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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuD5RHypnf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3861Zsfvk
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojOOeBHiha
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxTbE5HoVC
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW3t40Mgjl
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNMYywVc2t
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYGlq2l5qz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTj0fFYTOF
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwBw5DrKQs
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eYEh6yjnN
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR30GifnGR
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMDlEPgrAV
"Crap."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcDXt2ehNz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNumKHuyUl
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkZH1rgrJP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjzJaaF94v
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd4qGorvlI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW70zjEQxC
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyuDMY0qbu
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBgAoREM33
I didn't say anything, because he did first.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBLprJEb56
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1O6s3MfN8
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxN6KDUIJU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImpn0aDyUB
"...Uh."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4kRlRXOi9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNTk2MJqyS
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt4T6hwoR5
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZPiu2SbaG
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTBZ0P0qd2
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXthskIzkx
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNn9ZyhzHZE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTu0hHPjkY
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCRbzwi6Tg
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCkLI7fmnY
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioSdogjHPO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJa4XgkoJo
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWViACiMZck
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjKKkAajF9
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr43fB5m5j
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXbydm0tzz
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrbVdxWvIc
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYnhLlDlng
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E2e4xoY6Z
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dXuwhiiyR
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeUSyNVFq0
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTvtiK9ma2
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21VNb0G6nw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrBqNSe4eG
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7YibPL9lv
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim4MWBVoMZ
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeTZLisGWS
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uq1tSOleJ
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK96JD6bim4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxvKd6EqP0
–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07EHCjgKzU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRqHBQXTRi
–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelPMNEYdE8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxEl1ropfm
–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN0bovCK9e
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6WiJOZ0qT
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZOWhP91Kc
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuasBRMMqlO
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi8qddzMVO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bqqD5Fmvf
"...Trevor."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtWJJSt7K7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPkIlCKVJ2
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2INmqa9adP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3yeNnuEKW
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMASub6VXZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHGIp3DEm9
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG6LdL6Gzg
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQKdDurUwt
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPIyx6FyTH
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIPqLhHfZx
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LOtbfIF5t
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qtuwtv7y2
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbejJGWvIr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5s0eOnuPR
"Hmm..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzM5F5VdNz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJt5XEwfXl
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeIFg7kw1V
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaS4PPKYsl
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZn1FNNGF6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoMcG1j9Yw
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb1C7R1ASh
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGKBn5jWX5
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.
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpDADOq5bj
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7J7feHGd4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZykKkos2p
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym0WkTC9So
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoGTnS5pAa
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGu10UXSWj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKchQ4IPBi
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoLf33uDr1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LOYzS4KEr
"Are you sure?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSijJ2Z837
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u21cfqRhR
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71VUvENCmu
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrzC5FPvqH
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4vCWcTzZY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8sOSB4a0C
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WO7NhEc6D
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLWhQCytAu
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHQO1WmkIw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmbhGYA9jX
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAgCZ2zXuX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNcdcaIGuU
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3h6YmbmyH
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7bv7z8Ttf
I took a sip from my cup of milk.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXRYlRJ8b0
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVZeGyqgRO
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxs9kxHJVi
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOah0qeiISL
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEpmcNW3TT
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDG7Tl5Nza
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpRxOG5AuZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf93Od6XvJ
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcJFekWlrj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7LWCRw8NB
"Excellent!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRdASEqXZT
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwn8V3jhMM
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuhoUfCsHk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy9TtxGiSn
"I say, child–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAm6wPav5p
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPIqMCcmJV
"Please, start calling me by my name."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zHpV7jb7f
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZLF5osnSK
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYU9FMEtYm
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrLs3O8mIm
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyLg8x0war
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMckMbTsBG
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f122n6Y8g
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOqnRWEvIG
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV87UmCbhfq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzAyJ714mT
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnena0Fz4bR
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwgLNt3kEV
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nljwgdXxI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI67mVUvJQ
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNj3Q9Lb8O
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl198PeBQI
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjtmR85HZC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkoQs7Upom
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TsvcupyPX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT333t7KtV8
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GNcRk3ChB
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7cu7TpEnW
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9biOz2hFt
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8IUfIUW2o
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueuuLZ8vOd
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtaVcH61dy
"No. I don't believe I am."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGzQcg0mJN
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztOS30Pwwl
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UX1tupPFI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx1pipJnVI
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w9ZOgCxPf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs6Lc8G0qY
"...How do you know that name?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b8hWK7uB6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNZDO9V341
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehvwN03dBD
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZRtk8B0yW
"How do you know that name–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06zotGnjLR
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1dfz3YhxO
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrI2vM2k2IB
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCf4UrcWlL
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnqHc9wwgF
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqiSQu37pO
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yBKAIa4EL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mBBePheVT
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONOuhAweDx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATLDsB68uX
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ne0aojHqH
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAe9R3IPZ0Z
"...Right."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTMqkKPIJJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43RE0ksOeT
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEMIxUP4rg
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUIvV8Ml5q
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBujzR6xNQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNDuJKxUc1
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguxCPWuXm7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m3mVvEIIy
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt0x2sWGx3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AZJrt0zta
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxJhqGzrQl
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpbV4tBl6D
"What!?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ydIhnbfLp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfzOSjmr6E
–
–
–
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q3xoZsm4M
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRJjSbeIy4
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFKs70uNy0
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOIVtXvLur
"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!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl1cwVEcrI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlTQY6ByJb
HURRAH!170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsmrmGKIiJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sMXbuRvY1
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJpoJFFiAD
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyABfM7fNvP
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21mvVxMiWG
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUf8oEeWlu
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVYyyunxyk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2Nz60odqi
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8Pw5T8XRJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosVTmYvdbk
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9ZOspfBXn
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz4AzLzkP4
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGjQJOQDpp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqPlfzT7m2
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJpGGxDX3H
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoA0WsRKA5
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIw1Kx2fOz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrvBBZiVI0
"Hey everyone!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8v8Da6gzp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5mDJgjG5b
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYCVpG4rLi
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjKHtdq1od
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AHl3QS5S1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNK0NGueSm
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdcvHwQprl
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSejSr4GZN
"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!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfVGERNIN7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh8sYEBPuI
*HURRAH!*170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3matJmFHN
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qxRKGnA9M
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvI1WC3Wn5
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SMtnyxMEq
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzEANCUIJw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7PEeGcu2h
"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–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk7nKzGpsK
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPxLIQRmuA
"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!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKamJLbIhh7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8qFFXAXm1
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAzLaPfUr9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJeUumLasX
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NIy5zadZ7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDwyp1K8Cx
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8htw56vwx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynYAExyFL1
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8IjLQJ61W
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGPJQkWurN
"Ah, that's a relief."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNlrfR1VgH
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNg31uzVcG
"Looks like ya do agree."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpH8NcS3J8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTNbBGiU1D
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTh7saMUBl
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxzJPJLQBM
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaeN1CmUga
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C4gtkuuNT
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2B2QxSbiSZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM7KmQNmmq
"Eh? Handled?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCRNZL6EvC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX51uyMoqZI
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwFmpWmelP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSz7JT8Otd
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiySujh3md
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCk2IFDlCY
"H-Huh!?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfneYUs28C
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1stq1n3xVo
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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYdsferldX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy8nr62AW6
–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW3qpLJJ5k
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5KjE7mVsg
–170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCebrSNTH5I
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqOVUoSkvo
–
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOsTqsql1W
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyTj6VITlG
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qR3nPk6UD
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hOK6BhA1M
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzSV484whj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax7npHggWo
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45zuMCQGBY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKLBYYb4hm
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAIVmZYTLZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZLdFxPIQ4
"Can ya do it quick enough?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVryv62wPg
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNgnmh01JD
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtrsVz5Nvv
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbFEgZh6iw
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRiveH1Bk0
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51wbNGDXHE
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYqNPOvmDI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWskaGQfcgo
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7tlqmslvz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOY6IVal76
"We're comin' up soon, kid."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiCg68Y79Q
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrpICzwoqV
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUIU2o7tnR
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSwVKY5E09
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eePf8Lkr6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv08dEFatf
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspdZ6UIN8q
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzpMlTfXuY
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RePnIAjjy
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTZT17h4p5
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHWSfYs3lO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQMsEfKOns
We took a few steps forward.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJHrkRDqbu
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWqTdblkUS
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNAitieuRm
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgey3cHDwo
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIcGXF6Ija
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyg5xhi9br
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2PkBXpOAE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmUGnktUvF
We took another set of steps forward.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7ioyfb041
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ91uDdAGsu
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSi0mllzWe
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVpeO6Cmrp
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRepmHeMEg
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zfmiNlKvF
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhx1w8THai
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl6KkN3vt3
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9yD1NaMty
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE0W05BnVp
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rJvkdbP0K
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5CXXKsZ4V
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3bjfTxUfH
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9DnfjPuu2
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYBOY3G2C9
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMGIgrW4ME
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7U8fIfCz2
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP6j541qIp
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqTigZfJZm
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXByeOAS9R
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcRrOO0ZVO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7K40NXQag
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojRnbc22eE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VizAYbFry
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkUxfjE8n0
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMISpoSAGO
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyZkMawhjd
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRAIYDqVW9
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzDfPluPIP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvwSqphEwU
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPbcL4UtVe
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l2P46r5y0
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RVZY4wcuR
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetqoAIzcJb
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7n5GNug68v
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhLvaeBgIp
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmxJhNySSK
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94RUg6ioqr
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uxHaGvSzc
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANVSoHKU4K
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1pjXpkS8p
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy0rpaZYW2
"Huh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aAV1eanJE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXez17rdMj
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sLMsZZtIX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfTqhAIqpN
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfMlrR9Tgk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf0JEa5ctU
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj8GSuxY6u
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEywqTfOxV
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPwDA0oysh
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECmQ2xnrON
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc9thpPEob
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrJcMB7YpW
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBULHjPNVJy
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAqaNXerk6
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuypVSOHts0
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ8dUeWvXP
"...What?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44Yqv1ioqj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5Gw3B7dAB
"Ya heard me."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sC72z11uV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mLjGaxRPC
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx9bH56wEY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrhNq8YpLs
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvdMMmf0pq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH63eagGl2S
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWZDTBxo8u
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebIZXdlQH9
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p0elXkC6d
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyLCRkTUdA
–
–
–
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?170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2RGrSU1r3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxIb0j4C4a
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ISvt2NAny
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5K2i60wPU
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjj7Ys7LSN
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x1LtOwziQ
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpJlBBzXuG
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa8a5sR9ql
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJmrCpezNg
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9qXNsY7Ow
"Good luck out there. For both of us."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2jitQpShV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVDskub7fL
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1Cyj6G0ne
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpfl1pAWww
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpixizWHr6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJFymisv9X
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0iw5h9YtV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQb3am8Xsu
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1Oh4uXkfp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYNzyp2L7x
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS80ZHRJ2k
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZLqvd4IyB
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGgCF14HR5
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbzwk7vVXy
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQhAWgjR9h
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeMzEDQU4h
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNRHhJdMw6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTqqrtS592
"Everyone!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJePuslN7P
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1cm1HMxNc
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSDwIqm2lF
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum92AXZOEw
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
