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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx4KwKdnKr
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG7SrrwFuq
"..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0UyWlm5Ht
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6ldbBDxPD
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS417jKoDtW
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtHYs7wwlY
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkT09KrT5l
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBJLH5E2og
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbMR94ty31
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiu8L5oFlb
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFdfP5w390
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGI6ANCNoi
"Crap."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pxuqcW2FT
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8onB5jIlat
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZbSVoMhH0
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpleONsAkx
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn8ManR7xc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTuAgP89xM
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5XaA2l3gC
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDEJZbRjil
I didn't say anything, because he did first.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUULEtvsb5
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJkABgzgzy
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2F1kQLUcV
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S1FH41JZy
"...Uh."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IbTPgOPCp
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5MGaC21cb
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyqKgC3sJe
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVTHmIpbqF
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vxtyg0nZz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FJNaNetFe
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1wryPH5r3
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w3aSxXGOs
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueYNm9i5hc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2mIQKaqAA
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwer3aNVSF2
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzyb6smtMc
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz0DIohE4W
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ExeULlK50
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4MCYl1yLz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOyFXyIS0u
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMVLrEuXPS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFnfsLozws
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheX46KSM3e
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUh9jS695B
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyrF368xSc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoVUFkMMs2
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY2RkGY2o2
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUggHj4efg
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d2kuZXJNp
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuPT5uB5xd
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp9gIyHlL4
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1NOnyIleR
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlgBofWWJj
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBeVN4dmSf
–174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4WXF3bH55
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYHP9VsdkL
–174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1bOZEWK2b
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBEhNIVr8u
–174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY8EMxq7hX
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsG1kIAATX
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ILNAuAtqV
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRAhrHMU9O
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb1ami07bz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk90bx7zw2P
"...Trevor."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdizgMR95R
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24dvcTZoai
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUmJA9pgZN
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJVPKpJZCI
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwUy9hhIYA
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJmMk6qOeA
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMptww8PTuH
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rRhKDRUj3
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdcMB0C8kG
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYXuHxMft0
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqhuVK8uA5
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1r5nj91F0
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxal784oeu
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEBVC3Y9hQ
"Hmm..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBc8b4YE0l
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1kkKgx8jy
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgxcQWLUtS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoUNsQyPnK
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHrv82jYL1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6I9NNqnhU
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcHMvjGCxr
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxrtQuF0np
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.
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy3Dm94qd6
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2C6HaZSNs
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB1Ol3h3oD
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2MMUNqnnw
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyO3TX5Ho2
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MizGonZCK
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn2yqICvGU
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LaSoxMGVd
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWdPPMtBj9
"Are you sure?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjBeSWPCyQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnnTBF2d1I
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKtVJxgEA3
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgy3jO10xq
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVBJBXpRNr
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdHhKCzPXg
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu5Oj4uetS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYNUoyhFDX
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCTysckNdt
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1OxqXlffr
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2HTJY6GyU
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctgCtyjwzE
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwkr53Qj6i
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOHpnDsxXY
I took a sip from my cup of milk.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpoAmCZSdj
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77v4R9AdHY
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2GngBRXag
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGX7poPEVW
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGITdZUrE6
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3zqm96SFP
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH6m38tHJf
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5ynk0MMpG
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAph9WV3XRX
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouZMJitAYz
"Excellent!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgdW39m16E
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC6Q3pyZZZ
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKDCmqLKgP
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtAX5JQ5JO
"I say, child–"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgwdhXAmlk
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvHXiljpJF
"Please, start calling me by my name."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaWulzYpPH
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri3C9XgdNQ
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSUuzAmrPs
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nR8CuMqjD
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCRcsutZiX
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQPz3UAddw
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7VfCbotuL
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTFUePY90L
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ry8xLLGoJ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbUFwrbzQD
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6nb0YXTQn
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60iSff1m6v
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4Nk3s4l15
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco96xz9ZGz
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQjbq1L4d3
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1pjHixL3E
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS679wtILz4
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJqIRfSfxH
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7orf0j1dC
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKiSqPBz1c
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsBHGalitB
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0ZoPN9Nkz
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtsJkreRy2
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWgBskaqX1
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcIIjAlxmL
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTjYx1Z0hJ
"No. I don't believe I am."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2meqm7MoW
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Dtk38k2Hj
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYaGHz9qxB
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3qwJscJMm
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fmDWM9qbt
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7FTuXKzyl
"...How do you know that name?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6WYhAW73Z
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZve056rbnO
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2js4B4Pz9
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFYEJevWP3
"How do you know that name–"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QfTpk0aEt
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSqB6FkIjB
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEX3XynaBg
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckvm6Yg9YN
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRbRxGwdIc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBmcfC2P57
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45suJaexdf
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt7WVmivgV
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUDRECw9TN
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrDHJ8xE5q
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YySYSxnxH
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCIpXG0L5M
"...Right."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8gbrgXCmT
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaG5pyWtm2
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU65kbWVfE1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0Zo2gJmgb
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q9NurizqI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJxuzCaeFY
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMn0clEKS3
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFV8spFCCW
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv8ptN5CiR
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDz4Y4MVLT
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrmzAQf4i4
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6ahKX2pAj
"What!?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBpHxs2rzN
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5nW7C5iT6
–
–
–
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ2Qc9BLCZ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMST10CsbC4
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NNHiXuPdN
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5eSOojJbA
"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!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMEBQ2Peiz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwhvbl1WfU
HURRAH!174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xXDAcKaCF
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PLbNZsNYl
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeFdUiyAkt
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0etDREDGjI
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybQ8naY9rI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIQE02ZP00
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4end0umyy
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V93sRDw82
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlXeQHYrJ4
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkuWDi1FtB
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOix6VPvsKU
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KvdKNuOYr
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3RTw6trc1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu09VqSVH9
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1B6cHmJXw
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofcNdCuZvw
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzjEGfBoqT
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVndFZOQ67u
"Hey everyone!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1Cz5zeLMX
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCxlSauQ4G
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1IsLxHmgT
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQKseyJ1WW
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlrJEZADM4
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqPMmeu7AN
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7KEPnMRCI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E1ogmOAQi
"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!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT8QQZvhWN
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAVxyuRP2M
*HURRAH!*174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoy50mCFZI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqf8wpiP0C
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV3n284bOv
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsmtq0mvOb
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbrrsf0ihI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsYU42JOX1
"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–"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlkDOCmZQb
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7ATnbMPz3
"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!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqlQCxGTzO
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3ueT4gYV0
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAL0qBv5Uic
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UM8EoVVJX
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rWVwgqzdy
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTT9svy2Fi
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kgMXTfQTl
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK5iuoZhmC
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrCAavEMMQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYkwiEh681
"Ah, that's a relief."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRKuqgzJGH
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlhyo1XTOB
"Looks like ya do agree."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgeHzRnusm
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VwVUylnIJ
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbKJN2KrQd
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia6qSDPoSW
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK93SuYX58
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3eM21qzWZ
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QMhXRCw7X
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwlrT4Dc6f
"Eh? Handled?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A7j43bph3
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQMUCfhKe0
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8lJPh1cak
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zGMweBUJw
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vvnWp5djF
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlIFnOR9mO
"H-Huh!?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtfPqPnpl7
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tDyJ42Psr
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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSlMPOSmyf
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYY59D9Rev
–174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyScKA14bvY
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUxvKI0W1w
–174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9Qd9pEC04
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlTMsWk7hk
–
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphUjRHUx8M
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB1sWzOOL8
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7DXbwcuXQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiCT8gIek0
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFRybVxUrL
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4g9nJLi4l
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHt7eCRkA2
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsMBf831vR
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiNCY4YZ95
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKy6Ydvs5f
"Can ya do it quick enough?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCZyalbtrX
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZMl68WEYQ
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCVML0KHPp
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYpJWCDzJs
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69oIk4qdOn
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlW6upWjKT
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBICVqx9hjQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWApgy7qVkr
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR61xpdh93h
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRdk1ZcWCj
"We're comin' up soon, kid."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ9lwYT9Pj
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP3isJTov1
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiMjyBFeKP
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeogCqVlGH
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLCguMxdzs
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7nabAgk06
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8CCfSDAr9
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uCDAeTMPx
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzodBkmmjj
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTUMtwWeV0
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC0IjEsnwS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajOj7lwZ1h
We took a few steps forward.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGsFVrrcgI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa5JvBddR8
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZxyWUCmPR
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt5k4Z4AMv
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZLVVthRba
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw8Ci1Wax4
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsiVx4SlYY
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg0cNRMsWA
We took another set of steps forward.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXpVzco58a
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZkNSGW2q8
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zNqyUkjEQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVbp45tLkV
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnBW4PQpJX
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH71spsXuz
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYsEIilVVn
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzoDJrogGQ
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VljGdFYci
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHpPsoh9l4
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c7lKGeiY2
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQt0EtvteQ
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIjy1IdxNu
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0xxKFKvF4
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kpo6hACIw
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9DLCvMysB
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBtRCJCvZE
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfasxkkhlt
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8oSR0H9d0
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyREYRJ2cx
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta548hS1Di
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkbzAZvrAO
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQxF56pz3o
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJWe1wSUu7
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6XzuJvFn3
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38P1qF79TN
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrgpGVMeiL
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMMsHFKzZ1
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38x4eFZn78
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56O1HOCIXg
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ31HGvDxU
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vL2MOVVVr
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmys7us7nRx
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtyWYa39v5
"..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaQDaUCD6S
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMY1PU6kAR
"..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlbrELvFyp
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlblvC8nfG
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DoyG83SDN
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoMO40exFB
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW26HVApRqb
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbZev8tkUp
"Huh?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H89MznCJL
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxIBTYGXcU
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zwlcOVXED
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza1sMQuiyQ
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iXqP2egyQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9hI6mgf4Z
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkHzVwng2T
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcEgKUoDBs
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMGE5yn2k1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznigsqT4Io
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lfJtj4sYh
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3xV10vEcl
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKmHS8hkR8
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r68bXQ4v6
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRfNeQbAhO
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPq1hPWXOE
"...What?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCe9vq1OLU
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszhUcqnv4S
"Ya heard me."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL2JQIHo0E
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qSSoPo28P
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D3BGiTae1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlODJFebQwG
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lo5VU8uXe
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvJECqLKhg
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSuQW39InL
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xw274slms
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN25c6Zo5Q
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylm3x4GL2k
–
–
–
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?174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwgBNGHytA
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQLOa6DcDS
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gRTholeyp
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfNRUe2tkx
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilKkrOpYhz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMaovD3zXV
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh51myYvdo
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BsNwVjLDZ
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtJ56G9XtE
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2z2H9rnGR
"Good luck out there. For both of us."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgXtbjxWur
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SyC1J2WXX
"..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGmmomBEZz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVdhVuXfnU
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgK3EriVbs
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEypqosx9Z
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xlq3IKPva
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo79mcWWUqu
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrmNXAcFjg
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupxNjWoXiW
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ5IKBTprW
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4VeeFxs5q
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnRryo7qnJ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h56nZXEtA
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7psZhqF0X
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagAJ3ebJJS
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxooS1cLkiJ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhhmUkMPr7
"Everyone!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUZppIweo5
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gQfYCjMip
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIi6SrM5Qc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JwWKhl5kY
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
