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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXnb87hr7h
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOV0nM1y44
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNyPUZMnjL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEL0AX3tBL
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48JPFqmlky
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EyVq9b5G8
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXQ6MF4bod
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60apHMIJxh
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O7jnjzno1
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF1jDGqPFM
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEoq8pin9o
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQCsEL636h
"Crap."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3acvEnnfCQ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20XPodae4U
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaENz87oGJ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDVOPyt3rU
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlakLfjJ5tk
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Aq2z9rbeI
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekDpCVDJmq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWuSeaXhlt
I didn't say anything, because he did first.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzMsTjEEZV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKKYtKotdN
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dt7agPCnU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdw9E9kXYon
"...Uh."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeiMlcvBRT
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENBgV43gOd
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD4pFTaF7A
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2zCrG78DM
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBYyqiM07t
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tqd9C2DuI
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG00W2jem9y
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlQpsAMp32
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AWE0wM4Fh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTXJbp2SBd
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJItYzEPTD
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEXaibO0xU
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpC98jZikRc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVontwDaIs0
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUbceWn17D
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPmsJAjzsg
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrb4O0s34T
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8LnBJgpfy
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqG0GPUg8r
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE860uHkFx
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BJHFrbcE8
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCFALPnxfr
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWb03oQYyg
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFu0kSVg6c
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBvnqeDugv
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5Gcmp0GAq
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWVzZXOrtE
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXWTlpe3N2
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZg4QlY30F
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxO2YFX4Mc
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQK8nG1oCe
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiFNuzUjHJ
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl1ZINH0Kx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmrpf46kfF
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj8CvxJl39
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU2EX8cKwg
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwyA21AIgp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PEZ8v8FDu
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp8M1KiIOa
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHeLGYnFDH
"...Trevor."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCWg7adlr5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SogSxCmsz
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoflAS9Kq3G
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZvNP4SF6s
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ7rMTp5s5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwdyTdhWoJ
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5J4pUQAht
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJp7xeyzgG
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf9ullAl5i
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeNtwE3FJE
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EghIMpYV5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvhiueV38x
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGaWBAf7Lo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfs8pMooBA
"Hmm..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dhg78XcXl
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHmQ2vq338
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1Bl913mkN
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy2LFOIHxs
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwOgohmOsY
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83sHCcnN7i
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmFinwJtom
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLi1OR90Jt
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.
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLahkBP9p8Q
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4ureg80BA
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70HCJ4H254
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMS1C3XMWr
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU1dCAbCO1
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI06coWqQKQ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iInD0g26a
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRHXTCHdaZ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXPBkLkgDl
"Are you sure?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb4aiqqNZL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSouJjhxnT
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC0Xgjc01m
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBnxxXLhrp
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBPGnVP042
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDK2QwoevL
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3HzSOwnnS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyusNGCa24
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqplMDeN22T
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iv70DHPD2
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2BuLSqd1V
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5itLG8NHE
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz7aOKN5RV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvbftLQdQz
I took a sip from my cup of milk.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSsOnPV24o
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiyF75H5FT
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkZhmTATK0
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9iWccbGVR
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3NpPadC8Z
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlwSUeqY5i
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4EP0OtSek
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aftD62Vj0
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJadUvLztq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkn1Dm9Xxy
"Excellent!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43yWGGmMfe
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pSdFu7ldu
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr6AvEoBvI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaVs63GMHW
"I say, child–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuKfNrNEHp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SoZdcDZLG
"Please, start calling me by my name."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mOBfe4xec
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIAkdade4X
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpMhYhz3CU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaJgvpi6Fn
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPppPrSuZF
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj02odlnDH1
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4akAxewLxV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL69HHRtj8y
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxItAcfnaRC
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdyIOZ3SQM
"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?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCAK5g0RXb
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EuaDQ44Zv
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ091lWMHJvl
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaZm6SCOyx
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7e2tYfl1G
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkui4mOF5vN
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJbS6JDMee
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bQGNO67MD
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8BRQODVql
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6xcp9MY0T
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjSglmWIJ0
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZSFpfAyzz
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqW5tS6CIjW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMsGYeo162
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53axe5q1YW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrGz4CycSr
"No. I don't believe I am."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4OesaX0UD
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUOfEJbfju
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3381KgwPK
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW4TGwctq7
"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?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOeGJ2NHE5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipq5GnGkNa
"...How do you know that name?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ0kpny6Fh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwkqlLWHoy
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrSQrRrrJV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6bMh7TswY
"How do you know that name–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6ndnMYXuN
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtcURzvS6F
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve4zNcBciz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ymUSOSQ6c
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5cbTeWJjf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyMyu9KoEm
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorbTD7rcmw
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h7goGTfcx
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw14JK9RqI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5icQJiTgAv
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwqBiaL67o
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3YEzFMo7w
"...Right."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RXwjHAJxV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ADSAeSzEW
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMS2nvgpk3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh6dboUHnV
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVEEVl3kty
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvWmWhrQDz
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPc17XIuPq
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBPApyfcOF
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUGCbjupeN
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpjuoY45vl
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy80w1OqXoX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftPSoSdF7c
"What!?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB0FYCSU76
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4jX8R8ebD
–
–
–
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGMub19Ov7
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrLohGKc4T
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKvvECJTWs
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVBYYd5waA
"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!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS25hiTiS8
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWR02YFH43
HURRAH!148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxc7ah9QT3
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoUzGTBkDc
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AYaOwZIGM
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5ZMxN5tQh
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA2wFzn7nO
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzbitTLyE2
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis6E7MnyQe
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ031dkcRaPi
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG7Xubg5ky
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RRPwFSEH4
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR6suqg31d
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWDcH7P3JW
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBgy7dgtGz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZaWp5MWrB
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH2rlgFelc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArC7FTVN22
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgZS4W4umD
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeV4aJzG1x
"Hey everyone!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaiCAwS5VN
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY72MjRoO8
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBj4nitFJI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wBxEpIvgV
"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?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJkB6eBZ8z
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5LpS2E5b3
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRwwTRzSvW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPTcN6O6m3
"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!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghNtbugFkB
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN1BASn9ar
*HURRAH!*148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRfW0OYymo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNFXAUDS2H
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr66a0Zr4y
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMwcQe9Yyy
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1LdgGmFLx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAJ2qzIJ9C
"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–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwbJQvAhDW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oiiCMfIdm
"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!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8nNSRusNV
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiEm87tjkw
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWgg1498q9
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2y4w6JTzT
"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?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGl3kMwMxsS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YtG2vls2O
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4ilQrHnJv
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvyYvMNHYI
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIUI9hY4R0
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDKqucxGgX
"Ah, that's a relief."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTgXnGecpT
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccDe3SPqte
"Looks like ya do agree."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DF47HiMan
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb1mm20Dqx
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsVamcNQ0g
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaki7VIhxG
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyC8b5iJmD
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8cFDISjWx
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiPMOFftpz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2Bt5xtsJH
"Eh? Handled?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4GWmQwqvc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVELjl9vjs
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFztrztWd8
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEhHx5bqre
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vi3uMC8pI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O0Bk0p7GA
"H-Huh!?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yr2f7nGHi
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs51LGIf5PA
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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8T61fxXbf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KtuIiHftD
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdp2wMwn2A
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKscIn8GfKl
–148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN6rj4a3TL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR54Em3jnF
–
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepP3JdowNf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIgPC1IlxT
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszZRtASAxc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCk50SYWX0
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S8FN26T8m
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BfvdTMXqx
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2yJOCrnKW
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6p3WrVpX8
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCzialFQzT
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JmN5w52KQ
"Can ya do it quick enough?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpAzOC6mLR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dPw6wLYda
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vpzCE6Mdc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJDoTDY1bj
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA17jTQQSzy
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAZOeGZWPn
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2tBtYjls5
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiXwsmVgsq
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvwsXMSlkR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnY5k9fZ77H
"We're comin' up soon, kid."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrb4Lr7vt0
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn6CocVuEK
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ141O37QmDL
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEy8LpJJtV
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW9sjKAJBI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6k4KqA0dK
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP2HOJU2so
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwrAAQpoiQ
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRTdD8TqHK
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4SB4h6gbX
"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?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpUnQL90wt
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y0AHfu2uj
We took a few steps forward.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmmVsXR1YA
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogqIJ5Hh9W
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHcGamm4Tv
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabf6HakbHR
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamWTGaZD6U
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw54oXVX3OQ
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtt8jBP3Za
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9qsPDSdVM
We took another set of steps forward.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64xXPTeQgf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wwm1pU45K
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oK7ij9TN9
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK09bpp9UPd
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1OrAQ4jTR
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs84XscmVYk
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxVhACcDMo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn8sBW9qkm
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n7gZnGai2
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbNOra4VHZ
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpUOiDzBVh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyijABNBG1E
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1s4N3LtIs
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlaDDDkkRy
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3Y16TnAts
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ5DCXywqp
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwsWg18A52
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXJPuq67Yv
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ1f8jnwvT
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq51pDPrZd
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7xSRySO3L
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl7zXZIuEZ
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzytUDYd0u
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFObwIblfU
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNEGuZIXJp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd5nDxKqOP
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY9xASawxz
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa406BtH5yn
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICGvjoSmAI
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9x8nBP2Gg
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmEqcOTUoU
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnD2MKn1yz
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZbLKq79nf
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY83XOskOm
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DpV4oSbNJ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeMrjhUY7L
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEntJSoI15o
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5vsnIAELY
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kIhqYiPk2
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HO2drYiqr
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrlbFegFpi
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zl4k8jfuf
"Huh?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTbqv4e2Zb
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eq32AJ8Qs
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfHaob6grD
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSnf0cbsJ9
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MbWXfqWsX
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJOKMuN0Uj
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ico2dglrS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5pcLPHWyA
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoZXEEwBCp
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOAhx9vxVf
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo7XbXUF2k
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8deJB7fCa
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCxZLNVH9x
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnCQsHTpSc
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLelDEAGeG0
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tU3heDhWU
"...What?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepYlcdKTDK
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lJMHt446S
"Ya heard me."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWP4veYF0h
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPzQeImy6o
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsKfhkTaRo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg3Ux93kZE
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFAqWUGXTx
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B8pXFXoUb
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8l55FcNfo
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS8zKZu2sb
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8XjbnuTed
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8AUudNZqB
–
–
–
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?148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjJlgVzJUa
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vRhcWydta
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oHbIZ1UYD
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeRvFSh9qP
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFYDCvUmII
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bAWHOwsOC
"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."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3IxBOlOoh
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWnIrgyFr0
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9VcAk4uFc
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eiL39mYuE
"Good luck out there. For both of us."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYPj9OOLS0
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAnF9Y1XQ1
"..."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkKi7CgLKK
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZtoNdaX5t
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM1KTFSA5P
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYjAJsUOIe
"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?"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLBsz3ZOzQ
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZwX7baNYu
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOakaYPB0m
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpksFSPNtt
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVKp0VUYp6
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg42AZPsEGx
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyOIXwYhDY
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iZk2vqDrS
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PsAtNKiS7
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0LQa0Z7mw
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBgJnofMeS
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoo9SdC2co
"Everyone!"148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWnni5v4tY
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9UsjUDld8
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.148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3EbQr9Pr8
148Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUIBMClxhQ
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
