuF
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.
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"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8cKbpJhy4
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36GDJ3sFjC
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabcQJiRgQQ
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5MKRcZoQc
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXsR5sATUr
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kX4RcQ11D
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdPhobAzoz
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"Are you sure?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ066dIlaEVW
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He leaned his body sideways, dragging a chair in front of him so conveniently placed I was sure he materialized it. I sighed, realizing that this was a man incapable of taking a hint. It wasn't worth, nor was the situation appropriate for, all the fuss.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTzdUGkogI
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73EkcnY4nO
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNbqHJWukC
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"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimgmPEcwLM
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB7WwWIF97
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNeJCa6bkU
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"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFwAhwXMDh
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmW2T1Ke3H
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4XoeiKT4e
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I took a sip from my cup of milk.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3EJ0qOkDR
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU2EDTLCpP
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVnswhWU90
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerTz7h90lf
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJPUWh2zYv
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I paused my hand, mouth agape and ready to take a bite. His words suddenly struck me, not because of their merits, but because of who they reminded me of. A kind girl who likely would've rebuked me in this situation. I sighed again and rubbed my temples.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcRmaYxaNP
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxVoNeFi9b
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG5v5QBrEb
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"Excellent!"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNeiUT0Htr
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He clapped his hands so quickly that they looked like fluttering wings. I ignored the gesture, as I didn't want to regret my words that soon.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj2fOBFYqY
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"I say, child–"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslrJsaKw6m
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"Please, start calling me by my name."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkbqGrjUUh
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"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIISayghKti
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd82CIabZMo
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP7gs2cNOZ
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUdc85nBfZ
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGQJ2P1uDs
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bbqqZYtDV
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SeB1LqUjf
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wbd9seHYw
"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?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5dpdnG33q
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlErPifcfR
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfPnNeMi8q
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzALIS4vfl
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxNszb2IF3
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDmxIb34wy
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLYe6c4O9t
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TOkqSHL3c
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4k0jESuB6
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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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjtEjZonVl
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV2OcJBNqb
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxwy5o65d6
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHinCkxuIc
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLPEGvDlWA
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUmZskLxiF
"No. I don't believe I am."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCaJxRPjFb
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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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ7mJIyVvV
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzFjUvt0ZX
"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?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbFP6zvjL8
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvQ93cukpo
"...How do you know that name?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IHzTsYVJm
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ewDsT4AOf
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qDOMlGMJZ
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymxyrOYDP5
"How do you know that name–"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9qdWkpNAy
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"I have no doubts that you'll survive today. Someone like you, one who is feared and powerful, one who sits and stares at walls as others chat and bond, you're meant to survive. But in case you don't, I shall make my offer now."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG0NlvUx4I
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga6twQvCk0
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rjiiUAFmw
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvBwaEAh36
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PhzcHvUvO
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorcBV0nfni
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqWamqlIHV
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8oVNr0pSU
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKM3dgnckEO
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM4gx70fi5
"...Right."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FnESY2IVG
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"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99i9f2kWza
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUeRx2WJ5v
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeHiWP21wG
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"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAozZtof89
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63L5tAFzLB
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvpuhsnEv0
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwANcNJt1R
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW0Kt7WA6G
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupl8KVhCrG
"What!?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3Rep33CG7
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–
–
–
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO0U6KL9WR
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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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeYxQZ6cOC
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp8r1n7y3C
"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!"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiKgyqdAuc
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HURRAH!125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW9vXM8tRV
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The ensuing cheer was deafening, but I prepared for the volume by holding my hands to my ears. Her speech was short, but invigorating, and the crowd rallied even tighter than before. Though a part of me questioned how genuine their reaction was.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmud6MA7XA
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"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL24nd4aBW
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRzlenhqDU
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiowOuvobN
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhbVi4S5cL
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa8qzVp1LQ
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS55IeJP4Jq
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF3v3aPjQa
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QJ5yUY33d
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGKuMe1LDb
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnla5b8XOH
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekwI1Wi2j3
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSRxZMIrgn
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy8Va3oNZK
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6l0V5S2U1
"Hey everyone!"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgBTdAzpJX
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjsVvX8zak
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iv8RKeWtK
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9dgTESNSv
"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?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRnDTFefWG
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8sxbfo7Lp
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uy14HBiTH
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSJdN1o5fs
"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!"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlgkaW0fEs
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPggMlXr2Kw
*HURRAH!*125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFHqfSjMES
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw4WUO1izi
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhrAEU6OYx
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bsf6cybvQ
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtUlHWorz8
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtP9IQ7CEd
"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–"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnusshJISjH
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQaMVjAbjT
"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!"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgDUTGRDpg
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hsgJbRMkb
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwomOe6PnBe
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4znDT7kBUD
"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?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFePs1JpNc
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEJUhffpR0
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jv6KzXYat
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUKBsvsHBU
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIxzH1YXVL
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNWFCljJVX
"Ah, that's a relief."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fo7vqoqbT
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tpkyFu3nQ
"Looks like ya do agree."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAzp5ltFYf
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmMZXg1Bow
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JqmnQUqxi
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSZqjqhSkC
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1kLJfVexr
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegCOoAiGsR
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8gU7Qacza
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeCzIGmsDa
"Eh? Handled?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyUR2v34JC
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vrjeITXLx
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SorJW99MQ
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVNLXsNM8I
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EEEPjFycg
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1hPHZl74I
"H-Huh!?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaUjyfeBDL
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MZLBUoFAI
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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpuTNH69sB
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7s0iPtXxT
–125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeNzQp1g07
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–125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbUnKP4gVY
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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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZFvNlEumh
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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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmb9lHq76t
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4sqSclNKQ
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjI1YmhP1oO
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6FBVSknC7
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2zdwBc2Pi
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnNdKpdkAV
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgoYran5xr
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRJwyb8gBD
"Can ya do it quick enough?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbInqG0vujT
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9ikV3u5N9
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR6hT6aKR6
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NgsSgK36c
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfYZeFneIs
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8OceuyW7S
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtcq7c5uow
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiaI1EIyGn
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEFLd3fp4i
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSRbmcE666
"We're comin' up soon, kid."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08NHVBe1rm
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyQUInRiHK
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3iqnjDLPb
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"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz9IIYRFn5
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1Ap94WOAk
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMbhFLmkNE
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hpXmXiWH2
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9IsZMpXta
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYvA1Z4bZg
"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?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FWO26VsMK
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DoqaBVKhS
We took a few steps forward.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpgdnuochc
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUc51buaI2
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBwCZv9qQ4
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTGNilyivA
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoxMfkqc7N
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQiJ58ILGD
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhcfjJXMPe
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQnxKkHTh3
We took another set of steps forward.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ526FCgJGvu
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUrBKvTG8E
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo0emvbrAw
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWG6kr97uq
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbeVEScGHF
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtj0wCGid0
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV0rnqQ3qd
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtjVrJLnUt
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7x4ATzVU7A
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN1gOGbw2D
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOb6GSeMUi
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKrand68M4
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTWK9wKjEm
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiV9V09U5F
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwk9T0Bv9B
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPWPbkhgjv
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnP9OYNcCN
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gSwe0zf4J
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgu2824qb0
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDcuRV6xE4
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtmAM4whlK
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZhFmOFFRj
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlqaiFFxZ7
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBs4dT0Tuh
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49DSvxUJ04
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMXoya8coc
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNrXhpY3jD
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGsjN06Bir
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyxz0EiMGc
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQog7LZdhY
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvKdFjrdBN
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K08Ek22L1
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3PRzYkKA8
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qWVPp8BL1
"..."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpzFk78bSG
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA7FSGE9TM
"..."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogNQcvU7wq
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBJ3LeSH93
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvT9XB1YVi
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNmcDDgk0t
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9cYbNsVAS
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"Huh?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl57TRveE1
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjSreQZxbr
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXStK2iVbb
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3b8plwGRr
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmgYAvy3kz
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvuLLugpIQ
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrhzsdvgov
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRbFzmvWus
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqSXA4whYH
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s1wlxNwTP
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAancVfhnT
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbhtVpIzQa
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebdS6K8slG
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wg9puXXt5
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKda3zQ1rZx
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypgqEf3dBA
"...What?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKStAieBSM2
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZFouXD3x4
"Ya heard me."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXbeevDtWn
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHkCDYlJhY
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ttWc0XaqG
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ5T8cl6me
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08ajCAhpE4
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5HgG4GYsp
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iv8ifSrwp
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOOdXOJtE2
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBucSI0EiLL
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvfdaJhu5D
–
–
–
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?125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRCzC1t84a
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKlRD0KXfw
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrRRne2aYY
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC8BCFY9hZ
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRU2plbyXJ
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NlXvFbZ4a
"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."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSfeJFzSFn
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlAAbuhq4a
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpOv877nMR
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLhU8l50Yu
"Good luck out there. For both of us."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVKbXmxywu
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HYlopjrYp
"..."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQZkH9DXks
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2J0aLrXw0
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr92X1COEg8
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5YGxbDPqo
"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?"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxUstIycPQ
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKo6uJmrmq
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2y2jGy5HB
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY5zbQevcI
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR4JlrPlRI
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8duGncoAfu
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGVdI9snYU
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmbMR91boj
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7tzTlRkEi
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgZmI6bWx8
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkumuhfakXE
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8gSVk7jWi
"Everyone!"125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPTtlTFn4K
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0OXaOEAm2
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.125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8M5sXW3lL
125Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WRes0UmaJ
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
