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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCh9ssZP3f
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQtBRi0umL
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIHQyQzR52
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl69R72vYVM
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsWU4Jbkhq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYag8p6aX4
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWu6VHw84z
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fy8Z1uk1m
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRDSvYuVB2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx97QbkcGB1
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAp19d9GBn
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrz1WVEUar
"Crap."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWrgktv4xX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0ZMFHfGHn
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmldZDTVhNW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJPbBLkaaL
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6ukdeUURR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJC99DSIMR
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33igFHt4zi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64trz6AXHe
I didn't say anything, because he did first.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMAvW0sxRT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP6A4PD2K5
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4PmxLmozP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDvO3U7CWX
"...Uh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3plSI2F8w
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTzAelQnUE
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0PcUpAwZD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOyRWSTaS9
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlDVLA5tz0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPULhxYxcjp
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oZQbOjfUe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1iRZwHJRr
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgN1bSrjw6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd5vhQUlLJ
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70hEsFKCZk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYUIp8CeHH
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD65frUlXx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zo8tRYNyk
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPuST3TOPa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t6zy9lQp6
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfRX9XX0Zg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgntFHwbW1L
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5mXR4bJ1p
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoMp7WSk0z
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIqx5Z2HRa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR43SSRB6t
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8P8VUVCdP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlD1vp93fA3
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOS1HaCQjn
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ih66bYMtD
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqUneX9buP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDS2WJHOm6
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fj9R1gqUY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7SJ8dc7zc
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsAd0OwE2y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABWpMcHzJp
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeSzmXoWA0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBr2LqPHuZ
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkyhqRNrC2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvKaunU2mw
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNjYsZIqjJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0EP6vrHZM
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIucWkn3Rp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerTfI5ujzq
"...Trevor."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQKUgCDGcg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0yRcghMZY
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GYydYY6U2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oS7DAOayW
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYi263nTbM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJUMS7QhPd
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KRG6CJy5j
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSASeVpF4Wv
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndpsicCqsI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y217v1Th2
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIeWdejVXP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcpS5gL4ei
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKlKpxFj2g
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDmGGT6Fgu
"Hmm..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HFE0OT4o2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoAKCrjVSQ
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZOfKFNoZc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34CVOwKUsi
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocibyylL8I
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXQxuEy5le
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PA815VCH0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZxK6PwvQi
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.
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqot2Spidvm
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu6CYIG7dk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu73lXjRQ6V
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfawHLl8zQK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTcgyuNxDQ
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXgUbVQAHD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbdGJqTUQx
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhPfx16WQg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj5268iZJQ
"Are you sure?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01aGIfYlNw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBKevyawFh
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmpk0OvtO1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8QDSCOdIy
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFMzyUVENi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EU5mP8KRz
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb5Xs00bMM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgKOV0L9qa
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweYOCi8mjR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN2KVPGZMz
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n4bmZALYj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyCJtQrbkx
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7QxcQoArQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QZ8NISQLv
I took a sip from my cup of milk.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtIkdBv6NC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDi5cQuZgn
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SRMvR80Fg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzDob3Q0xx
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYK35f6J69
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTm2vWS1W3
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46rGUCWbq1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiVt2gVeUu
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPGnfDVrUe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR5GoWK4n5
"Excellent!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nsrE26wKc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxILU0CGDLb
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDGuDORDRF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI00Xqjm6WF
"I say, child–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTntDNwekDg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcruXuYwQtN
"Please, start calling me by my name."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw8XMDcdsB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JKuy3o1bO
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0G7zDygtX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCZnKmVekd
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLtyY5VMce
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD9iLOWWK3
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEtZyw1259
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc800JPxp8
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNEzamfdLo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBQp3kCYOq
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyvNumPhuw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaFfBTlarh
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHptuYGIbj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XBrnWG4qw
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ibp0SMemm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHSqf4h3dW
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFEVGNC2jT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJguyIV8Ce
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAdjDoT3HH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd6frK5RIy
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklN3COChkQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFhgVCfPnW
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVbGovUEOo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3CzoLtfG1
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEK85UGvKz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1dErX47EL
"No. I don't believe I am."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamXcYkCi2T
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMhmKfPKXA
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnoDKX3abk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVF5tFCTA6
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ziW6JMHCP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6mlcXmAQd
"...How do you know that name?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNct1njbG7f
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBdU6wfLHG
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK9i7WMbQz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH4tjIsTfO
"How do you know that name–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuajNhJoiez
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmgi2A5JTg
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUDLsoeF49
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKSjj8Zo6c
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcL9maFkcf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5gChbqAuq
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpqd0ZKcpb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3AMc93e2M
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuywwVfqyj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIPYyRoplp
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TuX2lop4G
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycZw3uS3Dc
"...Right."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvkxVEWOZ8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvZDhJYtiB
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YqRDFLAZT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhczUbu04y
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rZ9kOulAa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjOWHzZaVl
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuHg67SAfw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeY0R36fsM
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFA88a64VI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvr8wAAOdF
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L4OciR7By
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNewMwBRcl
"What!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBycw64ZuRv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9G9j8wCvy
–
–
–
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYnKLIrGip
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16nPKFQ3mT
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivzEmkwW5m
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYajtr2sRMn
"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!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbNvi5k85Z
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QaD5rmsPz
HURRAH!209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXDCPbvUEO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa10fKnHcis
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgVg79MxRp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WTPy5ADrO
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEZg0NuDaX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OfW9jDLqg
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrhBsiwnc6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhiYNuYKUz
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgPLXS1uKO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbHtFiclt7
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHnhBLq8Bh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7VKFpyLjZ
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40pxbp6BNM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidlG17yKOP
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oDRMmEu6s
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOJWQlvb8h
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL7QxyWpWR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqlbXFBMOy
"Hey everyone!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqNyfGYlU9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWe5jiePZQ
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1srwQVOl5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaFwMAatPE
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo5qibOc5y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpov6fJ5INY
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu37VPFTu1W
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM4oyCCKmN
"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!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqtwc4EhMr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHgC2LnymY
*HURRAH!*209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIblw3goGWB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUofZ6CpVA
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Mjp2kM0t9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aY0zknVwn
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr69mITF94w
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYimc90Evq
"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–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkd1PHttFZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tLT00Yc2S
"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!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9snV1iJHLH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFFuDpjTWs
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8EjOBDLVw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqs1aM2kz0
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRzkzyhcdv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7DzB2ITln
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5lZOKB4jV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXERO2GoXnY
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQJf85wgbz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRCnsDzyMK
"Ah, that's a relief."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9tJuY7h1A
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjY5y2WEMA
"Looks like ya do agree."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPJHCGf7Va
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5kuHj2OOi
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMiyqoZebP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPV4rbpkJ5
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgvZv5gVqr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi5ftTPZgj
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DcCxkldUV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyKlo1gIob
"Eh? Handled?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsomMPwUwj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXbwG81Zcs
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pk9C2zzaw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXJuyHhPPo
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiS5l26eAt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUUM0MYbuZ
"H-Huh!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1RaHan0iL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLJarDbIgM
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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdkN4kSJjY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ6RYjk3hK
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIEOoTVpRx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cC0makIGI
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc67ab8oqH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9CMjeUKBk
–
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBx4TcuKaO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3yGN4gkYz
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjrBHG4MfQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4wAucw46t
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6Bci9v9XR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyLLGF6Dt7
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6m3TyZw65
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc9acp7A7I
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkwf0pi1ob
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwlbV5RZHj
"Can ya do it quick enough?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1414GkfQWt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAu28kzEWm
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHuowc8H9E
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7ADqt9no6
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN6U3gcJfb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJwPGWBon7
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui1hQCs2ki
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN2BcDrGr4
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv1IcmLTub
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjo3ukte6g
"We're comin' up soon, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcnScJ3xOv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvewoFqbUb
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1kXxdRn6e
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXHIcCBlgm
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXfIYX0OhE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sOsAZKoLq
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljJqu4qFrF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoWBp9oyMx
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIf5mC2GLa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU5MUaSXPh
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkSeLyy2QD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDKP4k6MJx
We took a few steps forward.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCF2mWwptp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGupHHgnkp
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiq5RJKgEB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqosN1eBBUW
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjE7WWg5dJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcql8JVQ2Ch
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXURqampGxb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qXDW464TU
We took another set of steps forward.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK60yABAzI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2apQFp2ltD
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJktjdfHHWP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWK5ZoVSsr
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk3lsuL9eI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3Uj2s9apI
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxrtzjE2Lb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk3sKncObm
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDiqd4VNHN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GtvxCE5US
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOhDF8rCHp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7UGcszms2
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRIb8kz3Xk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1zmFu1WrN
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6AtzN88lw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCMdd6BoWe
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vRQbgTFJs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEQFVm8qk8
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueL1hpFzpp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaECy8MfbgD
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmi24wJdnm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCnuGlhliu
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OKbOxkfOX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1ohdqTpTm
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ14Mt50WYe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLq06D3p6F
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9uQwURdhs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJONLfmx0gj
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAPrEX983d
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcakS3Wt6Kz
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aIoYysS9R
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gf6N1nmIJ
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2ZyMKbfQe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLK63ZepnX
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MiweHaTAR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqOmUFNhm7
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNZVFxx137
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVyY93MrOJ
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM29gIhXlVl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1x0TId93Q
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sYDvetHkk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZbnB7J3tv
"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bBKlNFove
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpzR2tAAvC
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE5cMSNvFh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUsVXxW7Tt
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvltMBdDPN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C8UIC9xWY
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUeXNQCiUy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRhByQeIDa
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvlPApgQ1U
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuegCUXgk8z
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU7Xbe6MsU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinlM2RdJBx
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ypAWWc2nB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxmjNqt9IZ
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaiezUl2uM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr2oDHWZfz
"...What?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8rYyhgYRv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HJb6lwVm1
"Ya heard me."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYoZVexTP0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozxren1etG
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmNFtkgOCK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKEA54aP9F
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNoB0xnuAD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozen3oyXFY
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFEdTpa1zD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNBVbAlkNt
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0Ldcaw1S4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHViORtOyx
–
–
–
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?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnVUzEAyD2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluvpVySL2i
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkdHcx9U74
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ0NN7Y3FL
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSTgvxfMwm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObaQSkNo8z
"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."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGtmcvKEfp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDblqAVvU2a
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1houphb47
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRD9Dtp4DN
"Good luck out there. For both of us."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf149UshdS1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSHlTCamDD
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgurz75gA5d
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3QdVzOk9R
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6hj2Jq2w4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XADSSCbkt
"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?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMqj7sPR4E
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPIuP38GAC
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkuTNyAmYz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZBVzfPUY8
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLFrS8Rk8x
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWS689VyS68
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc1mLdrauV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI3J6xxGf1
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcNYkttpUO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu8uoOKsU0
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmjgpBbqwe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BrlsH3ku5
"Everyone!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7lDkor6w5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiC8jOqwh8
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.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlOMSN8whC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzurSCUjF5J
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
