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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uk1OW1CJS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHgTvhyR2U
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpNAP1n7kd
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYGg4fKEfL
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2bHebw1gf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0svveyxhBa
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaBFjadrkP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPtsOrLbIG
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTySebj7Cz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9svyIYh38
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpsz4VtE1E
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vleToSXOX
"Crap."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cBvP1Akfz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6OWw5KlBW
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6qTajDm7S
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv7zzojXqL
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajYbU6Erg0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8faqRWWy4A
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xi168ftBM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41b86ReIgz
I didn't say anything, because he did first.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10JRcUB61T
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpFPHKR6xi
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcKSGN1BqP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSz4C4so38
"...Uh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJcD8V8ZJe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDdxjhNQax
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf4RZHJO6C
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AF7AgTmnF
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToLx56voEj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Qi6lkWKj7
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaExjuWuKPb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LDxmnQr0G
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynsF0xZmMO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVm2BP23ZU
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MNGCeeWZ6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrrW68yTyz
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNojCHOx52C
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwNdxAJPe6
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDabbV2GMAu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfdqcpfTqa
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUdS1XUBcY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIGeF8ENXo
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf8JmdAT6s
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUXskmc8YF
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieA3lMp24K
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3u1jAH96P
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaeBUXcmaV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqNiuWvVw2
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdXLBbDM5E
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BogwQtBQB
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2HS8ae4Hc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hmOUXnEQ4
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXnj88bNUE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbMYF6Q76a
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGtRVge2E2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyNiriEE1M
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGnrDZIjjg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Pvqq1IWdl
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6euHn4N9P
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakPc96jxfh
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT79R11PYG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SefiVeOU1
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwI4GifzK3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP9j7SR3Gz
"...Trevor."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTDFqVNR1N
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4mZqIjbco
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTQfsjMas6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGjGgHq7RH
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0acgVxr98c
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z3PgNHIKa
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3c9pdlHfH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn1q5wS9mz
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7jhnJZG7D
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgeP7H1lxV
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AYBaqzAhr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFh6wvJLPS
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfGRHvMJq2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XKgu40NvV
"Hmm..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ384tXqjjUc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxJ3WG4kPQ
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEdpQUWq5N
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjNjocx1ZJ
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyKp8Q4oPf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwbtjfFJ6n
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWgP93esDD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB1TB2EXaq
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.
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3tXQIAXhc
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUZtk0akjH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJMKaIGPfo
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3yELl4WbA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs32Rzrc9I
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiZs84qGPR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjLPZl5v4D
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdax5babo0j
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV2y7uGiwa
"Are you sure?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuQZN9MuM8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKcyei7cHk
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IrNIZh4s6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IATEaKPFf
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcFGCYenKG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRmYJWMjfX
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUsiXiJb9P
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjzkUJrDc5
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3QaVa4NcF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5tSve1MY0
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkRHR3zlf9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSALlypFgJ
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMXUsVJ8N5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTzRbwXPZJ
I took a sip from my cup of milk.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv8StiPjbJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDPDLGOHIo
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubJuzKgqXJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuMykI5JZc
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GZwOmRm8o
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6toKXuYQrY
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR24vRtEKZ6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcm0CYiJOA
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVU9psaWFr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTqL5Za8UQ
"Excellent!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ScDAOeMtt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB2VbfyFxe
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44utcSIPHf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOVCZ2HaCf
"I say, child–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlo1b2EGmD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UyCKqKkdl
"Please, start calling me by my name."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci2K4DiJZ5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FGolYYCh1
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZ11tR55Ge
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7zSumtqdT
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5UfHCaHuo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEva3DPcAF
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNse7Lanxpz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70pJZM75Ii
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHeeJm862p
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPam4n7Z08
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwYJxFBS2d
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMdSHfBizg
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfLjoyi4I2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9AWNYyZ6Z
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHgEa7XJIb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWJXZHbMT9
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtvqxNm4pm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEVX2VoeFa
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa8Y9ILJyp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGQ490X4hj
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2z7NS51Mh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8ARm4i3Bx
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0vL4SVB1i
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fmweu7rXP
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wZaqDTebe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYBuY4qjxc
"No. I don't believe I am."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhkoHozseB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaUovtc2wO
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILUY37L6Df
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs4946f8wc
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISPagyn6ey
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKXHukr3j2
"...How do you know that name?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkClaNTzzgC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEpdBY4Ntu
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSaaKcmX30
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOdlkcXMtG
"How do you know that name–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1wpTUjIA7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx3K1NICFl
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROYhET8Yf3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6kQuJAxNP
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTitCHDcVzv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17FCf7wekF
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1tsVxZwrc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYfcrrhPiA
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJoVhNZlvx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz3yJpblFb
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2aVWGvktf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7dUXtw4vi
"...Right."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ihTfsHKye
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ylAr9mXn8
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp4aPxLlUH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27UpFgqHel
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8zrSQbQEU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqcjdwqFzs
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MCPD8D3JO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuISW6iJ11E
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxub8SNfFvd
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT05NtmjSBj
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqrYZmdnTl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi3zAlxkAs
"What!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IggwnM67C
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxMTzHB9Zc
–
–
–
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3spcrtkxJF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kbv3vORie
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEIfJ8VS9Y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5odPsFEN1
"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!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyox8Op8Gbp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoJb9Cf3ps
HURRAH!209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTYTZr4eAy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9WdbZZKJy
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTkAeGYIvD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVJwB9duhG
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2ShzwRZaY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHejwXhLr5
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE05V4ZFrdB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecvWKTaCGr
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsngrBaZ4BX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrSeltRxzy
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGRX6zLTiD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiuOeNfAgm
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfquOfQal2n
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR66SDlE76
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGastHKEZpe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoIjZDL28B
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6KLC7fTrD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA2gJqdRFb
"Hey everyone!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz25D3Uw5PC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP78oFA98md
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIG2xcdtTk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQXY6aBtgk
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHWfXOaXxU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyEqBS31t3
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPsZC1j6do
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhU7EFH9c5H
"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!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aiGXBjmvM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlklUT8fKc
*HURRAH!*209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWL77t564W
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ4XmKzuNm
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaUAn01RLL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8P25vBawf
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIfH3cLNkM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS4tTxZdCe
"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–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyUzYVG4P4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdLf9T71r0
"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!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcqNalcRhO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkfeBnIXJy
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTHtv249KN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9UrhCTYqI
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgJfb39ciU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbVv8VfJGD
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RDVOmRUGc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahTz0prPO6
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTMn7fYphv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD98CLZ9u38
"Ah, that's a relief."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWmIIn0Htb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazwUQ16wpH
"Looks like ya do agree."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDwEc9HRyK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtlaQdCSvh
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo0uv74i11
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzUflYTzel
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA1YKiJL6i
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4aUwR5ZS8
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY8de3gCV9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dy0JwsqYM
"Eh? Handled?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIYmvoSHox
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a5sSDKkej
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3aCvc2w9b
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcz6YbmVue
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43Xr3fgVbI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBv3wLTIfk
"H-Huh!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAELnLxEzgw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsYtmIKEb8
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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueXASD9okw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc9ZgtaOSW
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoGcIFiOLo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59t79Hn9ed
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFVmS6Zdsq
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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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3tuuqHxfe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5WloAzps7
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGE2ZxyMFC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHLcwyT3rq
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVizQp41I8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofGdgsRaeJ
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR1WqdpTmP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi4DA83fXY
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwPXPKEjuD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRVbK0Acst
"Can ya do it quick enough?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1RoE3vJGt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡock4a4GpmC
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfZsWCiUy1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6okCpkummC
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvqFrzibAs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaJ4lHllt9
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt4E7R1jXG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTAHdFVQF8
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDJfgNmIa2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1pwGim6Yk
"We're comin' up soon, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfuCydMfMv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQvnStZBOI
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoixUUq0fh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8pMzu3AxT
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHL4jIcaKB1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLo2zkPM9X
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2WLdhIXZu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7WGmMXfUS
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqmA61e3K7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaT7z2vCL6
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKjd3HXTos
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLb0EEwVDl
We took a few steps forward.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApBDAt6TLd
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0Rr1QnYy9
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUifjKlwjTw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdj6gTN0yU
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5cCXrY0FJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcptGLpaWc
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBCFtPaYk6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBPGkuFKBw
We took another set of steps forward.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWPE4EXk4l
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAjhWPSONx
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbgWvOPnSV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQIrj4VorT
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDuIpKDzLh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WlLhGyoxb
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma8jqujSTX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa5U2BWleH
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDuvulUr2V
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQpCyA2Hj2
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDtiAmKzBK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUgmFVfxuL
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcBO7AQ5Jv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGhilT47Pr
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcxDluP0Qv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlHRkiyjFB
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDUoZSs4KI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ8ZDOdUMN
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU22mFqBxXI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxh9gg6aDmj
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1LWqAtx3j
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYYMfFm1YF
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7cIyJNTUr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyILtGMtjG
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sW76lX0oY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMnQesz9id
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdsBfbo52D
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vIab7uv9p
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60Q0ql9yyw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkLqo1sZVX
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnIAMYUbZC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaFexnADv0
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZhO4EXSQY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71CdRNTNbM
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYZtTAek7h
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jWaYwetx0
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaFbkV1Aqg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4zTpcPwya
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXxfvVdwmU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNTGoOqfKq
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnymcwQxzJ1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ld4W2BDgb
"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sg4Q5V9zg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CFQ6Be9VW
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeZkpsh8A9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmMxh0rdmR
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEebbBROwDv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvTJ4sV3hu
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCbdhJuhYy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNpB5jAOBn
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cBROThsrv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNg6SFgiim
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy04W6YsMD9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYXdzcctia
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJbhWBmbzo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4gXXWZQrn
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUoWLz4mc4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfR4Nab3vR
"...What?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yZGjQgNDq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9U09uvoCN
"Ya heard me."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8Cm4x3ctK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj7s7LREQj
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL4mGfEhJ3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RhKM9RNK9
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDq2xmWRSM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bz5bm4aJi
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkDlCCQMiO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JjnVsAX6l
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn96KFI0BNA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle74us4jqx
–
–
–
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?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkQZjM3RK4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqPibkM0Hs
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57FjlfNDYW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOoYi8hn26
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p8I2DUBtf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvxU9Jxirt
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsyFPqlTvL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2CLFVtyst
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKavD2MH7E
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUFeDWpQO8
"Good luck out there. For both of us."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcc9riSCfQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTfX7B2pJM
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUGx2aTSDN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFCLOfK4wx
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkYPCcejs7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXgXw41e29
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkpND8o4w0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9ssKAS6Dc
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhxbvs160m
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CErbg4gLV
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZCeJVeHBe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiprhApFjB
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEobSaYekwu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtisvOh0eR
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dVM89kFHb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcQgN35nie
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduJznUy64t
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOyee4itgX
"Everyone!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn9CgplT3u
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvYY2pxiFe
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZFOqFQQoK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXtrXzU49S
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
