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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GjkPzwXS8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jdLhS7az3
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNIrtgrZM0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomSUBwvbnJ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD3FFvSLmH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKq1wyHW2x
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJh09RNzsS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtZzReQO21
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr90CG0YI8e
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQnOWwwaa2
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTTxMGc1ml
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNUU91H3Dd
"Crap."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5gp3m1hqj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0Ps3G87Uv
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDDXz7ycMu
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIglhpc97p
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH13g16udbs
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRGFR0PHYU
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuI0VgGrJo
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNRvNHoUOg
I didn't say anything, because he did first.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS689d9C8P
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmJyJV6qMr
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoLYcNmbai
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMK8iLPCTu
"...Uh."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs5Kp242Lo
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ojq9ZHCs6
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6oDJqSdx4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWgzVog9xc
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyU4sV8XlJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qWGYSpMHo
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hiIDhX2oO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDRaLnwiRX
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DAfzCJG8x
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0njG6xfr4L
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq5QYK0j4W
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xMdSK7htp
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrBY4LAUk8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt9vQHSp3X
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA0IGT47xG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z8N7u9Ogc
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBsT2AU3bH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKTfDl4QTm
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqUf7WpL2I
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N1SAQ1IXz
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4m31Lr94O
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wo7DyjCgV
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcpQg8ChC7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uwej1dBiK
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL13UOvy49
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMEdaIEoZe
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxrT1qusrp
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1rU9c02Xp
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN5VaIUDKS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp1u5Ce7qI
–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvudB4YqkEd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdROa7IzvT
–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySBjLjOPdk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzplH82vUR
–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBM5fhYLqU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYaf93yifm
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwzmWbIRm6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeO0NWU0Cm
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOVTvjWryp
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4vdhbovqD
"...Trevor."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOYVnv02CM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJSuDsMrZY
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumxe0o8dKf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsBUoAIXu6
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo3YxJItLt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdomGdAxdj
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSliFUPCGJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiA34iRytF
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5LMHg0ft5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk24XIVLXDH
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHnp3H8Pvz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQIbp6DoVU
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSqY0Gwhwb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxUcOYNuI3
"Hmm..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrkM3YL54x
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWUA0Nrxeb
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9vNXCsSbz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFjoEgMUUB
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8BpdxvMGd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTf128Md3F
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXowIuOrEt1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfgLL2oaSj
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.
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7VCXSI2Rd
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr1du2QArj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLWArFgLdR
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrUkjttRNO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gvUZZVvHM
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk128qyv886
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlF2JVcnX9
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEW1TzabVw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aSTPBfCYv
"Are you sure?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnVNi79Ud6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoIg5MCWjJ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSkkwhcLMU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR3sHdvMmf
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIkrn3xCoF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1r52hJfh9
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g4fO5ltnW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QJ2VOVti9
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBgykzKxis
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVNP9Fy3yF
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrUV4KqbkW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSZnfl90Sw
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFkkLgF9MP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmFEFwhXRA
I took a sip from my cup of milk.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzZwdg6f2O
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz4DEWGzkv
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBzlopL3qm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5tC6JN9Ie
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLUfjK6pmZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CL1C0ISRH
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9eQHdLU7V
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK6s3KLTH3
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZURQq8H7DR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DILzkiHUe
"Excellent!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtOeQLj6w6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0ZZ86zW7K
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFutEXF0WAG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJvLAIkLmq
"I say, child–"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD6LC17U75
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SKhkCxuxo
"Please, start calling me by my name."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIP3TiRSKx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCRnT0VDGR
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87MqC2IiHb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xoIXeUi26
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhVmdP1V5S
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVNbgCcHvh
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbShGKeXXWe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkqefp8gKw
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFqoAUnKMt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2xjA5TlAC
"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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDXQmMh7kA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHm6Jj7TVP
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZLZSoNPa0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUwsFUyJFP
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprRHr4jhVI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXz79ic4eQj
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3QAhtjnpa
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsQPChaGq7
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3f2m5yo6C
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE91YIi73u
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyFcOmh227
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtB2k0btib
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jl2YV426x
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgxFgfpDRc
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgRnwwZiP2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2wljs8D7O
"No. I don't believe I am."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnJF3R7PZb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38URet5qvI
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13vAClt2NT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwHoYjNBfo
"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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrMwHnbGq2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gqhAHBj4J
"...How do you know that name?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucvE1s6fHZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFqfwvw4JY
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4otobNV8O
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZRIrCZIk4
"How do you know that name–"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyveuK4b8s
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6uwPIH5Qp
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy4EqJmpUL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Q73ssY6e
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA11OnO103V
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N0U6aN3cF
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbJwtilCXd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKQvgQfbqc
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQeuDqAyil
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8UN1fyBsm
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xwyLyZAb0
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXNlKggNin
"...Right."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzUO3KJEn2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoeX99d9lr
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyRk7aXMVf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVUdcNYQp8
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSInIIsB38S
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1vhTwTZVq
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFp3K3TiAZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0lGj0qTRU
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7Qgs7C4qF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2g81fj2MF
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZhRl2QxpV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXATK5CuZ31
"What!?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe4cIm8pvz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAigeKabqs
–
–
–
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtK9H09Qbq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohgXwaY1iC
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4k0mltwwE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEz7K9Jikw
"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!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcMUGtDTad
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ972YcKRnSX
HURRAH!163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezDwOBF60O
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbJd1PQMa5
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttSLgmIsx4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIteHJr9Ub
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBaEqzy9Fy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJulVvsAlzH
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ8BtT81SR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytUSGMmdV2
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DQK0TPq2G
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIYMaJFVrR
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vnlqgIXwt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2LMnoSXfJ
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bsO2S9ain
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuj7mzeoK1
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzgFthRR6t
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElc1dRnu9n
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4pwaw86dm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod8mjcfdXd
"Hey everyone!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe02KlimNFg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAQrv6r9SP
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39QohL4AVS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0TXrSnq9U
"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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMSvzh0DXe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw5xadeEzK
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc7OOPXd8Z
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRjFCO8wj2
"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!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRksHQBWcmE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLmYlpcqSW
*HURRAH!*163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug8N6yEDPo
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBkT93DVL7
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6sueB45Ox
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NkzjtPBAS
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOK0CXwa5O
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplqGBF98xi
"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–"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sxVQoDXOp
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHNPVf0kd7
"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!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBpCfJubsH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcjRy8QX6g
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Qbn4Balvu
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhHCusepHa
"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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRM7srNfVe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJMnk3KmCU
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbtMzYaPu8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFQqDIFLR3
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgohhZFS0Ml
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFECtdT7Ng
"Ah, that's a relief."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67LJnZKXhK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCESWfHUkI
"Looks like ya do agree."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8txHZBdFy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKr6M3cMci
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1XEXOwKCU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXNQJFz2QB
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrewlW7zbP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ583rpHZeUs
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHhsnBhzRh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVSm0xrmFR
"Eh? Handled?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK6BURrR5m
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9lZoFQUDD
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDngfZT05i
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0AIcJMxXb
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8esQsK0ebY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0kg1e8maH
"H-Huh!?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlqBa74BKg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6SdYXdEOo
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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP6yeZDzY3
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW5kNw3WcB
–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJEWXvEC9X
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2MRKyTgrw
–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGjsQI7SjF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit0I8ZIW1B
–
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjGHgbOgsb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsjqSXz0D3
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLONvhXkqds
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAmZu1gPWK
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTfCWfSfLd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PuE7t7FMl
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrXkW4DNlq
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpwhSLWLKz
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrPoOTNp5J
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIy4ecNdDv
"Can ya do it quick enough?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXEI0YdEz1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxU32d8a1H
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FlNFhAkEa
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfs2VJcDOB
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNhNHaFJpZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrflBaOGEU
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgbrgTKQbz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCiOYbWHyr
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIU7Q9SlkB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY1j7L782m
"We're comin' up soon, kid."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0OFa7v2Ih
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHrJGnWk4k
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnAMEPQQ2f
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pOEyn14hU
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiIyQ4s8vQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkFT76CX97
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf3uREaYPy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBe75ygGmK
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfypo54mM52
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA1qqQfqLo
"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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETUYVX0Mkm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2HkGht3pt
We took a few steps forward.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r3AaKLbmR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP6ThiPf2Z
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctKTwJCPdi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwqfNnvP3b
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrwaNFQcis
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZs7Zm8gZ0
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwsfsuhubv
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrME18xJcu8
We took another set of steps forward.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbXbRW9pSu
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdGWGsRY2A
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YItWIzqsD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnD7tKIqDE
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhypdPNtKBJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡss6SthY3H0
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQgOyvCvDN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2meh2LWbE
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4E95FsEKx6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNMOdm7Zrj
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs3vZo9uR9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVCMuuNK57
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja28hTC5Ud
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmXFzLvC1V
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEnBDvh81T
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqyPSGCRHo
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVo6JQe65m
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qaTkmijF4
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2fkSVzxTS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWifSAWzni
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQePCOocne6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1GeYCCKkB
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLNqTlkKfO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlOpdBrE18
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoci4clD4Jt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNxp0hUlcR
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXhLZXPkeP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4J4A9MOSK
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0ngxr46wk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgHu2gbktz
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCQtE6xoRx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy49QiUwNN
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U3mloCUeV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnki2ZJEYAK
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbl5AVYaiW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwgUvDsfyg
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3wXrpkXVn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKoGu9dhTG
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30AdAPiYHk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvbGvEqBNf
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBtyZJGWpN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5ZU2SBgIc
"Huh?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZefcozEY9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr9XGF0I8e
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQLd89W4C2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf3Be2qJmq
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqaqqUKbAe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYb4701Org
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNNwAAz1Vt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsG3YBoA0y
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyLtzY5xDm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ng7geJLgo
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyeJ5UYn00
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ84VIR03ma
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULJgomJnF8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNDEGKfPVC
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyoqYio11x
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2ktInvQOe
"...What?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTdPSp0ABK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3nP8FwRsl
"Ya heard me."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA7HREV9jn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9YHJjfHYz
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuiKezt3kB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU5Apb0UaU
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJo2Kharze
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqB7eF9OeU
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePng1PQjZZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEVF4iuqCI
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70s7qaz1VZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacnHpEGNj6
–
–
–
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?163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5GQKsaMM7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUgrC9xmYq
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2FZUd8tmY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNg0xdU54w
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUbsmAmyLz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm93hXNo8eS
"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."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq9MT0BKCb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwKPCJDLYy
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LGyTxPpBm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiZ3M3VKUq
"Good luck out there. For both of us."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15LoQE1fc8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3aXd2Gp35
"..."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEflpOa1Xe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8FLKdV7t4
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoum3OckjY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskx2WHZw6x
"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?"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSD3XE02IcZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljjU9WqGFg
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPtbytimPJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9vAJNCLdb
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG8ErOlL6N
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZXfKm54zV
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPuZNk7Pcn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0CZM6fXDx
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKrOVnzqUH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt6hotYI0Q
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamckLuC7lN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ksvijnwNj
"Everyone!"163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qvtNd2gYS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ0IWC0qH0
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziwVhorX4E
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws3Kc6f75Z
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
