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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96Tuv3Z0hl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDcR5059Rd
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2awbYjNLNG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8ACSgTLmq
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlseSagY32o
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqVZT2myOd
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Syj8FKLDP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRpkbOqeML
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ380tj33XGy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVwkULAPo5
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u59IjsuBs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwmv4KZvWb
"Crap."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGb8Afhudx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKIvlVBX60
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM36tVsdToB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaHrz5ISOs
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8baGIlF5u
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3KEcLumFD
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv94oassdlQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIwVx1XTJy
I didn't say anything, because he did first.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx6Q709oV8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIWlpLIJpe
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFOEy3Zvj4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij4ejZnowF
"...Uh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bdGrayNeo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHLA6hfQYC
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtfn5iSn6c
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eLBdmgHsh
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9vKN0w83h
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiofJ7bByMt
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FvtNr6gCH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOlME5Z4Lm
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tueC3HRzy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANqx5JlJfz
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK28MazuNQw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt05u7UkbX
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7Tz8mtR95
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kDqDl9YBX
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VAlGMDl1a
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsnNddZU2U
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMbRUQyZMk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM0G8dimrZ
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6ZZm4R3EW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjKgc494Ow
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtowOsFKmqd
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVmpeFCQOS
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrkU5SqM2x
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLOgEBqMhz
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qU1vVzh1b
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRfeNWYwFj
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmaso0TRGi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyTi5tSUhH
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhlZ1H0jl4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vk8K9mtOx
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxkGsTbLgH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGOPLsK6PE
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzL7oqLwAA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcch38Tig5
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJV18rkg00
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHLXLoJu8c
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo8FhKZIaE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoODjzzLxe
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxjHxZYR4y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBU1eWE7Al
"...Trevor."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b1vFZbs9h
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxwP9BmAwk
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrBwDrRi91
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnV5f5FvDq
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQCBaZRc3G
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HWkB7KFta
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnpqFrYbDg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXvRQdRX5K
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4gdu94vzx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPskJUGjwGV
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hATvmead9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeH2vGxxNT
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb5YxgrnRn
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFvfO1fxNv
"Hmm..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskLzybwv7f
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEfuLLvDI3
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE27lPqx9Yx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6UqtLbEde
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1rCR7i1C0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexcQp7LiaX
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zSUpuh3BC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnny7BW7gP
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTpu2DVqaV
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5i2vyCvvJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZcFArftKm
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWBbj9NYPA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLII4cd8R4M
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcQPXCBehX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5QLjTMvLP
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGorXG6O0V
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaugkO3VsK
"Are you sure?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwgGDn0H97
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQDBvxxJTB
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlIVQesFuD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyVvYZCZJy
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwioxSgavR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3P3V1rriQ
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjZoXU3P8d
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqRGbBaItU
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVK0DCsgLB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIg6S1578uX
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASk6z1FbMg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdf6cuxR6l
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnzInc7eqN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvweS2LgFF
I took a sip from my cup of milk.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXsOZyw4sV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpROgAZVcfD
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYpg4UcbXw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5YbdftMJR
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrp1cEmXCE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IJekVOVh8
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47X4Po03Ja
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7jvxA9c2V
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88cEBJ8Hyc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUMD26FUIM
"Excellent!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJkbN1ceTm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwK14qG54T
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UbefcK0FY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTEFkQTQMh
"I say, child–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmMwIMm2Uw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe21NUHkWz
"Please, start calling me by my name."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINkxevbaww
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4nMiwGFG0
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj195Gc635u
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugqoPWUQn3
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AkyvHOL99
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSx3mBF0fb
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXNJYy1EPN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOzLdvgPwV
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN9ZyeICsE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy5dtoUIO9
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFX074Uw2I
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId5FRKCuSU
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLBDoOLEJe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CdV1oCQe3
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEXX0ADWrw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE3pxafBTH
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUGAviRXbU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKOjPfkopQ
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSNhRjwGKz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhDLdsWwn2
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMgLAtSFiH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRCLNcymXM
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L3dNlf34R
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yQRz0rsUh
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyX9FHz0fK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKxdSnU5tc
"No. I don't believe I am."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBjE33CIA9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt3oHz3ImB
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHaMfNGBQ0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wclVTnh5z
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYNeYU5fBz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o3Arfku4t
"...How do you know that name?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyijXOQWVnI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr71WZ5G8uI
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt9RQIX8us
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkbHGZsFlN
"How do you know that name–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLWx7lvMRH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw06I5Cu7uQ
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEdcQKB8X6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxfb9ez1Hk
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIUSI7xPEx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk8GOIOWbP
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8ZNIrAjsI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOmRztaQ0U
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHlTqJhW5b
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfosYjO0XPh
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmYz3m9VBC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JdEH2UOZ9
"...Right."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvta252CcH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHrQaQN9Ru
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl19h3RQDN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xm69IndzA
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBvQbtMuF9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk1KCcVHJq
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLqSfXjSyo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ447FadzUyC
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qpdPQfNAD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj7Sc6aXBH
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS0kmLtb6D
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IqLLxDn5V
"What!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcQm1ZLcMp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ld8UDUyqR
–
–
–
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHXOwbZIHA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOl4jpGptP
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGGBz5JPDe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4uMeIHhyM
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ188BO9laVB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFJNPO3CSu
HURRAH!209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnJqiPnnl0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrMyp0A5Rg
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaBFQU1nyi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTuqR50e21
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo3c6xeMf4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuW9JewQ1r
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo9nyaHKQj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IB81a7VEn
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkuX9fqL1S
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx686YTkC7n
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpFUg0JqhY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxseeKLCOos
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5fv7Y60iR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFge09gOmgh
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7bOAUJkuu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHurjplWm0
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2y2lsan7d
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG2I9vxwfr
"Hey everyone!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86cUficxAa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXdT2Uul5Z
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6k8xabzuq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuopAInUZz4
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXlAT4rWtf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYMrIr9Vdv
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ2euYan2f
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEaRmeRjwJ
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3HnxhNr8a
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvvW4ZGLhh
*HURRAH!*209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk2D3EE1VW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpd58PvZHl
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaMzVUsKKx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOOvOUt1of
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHit5pM6xdp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEI7EH0fCX
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb9suVt8Se
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yU9dGLFQs
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzxcuAYMQT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR3PwpT2OY
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB5UelF7dB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtLBl9WQVS
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEDHrVhICC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynENgHdHUR
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XyAAMODjO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXTsp6OMPJ
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Ce39LzzY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7AZ6y4E3L
"Ah, that's a relief."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJr3ccaFp5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiRg5ckFYn
"Looks like ya do agree."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDtKkPHxAP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwcMsVNARB
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nVEaMeVU3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDybasXc0Z
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu3sNiitnV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx2QJgJdXC
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEDo5u2yPY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m3Zf25KkJ
"Eh? Handled?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQdnb6YB3X
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAIIxgW44d
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FXpSsuSuF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHrqWIBAgo
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtewxiWqTCp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaZOCOQdDZ
"H-Huh!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmqkqJuiw8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PlnONrPsi
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39zLaOUe50
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiM6USOWrw
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJHJ9IhsWN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmjEKgmjv9
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5GWQmiZ13
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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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0USfct0WxQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3dLazZew6
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKVe0SGoQu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8ss2eu37z
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4qMIYvsog
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHf2XHcUnz
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC224P5LV4y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3PXf2Fe3r
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHCIJ0bFP0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPITmLzWB4Y
"Can ya do it quick enough?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0TSwEXGtZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZLofcBJ1A
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0df4glxzB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLhv1d1ueK
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFaJ3UbHfs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FsPjBVFqx
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCCLpFUkm4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y2nft7UK8
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwiHRIxKfI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHaWqtpUsm
"We're comin' up soon, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHmdiKmapn
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4ggDKEDBk
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf64u5HrwqR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaSObLVjMP
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIs5YlAgRo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKpFmcopex
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsHIm7PYNV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB9LJDAW3U
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs764O3w34
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyRa3xIuor
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVFeIc9GRe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkpdzbOVq1
We took a few steps forward.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ymefOgvLH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKB2peUTZT
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM7taNMlmV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wHN1aFAQQ
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGmHsoHP8S
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CC65nHhbv
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJkoP2Etm5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVcVkP5fbp
We took another set of steps forward.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCHE6fLlag
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZS592kUp0
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFx3SD0h7i
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvhG8XTSOy
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC9aCh5bfA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7QuMFxi3f
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c3OwhlXoa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77kwKw8EGW
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekCmInwnCk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoamZJALCe
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcg0aQaORv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjl0RMnfHd
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbX1OzBkuI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJopNJY2qwe
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWjBxZbJzc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIFjxFolut
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSsLWh9RKX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjmxBOdYog
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWZKSdTZcN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFOLxMrm3d
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xGl6oePgI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCOTxjGdiB
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAPj20gxlT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeNOrFHQwF
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdZNxFddqB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYdKghhamA
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgbY760R27
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWLpPJGvSJ
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0PkuQtMAD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafT1YjQ81Z
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRRVDBZHHx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWAi6UiHH0
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqmZJDFFp6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgJYaf54ba
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8b7MWFDAj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKpv6dQJpV
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjyypuUKEp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSGsKNrHzq
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrfUjuqmAQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKvi9V8L96
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpJHMC4Tct
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaGnlmIvHB
"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLL5OqFNH0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP4p55eRaz
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgrdiaZQcT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8PbU3tQV3
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIV6K1aWS1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj4ZV4adN5
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ1W1jIafP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B8Wc3Omk2
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AM2upCs8S
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0KGV3O512
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR5HEQ2Fgu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd6cIvN9uy
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72swl3KVgI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj3tXSRWQ3
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mAjXhVGhM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESp4kwAfGA
"...What?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVd8lPU8fG
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInNjM4Izhb
"Ya heard me."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclPOVhsWzo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZMkkGgkKt
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe0bBw7JXa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB8ijV6sqx
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XkxC4cayu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglkH8DlV5j
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzbyl88uIO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrC2Qyw8rp
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFE10r7EoJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV2RJHaV8Q
–
–
–
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWgcxOXqRo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbNu37yh0b
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1uceCTO7G
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFglk2IaMWg
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTq4uJSw0f
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMsMWBa9Iu
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3miVMeYVWN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrIsrdGlwM
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T6rAFh0RW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3p1PooFXPW
"Good luck out there. For both of us."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL1ukBIjQ2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIeSSBt5CU
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEqqbhRhbZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzpd1aUyfb
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBmheAfhxr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlhGs9ES5D
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreOUSBj07u
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1paYmItaTa
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw9qKIws0G
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A9yXUg4xd
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FSWLRI7eQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk155BBLx4
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywzfMj3cIw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQXLMdmcmJ
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSfqo0Ol6E
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFncljuj5d
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcjK57LptM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4LyWEWKFx
"Everyone!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKD0CPn28m
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPynxO5CqJ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYW35UWFxw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3XlWW1qgV
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
