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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyecyFF66N1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94LFK4Yn5c
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCZ052UNP3
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE3AF9X1ms
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7mHlxYU3M
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kOWvFIljH
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtsx7LFmPq
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob5REstNBG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUEBGpyWE4
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AWGNLA2wN
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"Crap."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3PbOiNurY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV6eA6ggH8
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo8JhIpqPw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIytojxdUz
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLRHzZy95k
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMupBAwKgP
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcszoOIlyU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dXYCkQxHT
I didn't say anything, because he did first.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fN6kpfErQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxJbLQN75Q
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigKOpMDF4p
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFZKM4ky3R
"...Uh."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AefKuZtQL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHRsftxBj6
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpMewsqHGc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSdg0GJX8c
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiw33MH973
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhZU1jv21k
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX1RwjiHWC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6Njqw9C2c
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NRanxN4ok
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95gHvRQiOg
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuA5REI3Xo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOFnAoVZWt
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JejDw6oHZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYB4Tf2pq2
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1Ur2YYm4A
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcXoMUzkGw
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBebdWMlWE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcqic8wlTh
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPSRQWRkMX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZCnrVJdDJ
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3Ov6aGn6k
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrWJW1ELAe
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhHyPa3kFo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ebnFqymPU
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZOI3HQSZZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDck9pxtsU
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmu5lyxWXv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut65L1hpA2
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOY2BMOEaO
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs99p74zR1T
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNwZya6Zir
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsFrFRGNnw
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTRi6Y1FGw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXlWEVQhoG
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeCIafZd1l
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkFGC689iN
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKobScCgaD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yaf9dgAIj
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtnAK9FBSy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwTqUEJAO0
"...Trevor."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemPLDmuUFZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TGX3h1ars
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7fATWRtNZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaLoCihjVO
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rGFEv9sTA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4ocLLNODH
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FAhjoKY1D
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiC2MTd0fO
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub9HNPlWMi
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1HOmFTTcP
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2b3SBL49k
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwbQv4Cm5E
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGxsyK9TKo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfSwS8XVkd
"Hmm..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAohpVCknT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmOb3vmXmL
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsPZOypDpp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9cPN5LuwC
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTaEPY4xqn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXZXGTHQ9G
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFA82yPbKI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZd4SGsKb0
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.
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH4udSfGUs
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pPl66zXLQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY6dLwnlUJ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bWk58ModQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6drR7Hbpmr
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6yFQI7Mts
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0igTXJ3mLa
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wf42q0uBq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YUMZmOyxs
"Are you sure?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92i3JojbZv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfSB2x86GT
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzUGtcrr8G
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EqWEZdLXd
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsjrp2elqa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaeWEyIJuY
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzD13FtdIy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgcrc7IBye
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ly7G4pXja
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8DrsUlQXA
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1xzriiH8m
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g6G5YNr8e
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tvLIHRPq0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpQWYLO8Qw
I took a sip from my cup of milk.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5O3dHfncp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMeFA73iau
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNJghCXI6U
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx85C5Fynk
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM1eCBjLFQ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbY618UmBBp
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFMrwnfWSu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZArBfFWqZo
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHT1NuEWrT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r8NkOQCpZ
"Excellent!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUtetS1QyI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq4kVIjuTX
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6Oo8CZYtu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bPVkpaHzq
"I say, child–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK4kh9djfL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6xCYP6UG4
"Please, start calling me by my name."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNUszvlH6R
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIcdnzXpCC
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABgQnvz8Vi
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQflt1Uk4Wu
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVTSNfQomR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaRwFSxeiC
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew0isbYhGD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtRIUN6BEU
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTtJTN88Nb
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjnaIpVRZN
"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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWaZy8IbcA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwkjhrnJd5
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0S44pDYk0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEOm7TKxsF
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUezQt6Bktr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvXUQz73jS
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISEzQxvTV6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6zXc8ZdE1
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6suaicO7cn
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFmbMcTXkH
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMJguFE5Tv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgskOU8n2ve
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU4XLF4kd3
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSuAbV2H2T
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NRu87cSke
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOrhDYO48z
"No. I don't believe I am."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIGiALMVHS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg51vyagL12
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mqiHxPbBU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmSMV84ZUI
"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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDaDSio2I1
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIhEA86eMK
"...How do you know that name?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs2CziXkq0
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS4aZHMNvA
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5GKGVbpCq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQOtvDEqAk
"How do you know that name–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDfC72Fkjg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeYToM1WoD
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXp2lAE7zg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5iVtEhFCD
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqpJ4eDdfA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBF97WXDEh
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdg8PfEbOI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsd8EYZ7kw
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQohAjwJ45h
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IF7IxuKrF
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3sJR7thlv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcICXM3pTLG
"...Right."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA4a4Y1eTZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3urmkwJ42e
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4QjDJSmZG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nsR1z1XXj
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiinmZqym51
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaNITRZfCA
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT9r3eDr46
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGufrihxUjX
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFtiFNRoHa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD4pkx88UD
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIankFyaqK8
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD5BQxaXLi
"What!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAdpdgUYbL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF7XePJrbh
–
–
–
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBYj8NyGwB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD7I3ViB5b
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9uqqTTnFa
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHIxKiQLSy
"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!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeROIaXVoiP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6PbSM44ru
HURRAH!212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qfRmEvu18
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6Vk4XbeSy
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPcnoDjXOh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFztUloWzb
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AyXyhWNpz
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwncbqdHEe
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1IsBtGcVA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiLqj66xIi
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZs2mJt0xi
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn31otkuz7D
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc3paRpwP6
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IwjAWcci5
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOwZyTMrsc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr0b7qvkd7
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWQJG0TjoL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPxO5dtu5m
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN4XNtKc2f
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9tURSPcUX
"Hey everyone!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuesFzXKxy
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMO7Bsf99W
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAom2pYJpa4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMNlKTl77l
"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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc481OwAOR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXupc9eyw3
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcorBsSUcC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM4ww4iBnJ
"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!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUHoDxc0Dd
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ436SQmku38
*HURRAH!*212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tSEvEUEnr
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUichF5VkpF
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fiEVSixAd
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuP8EbeEyz
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkem6Hzbvo
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAAn6ByKdr
"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–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtv2qHbiij
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwGQKH3X8G
"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!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv4hkP5Y0L
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZy4wTnXQD
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOElqEJDD4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68jL34EYEV
"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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mbJXBYJjZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2KdSWBQt8
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYfqqlIy14
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTQfnfuYQb
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIanvZAIOpe
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmN34HgSVs
"Ah, that's a relief."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx1WajbDhS
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1DGwSgKia
"Looks like ya do agree."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfCpeQfu9G
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrJAmhLPPd
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJCsYKi4Ty
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh8qHAnp3M
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1I9gNSsqf
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbipOxQYApB
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBoNlGO4GR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHV9OYxW7I
"Eh? Handled?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cJzyGM4mD
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqJyotKlke
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RngGTnksR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjLMpZZNKo
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshNsrRFTpd
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlA8pIe98S
"H-Huh!?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5dSM6804q
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvXEXriQ1p
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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ppkx3EszN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7i7IUlrxJ
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjqW5hFScR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPrGcieBxR
–212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpcDa9pDgx
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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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5eneIBZuE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtDmrM5Gl4
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU00rHNggV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbQ9LKa6V1
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQBySLlTxF
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGHTpfO8OA
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ4UFkmYxg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZOAStq7sf
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWs6I5fUSw
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHFAlhofgO
"Can ya do it quick enough?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UaujGykbY
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh4uTZDryE
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XzGwTCkVR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp276DCvSy
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWEIaHr9IX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWE9aFcnOS
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N9CTWupLv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGfZQ7Oqwo
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWYMqJQdNq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uVdSoyUV5
"We're comin' up soon, kid."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspBBzy7K6s
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalpCihxWow
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0Bc9SNcpI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5yTk5jo2u
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cf8fcQMhu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnHmflcdxz
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8iZx3Tmax
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmvkmmb3BH
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROIJbme0Mq
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEDT2rGu3f
"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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7z8bu6M7u
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11ICk2nNT7
We took a few steps forward.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M6dwbrYyV
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBmTtHecaU
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SDYH5m0sX
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQZitvxs8Z
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNCDbSweON
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEeoZ63nEE
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXu3zWE9PG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3cZRQFFIE
We took another set of steps forward.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEazmZeexIc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw8ANSzx3u
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvYGdXtqfv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbufBDGw2M
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k8EbDzAQu
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjJFaOX68p
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdw61kF2hU
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61Ss8PU3AS
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA2mZbKJtl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVyyEzhyvb
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn8P89lgjp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV7uSVIopn
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYjwjhO0gA
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFAF1tPB00
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q6IwlouJ4
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD98seOVbU
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBUhiMXwAZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfJhNMbBAg
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcEQ3T0EkN
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqWHvjDNY7
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUXup0zBQv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfGpLHd96B
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0x9R2KAJk
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGf7dInJzX
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFROaFv5SC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiLiYEpBlZ
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yyc7dQxGz
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmUCjeFlpb
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJJxEdPeLP
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPMMPZHDEn
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkESvBIoW23
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2wemCLh9Q
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngp7rbkqYR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIBCwoH0VG
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU7Rrj5PkB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Onq5Jmofc
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVMnYvkVjp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxSz0FCyIs
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgu2PI3r1E
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xqtoj4mUM
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57VHPcguMp
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzU7XssfT3
"Huh?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPiD3oBCEf
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF2xV8aqWK
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVHoYxfytc
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rSFZUpvFB
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogzoyKzsWG
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSlkYLoo6V
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuxJtUSmnv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwishC7qIzz
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbzsRvzCXv
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsziA2ruqpz
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0fmed6i1m
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxWAVULKTS
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5FtI0vXEK
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtYimEv97R
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sgTx4AWoT
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZuBtKkZly
"...What?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lhzZXnXft
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RKpdo6jdu
"Ya heard me."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSiftU4PNZ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ETX4qCoSU
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0wqIjLQJC
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoI7UYNd6c
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBxZ8d5WXf
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFVwPp2vA6
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlWZrY5EH2
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgkbqZ743U
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JjQF37OXs
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ1eOK1rDI
–
–
–
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?212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEjHM3QZeE
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQAZ3vHkSB
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVCJhmp97O
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC983nt46tZ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYekSKgOJkR
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAemgUF0uOG
"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."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttCqOmBlDJ
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4MTUkBKlm
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwo0ktkR1y
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jW2ClELLN
"Good luck out there. For both of us."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3inhWwftDh
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiZYVtZDvh
"..."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rnpPhFzOl
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqRUuwfR9Y
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P8mDc21g5
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu1PCIYlYe
"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?"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh5Ywri4uB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYdDm6OOXh
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Sf7CbyMzf
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYt1yEhtJY
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwx4Y7KgUg
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80brugQi6Q
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdetfc5gKI
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxClQkWyK8
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleArMrr42K
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgCzN1kvjZ
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwQfbD5ssL
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSuoaTepUp
"Everyone!"212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTIb3JMyK7
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7vBmKOxm0
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.212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2ll8tsjzB
212Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVUdQmKapK
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
