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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDljQlIoDi9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfMb8XCT42
"..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgObvl2eUAg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQXMO6OQ0k
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXS6NnqW7O
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqDaOiJNny
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGecspzGzLL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJxN7gCLWh
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxOWOmAWYk
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5nWFoXCpU
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7P0RLURY5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiGQorxALk
"Crap."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3Mc2YZ2Qf
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fmoCWZSeK
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs8pXmUO7o
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta7RupC2dh
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wvx5jcdSa
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGWlLYkDYM
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRSRK8EDoq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd4byZhYdd
I didn't say anything, because he did first.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zPS6VaW7g
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvYdHuwMub
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiNTye2gJp
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL307UR9qVG
"...Uh."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBll2auebo
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yIal14yF9
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZroBYk8qWv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwMG7ToB77
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRjN4ZdRdj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjKj0I5eTS
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh0mTNgz43
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPXgB1fg0I
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrEardtOp5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8Obj8R7mc
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMUuH17ZDM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHwbvwz4x2
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrVy9VWYgr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qnaSkCaIT
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIioJSyT3Br
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC6I3nhrOG
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3mzS7hup5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy1MWOij8D
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJus1gV2CWA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8MLuUGobN
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8XzSAhdX7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGpTdyfiEj
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjgAdX5Hy8
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJworFxsAJ
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp7UajEhLN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOKKEp0jw2
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1JnxgtEPv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIoyidG2lq
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM4GatNRtI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4rV4kp3pB
–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKKigsN5RS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQpcvFB1GV
–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9dMzLsuOS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGQgVRtDtG
–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOVY7qBN0J
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0fZA5wbcZ
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgdNLuCZT3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u7rxvt6eA
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb2MQkrqjv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQckcZtSwMW
"...Trevor."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEzIVDvABd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYX3fmwh8h
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRftyuoAxh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPLN2ToKGv
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoIsT8as5H
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SgZAr8Ny5
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqSrerZt1B
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmIzvrOQIa
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2CpTdChZE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqNh9niuQS
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN4nENOGtI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8PvMovs1T
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BYxueetkv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxjAyInxJD
"Hmm..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe7s3HRQVo
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BdOcxY1UH
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcMa6qS0q6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pnfuSmGFM
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZChM9zil3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDc4bvg7ND
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfr7X5xj9i
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32nDo2GjHj
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.
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqnnGripYl
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7gbhxrAQm
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9sEf2Zyse
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeDwzrszs9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1634QGqWt
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41bGCLpIXI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTzsoXBp4H
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSsGZIn8Cm
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xXJqQbboB
"Are you sure?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vaKZb98kM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJm9EQL1kO
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPN1TJ2r1e
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI8EkVVbeN
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qZx8IlHMT
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWXLE5Imi4
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8GMlA99ut
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNXkV5wScy
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDhfOlKpc9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRAJGi4rMg
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi4EhoIlXY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMRdMxXdUA
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmxalAeIgD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkl8jNEzhnp
I took a sip from my cup of milk.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBolmYtsRS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWObAkNDzc
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJHQZpO7jK
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgBjBV5v1Q
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEn9g05TUy
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiaTIsKZuN
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3YpHwR3wO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJOrcHNNqJ
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIgmy5YAQX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2fdM4Vmvk
"Excellent!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaukG56XvH
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNgMA8hVLg
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kkrc7R2ca
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMjiZes35i
"I say, child–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4G2mcvgwD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk8XOEM1FD
"Please, start calling me by my name."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92mmJG7WvY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuNihuTX26
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEL3Jnc9Nj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RQkiH2nYM
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgN88lNO7b
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcudwL8cCN0
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIAPpmWvPV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1eEuhn8L9
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxRPM2jlOr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUXQwIRUcs
"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?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nOYiOwikd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T4n6AS6O2
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQwqR8COSg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6krWlIwbkW
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcza3zMY8r
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpkKwd5KPV
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg4Z7YFoGo
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflgMVKqxb9
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXd8tE26IQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsXsDF5gWT
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdjHy1Gn4w
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oPhR4ap6S
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XDYlNq6fx
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5eLsdEdWE
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs4KF44snI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpkBXq6UzW
"No. I don't believe I am."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubcKbH1q4k
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrv4ysVTNk
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4FtcFcWwA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlzX91AgTi
"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?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzeXSewZqU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7fribyjOu
"...How do you know that name?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1MPWoTNj1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZTtEjSjtq
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyxF2Itlps
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpMjZv0hj5
"How do you know that name–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac0djGf0ig
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiKcTeAvsB
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQB5KVAVEQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2wdNZCu6Q
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ8YrE3UxC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB5txzjtLj
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4khKeFRBjP
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGQOHrTdzp
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr80SSGLBS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzeNL03Clr
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVihdO8Vhns
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrlhq5mGHH
"...Right."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCce8EcRbds
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHqYyGNL7d
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhb4dj7cjG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXP17ZfTqY
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rsGpcwJEh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDDEKb7jZp
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8umlGnLF7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X5WsXqF1l
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIJ5Fyu0su
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMINCJ3t3j
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIfVkdWily
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhHKkVR611
"What!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwvglceVVM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7oUzFs4HT
–
–
–
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjpu95xfRd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil6tB6tUve
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIvMxziEuK
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx9oJJrTXI
"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!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nJqhqmxtE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDZrFjhYS3
HURRAH!157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI0tJamenb
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNOX7AneCi
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxCq57MwKu
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOL6u5pBG0
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69zxSNYajU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzh8NbbWV6
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6oa3EH9ox
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNReWcNZ3Nj
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJRuOzfLTO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahkQamrAGZ
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyzKVChwoU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p0v90k4Ek
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4XMREbNQS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD5GHA29F0
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCgSVAKh1j
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BEgyHNeHb
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtLzoekmTc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Zr7Tw2rZ4
"Hey everyone!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ad2T67Csj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72ZAytOoEx
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPhqVNOuUD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIe7J2J8Eo
"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?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPRFSmlLuD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2mrYu8zzs
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI6VO3TYkC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVSwwqpLtQ
"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!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg8D4Vsopq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExW3WQyAJG
*HURRAH!*157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbALBTrO4Kq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2SjHykbxx
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZHmLK4khk
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpXtboeBVa
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX07aJommsj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT5L6chPq6
"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–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVBtw7EN9i
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihMU37tcFC
"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!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26FzLceQpb
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbnfm7atLo
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1HFs5jVh4
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoHPgKKNLK
"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?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVBkIkIp6q
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS0qTSgdB2
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNETyriI7jK
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgelm9k8Sv
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABjPHqVRB0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUr5O3UXbi
"Ah, that's a relief."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAtpRe5hUo
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbc2NBZTYT
"Looks like ya do agree."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY2wnQ5Q5s
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJRLdJ13Hn
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEE9Oi04Q3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOnZOeZASy
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJdnKKaE9D
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OB24xnPtE
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEr3qPEl3j
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhIN2Ecjo0
"Eh? Handled?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr9IPpMwnL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwKhnnGK2e
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXshAVrQ0dB
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB9slsmUKW
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5gZDRHRz6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuDooNRAtt
"H-Huh!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc5LL2PSo7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYquYiNiov
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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdD4KYZgwW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLdt8pTnUb
–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw0c8WqZyE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaSKRGINJ7
–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVLn1KeT1u
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4ELVryeGz
–
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjA9sg0S84
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWAd8ZMai2
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq6U5mt5vh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe2FDahOKI
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO11chQoe6Z
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPHPvVHFEt
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc7ffQ6mR3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyX2aqdSBz
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dSXcR7IgX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hR2i7CfjB
"Can ya do it quick enough?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlu7qXcgUb
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYEx0JIvoc
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wMRRkPgCB
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mivIcajfe
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkBXpAmMsd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AWxcIA817
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa2no8Csqg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWECmdz94a
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgehg45UEBY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgUh2r7TjS
"We're comin' up soon, kid."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsVgZmpwGE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8vApXfAlF
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom9kAAKGBL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh5cEWOUIW
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKMja9Lfda
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVfCWhnr2A
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmrULulcqE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKAC5lDOer
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x8Xd6luUC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIKxcNLFHu
"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?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVh2x0qMQ0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9LKSTHsDP
We took a few steps forward.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcisUcxsCFu
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEEaeEDvSF
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFyJomwrrN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUgI2RUbQP
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitPpqQ6XSg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw65zZD86Uv
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelG3blQZ9m
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y0VLB1RaJ
We took another set of steps forward.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUlVhp3Ab2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4euefCtVh5
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQAqJmUIC1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7dAGj2cRQ
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXBjWAzGzO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEjp9Q0oJH
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTirCyk9jp
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkrAOfdvxt
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKNJ9Zzd3G
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfYoPLQDiM
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoYnMXrgvv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4GIVdvUfk
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd8P0mlR52
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8XmA7AaaO
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ptvIPJZx9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUkpQbi46B
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DhTSHdNn6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKKy8JpCSa
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMU126xRR3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rsHfjGGOs
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG9uj5fabh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS9uO2HrMT
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpNBSbGGju
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvtAsRiZb8
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdLj0GW6Ag
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGuJjZ7BRs
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0anjAW2Lq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouRMe2j2hg
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YNNnCLN4p
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgjrvektt6
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SYSl1KSkQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcNTTRpjp2
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfCcTlXzfW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbpqXeNgWR
"..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8gR7ycDPe
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4607cL3hH8
"..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmQsmGXI9j
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk5KXp5PgD
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78WIPY7djC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEed7qpUyo
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURPrRDbWjL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhgdWWadUN
"Huh?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SdqTkerNw
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8dNQtaMJS
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNIJbnskjq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjA5mWtGCY8
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlcZnSVuWz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgT8mOJWff
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaAbjecVws
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcmpawQSVu
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7lrKatzsQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5FDDmEx9R
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyobNfaFhD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksmn5ABiKb
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGDCsaGchO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFunE8vouN
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb1rkuCaII
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUdYW4r0bE
"...What?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4NGxlCOp0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pU49eMrEx
"Ya heard me."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXMlkGF08v
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNQ3mNdfgr
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3upI7yhn7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q2OvMeTvB
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3VVBaDmh2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BMVZV8ZS3
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOUe1oBaHp
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ4NFLMeKQ
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3qMXl4gi7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcDw0ZAn7E
–
–
–
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?157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg6yxwinjI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCskBPdU3k
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0sA2S5ysi
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W7ko7J5vI
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwrTHEjYxa
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAFLkdwUhI
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHdfXa1ydK
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO20PlH2FN
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTiOOAAAi3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69cr0cnJUW
"Good luck out there. For both of us."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHau5NFMkv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjYv3coHgp
"..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV444Nxvduv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWGzYycU4Z
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfp4qkv9fg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmbHsZksbm
"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?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZswely8WC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6we8fkeAc5
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jqj1t1x1B
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItStUFH2M8
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjDCtEDPoh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fOjDPShJZ
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmxpPFys5v
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KQw6sKqDt
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFak7kqDXB0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIenNswDSP
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2J1X1SCSx
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0bAGJ61vP
"Everyone!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3YLmJoDdZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhn1nMiX12t
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwle5okEV99
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMROABKt79
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
