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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6SGs4Mt8C
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71Xl8x3k94
"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCYoSpPdOR
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucksvuJrCG
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQDfK26fqt
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hAYXWHPYF
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4jjsPPbL9
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXRkRqd6wE
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8vjZTbDPw
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDmj1haYIr
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"Crap."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIGfGM3W5g
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP68hRORXV
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9FmKhqJej
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"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiYxYfz56T
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MpHF1xlzr
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQui2MWARiX
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoQCWgLmIb
I didn't say anything, because he did first.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD0ymRPVEX
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAWwTOMlAd
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC8GiE6CXt
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUORzQtzhMS
"...Uh."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7q5ZR2T6Z
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ8ux7RS3q
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7y3NRFKAQ
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNY9FRUBR9
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpLnnH8Fwb
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ818htDGxGx
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XBiETKfSQ
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTQmBDotQl
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV6pSQo1cH
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhexW5Scix7
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQE2c5vjMGT
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10PTqw3sSs
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9FvW2y1YX
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVCvTMZSLd
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq0ayAfDUK
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRrpjCRhFh
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi59N6UUEX
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuirKTLuid
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsKmREVvsF
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAVitRCGVB
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIJfsiJoMU
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtrsCpDe0p
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG9I5rgbW5
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwX4EAf86j
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC34BJbrf3
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3mG7Di23O
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DPfnI7L1e
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7VNFOONoP
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxSlEN3Wii
–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgD24kCfh6
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEbWACko7y
–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSDQGEZrlJ
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–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusfw1aSWeA
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3Tu8N7xht
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzr9rH7vP7
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKfYV4HPFK
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdDHazyecS
"...Trevor."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaobCfHToK
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSIRBzKoUc
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMriMnYD1xC
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi1Ij2g4Vv
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVIVto5h8S
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI1kSCEhQr
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe1k5g3ib0
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisjefuZLW3
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkrqnoOdlv
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUOP9TFCzt
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBriqCplWMY
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQxkmIE0SF
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVVZ3jLuHI
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaabaIhh6ZL
"Hmm..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrEVNF2euN
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPCZn24qqp
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpTZyYlg3s
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6dsc3qVgu
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaiibScSjg
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOPOm4l1vn
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtokhAXVN7I
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlHs5w9FAK
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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpGDFM1EWQ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zETkWZ21n
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs65KvWnule
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdNlT5Pxl2
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3hcZYoYkK
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HpIQP9Lhr
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoHU7Rgb8D
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"Are you sure?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MH8GGg6RK
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNyHKGCDt6
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8KruUZSUZ
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetoDO0x261
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxChjPyKTfx
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDoVAWsy7D
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp57Kok7Pr
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHZd301Wm5
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiASl0XnrS
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz0y15Ddgx
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtz20qp2ud
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlZUlFwIDi
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I took a sip from my cup of milk.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZ1tKeVUp2
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVSPJiEYK6
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajawfH7VVF
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTmkjKJGHP
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaGCH1hZkJ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuU9majvxO
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8xhVsFQDo
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2bMSKMWbC
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOowBEdeM9o
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs0JkKI8IK
"Excellent!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX35rEnJ8xk
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRwSKls74U
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"I say, child–"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4wyD4ADoA
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"Please, start calling me by my name."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEYc2gxm1T
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprMcyDii5S
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOVaYRdxmx
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRensUXL2I
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rXkRHLNId
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqfut9mKUY
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCCZpHlt8D
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFh3KgA5zv
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6bw3m2HgN
"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?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s5pdWrW25
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZAUDecjCm
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrtU5K5eV6
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmiSqDO98C
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosVCoX7Oz7
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIrZtMz0qS
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLOp2RLpTY
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrAZhHzpnH
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHZPmB0Nqn
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCKqUfWtlS
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9k6FJxuot
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYSpn7eJZJ
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzcbjdnbU0
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHIFoxMGOn
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF2Khxz61T
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO8308zYo3
"No. I don't believe I am."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkabZMTuCyC
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh77aR2s2g0
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CwOyeMVc0
"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?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvZSjgKZSJ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfijUD82Kmz
"...How do you know that name?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtFz1WHxws
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m6d8MZgiw
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9SD6qwPo0
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo9Xql3APq
"How do you know that name–"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3HnOAysIf
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIJpJaMzEr
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU4YutaqOF
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRFLjsB5YA
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyihy1F1EYl
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9yq7UeBRN
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOCeDP0g2P
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWHsiKvj8P
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7UgHpngwh
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNj4MIuWal
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPMutL7PS1
"...Right."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSbMKC9cQl
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgE13BLr3d
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZAR7x0UZL
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmwXLkFSY2
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC99WiTn5aa
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nIU0RNP1U
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL4BYnCzZ8
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjbePD5GAB
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZo4OAItYt
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnteU9QFTr3
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltLkqytfLj
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb62C6cmtJ
"What!?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0C42G4ZKy
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDakFMMiQ2P
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch1JaXu1Qr
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwbkm4jiDK
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzEnRv2Tcd
"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!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsEnzhRiYX
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HURRAH!220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7Xm27mFJM
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUq8tJU6VL
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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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQVzbhkCF7
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaDcbsdehi
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHLSwcikuu
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR7R36Qszh
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcTZdSfXGP
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzmXn6IGGY
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BTcqF916h
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWkgDzSQeW
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm2eGRoQTk
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4rZrMDBIl
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0ooD2Leey
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjwGNmWmno
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVgWpLDWUD
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwwymDZT4M
"Hey everyone!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvlgxBvNk1
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSktyNebk0a
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j8T5qAoEJ
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdlelIarki
"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?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPvCSrIJD0
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUjptraDuL
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegxq5Hq6Q7
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7irmep95z
"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!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKJsYFgDJb
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF9JbAdG6M
*HURRAH!*220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5pbSd5zuq
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX8otkA8Cq
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PVb91FORl
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIpmgqqnLM
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R65BBI5jV
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUXmu0lkcK
"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–"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNkCrFrEka
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0jlyRURjW
"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!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64qrDTmgbM
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71J7SqXSC2
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsYgsUMKVC
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVpAyCYzNc
"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?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8GgWy2UDF
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7bcqw9FBI
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJVaon1nU0
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi11I3Ndrrh
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG94lIwu8Tb
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzlGGt4m6K
"Ah, that's a relief."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLpPwSnxfw
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkDSSp6qFM
"Looks like ya do agree."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSUi6tVC5L
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DFb9Mbyom
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4SOwqLHTr
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ExAnHkyRo
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7E2yvbp6z
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosDNfc5fL9
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa33fEttG5v
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Ulhc8rua
"Eh? Handled?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrKreszf8Q
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW8WhMw4HD
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq0krVtyOf
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxwIXZQO8N
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohs4foinq0
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"H-Huh!?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkVVEQKU7l
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlixyL3vCnP
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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHPuc4DdYH
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDw90qyCJR
–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNuOD7cWUk
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–220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Uwiv0GRxV
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPmeUyFWhe
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV2H22BV2Z
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTkXTSco9h
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYupBH6PsmU
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISqrYKCYD8
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ8POTvDj3
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3oQtrPx5O
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuGgUDAA8W
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy7VBES3bn
"Can ya do it quick enough?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVRCr46j10
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡollP2LOIqe
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUFxZ3KrOY
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPW92Qb0iQ
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfYBo24Bq1
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0kzF7oUa8
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVkUji9I3w
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU9DjeTEAp
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirEi1hCbTA
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUSnujyfBO
"We're comin' up soon, kid."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7zp2Cpkjk
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDvzDi2yH3
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOmrHYJlVv
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNETEoqOWa
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSx2YrsIYE
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS9P99fT8A
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WYrr7Oegm
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9cf2IzHYW
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcpMaIp68X
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZN94vKK7h
"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?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLH16a9aDm
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDC7naVlBr
We took a few steps forward.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKbK747rdR
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8uENUqXGI
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFHnODSgdc
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri1HHPkM5A
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcPriIFbUn
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbtgX0fjnL
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j4niMyy2F
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybR0DT3N7s
We took another set of steps forward.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5BdoOugtu
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qTCtDZjjg
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ3844Tu6U
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JVgDAliRO
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVdheHm7Hn
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFnMxcGL6V
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegJ4LK9AxV
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wyDTN4w9Z
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi0UP4d1Q9
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd18EqFkCX
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nr0gc1MU0
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4sbxNc1A0
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaDU6NmX2A
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8cWvt1zk6
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinEhveVXPm
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1oEeEaHE2
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7S7ydVB35
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSwktTh1IE
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGJt6TQTgU
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EpyaNZRB6
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH4gjlIGXW
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQqi1x6W7a
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJOax1TJAN
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QzaETffdV
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pdu0qtodX
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EqupuQrQG
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtiXzsVzyE
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYNzsPTfnh
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKDoMtAthw
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8B7FROYkL
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pMvrm4uq3
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB601GDm9dt
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpi45VcZ0z
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoyDQzGqZM
"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX9TujPPiy
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXugFLWiWY
"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN27U8PfuMH
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDqn4MEb2z
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWsMbCJOhK
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmYUrqHOuC
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiO1sK9S94
"Huh?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG371XZmpsg
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoAJ2OoLEx
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5RgzEKaDS
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTUjH6nBEd
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklNe1hlAAK
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xLnZXXtG8
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzLDQJtSmG
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GL579tnJF
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnV7G29exx
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsiMeZsyZd
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0PqmqVDyK
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkRJp9Xfdj
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR0Ea3Sc5R
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ixeFgWyiR
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua3aHuwPkb
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oish1Iq8K
"...What?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Kq9KU3XqM
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz34hmAYMl
"Ya heard me."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihcVCpjhAd
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytZaZmiWNo
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5cw5BqB61
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwL3mroTrF
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsznp0eoz7m
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoToJoHGl1
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNj2hOCTHF
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRuq8VtOWc
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRBWMmE0gx
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw8QQp8daG
–
–
–
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?220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXN6NJnuTv
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTcXDwLAqt
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv9dfq6Muw
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi78LqaiDiF
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKM4o4dFln
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrxRWDsXve
"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."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRasnG6dMw
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ283LMl3Lti
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3NRLz5Jx5
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmseRQQrts
"Good luck out there. For both of us."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3xubtKP3l
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtFfWj5rhC
"..."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N3pPLhRlf
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCaYubG4Wt
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vyE9HeoBR
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonjzQiYsZU
"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?"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroHlZGz7nf
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLMth1LIrR
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSbpwyWOGi
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqEbZjqtjS
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8hgmWVwoM
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"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXjd4xm7cf
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDkCIZXTuU
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR31V10L3k
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKIb7E8QIf
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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ986cafRv1G
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"Everyone!"220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5qQxNiRXh
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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.220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaA0K51NBg
220Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgUGaDxpGF
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
