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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA9aWhslazQW
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"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAyokOWwEhiD
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAi2NNscBlOy
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"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."26Please respect copyright.PENANA4wXTm2uXBB
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAiHoqulvLyO
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAdmYIahrZPO
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"Crap."26Please respect copyright.PENANA7y9aFPg6Zc
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7v3tslGMY
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"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."26Please respect copyright.PENANAPB3X1shdbW
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFWAPMcHGLt
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANApeHIWiqstp
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I didn't say anything, because he did first.26Please respect copyright.PENANARsA08rX933
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANA3FMW6v5hkU
26Please respect copyright.PENANAcqzcwj4uws
"...Uh."26Please respect copyright.PENANAdpBt5ryCVY
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAWipdZ7bdHz
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"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."26Please respect copyright.PENANAP0rWOu09OE
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"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."26Please respect copyright.PENANA6FNFwB8AtT
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAuC568bZNpL
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmY2EcQ9tq1
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAPmRnVMz7dc
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Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.26Please respect copyright.PENANAXehoO0exVc
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANA3JX96IpYqO
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He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.26Please respect copyright.PENANAl20RderRaR
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"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."26Please respect copyright.PENANAeBDZKkBRfr
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His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.26Please respect copyright.PENANA375gA15gPM
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"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."26Please respect copyright.PENANA75SAbGgASm
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAqLwW7P4vVX
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvEliildP6D
26Please respect copyright.PENANAp3jn6LLvd7
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAZOelzK3nYL
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–26Please respect copyright.PENANACqtu5k7vZC
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–26Please respect copyright.PENANAanaFo09q1Z
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–26Please respect copyright.PENANAxD51Ax2tuP
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANADhnoerytYU
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"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA7GBlA2B1LQ
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"...Trevor."26Please respect copyright.PENANAtsfALDxrcd
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAdKf43F9gtb
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"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAjDGiOjUQUY
26Please respect copyright.PENANAM4WpTq3ZRA
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."26Please respect copyright.PENANA8NhJVsWzuP
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He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.26Please respect copyright.PENANAbBhPtzv5qt
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"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAtf6v5VRKdQ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqTzjKdAb1W
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."26Please respect copyright.PENANAt3CruUPAXU
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"Hmm..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAqoUi4Btjcm
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He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.26Please respect copyright.PENANA2XWMuWi7LA
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"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"26Please respect copyright.PENANACkFSUSFq4z
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"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAOgmoGeb3wd
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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.
26Please respect copyright.PENANAbkAPpzbQLq
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."26Please respect copyright.PENANAzIPzW9Glf3
26Please respect copyright.PENANATEGqOmevmY
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAUaebQ60OK7
26Please respect copyright.PENANANFvzeCtdTL
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"26Please respect copyright.PENANADIwFNLFcHN
26Please respect copyright.PENANANSdPoFxGab
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."26Please respect copyright.PENANAvPfKx0q1aA
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"Are you sure?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAtH9Ps9Lm3d
26Please respect copyright.PENANASlvds8yG4k
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAe8I2VYP7DL
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"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAu7Hq1NnAyq
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANALTfHFXGkbQ
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"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAcC0Iwqk4LH
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"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"26Please respect copyright.PENANATSZOk0pt0W
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"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."26Please respect copyright.PENANACqrcrqax36
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I took a sip from my cup of milk.26Please respect copyright.PENANASKLta3LGF5
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"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."26Please respect copyright.PENANAjmFWLB4Fch
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"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAOSfu3nGi45
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAg2nec8yh6P
26Please respect copyright.PENANAG5mnr3mhLU
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."26Please respect copyright.PENANAUF5jUL4yay
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"Excellent!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAFseoHLEzrj
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAmQBU0CI4bS
26Please respect copyright.PENANAEYNy6DuBgs
"I say, child–"26Please respect copyright.PENANAGm3vfMcRKi
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"Please, start calling me by my name."26Please respect copyright.PENANARCWMZbV7li
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAW33mgaWLRQ
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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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAElSwfrPhLN
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"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."26Please respect copyright.PENANAxiEQZtksv5
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I looked at him with a face of perplexion.26Please respect copyright.PENANAKtOZgXv2tn
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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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAr5BaKxYRvF
26Please respect copyright.PENANA6FmSAXs0QT
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.26Please respect copyright.PENANACttxreDhKA
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"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAUPDUd0mZfv
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAPsUvIEMpLp
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"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAScoQqrJlRs
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAW5bcX8n3BX
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7dOT2V5sX8
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAkdodkcO0n1
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFf7NSBCNoD
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"26Please respect copyright.PENANATs4c2EfLCn
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"No. I don't believe I am."26Please respect copyright.PENANA6WfgLK8avv
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANADaRqDV9Ijk
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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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAMdbqH9UvKn
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"...How do you know that name?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAjKIZoCoqRB
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He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.26Please respect copyright.PENANAVekotcIjMY
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"How do you know that name–"26Please respect copyright.PENANAuLq7TIBhlD
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAEGUxlBk9Xv
26Please respect copyright.PENANApyuecueObr
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAjn18VBqFHu
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"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."26Please respect copyright.PENANA5muqEo4MuF
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He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.26Please respect copyright.PENANAQnDDMi878p
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"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."26Please respect copyright.PENANAhD5IQegWOC
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"...Right."26Please respect copyright.PENANAaZGnnjeWxn
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"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."26Please respect copyright.PENANAULEKP6WS0A
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPPZ8bGgID0
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAoBFV8J1Yxe
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"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAvDBwXtuxxn
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA0icAeD8adX
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"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."26Please respect copyright.PENANAF88JMNxHXb
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"What!?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA4avjsrtBJ8
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAC8SuwY2rpi
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA0wrxo4XQWu
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"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!"26Please respect copyright.PENANA1WfcA2UGbd
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HURRAH!26Please respect copyright.PENANAHHqu2EGIZ9
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAtiO5MAr01U
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAku2KMPUbZL
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAx8uLBjKEKR
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"What does she mean by it applies to us?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA51HEhju3He
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAxe84UYNEDD
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"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJ9D0vGhoFR
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA1YwRIZ7zeX
26Please respect copyright.PENANA6nX1SLORgV
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAf3TmXPLwjI
26Please respect copyright.PENANABzcqkc6Z3g
"Hey everyone!"26Please respect copyright.PENANArMgiwFdHEa
26Please respect copyright.PENANAM4iRYNllzY
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA65P5sklfuZ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFnOSbDU7ER
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAa4UCmg4zJi
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The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.26Please respect copyright.PENANAewyjVRliEQ
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"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!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAlVtBfDrhSM
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*HURRAH!*26Please respect copyright.PENANA8Q80rOrLlQ
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"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAPClDhmiHdY
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAokJJng1tjz
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"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–"26Please respect copyright.PENANA1i0ffuFO0g
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"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!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAIz2NoDp9z8
26Please respect copyright.PENANA5fmFYHmbkr
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAfGv9Of0HfM
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"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAu2VNdgDLkq
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"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAOpUDyRY9Yh
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He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.26Please respect copyright.PENANAqCa6Zwbgd9
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"Ah, that's a relief."26Please respect copyright.PENANAyjr7opvX1h
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"Looks like ya do agree."26Please respect copyright.PENANAoDjXnr6b44
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"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAVa9g4ZbBY2
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I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.26Please respect copyright.PENANAPAz5JyTj1H
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"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."26Please respect copyright.PENANA86I1LGAYQu
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"Eh? Handled?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAlHpHG1UOQr
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAgJOsbrHjkd
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"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAzdnNe0gtne
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"H-Huh!?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAHvj4mdB0Ov
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAp1oNuROcDA
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–26Please respect copyright.PENANAdzWOJAFfxR
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–26Please respect copyright.PENANAA0r6jBhXCv
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAhMaGVDrqAt
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANASjhFJIeazs
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"The bag still has potions in it, right?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAltL0dYjrWu
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"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?26Please respect copyright.PENANAWLdieLGzw9
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGWaODm8ABb
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAjWGF4DkLQr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAREh9aYSYdj
"Can ya do it quick enough?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAN6TQeFut89
26Please respect copyright.PENANA87V8MkWHFN
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."26Please respect copyright.PENANAxFkeSWu9O0
26Please respect copyright.PENANAHxjNPNmejc
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAQ6eKNd8GNh
26Please respect copyright.PENANA05NGzJBoRm
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."26Please respect copyright.PENANASUecKNdsGe
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAHnmRJZc5Vt
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"We're comin' up soon, kid."26Please respect copyright.PENANARwzipK6YjM
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"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."26Please respect copyright.PENANAgJKP3aYBpU
26Please respect copyright.PENANAABsj1s7Q7B
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANApUp9v4xD01
26Please respect copyright.PENANAcdzGpDAAnJ
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANApguS8wRyfK
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"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAtJOYrLgVug
26Please respect copyright.PENANAUJ5Wc7HTy8
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANARkYTTL8PEG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAMq3uJYa1mu
We took a few steps forward.26Please respect copyright.PENANAglHK4sa96Q
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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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAxpxlT29lkZ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFKiaBt1Nh1
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA3iw9pdth4z
26Please respect copyright.PENANARCQYiiB4kB
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."26Please respect copyright.PENANAvwMT7Az7l8
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We took another set of steps forward.26Please respect copyright.PENANAbeYqbnoyB0
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"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAOrCmXe94AH
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqdGXVkwtoF
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJ30wbwsq0h
26Please respect copyright.PENANAb6A1bHdvX8
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."26Please respect copyright.PENANAdUqct74WRr
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"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."26Please respect copyright.PENANALzpyc0pMEW
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAAiWKleAi8r
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"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."26Please respect copyright.PENANAwim8l6CTQs
26Please respect copyright.PENANA2ReCIx1vwj
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANASYOb4SsLFd
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"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA2mBH4aiBwJ
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He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.26Please respect copyright.PENANAWkOK08U4BN
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"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAlGlzJbj36Q
26Please respect copyright.PENANAgKr4ZQ10nY
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAOetbUw51DM
26Please respect copyright.PENANASyVpUAbyK6
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAYvQCGEgSTW
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"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."26Please respect copyright.PENANAFNmjQrIzWC
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"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANA4rr1chB253
26Please respect copyright.PENANAAFRb1VLrcc
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."26Please respect copyright.PENANA62s8hFZPk8
26Please respect copyright.PENANADP9Dgsh9Vm
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJbPIHx1OKM
26Please respect copyright.PENANAZymbj5FZSR
"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANA0i71HK3lhG
26Please respect copyright.PENANApPbWJFrvjj
"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANA3vKuO1eDYn
26Please respect copyright.PENANABkooEO4pqr
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAsRcVvAeHSF
26Please respect copyright.PENANAla2LnUbBa1
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."26Please respect copyright.PENANAXUgAX5AdWU
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"Huh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAiC7Sk0ZKX6
26Please respect copyright.PENANAoDuHPmuNWR
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"26Please respect copyright.PENANAck6c0cTKCz
26Please respect copyright.PENANABf2zGObW3S
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."26Please respect copyright.PENANAed4K5Co58W
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Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.26Please respect copyright.PENANAi777K2soxH
26Please respect copyright.PENANABcX1VQg5Hw
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."26Please respect copyright.PENANASwu8w4URpi
26Please respect copyright.PENANAJFKEUZpgjQ
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAlz2wPJubhY
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwKQldAiTO0
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAMx8xJKI8YU
26Please respect copyright.PENANAycztTSTXNh
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."26Please respect copyright.PENANAE5flDjuvzc
26Please respect copyright.PENANAnqevXOAcit
"...What?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA57TONGlTAv
26Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7bZw6E4pD
"Ya heard me."26Please respect copyright.PENANAsiUzzRBVqC
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As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.26Please respect copyright.PENANAwUKm0nqJij
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"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."26Please respect copyright.PENANAYTwcVH9QKk
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAVZyrIXZlPG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFGRnFDFyjB
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvWRRarELeV
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–
–
–
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?26Please respect copyright.PENANAEXv5ewy2V5
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"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA3SvSZ9jWHH
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7x2wm0ywfF
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAINqLwKEBZm
26Please respect copyright.PENANAfLvkWL0XpU
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAQ83bdtRE7P
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His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.26Please respect copyright.PENANAsqmacGCup6
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"Good luck out there. For both of us."26Please respect copyright.PENANAHQHJPoKiBh
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"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANA9oPFAB0xKa
26Please respect copyright.PENANA1VOLkDkXSa
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAbVmzvcqbaQ
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"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA1uf3aZzbiB
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOOkvuVZzEV
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvI5id8S3Ol
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"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJTL9BSO1SY
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"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."26Please respect copyright.PENANAPD7c2gcFw4
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"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."26Please respect copyright.PENANAEJCcVPkQ5Q
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA7TlSNg9xoR
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"Everyone!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAWhJ8aGuFUP
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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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAf8NFh0aWmP
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A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.