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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGJhr1YmAS
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"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6F64w4BjI
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3ppLj7QRo
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"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUkuALJeSf
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJulAARfiE
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TSdZZkngC
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"Crap."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD1KvujCCc
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWgDfIhnPV
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"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ktGOrdKCV
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpusjalsGt
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I didn't say anything, because he did first.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Yo2SawGgV
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"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMw1IKaers
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"...Uh."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRA8AAprMG
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdKSs33Bbj
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PyU7m7jvv
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXkMfKbj96
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs614ewyfP
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7an9Pp13Y
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AmMvqiGtR
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniRAIbKKuy
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknuwyfYFTi
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYghZLsKW9b
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8egNRY0gJd
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5eUwtHljw
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"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz34jAnlGvL
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzATRBTbjkg
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ARpQ3bQqa
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBENMeMdxj2
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmrgs9rvQw
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Chl46jKXN
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPRK5kK8on
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZEl2fOWH3
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR38SSNYD3
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpc1ApgIlF
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtxA4k2PRj
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94Y8zzm8WO
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehZEamqxTY
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH0KHdlfnx
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oHT8NUXFc
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–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf24LAU8yR0
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–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmodF1a0zw
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–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShfeLKB7SV
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVKBE0LYR9
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"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NwecThaE5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmUGXgV2uw
"...Trevor."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40eWEssair
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZUH2KWQhY
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMO3gOooX1
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"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyQxt4myEO
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPongPsg5w
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9qIzYPiF2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC8CRbufRF
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr6jzPsCCf
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YUrk477wt
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CAm0ROFIU
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolQv2cig9W
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6kXWQNqQK
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"Hmm..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64puRlYSHq
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He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EPINKTbPT
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"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsRPS5pTRG
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTDSkZoMqX
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HUpj4amES
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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.
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"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhQ3V8ZLYa
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw94jO5vvk5
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcH5mncwH6v
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"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tkYecO3Ij
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaW0lBcHqk
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUXyinb2Ps
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"Are you sure?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO65Dd091QV
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUSBFty32Q
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"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4yZIyYSCw
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"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SuxygpS2e
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl4nGw6fcc
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBHv4GY4Fq
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"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr22FG1EuC
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQXt5NnkjQ
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1766zHdLV2
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I took a sip from my cup of milk.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9SWcQRH5k
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"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV31LCGgJew
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"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6muXA6GfB
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNBZgw0v3F
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"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZqQum6Vwl
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"Excellent!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQosRaaxgzW
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTkmHDroSz
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"I say, child–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsznGPo4Ob
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"Please, start calling me by my name."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaLQZOQyaq
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"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFyZtd8FFx
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"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSPg09J2zm
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapu1RZmN7E
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42EZl1YRzi
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I looked at him with a face of perplexion.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvLSBu9tme
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"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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf3M2IL4YU
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxpCNPTQN7
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5uKw73CQW
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbrWWCfDTZ
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GbskqAo6e
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFe9kniqgM
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGE12n2HON
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjA0flKaDL
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As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7STeqKcLy
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"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI0orcHunZ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFY5djsMsS
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2WsLMnZet
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"No. I don't believe I am."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDftCCEZo9G
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He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuv0q8GqVT
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"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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGPlSOMygH
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnpFxPtfRs
"...How do you know that name?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCYIOwLND9
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He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFfWNzQi6h
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84UDJlUjvd
"How do you know that name–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu5NqcyiUp
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"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAfJ2PBJ4A
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs1zlghUUc
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYYBTCVH6P
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"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUwx81bHGM
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He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1XdpzmAAu
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"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCOMk1mwKi
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"...Right."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSKTPDyIeo
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"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9p6Gowzyn
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q0EwQ7j6C
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGzN44KfGY
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"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo7dTnkox9
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZeH1daInR
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"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxGzkEzTWr
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"What!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wGePTavBz
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–
–
–
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UbE40oKSy
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9BAiQA7Gr
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcekCOjBUEa
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLcL8bnUyc
"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!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaLV15z0b7
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HURRAH!215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxIZbicYRF
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHAxKkbdwz
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"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RvMxiIMy4
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GBv9WlXQ1
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"What does she mean by it applies to us?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIlPtX5ZnS
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBG9BEp3MP
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJEe87v8yK
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidLzqM7G1f
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PCT2gXg5b
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjKOTJOoKx
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR6YpLNNaF
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WMPqVxobJ
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hNFjN4Rdh
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0ZGk7RI92
"Hey everyone!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuEKz9877N
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JuUZaPmnZ
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrQ2NYIqwV
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPduEFgQVz
"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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLoVHOleux
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTu3614Vnb
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBmmhr9pj4
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HHAI4wNfI
"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!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMovbrAEx7l
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa30XLoOXfr
*HURRAH!*215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhksJqAV5uc
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypsRot3Fab
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijMUnlZGiI
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezOSM5gPiM
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GapFLA1SX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNGEyJxlRI
"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–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrTEqbunck
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvymk1OaaU
"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!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKMXeRpcBM
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOZ7xwCRz8
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKyFIelEEF
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC4NI0wCDx
"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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nOYVhN7ef
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadrW6Chm1f
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN7SQoyt6i
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZRjiHZV4U
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqV3utm6RN
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7C2hctTcv
"Ah, that's a relief."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenuBOQlYSm
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lzyRWlavY
"Looks like ya do agree."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwyCgONAvR
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwjyEgnDfb
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPtroJCpuT
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpjjkxGCyr
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHB3UHYTjD
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuuLTVjSpP
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx65mUhZ8Nt
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefVpOL73qc
"Eh? Handled?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOcIizk2MF
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTH9vZHs9j
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBf2pMxWNQ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdFLLDYxpa
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVVm4TLyn6
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qyC9TbdiY
"H-Huh!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzroQpQOYFu
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcQo26Lgfn
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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgCtXbAPmX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXvIFgc8ZT
–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5FTigkgnV
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–215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8mpGiqRGv
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI1a5nnxhx
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM48m7eilzA
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmWBqxYZXr
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbg34yGvOl
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52gjEuEiG5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYurdxS53q
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9WuyxsGGe
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGFCJBSyCb
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6hs66xnxp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX2I1y2Zr6
"Can ya do it quick enough?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIWS1rORbE
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcHLs18WlL
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV1zJvQ2eY
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDL3Zbx7vg
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHMWJ4hhTl
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuwtKx1OsE
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9vLpVAzEp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7iPFhLZts
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1JwaUnCwa
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ502omR1aRc
"We're comin' up soon, kid."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGjxKqRQ7m
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR35JT9729x
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFoKniYAkg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeVosOwxf7
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF7HC6dC7b
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwP9EIvRGK
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc0RmtjXEm
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k2R4eOaiA
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO9lztSvsw
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTNmi7I1VE
"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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ip2Uds2YT
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQFdu0rxgU
We took a few steps forward.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS9Ko4KHKU
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE0g9Lyexq
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkUITfCWBV
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnId7YEfked
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eKKD88SSI
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNMYdCOn1r
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60oht5p5vO
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEBsa0a0BD
We took another set of steps forward.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzXvZwgUY2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y8w1kd3Xv
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd9muzpH4H
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpSjfVRWcp
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMTkPgnEyF
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q314mmChE
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8ibJTcNBo
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxGGqel5TR
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1KaTKLoU1
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr8kK36FOe
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7xieRgfeX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4stR8YUhGY
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrkSecv5Qi
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTMro7q6XU
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZjnpjuxiF
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93n0veTzbv
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPlxjwXPLe
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgflvqWUJzZ
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoYC6Eui9O
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjVPh10680
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD37T7tYfd
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUxeISwPIK
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCkuQFADfD
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0muNnvIaoK
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvgP4xNTJu
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6PlzhZ8sj
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WGLmOFOEI
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA1fvpC3EE
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBL6SGx9xf
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU4oChQXFa
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ppt1UQWK9
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZGKVPzfs3
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTVotWe4aG
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JrLCrsXpD
"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQA8bTAQLn
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2GNgE8MA8
"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzUM87Ck2h
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAnNnaSwuw
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n0ugiTDQz
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiKPD9fpMA
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDbdvtcjPZ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF5thWadAM
"Huh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWQDJzmzbe
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9hQ58k8o1
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccOZqrc2XS
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIukwdGi2e
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddY1aKhrGR
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIYtTGJjGi
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGg3G8HFKg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Smp7Fs1Eh
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUkW4m6jEg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAaWzjyi6Z
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6PtbaIm4g
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YjS1DLMDX
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMRlJuEWej
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC0LEqx8MN
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dkbXIh266
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrjCIxqXaY
"...What?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pnHqpeEwy
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu5s4J6YbT
"Ya heard me."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPigtoQlmI
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyNkY3XoYI
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHTUqN6tW5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABxSimVbYV
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaogp1BdTI
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3jSFH3ytf
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KKKY2ih2p
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVRIYD0E7h
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BCiMZfGST
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rtmzj5UuR
–
–
–
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?215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJuRVbOChZ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo4CBhmucU
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzNjK2pou8
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdYNpZ0euj
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8zWZfA0AN
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkaeqX9n5l
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCA0jOPfaL
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPrnhkZwfU
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWoydbIKX6
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvUt8CPpS6
"Good luck out there. For both of us."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PYmrdUeSN
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEsgyz5ekv
"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oWVyS7AkP
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzm6qBD4FzX
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4ISI340fn
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThsHNSnWHD
"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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQbYpjThhT
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTflZArrcB
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunzYF6tfWW
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizhFAcSlkf
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT26FvCe85
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"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOpbpPCLCH
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjRKCKhi9l
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQic11gEqb
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYio1QChkC
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpYVbRqjN4
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjA1RSI0em
"Everyone!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD00czocA5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIdqhzCVG8
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSGoU1xyQK
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqulRWgCIp5
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
