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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAoddA7e7EBw
191Please respect copyright.PENANAcVaEA4QNmh
"..."191Please respect copyright.PENANAiO1SqZJDJB
191Please respect copyright.PENANACqezCwf7ED
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANATcCl38QlKz
191Please respect copyright.PENANA5j90a4HQgR
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."191Please respect copyright.PENANAjLPyo7R5Tm
191Please respect copyright.PENANAwrTAAm92qz
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAJqKEjtHThE
191Please respect copyright.PENANA8JlBZT4pbz
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAz3E4wjkFnE
191Please respect copyright.PENANANeieJIKdI1
"Crap."191Please respect copyright.PENANAtFqCHziD0f
191Please respect copyright.PENANAsuX6CKbKPW
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAhgfJvHfM1l
191Please respect copyright.PENANACqvYxR24Q2
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."191Please respect copyright.PENANAsFACzPRi32
191Please respect copyright.PENANAfLbt0PzFHN
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAmSpvWqYKOR
191Please respect copyright.PENANA35QM3TKDGC
I didn't say anything, because he did first.191Please respect copyright.PENANA2KEAiVKuI5
191Please respect copyright.PENANAcoubvSQsy3
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANAtlMFGXWQxa
191Please respect copyright.PENANAqEyk6QBpRf
"...Uh."191Please respect copyright.PENANAdWZkPBB09x
191Please respect copyright.PENANAhc0nPgEBeO
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANABRSXFzARXc
191Please respect copyright.PENANA97K3MlrDVU
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."191Please respect copyright.PENANAJzTn94lnhq
191Please respect copyright.PENANASkBFpcGd6g
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."191Please respect copyright.PENANAih5JjBFrdc
191Please respect copyright.PENANA3Lu8B0QeRv
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANA4ATfuTINXJ
191Please respect copyright.PENANACMZPF3tKha
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANAIorzgt8HQK
191Please respect copyright.PENANAtPAy7fe4uZ
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.191Please respect copyright.PENANA4iQ8ZcOjob
191Please respect copyright.PENANAFjvDRCPjVi
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANAabYFr1p9Nq
191Please respect copyright.PENANA0NlraN0tXx
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.191Please respect copyright.PENANAo02URyS4aQ
191Please respect copyright.PENANAYJWS7DphVS
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."191Please respect copyright.PENANARrO8kKV48i
191Please respect copyright.PENANA8V5dIaJdwp
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.191Please respect copyright.PENANAVKhzzMSCUG
191Please respect copyright.PENANAxH8vyFbJRi
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."191Please respect copyright.PENANAT1TrvXFyEz
191Please respect copyright.PENANAXRSelS1hMV
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAxXQf8OU5hz
191Please respect copyright.PENANAZ2wEe0m1ez
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANADSuOKMrcIl
191Please respect copyright.PENANAoeLZG73vwZ
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAzVXTgIHoEF
191Please respect copyright.PENANAxYUPURTbn5
–191Please respect copyright.PENANAHzzJbvYB9C
191Please respect copyright.PENANAOazwSFYrFA
–191Please respect copyright.PENANAjU90AhKp13
191Please respect copyright.PENANASMQ84G7TJB
–191Please respect copyright.PENANAYroR8lRa44
191Please respect copyright.PENANAcETR2wU6SL
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAOLRbx5vAp7
191Please respect copyright.PENANAE285CBspHG
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAviwkrla5Qh
191Please respect copyright.PENANALuiEDcw41e
"...Trevor."191Please respect copyright.PENANASgkSlxJeng
191Please respect copyright.PENANAMK3ssA2gjX
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANA7br37hmhKP
191Please respect copyright.PENANAiT6ejD39wU
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAZoApX2w1if
191Please respect copyright.PENANARDWQeelEfv
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."191Please respect copyright.PENANAEHrwJYQlhj
191Please respect copyright.PENANAOIIdIamUxq
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.191Please respect copyright.PENANAjOUH8rfaTo
191Please respect copyright.PENANAWvxqai4hQd
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAGMEzPikQ2f
191Please respect copyright.PENANATaQNtJptts
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."191Please respect copyright.PENANAaHNn9N3bRV
191Please respect copyright.PENANAng7Xlubegl
"Hmm..."191Please respect copyright.PENANA2k5dHmnUyp
191Please respect copyright.PENANAp9z3rr1kv5
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.191Please respect copyright.PENANA6pw5s6hAxq
191Please respect copyright.PENANAHhhBrnhzHo
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAT2QUPBttUe
191Please respect copyright.PENANA0VyASWnHQr
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"191Please respect copyright.PENANABIJNFCv5ag
191Please respect copyright.PENANAqN3m3S0wgR
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.
191Please respect copyright.PENANAXBSvmN31im
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."191Please respect copyright.PENANAhRWJ2JXGXQ
191Please respect copyright.PENANABAjJ0RWrTi
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANADIRCOr2CFG
191Please respect copyright.PENANA2TEiIOTd2y
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"191Please respect copyright.PENANA8l9ksMt0cV
191Please respect copyright.PENANA1qi32eIMqE
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."191Please respect copyright.PENANAJcuqo5TO0l
191Please respect copyright.PENANAHOW5aUAY2N
"Are you sure?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAJYWax98A6z
191Please respect copyright.PENANApiPQ13WRwk
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAHkayohUEkh
191Please respect copyright.PENANAFvz0ncK1ED
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAD6iMlINyhL
191Please respect copyright.PENANADmQhSJWtxr
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."191Please respect copyright.PENANAo6TWMUqSgl
191Please respect copyright.PENANA0YJmE2gGTB
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAIBzFVo1Dih
191Please respect copyright.PENANAhIH5jOPDWm
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAJjA4RYbmkT
191Please respect copyright.PENANAvC580QOyf0
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."191Please respect copyright.PENANAaqwJ5CmIv4
191Please respect copyright.PENANAbCcVrBzgj0
I took a sip from my cup of milk.191Please respect copyright.PENANAFnC65BMMEv
191Please respect copyright.PENANAZCRneqOAPL
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."191Please respect copyright.PENANArzhDelTFSs
191Please respect copyright.PENANAX9cAmXiwRb
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."191Please respect copyright.PENANAnsEUIJj2h8
191Please respect copyright.PENANAhB3rG4FWu3
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAOi3VkAzF5Z
191Please respect copyright.PENANAo5vHNaf4Hx
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."191Please respect copyright.PENANAq5O7mpMhyS
191Please respect copyright.PENANA8IKcAPwtee
"Excellent!"191Please respect copyright.PENANAGWmi3D63Pw
191Please respect copyright.PENANAKes4Ui1Zw0
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAn57whhtQ0p
191Please respect copyright.PENANAxCqqS65DBs
"I say, child–"191Please respect copyright.PENANAiJ5x36cVuU
191Please respect copyright.PENANAlqmuTBpeRK
"Please, start calling me by my name."191Please respect copyright.PENANAL4VprVPhTU
191Please respect copyright.PENANAtjLJfN4BZJ
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANAo59qTmf9lt
191Please respect copyright.PENANA8l7GgqIPuc
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAAFlrlGgk2r
191Please respect copyright.PENANA1u0bUvoGvZ
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."191Please respect copyright.PENANAdztgTyEgzO
191Please respect copyright.PENANAXMSjwtqXeS
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.191Please respect copyright.PENANApXGWD9YkHP
191Please respect copyright.PENANAuvejD7ePom
"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?"191Please respect copyright.PENANASRuysjHPsj
191Please respect copyright.PENANAhrzuwenJHw
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.191Please respect copyright.PENANAi9TmtheWmC
191Please respect copyright.PENANARFkqthcqk9
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"191Please respect copyright.PENANAGyfmZArWRr
191Please respect copyright.PENANAQeg3zdeQHO
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAFHqvFz07ni
191Please respect copyright.PENANAoL9df5Y74x
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAZFbathK8Vw
191Please respect copyright.PENANAAtF42ICP1C
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.191Please respect copyright.PENANA4Ix4L9qhFi
191Please respect copyright.PENANAwqrt7NVo4q
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAZF5GOj53tp
191Please respect copyright.PENANAR757ZZDQhs
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAXB2l4xLavx
191Please respect copyright.PENANAWOjpryGGKM
"No. I don't believe I am."191Please respect copyright.PENANAI0U8gRZv6U
191Please respect copyright.PENANA1fOh2NSfwR
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.191Please respect copyright.PENANAZVeF1aHAzg
191Please respect copyright.PENANAysMYy1Rr45
"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?"191Please respect copyright.PENANA5YJpFNZeLI
191Please respect copyright.PENANAhsprM6mD1p
"...How do you know that name?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAHIrOsivytt
191Please respect copyright.PENANAA6i0DpF6Do
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.191Please respect copyright.PENANAn9m1Cifbio
191Please respect copyright.PENANALuBAVLbeQs
"How do you know that name–"191Please respect copyright.PENANAkcU21niQhX
191Please respect copyright.PENANAAahPMjzYwc
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANA21sQgPhtqR
191Please respect copyright.PENANAWSl8OzTJpF
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAsXT8LTxmIV
191Please respect copyright.PENANABKo4qDJzKy
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."191Please respect copyright.PENANAnRhb6YvRm6
191Please respect copyright.PENANABErZjtHjBk
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.191Please respect copyright.PENANA2vaFyVf10h
191Please respect copyright.PENANAf67481vZFs
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."191Please respect copyright.PENANAJ36lxcUNIF
191Please respect copyright.PENANADASw5Ep4sh
"...Right."191Please respect copyright.PENANAvJ8DwpjDGL
191Please respect copyright.PENANAixG9ZUgWaZ
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."191Please respect copyright.PENANAzVWoAneVkt
191Please respect copyright.PENANACQ90VHzlLY
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANA51HULEENxc
191Please respect copyright.PENANAjB3fBkNXHT
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"191Please respect copyright.PENANASge8aCqc95
191Please respect copyright.PENANA9Hj89LesZV
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAWLrYKI4ogD
191Please respect copyright.PENANA8VjIJvPeX2
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."191Please respect copyright.PENANANJb3qqdioP
191Please respect copyright.PENANAjOvx322fCh
"What!?"191Please respect copyright.PENANA7YXQOMUgB4
191Please respect copyright.PENANAnOLK3MKUTU
–
–
–
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAn1VjrYPQfT
191Please respect copyright.PENANAlFaueWOji1
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAR93UPOowXP
191Please respect copyright.PENANAgWdJEGAxda
"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!"191Please respect copyright.PENANApp3SNmS9Ap
191Please respect copyright.PENANArJQqwdxAgr
HURRAH!191Please respect copyright.PENANAr3uvunocLA
191Please respect copyright.PENANAdVZjPbmk2T
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAZefQ1BX3pN
191Please respect copyright.PENANAqka6mciJBD
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANAj7YfohUGLQ
191Please respect copyright.PENANAIAijIZYcym
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAItB5D8cdPg
191Please respect copyright.PENANAmeWcAiykXx
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAQOC14UixNa
191Please respect copyright.PENANASRlKWz8DQX
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANASEBlXwbWa3
191Please respect copyright.PENANALhuVztmwLz
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."191Please respect copyright.PENANAkdcKDdmdge
191Please respect copyright.PENANAfq1D4eIlQd
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAv1w97g2CWQ
191Please respect copyright.PENANA1vpmApDVVc
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANA1zM5BV9H7L
191Please respect copyright.PENANAzhKqlYmmwT
"Hey everyone!"191Please respect copyright.PENANAICT7kjS83q
191Please respect copyright.PENANAwTygpy0lV1
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANANWkxsBniQg
191Please respect copyright.PENANAFigYgvbfHg
"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?"191Please respect copyright.PENANA1Mfz6XXN9q
191Please respect copyright.PENANAHIfuCCaWg9
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.191Please respect copyright.PENANAYybopDPmAG
191Please respect copyright.PENANAtj6C3WmET1
"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!"191Please respect copyright.PENANAYeqGbQRLln
191Please respect copyright.PENANAXIazbs3dzo
*HURRAH!*191Please respect copyright.PENANAuVSPxBI8Sj
191Please respect copyright.PENANAdQ34ynk3rs
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAPIt7V5h4MW
191Please respect copyright.PENANAwjgZZHYMLx
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAkqh8xjThLG
191Please respect copyright.PENANAcc1aKSz1iQ
"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–"191Please respect copyright.PENANAvLovgv933l
191Please respect copyright.PENANACOnOH5zMA5
"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!"191Please respect copyright.PENANAaV3FCxvEth
191Please respect copyright.PENANAFyQIhNsoph
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAmV7Ze0ra15
191Please respect copyright.PENANAEfZYXty7Dm
"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?"191Please respect copyright.PENANASZtSnzq10S
191Please respect copyright.PENANAEVExanNpuF
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAJiLHiYxtL3
191Please respect copyright.PENANAnrpMj9sBiq
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.191Please respect copyright.PENANApmd0Mbpc5b
191Please respect copyright.PENANAAn5r0ewRyZ
"Ah, that's a relief."191Please respect copyright.PENANA6FeTY9x1xz
191Please respect copyright.PENANACvGAPk1qSi
"Looks like ya do agree."191Please respect copyright.PENANATaMPHTlL9j
191Please respect copyright.PENANAyoksGBybD0
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANA8Cgec3eqvo
191Please respect copyright.PENANAwyhiSDPT6g
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.191Please respect copyright.PENANAaSzJ5RnjZk
191Please respect copyright.PENANAVpgqNht7vf
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."191Please respect copyright.PENANA6N4UCp38cL
191Please respect copyright.PENANAKcvbvOMF8e
"Eh? Handled?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAtCw1GJmQms
191Please respect copyright.PENANAKr5ArcEFsr
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANA1WQ1DIhdSS
191Please respect copyright.PENANA8FUhBoMUb2
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAdoEIoNXrD2
191Please respect copyright.PENANArNikH7jzYX
"H-Huh!?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAhzA4JgJ0CA
191Please respect copyright.PENANAQJxQCQPGQI
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."191Please respect copyright.PENANAR4DMFtOtZS
191Please respect copyright.PENANAUTiO3kl0gs
–191Please respect copyright.PENANAiTLJOiLV3L
191Please respect copyright.PENANA4saOMz5rxp
–191Please respect copyright.PENANABKDvdhAOmz
191Please respect copyright.PENANAz6zq25YgeQ
–
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAYSg46IG8SG
191Please respect copyright.PENANATle7lDQOly
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAWQuE4lHPyH
191Please respect copyright.PENANAaOKsBvlT6S
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAEjsxxXTSCE
191Please respect copyright.PENANAmCElnuUMLR
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?191Please respect copyright.PENANAXaGPGdxtAM
191Please respect copyright.PENANAKhlfJW8Ov7
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANAdn8rm6Ksx6
191Please respect copyright.PENANAZ80Tri2vIA
"Can ya do it quick enough?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAjZWeYhGMOL
191Please respect copyright.PENANASPux0cG4Hj
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."191Please respect copyright.PENANANg6PLlwBKj
191Please respect copyright.PENANAs26TbakAaC
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAR2DeDgHZAJ
191Please respect copyright.PENANAFl7uV0YKCh
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."191Please respect copyright.PENANAYOrtWbXH6V
191Please respect copyright.PENANAddsrMj619i
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAAfI9U6n15q
191Please respect copyright.PENANAHfjjYcUEYs
"We're comin' up soon, kid."191Please respect copyright.PENANAULXVfSb3I7
191Please respect copyright.PENANAHpOTthg5iB
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."191Please respect copyright.PENANA8LZYP0bLvF
191Please respect copyright.PENANAr2o6NdO91Z
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANALPTnMDJsdH
191Please respect copyright.PENANA80CvfkMdBZ
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAgxBVjtZVY0
191Please respect copyright.PENANAXsUi5p3lH1
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"191Please respect copyright.PENANARGgB7YLldV
191Please respect copyright.PENANADFbgTsIP1r
"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?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAPBtnjuPtK2
191Please respect copyright.PENANAvn7Cr3Kn1H
We took a few steps forward.191Please respect copyright.PENANAaSMseK3ChZ
191Please respect copyright.PENANAta27v3oqbo
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."191Please respect copyright.PENANAGXtjca6Qzo
191Please respect copyright.PENANAzrSqV1Xjjc
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAXac7Nb8v73
191Please respect copyright.PENANAUOnuMdursp
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."191Please respect copyright.PENANAi8BeTNJjOy
191Please respect copyright.PENANAtEQBcjkdix
We took another set of steps forward.191Please respect copyright.PENANAJGgntvBhZw
191Please respect copyright.PENANAkkbqu43Gvo
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAsLnjTo5UMp
191Please respect copyright.PENANAwau7CuvF9y
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."191Please respect copyright.PENANAbUvo8P204z
191Please respect copyright.PENANAJQRcHutmLb
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."191Please respect copyright.PENANANHC0LuGyaR
191Please respect copyright.PENANAsLCdLf06LG
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."191Please respect copyright.PENANAkEZV0MGArc
191Please respect copyright.PENANANtwzGFICIM
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAIGdUeuAVLK
191Please respect copyright.PENANA82OGYViyqp
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."191Please respect copyright.PENANApkddDQGBA1
191Please respect copyright.PENANAYZH7KdKJ6G
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAhtf8IuDszl
191Please respect copyright.PENANASOHjPmP2Ty
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"191Please respect copyright.PENANATPkuc7NVBN
191Please respect copyright.PENANAKKPt3F2nIz
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.191Please respect copyright.PENANA2g2orVfDIj
191Please respect copyright.PENANAtSbqnwSewL
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANA6TATad6Jmi
191Please respect copyright.PENANAgUZQXzqu3T
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAWGvgf57WjW
191Please respect copyright.PENANA1PpSKTW0rH
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANALmFW7wwWGb
191Please respect copyright.PENANAVwC1SMWcf4
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."191Please respect copyright.PENANAYXeyE27VJp
191Please respect copyright.PENANAhSAaYxbTTX
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANA6ZwsIy9D6F
191Please respect copyright.PENANALOTRCAuDuc
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."191Please respect copyright.PENANAmD1nwqTv1K
191Please respect copyright.PENANAdz6TeU5Yam
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."191Please respect copyright.PENANAtflqLReJp0
191Please respect copyright.PENANAklWpDykFqT
"..."191Please respect copyright.PENANAPJlREGxwJf
191Please respect copyright.PENANAgcgMHTWf5F
"..."191Please respect copyright.PENANArgAyH1lZY2
191Please respect copyright.PENANAx17OYqZhVp
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAvxvxqR9WsG
191Please respect copyright.PENANAmiSILFfy5Y
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."191Please respect copyright.PENANAcRtWO2KUDZ
191Please respect copyright.PENANAmcXMQGOec0
"Huh?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAATHc9YXolk
191Please respect copyright.PENANAmThYeJKUTV
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"191Please respect copyright.PENANAQ4hSqwCJHD
191Please respect copyright.PENANA1OQ5fQ78mA
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."191Please respect copyright.PENANASpzkjlsydW
191Please respect copyright.PENANAwyWe3L5H2Z
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.191Please respect copyright.PENANA0X6TAtYvIn
191Please respect copyright.PENANATKqC1Iylzu
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."191Please respect copyright.PENANA71lcJ47MSc
191Please respect copyright.PENANASWDZcVUCnw
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAjyqAw1YyfG
191Please respect copyright.PENANA7ShtPXTIbx
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAj92bGvzNea
191Please respect copyright.PENANAl2UG3L7AaJ
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."191Please respect copyright.PENANAVrcf7TbY0W
191Please respect copyright.PENANAE7NP9uy9Lg
"...What?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAwy4ca6QBp1
191Please respect copyright.PENANAYqw6Kse7Es
"Ya heard me."191Please respect copyright.PENANANyoccGgUUT
191Please respect copyright.PENANAYIFOa9xL6Q
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.191Please respect copyright.PENANAPAFXfmHhw3
191Please respect copyright.PENANA4VC80pJrWd
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."191Please respect copyright.PENANAV2XpigAzjI
191Please respect copyright.PENANA3MaltHKrnh
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAH36DbO6LMZ
191Please respect copyright.PENANA4U4OPPayZW
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.191Please respect copyright.PENANAiw9CnFA132
191Please respect copyright.PENANA80SDxNNIYI
–
–
–
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?191Please respect copyright.PENANAz7bGrFeD5u
191Please respect copyright.PENANAR11zod21Mh
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"191Please respect copyright.PENANApTWwdhIiah
191Please respect copyright.PENANAicXaisoMvv
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAcJcBDxwZ6X
191Please respect copyright.PENANAbT0xXpKPvg
"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."191Please respect copyright.PENANA6WJsplvYxD
191Please respect copyright.PENANAZ8R3GLybAt
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.191Please respect copyright.PENANA8qUfYQdlxK
191Please respect copyright.PENANAR3x3mdMxkR
"Good luck out there. For both of us."191Please respect copyright.PENANAhHXQepAB8y
191Please respect copyright.PENANAJz3gCfzy8i
"..."191Please respect copyright.PENANAhpvcHJqx2S
191Please respect copyright.PENANA6DB6CUCx4T
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAPyu2GLXLrs
191Please respect copyright.PENANAI6zrNnrwtk
"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?"191Please respect copyright.PENANAalEjvGJPvk
191Please respect copyright.PENANAK5Pp9zLEV7
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.191Please respect copyright.PENANAeXoEgwkiLc
191Please respect copyright.PENANABOlVEJHmdH
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."191Please respect copyright.PENANAujxAt0VNTg
191Please respect copyright.PENANAApHf8lIFuy
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."191Please respect copyright.PENANAzVUe4YcP5d
191Please respect copyright.PENANAf4NRNx5QwR
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."191Please respect copyright.PENANAJqp0FiwpqA
191Please respect copyright.PENANAfntQiwur1t
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANAVximnSgd9W
191Please respect copyright.PENANAsYtp2ByYJQ
"Everyone!"191Please respect copyright.PENANA3hRrZqOHDA
191Please respect copyright.PENANAkcQfsYKzpO
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.191Please respect copyright.PENANA1IFdfZN8Rt
191Please respect copyright.PENANA64EroIsSnG
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.