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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw0SpWWgUF
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu50AkZdWE
"..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bn9h4T4jN
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYhmG2uwvJ
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkks4R640NA
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD43NmvoaNf
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfrdelct5q
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmuXVoBNoe
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZa1ZEtDGnK
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGywIxOnoDu
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VQrRnt6fA
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZa1hbUYZb
"Crap."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx4H8TvGEc
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IP2DXVO5u
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zmc0afRus
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawAtmy2D7a
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7uk3SoFgJ
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimRC16Oz74
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwZAXS8nKa
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpslUd8jZYx
I didn't say anything, because he did first.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBIIS0pDqA
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0OCbPghHl
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV8vYQ4yE2
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3L3ccXMEA
"...Uh."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsMbwavQZP
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jC3YcQU0p
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4t1gNfv0d
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfiE2k3rAX
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYqocDG72h
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E2MNW0KJc
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2GRQV6i01
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVOXsTJemO
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LySQdZH3y
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ1Hr0YlXZ
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YxZO2JEkC
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcmreR12MF
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAzpfueD5e
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr2nCPD9u3
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVj9ukRGuDb
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AMMCMeFFu
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwKnkef2M2
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzUzSfK4LQ
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4DPeI9w4a
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OAswhMNVC
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwUyoh3YSM
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihItOs3qSi
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fAGmoss2M
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gMAKARQYU
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVC95ImmdF
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxS1cCi7z6
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGPG3nm0Uz
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nX0UG9qYh
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3GpVZ9AHc
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EDmzRalJP
–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vVQ1D1rgu
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QfkB9rp9P
–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgjdi3OspY
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizTdqzYbdS
–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgTytwQUAW
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTQAIR9a4K
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZeF4Hqbce
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKKBp1o2fS
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CXanBfiHf
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgrFpwSeWp
"...Trevor."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA0ioKQSr0
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MG14Y6w9h
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz08zyLvbTU
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtB9wOllqz
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEGVIp2YWA
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDzEVJK2nK
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQXVY8H93D
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZYS3YYLtO
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GIuCrq3mr
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSbPLbj7yS
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRDuyOP3Bx
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeXNXf81wd
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPIJuzziII
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy0Ou34hFM
"Hmm..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKrcYbECTN
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUqqMFP6dh
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmqlN9ht0r
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1HUfyARdE
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq496O7mtmS
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxFjqiX76k
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtyVMMEiP5
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtEBgoswyJ
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.
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7uZMN7sYZ
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffYdjyaVcu
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUhCuC1D0f
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6F0cIYnfK
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUCT90Y7Dw
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo61eG3m7r4
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPohsN1d8y
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAG0BMhGyy
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzQDtgAx3Y
"Are you sure?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCzGLRcMwT
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrGnNo4MHc
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmXtt8LBWl
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslaWleMcHS
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYJAru0ljv
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9dOcHaQic
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgyHBdwdFF
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMIGUvhSnV
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2tD6jjMhE
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeDMQ7p840
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQV8JmL9bJ
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuvcXJD55V
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubtG9GXjVC
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Vee8vdm9b
I took a sip from my cup of milk.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLVrICK4mV
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk9qoWWzOY
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBbV1SrE1S
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwriAsUELmg
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsxl6EcOWR
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB4fGz3KRK
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtydjA0Yrbg
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEmab67wvB
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcLPRLPr99
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUg9HYkcgP
"Excellent!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYEDD8csYr
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A3Kd2jL4j
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvmhaLv40P
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENMUuLFT5l
"I say, child–"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ2iQEZDBI
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanT3troUSu
"Please, start calling me by my name."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg6xAWPfVD
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9fOYzz8W3
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdubK8aL2jV
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP21PrXc5G4
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39tOKsjco9
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwBsJkUpsl
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaoex6xmIM
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVPjSKlmMe
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCwCdi4T4C
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07dRKf2wb5
"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?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQUfQFEQu2
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH9aGctYc6
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvLGZVcJzm
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWy10u7gTM
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95z5oRUv57
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECsmZcV10D
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhADXnKfWT
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RlmnQlt6Y
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPCw5qMXSW
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NhT8CaJLo
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLnj7H959g
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmJ5BTWSVn
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzMAG5Hzr8
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlGnSKAAjl
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L2mImc4yP
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrhqcWSCei
"No. I don't believe I am."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTUqCwKMMU
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBPut9BZ8A
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdsAV7I3Pj
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTST7xYKpSV
"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?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv2VIJRtg8
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX1MyRaUsK
"...How do you know that name?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRma1bEqRa
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJVS5x4YmT
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG68B87XNbg
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMm32bPXMq
"How do you know that name–"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhnyr6UJGG
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXU8cy5QPb
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi7xLEjMs3
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3CusyULHf
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo1hrq1O90
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1XrvypjeI
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaML8YdOIZ
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcUSEMNzlR
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2IIx8Vmi7
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVkBkEJ0lZ
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyfw3gvyWV
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZodTHBgb6P
"...Right."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWVbxrFQi8
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BnaZDEJAk
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGsJ0lOL8c
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0TLXkevGo
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtkivZHRUG
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQQIm1I9WQ
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2gmu4qXUF
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6DSIf4aQs
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFM7qLnuRS
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO0vBQhkga
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofYYrGX8x5
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9PWlE8fUN
"What!?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijgTfPV1mC
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiDfb3Aeyb
–
–
–
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIpAKJ3Sza
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eSUD1ZpgV
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjlP9oBTvf
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxvkYIAhmg
"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!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUg5xbBd2D
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqlmNfKUon
HURRAH!153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmUHDTtJM0
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOf405OvbO
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRFW19RZds
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37o8iuMbWD
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EY9FS0ecb
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBCL65ucGn
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6sPqoyVgN
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTUcu9Zabj
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UqL29yOco
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHVCNsLNwq
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATfPC2UG4L
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I01lljak0
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxouM32Owwe
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwOLjQy4xU
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV1swT0QPb
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwkzCUJJYl
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ4RZvGhi2
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjjXprVUoX
"Hey everyone!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaVQ9fFaNP
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHq5hvne4E
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKFNBgxAL3
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q5sq7iIkE
"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?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxTrXA1jQl
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOprLFEDDb
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmB3WrvFib
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdysJ2hyfTq
"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!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7tz0Kc8J3
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIzWOSgrvX
*HURRAH!*153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt6GhrkPpz
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs29G7DZMO
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDyB4YS6xN
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3XPpolh8d
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ806ghMe9a9
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVn2mkqazD
"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–"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvolUvht9J
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtHvhY7oQ0
"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!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLmRxZZ76O
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeATMiBnb6
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyHvGP1UzS
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5qqkVhfnU
"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?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZliFW6BOSD
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQmUbRmOmb
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTamgdmQrM
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrkcOStPCp
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP4wKifpX2
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvANCQN5UN
"Ah, that's a relief."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBvs3JACMa
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRktxzs9ZB
"Looks like ya do agree."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkvjkXmBJk
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1QYZarFtI
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaTFNCLA68
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3iBjZezPN
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNjJsDVJqv
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISFrxbgTMb
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2YtWkrPh0
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYu8je4wBl
"Eh? Handled?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJZzxBBQ8k
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIEAL3jznB
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qv81rHpFp
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdWQUWp1bP
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNGV7rmZPk
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhp0oz7COt
"H-Huh!?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLBba6pHsd
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSOE2sL0rD
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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24mSaeojwt
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoSD8b5DvH
–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5admDNNd2R
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–153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvljZap5cE
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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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP7helypPe
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiieWxAGnbS
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA21IjL7Qn
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf1uh3WBR0
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgNNHxPoXF
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HrAMhFdoO
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ239kfiZcmY
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy3fkOhQHq
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHaYUFDkGy
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoylD4vhsp
"Can ya do it quick enough?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZbxrRXzlf
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqNE9rLcly
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUHc7KDRn5
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgXJUd1gi7
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh9PUItXEM
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6EuZR7GKt
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjDLwBkQin
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpCO3rw9ct
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1ZKocZNVP
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMQR2fdYSF
"We're comin' up soon, kid."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1lbZzjP3P
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡami6rNdpjf
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6dzAdVmfY
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIKfsitWHd
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV2AwicnHO
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7o8xga37Y
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB5bs3byXC
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWDFh8bYVC
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5osryQel47
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk4vhahlVA
"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?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmb4qq16Wj
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQiJWKcAKi
We took a few steps forward.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilWbYPAyJv
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY254e25h3p
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomMY0Vnex1
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GVTXjYTqi
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgUPKXF7aY
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8w7jqcRBg
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwkGPxiiZ1
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsry1ZEIyYW
We took another set of steps forward.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaCSjA7Wcx
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjnJZ5Xs8R
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7e6rnagr7
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEeFhY3dBd
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFvUvI4hCB
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LOO456Z23
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXq7THt2uD
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCudlYyzmN
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg5TQTdCTF
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64i9oadnMc
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvleQiuWqU
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ6DX9KHmp
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5uQYjuBcZ
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu7LFK6JWm
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wzbFYE0ay
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzoomwxcld
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKQhpulGTY
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEqwuJaCLL
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn2JgTXgo6
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgGSIDeKcH
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPoecKndsu
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB8clHNRol
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5fYqL897q
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xJmPkPWU5
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVHhiQho6d
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUFFbAOLLV
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE4yje45dc
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfioBfBgDS
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUqFDOfN6B
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KZ6cUEAaS
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtd1NGkBEE
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dQH1ym1BM
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VbYKDhtH4
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWyOzxVlDz
"..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4TaeHCwRk
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5PGS55qnM
"..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSb4nOQY0Q
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUQwRyAtHH
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOx0oFf7tuh
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAVMTq5aVx
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIet80cxOSH
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNyDlHQahJ
"Huh?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkGtHgtAcH
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkzjsf062x
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPshvl8JEf9
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhpa2P0Hqu
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmJOJsdsvk
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CTSAKMVnh
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktzlqbIqqE
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNH3ERJ2BA
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo0s2VpA8W
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuf6n000sc
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ6tr0hVYF
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiAyC6wyOi
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9JHn9n8HI
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNX8BLDSGJ
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGrXIzWjAX
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXtj8QTZ0i
"...What?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKRzBd9LlO
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyMCyzirLX
"Ya heard me."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sDQSZHAjS
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOr6eb26Li
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu4PRciWvY
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzNtIFycjd
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw033EFgrl
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMSCEzoa7h
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZYzAZwYuC
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhvW9T1Rlm
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKj7dVUhJb
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IAjm7TwP2
–
–
–
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?153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnZVBfoBTr
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZodTZv3u3
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BuAYZa6sP
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NMs0WuzVl
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7bRP8eDAc
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD0B9yByLY
"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."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJru4p3M9ul
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjVSiY4Z4Z
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YoV9raGww
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXR5QR82Ua
"Good luck out there. For both of us."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUwVG7Ujuc
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJuokor3dz
"..."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIws0jcmtK
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbii6m0xAdn
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOAU48fhTM
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQjlo0CByj
"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?"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIn5aVkaUk
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKUSJ6kvig
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86RH6DsIlr
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgi7XvnZNT
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hn82WjYBb
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdMxnfvbec
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjDIzzJbMP
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34lEXBqadW
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEck8c4gjdV
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZVG9NG0tj
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlloY4UsvF
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3SRg3Jvzt
"Everyone!"153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfg1D5R6oH
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FiCBQSIuV
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.153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuRd5282zu
153Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxCzSIuoet
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
