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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwUR7JpzRr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFVZa4LIrY
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kGl2VMLtm
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpt9TwpRrpr
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5iWJOUAvG
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tda1ko1d3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4e2GD3ujy
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHFnWLaqlT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1hqyCSngs
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PC2wP9379
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2GLdozc95
"Crap."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e7gwT2FPk
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrQthUwZKJ
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZmiZJeR2n
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMFsO6P9Ab
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggV5fhNx5E
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj0hKEsxLc
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuT9ObF4zxF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUKYLmqlx4
I didn't say anything, because he did first.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1A62aCfIi
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE7VLrXIQE
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl57lb5C2u2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlfILWe9ad
"...Uh."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV6i1B9DId
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg4QwAbFVP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdaJXbNCLt
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLZh9mBNx8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFaJs9MiGQ
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo0LSnaQXj
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfXrRxWP2o
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QF7p57RKl
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf85zk2T5x
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmcqkWhWFn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPQmfnryWu
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzpWO6IRzX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm9kpER8bQ
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97KTq8WWDw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP6MxxHyIG
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZEwSwXxSw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiBa55Th86
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t2GX803LQ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgKd1XYoiT
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpyrGbzLE0
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5r4nIh7mZ
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjLXVNXjKO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FPdUicCV8
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOHXmIbqlL
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5km1omeyT
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWfnHAIrl8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9iGFI8TA6
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinQCRpIbvy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckWK8e0USc
–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZkm8yWC9D
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–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU5dboLI57
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ813iWPxvbc
–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUdGMLul7H
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR3rRNEb4p
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQoMKhdPLd
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cgyGCyVfn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqeViJseQh
"...Trevor."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaMdMuUiC9
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡive1zHDrgL
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PGqXFvNJz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO3kSew6m7
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q0emkI92Q
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdErXydRtT5
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXm7yJR6cI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBn3LaODhg
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1MJbjDB1N
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfnseb46aV
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9adULyTred
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolXqOpMhur
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJN6hl9V32
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU2YVJvp8d
"Hmm..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJSKEcG3Tq
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmSaA3rEEm
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmaeEEFlxg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmdAIuGRq1
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Ej45ugZG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2Izkj0la6
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKb3VELWcy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a2ebv0eWT
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.
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uutYYp7NJ
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGhjvtudxA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcglm9L1xql
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCJhh4tQnu
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXoIRDKZHL
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Gev3OTFy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kmzna9rRq
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn0vuqwe5r
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2ltbwpPOP
"Are you sure?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdxEbdb27u
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dhrMKyyuu
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL6iyQrjAy
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95MVL7eAEF
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ514bycz6Dx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj3bWTGeDj
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v913NJ7nY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQWWUPHesn
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vKE0qcLCt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2IQfZsYLR
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcFCLCgmfN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfJziBKRNo
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xXmrMzxo8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNepUeNpdo
I took a sip from my cup of milk.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgdyR1msaE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomf0KIdDJl
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaLN2bBp9B
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa53dHyEntU
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcjmmi1BZ5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mKLnQjXSG
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT299JnqQLz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4lHoUnZIj
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qfFuSQAuP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlt77CTLSO
"Excellent!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy98UlNJ06
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CiklzFBep
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWss04CnndZ
"I say, child–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3CAd0kQja
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb0GgV9p17
"Please, start calling me by my name."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZjWHWmOvB
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8BgE2gCx6
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4zSW2OIZ5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPcC0Qi2RT
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6bHXRm1zk
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv98wMC6cO0
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw4CX5rDrD
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWKFPKczLR
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlS8OBWQeW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaJUiUgSR0
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpabKyhXsep
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjYJOqUtDQ
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2W1dUX8RR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaegEloV1C
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zUFQ1Q8tG
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHdh4NI92Y
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Lqk7ma6wd
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj3kLPXEte
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv3bmS5pIN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EkequtnHx
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB6DXCM7TJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi4bpNX0yi
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo2nfOIQIh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFHnirl7w0
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZLWfiKEI0
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMZ20exflI
"No. I don't believe I am."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZolkR1Ya1a
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvvP0cheWb
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQe42vI2ZY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKAG9ZZIhh
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSFDKpzIpg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrdtOPqoen
"...How do you know that name?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXLshSt9Kh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6a1zCo49d
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtgTp52T7B
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBfAx6SAtW
"How do you know that name–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8TKugPWqw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjsGLZYr96
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RQsybvBMH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1YI47Kk6M
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfsdrFtluI
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLf79rhJOM
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxVbmv64QK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI4a1WzhaF
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4oZ6Isrrw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6u6WtXUQE
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rSxE1BONA
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N27cq6NGN
"...Right."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRbs6lgGPs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KsRyFYoTb
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46T41QhjBc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw56kTpjvi
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnYGnFfB0j
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT6DiQ8wsr
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4aFQwHp12
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MV1sPWb9y
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9SBKb5AIf
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxChSHOmZgB
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy6Qyct7s2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyhTi0cKuf
"What!?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuFf55BxUF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUJ1F25xBP
–
–
–
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpUg9wbjpO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosVZNjpZpY
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXRHKadwUP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bJbKFl0LM
"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!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL26R9y8eiX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BSnNowQfg
HURRAH!139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqBenmYQB3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k28RL3Syk
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmsexb60px
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFkd2aHcmz
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CsxWJIe8x
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a3I4CDfme
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0lOYTnFE3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ctg20oy50
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y4NczyVeT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAHOR8aB3W
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikIzGSGpm2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52S4rnV3zI
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqc5L9CYx1P
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95GtTv2AfP
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R5feUjYcj
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNZ0PkQvUG
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY58S0maMwe
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqfQTwgqu5
"Hey everyone!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KI0tssxI6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4XGpyRekC
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMXZx7aGbg
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKgUOZlMVz
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6Jq1nupYJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rm9VFWuSG
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFkGZD838O
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICXFij4Ing
"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!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC5wUM2YZs
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rew5zPG8k
*HURRAH!*139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDK3RKKkAv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXyOYXZzip
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRLmE0YOq2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyLsXZYW6g
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW6OafmYix
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ952CB0apXj
"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–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXJQ4wFalN
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWalOCkZy8
"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!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll86VTreua
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bVfd3Zzfh
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMdyvh52gp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr74PbZkAsD
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNYVZ62xv3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvYwpXxX53
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KDheDCFhW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWjPzyoVct
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWUPMprb0E
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7w4BDrcXcu
"Ah, that's a relief."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrmdjGY1bO
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H7cGjiTP3
"Looks like ya do agree."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oI3zUl1Dv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwQNsoBb2y
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiY0moJDQ9t
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNW3Xb7sBr
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimgIEZRXEb
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sz1PALmUV
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEUjsKfzgT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrnR1gtrP3
"Eh? Handled?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXl762fWnw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1VHnJVE83
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLttRxsMG3D
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgN3AEmzgW
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOuRyCmCYm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnn52RuWKt
"H-Huh!?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PJlldXN6H
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpvhLIAfeT
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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95LLuINely
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB0c9Y8oNv
–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKcmlYmgH2
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkhycnzXAq
–139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuEklVcrGj
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJe1xnCLDxM
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tvfoTGUpa
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoaavB9Kh8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo2E0rTf9F
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtetN7KLPw
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIJsFr3oiQ
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlly4cyqvhH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6ymGGBaNa
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZcPt0sX8I
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacweuIa8Vz
"Can ya do it quick enough?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuQhhBrDbp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKXb0moBvC
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmkTOp1ijH
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzgovMij59
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmXhV9Ib0y
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEVP2Zc173
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptpXHlp15x
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAJ1CojISl
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplepVKTGUT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGqO573Zsk
"We're comin' up soon, kid."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqLe4AMHgc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PsCpIPzkk
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJekIgQ9Xq
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRdAqv5eYk
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZNHIOmVAp
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmUw9ezB9q
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ3GbTWUYq
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT6w7ufSfa
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbuHkYAAbL
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjO8hipXMs
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXQLpEWgHW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBrloiQDSO
We took a few steps forward.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93UkaQ1bxZ
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"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3pyZATYXh
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmImOvEjUKc
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i5LjLQQCt
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2z5hTdOSG
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNhtgVXe7x
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HwWkcCbBa
We took another set of steps forward.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvKEch42WK
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqWR5zZ1Jw
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhLoLuwIj5
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXOUkqW7oB
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQuKJ27Llo
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCY0z2yl4k
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEbcJf237y
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SkdhKXIH8
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWg1P8YIEuY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbcXCUeP3i
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiDcuApkwR
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7JgVs114B
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqbCWJVgcE
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98oFb4JAXQ
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0tZywu2JF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80LG2XxSbb
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVFh8pUD2P
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gPXr3iu3A
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqdMDf8qXW
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsBN7nNzwd
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5FyqUiTJm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeJ361PwHZ
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofXccvBZPT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXTeS521UP
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm01d9SJ01x
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIytxSNLecz
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbt0pA8g2f
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfvIRKK4Js
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUjLmQLGcn
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSu2anCeh4
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGXPwwdIQJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvXutoKAUC
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSYpE7qRZv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk0VOM5kaS
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUmA1qwPng
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c03LTcQ6q
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfZXZKJG3H
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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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J7zirckNv
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gmyijkwYj
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bkJaLU3dq
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"Huh?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDEQCA9QYc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rsY8nLdSv
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUyfeVw1XY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIXnkcPHzW
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXJ84DTBva
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmZyZES0ot
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJeHyRWofX
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYafQmYOqe
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAapqcmzsc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99vciffJhA
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRt3OxDOsd
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqL3RePctJ
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1tVhbYQrx
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY5J35rzUA
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvQaW8biWF
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGzLigQ9Os
"...What?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iwiwkwvn6
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi5F6UTcrQ
"Ya heard me."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5BngY1jSc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXe5CGdNXK
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7dqoy7QT7
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eSNTtAys5
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh2zRWVhnY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDNmSaV0do
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2009qMe7y
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzkdQeX9Sn
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk2TfLd7YV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjXe3NwbdC
–
–
–
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?139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseZ3dHU9RC
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclmBBuqHdL
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzskZOHcBP
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSvWunAVT3
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzryrwFHZjT
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK1k2osoOK
"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."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZJiOmrUDq
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sJDr0BVNW
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF1siAeqkm
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpR7bAkSst
"Good luck out there. For both of us."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx3AFVY7F8
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTeaggbFhk
"..."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEND7egoAgc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32XIysCofB
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzJfzTailz
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEkAqaHsrm
"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?"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB5YTu6FHc
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcspYSwWQt
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVn9KZ8kAV
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq4dgsQJ7j
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9Zz26SFCY
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecyCiEd43j
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBW1oEWhxa
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8SJEgQz5l
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUG2quU6z1
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g1TiowEs6
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIGSe7Kp8e
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"Everyone!"139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdtnXde0j3
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUo0BM2HcZ
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.139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqTRg7vqsJ
139Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhzD7Y33BG
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
