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.
