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.189Please respect copyright.PENANA1FX8EBAnFS
189Please respect copyright.PENANAZSSDgcRs7N
"..."189Please respect copyright.PENANAY7EQFu88Dm
189Please respect copyright.PENANA3k7bbXj1aI
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAzfwOglCqcK
189Please respect copyright.PENANACuJhhCXrpA
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."189Please respect copyright.PENANAw4V4gJadQW
189Please respect copyright.PENANAaqmwnxJvda
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAcUyGtBYQgS
189Please respect copyright.PENANAa7XHzs33VV
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAFAsyYXkck9
189Please respect copyright.PENANAHq03h1nFLW
"Crap."189Please respect copyright.PENANAqh9yvEt2Q6
189Please respect copyright.PENANAhxzCHEsCxJ
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAx2jBe4FYn6
189Please respect copyright.PENANAf80v2Om3vU
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."189Please respect copyright.PENANAq4wvZiZcrl
189Please respect copyright.PENANAPLNdkeTlu4
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANA94OJqvFmXx
189Please respect copyright.PENANAfyKxY4yCvQ
I didn't say anything, because he did first.189Please respect copyright.PENANAlTG0kTaSfJ
189Please respect copyright.PENANAMYIGqgogkO
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAPA0q4KHNyW
189Please respect copyright.PENANAmJvup8vJe5
"...Uh."189Please respect copyright.PENANAEseyIMyX2u
189Please respect copyright.PENANAh4JENTyo03
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANALgP9njghQY
189Please respect copyright.PENANAU9b3vFhSNG
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."189Please respect copyright.PENANAsqJOrrRgTQ
189Please respect copyright.PENANAezckK00Dab
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."189Please respect copyright.PENANAxXu6Dn0jnw
189Please respect copyright.PENANA33QlW6vDEV
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAz6IAVovTV2
189Please respect copyright.PENANA47iG9Rdius
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAkyyU1VpYBw
189Please respect copyright.PENANA93dlUQcBBk
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.189Please respect copyright.PENANA2vQ7Q9JvGK
189Please respect copyright.PENANALz9Oy2FSTG
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAznJEODt7NJ
189Please respect copyright.PENANArht41TLsKl
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.189Please respect copyright.PENANA7es015KsXo
189Please respect copyright.PENANAPeOdXeLOiK
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."189Please respect copyright.PENANAk7DZSM34IM
189Please respect copyright.PENANAc74L2FtWfy
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.189Please respect copyright.PENANAo7TcCcEfJI
189Please respect copyright.PENANAnEu2snYobt
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."189Please respect copyright.PENANA4hqpM0f7nR
189Please respect copyright.PENANAxo0wKJHDfI
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAz48uK84MfJ
189Please respect copyright.PENANAA9s5TB1zUL
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANA9OyaawYz9z
189Please respect copyright.PENANAHo2vJ7RbQN
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANA6CO53m8Uv5
189Please respect copyright.PENANAtkE8j1OWzw
–189Please respect copyright.PENANAVQuH7srzmH
189Please respect copyright.PENANA9uM0MmEqu0
–189Please respect copyright.PENANAJjYhjfJgaX
189Please respect copyright.PENANAdRv6skc1wy
–189Please respect copyright.PENANAhVnysglYfD
189Please respect copyright.PENANA1FR67OScLB
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAKarV9Nhggk
189Please respect copyright.PENANAt4H2QoRrRz
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"189Please respect copyright.PENANASANWcfEcku
189Please respect copyright.PENANAC9CrYRChlF
"...Trevor."189Please respect copyright.PENANAYruOL0Zcl8
189Please respect copyright.PENANArYObg2vz2o
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAEQXpjOkpE0
189Please respect copyright.PENANAdEvq9lkcpF
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA4Fek68ZVkP
189Please respect copyright.PENANAHEG3wszBeW
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."189Please respect copyright.PENANAn5hD3mWFC0
189Please respect copyright.PENANAZpczA5aOLy
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.189Please respect copyright.PENANA79unLFw0pB
189Please respect copyright.PENANAn8ngBmZIsr
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAwxFuiJbBdD
189Please respect copyright.PENANAun0ChVs0Dg
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."189Please respect copyright.PENANAFIUHfuLKLM
189Please respect copyright.PENANACH3gcVqxO6
"Hmm..."189Please respect copyright.PENANA4Wa055Hctd
189Please respect copyright.PENANAYm1kznL3KH
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.189Please respect copyright.PENANAJ5M5HyVW8C
189Please respect copyright.PENANAPbZpAmhxmN
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAAKJtK7qSXH
189Please respect copyright.PENANAD9MJoOwKx0
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA9a0o7c1siM
189Please respect copyright.PENANALIGq4N04kU
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.
189Please respect copyright.PENANAvGr1ZKx3xG
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."189Please respect copyright.PENANAPeiruVl7df
189Please respect copyright.PENANA1yAf2bMRPn
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAcr3a0wfELP
189Please respect copyright.PENANAfgjXLeyekx
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAUkcbd4MIzZ
189Please respect copyright.PENANAIEwKTBkeg7
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."189Please respect copyright.PENANAdrZfY61Loz
189Please respect copyright.PENANA8xoQYLxLrA
"Are you sure?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAicKedczPAJ
189Please respect copyright.PENANARqUFtoC6yU
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAWzBwhx7Hs7
189Please respect copyright.PENANACdfL7tjS6n
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA4vP6YZ4k9Q
189Please respect copyright.PENANAiSq5HKmPHw
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."189Please respect copyright.PENANAGkvbmnJmIE
189Please respect copyright.PENANAqjw4snnhaL
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA5zYg8Gp33F
189Please respect copyright.PENANAfzLTadfesD
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA3JoDpAawhf
189Please respect copyright.PENANAhTYLjGiaS6
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."189Please respect copyright.PENANAQIQn1wpqp5
189Please respect copyright.PENANAXb8AtijAJF
I took a sip from my cup of milk.189Please respect copyright.PENANAZNO6WJH5O5
189Please respect copyright.PENANAc2DcAQ2uPq
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."189Please respect copyright.PENANAA5hVvBIxCH
189Please respect copyright.PENANAMqbzkNfjKB
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."189Please respect copyright.PENANAGKfj2eaqdD
189Please respect copyright.PENANAntSua9lThN
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAXpe9KvwCCn
189Please respect copyright.PENANAw2O3hK1mAR
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."189Please respect copyright.PENANAhEwKw8Orsj
189Please respect copyright.PENANApKsfVjhQCN
"Excellent!"189Please respect copyright.PENANAFlDHfRxG2V
189Please respect copyright.PENANA3E0CZ02N1t
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANA3rVqlEhpss
189Please respect copyright.PENANAxQAVsJO95I
"I say, child–"189Please respect copyright.PENANAVdE0XzE8Mw
189Please respect copyright.PENANAX6SvhdYjyU
"Please, start calling me by my name."189Please respect copyright.PENANA9nEvKNWg4b
189Please respect copyright.PENANA6YVTHvKTNm
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANA9eRyQVCouS
189Please respect copyright.PENANAe8mQuZgIg2
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"189Please respect copyright.PENANADInk0t2zhH
189Please respect copyright.PENANAQAKuXTOaSf
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."189Please respect copyright.PENANAiN9zYNbKj1
189Please respect copyright.PENANAvsJ345nvIn
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.189Please respect copyright.PENANAzVfhROc3hF
189Please respect copyright.PENANAfzY752Yls2
"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?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAcBhrLBJMX1
189Please respect copyright.PENANAxSONL1HZC4
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.189Please respect copyright.PENANAu2ujsVw6sr
189Please respect copyright.PENANA1YiBn5dE1Y
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"189Please respect copyright.PENANAeHUb2ax7em
189Please respect copyright.PENANAqtF5DjWNfe
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAGTJ67C7mj2
189Please respect copyright.PENANAzku2fE7jp1
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAeP3o0KSKxE
189Please respect copyright.PENANAY7fxMIJ4z4
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.189Please respect copyright.PENANA7tvmC5fx4C
189Please respect copyright.PENANAIH5c4UXHZ4
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAwZbgj4lgIw
189Please respect copyright.PENANAo7eIz5nmUL
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA5R4f1ytyQP
189Please respect copyright.PENANAoZHVrWsud7
"No. I don't believe I am."189Please respect copyright.PENANAc0hozsIMzF
189Please respect copyright.PENANA8GTb9QreDc
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.189Please respect copyright.PENANAwTX6AanAWy
189Please respect copyright.PENANAalc7O5HBbO
"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?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA9hrhprqOtL
189Please respect copyright.PENANAAIuHQvCbap
"...How do you know that name?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAflZ0grsvnL
189Please respect copyright.PENANAJSbnQdSFlB
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.189Please respect copyright.PENANAlUasDQWIUM
189Please respect copyright.PENANAer5vJEAv9Y
"How do you know that name–"189Please respect copyright.PENANAY3FAAefxQH
189Please respect copyright.PENANAkzzj59pzA5
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAnOXBPmXqYN
189Please respect copyright.PENANAdpSwGaQ8FP
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAAcvuSvF3uN
189Please respect copyright.PENANArCAd1zuLGX
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."189Please respect copyright.PENANAALCy1iAjVn
189Please respect copyright.PENANAtjlSUbXNF7
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.189Please respect copyright.PENANAA3c7YDnw1y
189Please respect copyright.PENANAXqUpT52xMi
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."189Please respect copyright.PENANAU1ANRyIx7z
189Please respect copyright.PENANAfBSpyt12Jg
"...Right."189Please respect copyright.PENANAIyOGSo5WtK
189Please respect copyright.PENANArtoVe0N4Ew
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."189Please respect copyright.PENANAybrT8GIn5J
189Please respect copyright.PENANAdfh11DDi7p
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAagKAiT0U3T
189Please respect copyright.PENANApJPQX5yVSR
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAYYk1APFEo0
189Please respect copyright.PENANAs6pdghs55u
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAc0i5qIueNJ
189Please respect copyright.PENANAQBKiJEv1s4
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."189Please respect copyright.PENANAjQQkK0iTkV
189Please respect copyright.PENANA7qjl6zDiGs
"What!?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAK5QsKY01Pa
189Please respect copyright.PENANAGKBSQqqm0J
–
–
–
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAQa0ilcIAio
189Please respect copyright.PENANAoSahXa45YR
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAfBLASytt9x
189Please respect copyright.PENANAt9wQ5MmwyC
"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!"189Please respect copyright.PENANAVrvzEbwKM7
189Please respect copyright.PENANAif1VSRSCP4
HURRAH!189Please respect copyright.PENANAU1FJGWipoA
189Please respect copyright.PENANAub3RPfqtdX
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAk0LFHSV190
189Please respect copyright.PENANAhVLpUj6MBS
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAHulIkHc99Y
189Please respect copyright.PENANAkgjzlTegEK
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAknl3w81eEu
189Please respect copyright.PENANADSsRDQW6Do
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAgMz0z94I19
189Please respect copyright.PENANA6mVpEpbUVn
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAJOw3t7b8xm
189Please respect copyright.PENANAhny5U21gbS
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."189Please respect copyright.PENANAyMDwlfE8Ln
189Please respect copyright.PENANAC8yIHGFbkT
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANANrbLiynDDZ
189Please respect copyright.PENANAmgTU9IG9Hj
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANArVMmpjAwjZ
189Please respect copyright.PENANAqKLXk6a8T6
"Hey everyone!"189Please respect copyright.PENANA6epEG8ke5S
189Please respect copyright.PENANAhgNkxIrZ9A
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANA6HZvptIofM
189Please respect copyright.PENANA7DWaGV3ODQ
"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?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAQqsC3zt6x5
189Please respect copyright.PENANADUbhY1whHr
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.189Please respect copyright.PENANAUchm4rZ8KT
189Please respect copyright.PENANAqIVvhFAubH
"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!"189Please respect copyright.PENANAl97C1tAiOq
189Please respect copyright.PENANAjsr6sS7Mwh
*HURRAH!*189Please respect copyright.PENANA0q4t1MMOIt
189Please respect copyright.PENANAtRa3TIrtYB
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAwkdaHwiKjw
189Please respect copyright.PENANAvxVPdcxrsA
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAgevQujzAAf
189Please respect copyright.PENANAOEbAVJEPJ2
"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–"189Please respect copyright.PENANAYbKFqHhql2
189Please respect copyright.PENANAYkZZW9xGGg
"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!"189Please respect copyright.PENANA5AmVmhcnpI
189Please respect copyright.PENANAeCrCtNNj4c
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANA0v5iDKjMNc
189Please respect copyright.PENANAVP8tLWIsJl
"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?"189Please respect copyright.PENANALwFf8J29YP
189Please respect copyright.PENANA8z9YpEWzL9
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"189Please respect copyright.PENANARLVBviKw8s
189Please respect copyright.PENANA7rz3sBrIcq
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.189Please respect copyright.PENANAullg7ChrLQ
189Please respect copyright.PENANAfxZfdXJQAP
"Ah, that's a relief."189Please respect copyright.PENANAqF8fsyCUpB
189Please respect copyright.PENANAF3D1Ua1nw1
"Looks like ya do agree."189Please respect copyright.PENANAx2pChYQ3QA
189Please respect copyright.PENANA6D7XcJV0aC
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANALzceUUCUSt
189Please respect copyright.PENANAQYQAxM2xIj
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.189Please respect copyright.PENANAiQHM2TjGsi
189Please respect copyright.PENANAUZH4J8BNa1
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."189Please respect copyright.PENANA9WyT6Iq0WG
189Please respect copyright.PENANAnMeGRliWEf
"Eh? Handled?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAhqgW7uL0kW
189Please respect copyright.PENANAoBYqi9eFer
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANA5HZ87EWrjN
189Please respect copyright.PENANAqFV3AH6UJl
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAP3B94nlE5b
189Please respect copyright.PENANAWQnmYWU7fX
"H-Huh!?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAVOJUpXNSsf
189Please respect copyright.PENANAkj7fE0troG
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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAXfDJI3dgnJ
189Please respect copyright.PENANAfT24Hs8ggj
–189Please respect copyright.PENANAb0Xu9udkzA
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–189Please respect copyright.PENANAOoJ6ZMR9pp
189Please respect copyright.PENANAyJS83CS8H1
–
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANATbUcmy2Kwz
189Please respect copyright.PENANAXOJhX8Zo9Q
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAYOKHQDUKz6
189Please respect copyright.PENANArDZgJwsgLB
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA3Eto1TvoXh
189Please respect copyright.PENANAHuEt5aaMoh
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?189Please respect copyright.PENANA0h4dfO3uGo
189Please respect copyright.PENANAMMvgtjqpgf
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANA9dJG6kljol
189Please respect copyright.PENANAIsrZ07Pb8L
"Can ya do it quick enough?"189Please respect copyright.PENANANeQGeBQeSa
189Please respect copyright.PENANA6osCylK2Wi
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."189Please respect copyright.PENANAmTvmUhqXEq
189Please respect copyright.PENANAGMmjc8toCv
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAQjHQkjhjzR
189Please respect copyright.PENANAqU0iZT5QrR
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."189Please respect copyright.PENANAK6BEY0kW9X
189Please respect copyright.PENANA2JUfygYyL7
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAvO7Bo2iUck
189Please respect copyright.PENANAyHjODTxfjq
"We're comin' up soon, kid."189Please respect copyright.PENANA28yoxMvRh1
189Please respect copyright.PENANAtnT9bh6w59
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."189Please respect copyright.PENANAvfhH8XUzOP
189Please respect copyright.PENANANt6XZid5GG
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAPyVF0waZjM
189Please respect copyright.PENANAEocSgzDfel
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANASQVKUpFpYI
189Please respect copyright.PENANAUBgSIL5pjy
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAcFvBbgnLfh
189Please respect copyright.PENANAIdgbcjZCeM
"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?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAAK6mBq3FYm
189Please respect copyright.PENANAsPKJJTgFOP
We took a few steps forward.189Please respect copyright.PENANAEZzEO6tkSH
189Please respect copyright.PENANAPTlqVCjH4K
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."189Please respect copyright.PENANA0QPbzhmQIR
189Please respect copyright.PENANATlP9CypiYw
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAXnKfq4UPLI
189Please respect copyright.PENANAlS81RUXY3N
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."189Please respect copyright.PENANAAgSLAIhjsj
189Please respect copyright.PENANALTch6S9Vyr
We took another set of steps forward.189Please respect copyright.PENANAJfMwDsomqO
189Please respect copyright.PENANAVArOdde3XV
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAwthsCjMzoe
189Please respect copyright.PENANAHHxmfVkOFP
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."189Please respect copyright.PENANACflgGPSAIB
189Please respect copyright.PENANAheVLX2Q0AY
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."189Please respect copyright.PENANARbl4b4EetX
189Please respect copyright.PENANAdODb6NchOc
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."189Please respect copyright.PENANA38WJWSeVMW
189Please respect copyright.PENANAaDlhStCY0P
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAmxtU440zNG
189Please respect copyright.PENANAwi3hiZUNdP
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."189Please respect copyright.PENANAc0rmILM4Ne
189Please respect copyright.PENANAq6t5ov1ZK5
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANA6FWXiytpTo
189Please respect copyright.PENANA9PXZ6LC6yQ
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"189Please respect copyright.PENANABW9vaLszZ4
189Please respect copyright.PENANADEP93fKGzw
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.189Please respect copyright.PENANAbAqqpV3vXL
189Please respect copyright.PENANATrWxgjVtpf
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAKK7YH0ogJe
189Please respect copyright.PENANAO03PPHMQ8J
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAnw8yvpEl5J
189Please respect copyright.PENANABZ8SVSacxM
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAOA0xiGo340
189Please respect copyright.PENANAZPp3AAOYl8
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."189Please respect copyright.PENANAKOTtPLtOm0
189Please respect copyright.PENANAGgFXvVHlAK
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAnYcTIuk6nk
189Please respect copyright.PENANAdmeHpIsXIn
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."189Please respect copyright.PENANAcaq4p9DOqX
189Please respect copyright.PENANAOEB6QZpIqh
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."189Please respect copyright.PENANAFr1tFQNsnU
189Please respect copyright.PENANAaK4RDgqZKA
"..."189Please respect copyright.PENANAyN4NnlUkPy
189Please respect copyright.PENANA7ge5J8BUc8
"..."189Please respect copyright.PENANAwJjaGqejbb
189Please respect copyright.PENANAm3RKF2uQvX
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAPZWWOypt8L
189Please respect copyright.PENANA6Rw87OApku
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."189Please respect copyright.PENANA7n9QBsTzDw
189Please respect copyright.PENANAWMhltcQnxF
"Huh?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAmCj8bD8oxg
189Please respect copyright.PENANAHiQhXwJJq0
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"189Please respect copyright.PENANAAbJoXjAmHt
189Please respect copyright.PENANAK4KgPE8o4s
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."189Please respect copyright.PENANAy2UW0mGCK9
189Please respect copyright.PENANADF2cr87bKr
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.189Please respect copyright.PENANAFj3kthQTky
189Please respect copyright.PENANAW4wLVS2LVQ
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."189Please respect copyright.PENANAtT1iGRpIIw
189Please respect copyright.PENANAjHeGudwjml
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA1ZiQLWxXUg
189Please respect copyright.PENANA3z1Kl7Gjoe
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAUOdH6yX8mS
189Please respect copyright.PENANAoiuadvUGNI
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."189Please respect copyright.PENANAwM54dfyWKF
189Please respect copyright.PENANASbn8cjVQYv
"...What?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAoIG5f0lhwf
189Please respect copyright.PENANAivyRxwpzxP
"Ya heard me."189Please respect copyright.PENANAaQ6AqRlmjG
189Please respect copyright.PENANA8ExiJ5BpNR
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.189Please respect copyright.PENANA1qVM9x88TI
189Please respect copyright.PENANA2puENab5P2
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."189Please respect copyright.PENANAsVqM2nHkvf
189Please respect copyright.PENANAmPPfADJxat
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANATJnTu7m84S
189Please respect copyright.PENANAlMEwrysXUv
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.189Please respect copyright.PENANAaQnkuLQ6ha
189Please respect copyright.PENANABkZ2RPnPpc
–
–
–
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?189Please respect copyright.PENANAHbDKK0Cyv9
189Please respect copyright.PENANAKCoNF3u1xm
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"189Please respect copyright.PENANA6zWdsTZULc
189Please respect copyright.PENANAJs0WgULvOg
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAZuxlXVWZ2N
189Please respect copyright.PENANAlGfi0qUVu9
"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."189Please respect copyright.PENANAnlgblAgQTo
189Please respect copyright.PENANA8EfYGoXldT
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.189Please respect copyright.PENANATYCPfOoeRU
189Please respect copyright.PENANAyDqYQs8eR6
"Good luck out there. For both of us."189Please respect copyright.PENANAbaznYkkXEV
189Please respect copyright.PENANA8gMnNblw7w
"..."189Please respect copyright.PENANAIvjL870NDt
189Please respect copyright.PENANAVNQCqSqA3l
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANADhgyrMRMAi
189Please respect copyright.PENANAnbAP0c362Z
"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?"189Please respect copyright.PENANAdtGAHknhkE
189Please respect copyright.PENANAI7C8dOYxbd
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.189Please respect copyright.PENANAcEQQPZXGof
189Please respect copyright.PENANATX19jxuUBl
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."189Please respect copyright.PENANAaaKfHr4EGo
189Please respect copyright.PENANAEBnKqEf291
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."189Please respect copyright.PENANAg4OduPx44j
189Please respect copyright.PENANAu76kxVr1lK
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."189Please respect copyright.PENANAyRSxjS5BTa
189Please respect copyright.PENANAoPBGCGUi2b
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANAHkPYI0Se7J
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"Everyone!"189Please respect copyright.PENANA2agB0qfg84
189Please respect copyright.PENANAAy2bFjbWbR
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.189Please respect copyright.PENANArt6obvlWRv
189Please respect copyright.PENANA08wqIcwlPC
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.