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
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk801Iq3Dq0
–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
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzgoZMR70G
"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.
