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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEA8UowsH6
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUvvqv9smo
"..."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOVefHIExX
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2M1EkeYuXi
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AMhRB1wCm
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8p0uaYMMq
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu1FWIF7QC
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4eMTfta4a
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyetJTu1zKq
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKJKwAUQbs
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsDGlYCERD
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOtOfpYGLA
"Crap."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuV1UtBhvy
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ046UHWwsyh
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb5z9fkbz9
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7HoWMFmh1
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lvwzJLANl
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nvH6wCBaA
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXlsK5R2PT
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfMG0cCNKI
I didn't say anything, because he did first.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPoo29WODs
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BNhxdeyqP
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ9SOPzruR
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3aPwa9u3s
"...Uh."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYo6Hsxkt4
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf38fx9Xlo
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCDIN2Pciq
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRereKwIg0j
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EDsRXyvN5
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U2zqnvstN
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6F7qxKySd
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjy3u6NQbh
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOTlW297JL
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzrdLpX7cV
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvuqFWsDD9
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr6CQTixmp
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvP5hKLA37
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuhtsYccUE
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvrMz0Sd3b
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0lkm5QkPt
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLGq717IYS
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx42fbA5kG
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Nz0ebiaFV
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sjhtSIo6Z
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79GoeDH9V3
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8oo0WDvvT
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYiYcUnA3y
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJxsL7jm4o
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPDZHfN9Rl
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXRyTWLfEq
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd5n9r7T2L
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV4zhlLzCb
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lLNpAeevX
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbZjIFT7fz
–126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY2N7Y1qbB
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVAozdUpnF
–126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLifWOcigi
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7GxWuh36q
–126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapkO1sBOyX
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWODBtjUbD
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD7o1lcjjA
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHShcDSuZ8
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvQdCUxFt5
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsXwnKZy4q
"...Trevor."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V9LmHd9hJ
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlIn9wPyIi
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDHwQsb7HU
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VMguSf1e6
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGVI1ppWW6
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalMhsm7nUZ
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILPS3gnfcX
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5JvxzTfQ0
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFhXgdXSu2
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZrzMn0ht3
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgxv76P0VR
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno2jqiAt2I
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lKnUixqTD
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEOCW46Zms
"Hmm..."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVokuu8Q5XM
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp14rwE6xQd
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwU1HhlcRG
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT75eHxqML
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrmYpSVOL2
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU06cCcQWF
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9u2UjdUUr
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiwSbjbFZ4
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.
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwDHDI72NJ
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G271GsRLd
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMntuWhoB9
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4SHZ9cgwu
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4nJNvLebW
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9S9a4r0DS
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Us4VYTsTF
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIElzwOBwH
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0Pu8nYD1m
"Are you sure?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeGDdsHwdW
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXi23opaV0
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYgLGirb63
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIDl1S0Y2g
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV2elpxuil
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnF2sU7PgZ
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPulSpFhYI
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IEDkY1j8l
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyR6z9RdGk
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIWNJ4qSsT
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD68v7hr2X
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSFbDbHYnr
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXQacAfS4D
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydzaEi2kEB
I took a sip from my cup of milk.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq63f2SejJ0
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkehojdfRga
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qcltISKeD
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLodOFWeHQ
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kGQhlEiVx
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnVN7hmJfB
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ2vTA36Oc
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vVuQ07gYQ
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWVfZ7m58m
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLuH8uTZkQ
"Excellent!"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGUzR8iKFW
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡineqTmm9h1
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXghUSeSm4
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1jInqylLt
"I say, child–"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNW7ikvEi6
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0JFVGOAK4
"Please, start calling me by my name."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix5X4H94sB
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY392SHmalS
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0oHQoH3eI
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcFycj0AeE
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0HTEncmWc
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71yBQhRZoh
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH056NHITAd
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4fxQCrqtR
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12FsATGUrI
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEetGp4aJk
"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?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd4piKRdWV
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZe7Ggz6Ka
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj1gbGHke0
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKuWMGNBdt
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1ar6xE7g3
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMABuPHhlZ
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF2FPMcscm
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzRMYlQM1N
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6aI7zikRt
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRV3GAiHz6
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4paTRNXou7
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrumpQPaWvj
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxyemPX6DC
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec9kohwO53
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jq37ffeKA
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg6kk7Y2zF
"No. I don't believe I am."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER6aqIuvHb
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLuetBDY9r
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwEKIv5aDQ
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PYnoNGODs
"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?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ygiyME65I
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPOZtbGKsc
"...How do you know that name?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoQVEMH5AL
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxocfr0kJm
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYXc5n5UDS
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVEmV5ND34
"How do you know that name–"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoGvAGh2Ez
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG1ebmcNmS
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaCjmVkWbu
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp88yBRv2B
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3CzDYkcii
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKId51Hcie
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4uHHPWdGJ
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji0RZ4I3Yj
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRlRJEkRB5
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9seLwvmPct
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImFMa4l7BA
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT16NnfVNS
"...Right."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqYtzj0FRN
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VfwTFRLX0
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02zMrGAxtA
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zxYE3MVzN
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcF99DIxu3
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gzaOBa8YP
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmmHtUBlsH
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqEvR1pkAU
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgkFngOn3H
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhfpGk4Exo
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HgSJnYHbK
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl42DyVxDB6
"What!?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fWabexmMz
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAzsNjDa5C
–
–
–
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCnCPa6yz4
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoOZ0U2GLv
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdkejr2J6B
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQRRYPc2vv
"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!"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4kpqY4by5
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHenLTNqTU
HURRAH!126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdnOV3KdHj
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTSTisE97Z
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB22SnlSdoW
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvatSeTINp
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzFiU8vWGw
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN55y9ZCTC
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleiaKeReTl
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbxqXl756N
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfScsrJA03i
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGbpfHvNQj
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRSmasnuWH
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd6W8tkM48
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Aev2TceIU
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIUSunM2pk
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAuM0CYAHW
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpEicUOpFy
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdqKEKZ7fw
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXliU7qUp81
"Hey everyone!"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvl1HhGuKT
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5rKFzDe9P
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbpgEnws2f
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIvlqfcaBs
"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?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqlk02Pqsl
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFlvwh0srj
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4r0WFVZw9
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCHmaPXNaf
"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!"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUzD1kOLxr
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKa3CL91W2
*HURRAH!*126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9O361FCis
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK3wPq73hL
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5LbFXM89S
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnJ2qFDsxT
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51xNXQkkAe
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPuxIgFV7b
"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–"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKckNMLqHdo
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDImPpnr0xC
"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!"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlkuHxoFi6
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQEPvbggBQ
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fzwR0FZ0x
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuRDTcFb2Z
"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?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGfQZCW4s7
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5jfFkIoCD
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc3JUJc6ky
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFD4MxyOWb
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1gOYqwsu5
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKTOmx5N6w
"Ah, that's a relief."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WpjZUx2F2
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgRt3bu6B5
"Looks like ya do agree."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9apuAQsrwi
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcpHPcuV9L
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6g7xCIddA
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP67kiQtiUP
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB6Aut8drZ
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBfPXTjaM2
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DPlHHYMpf
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TuiyGJJEI
"Eh? Handled?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwya1En0dIm
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC84pzPi18
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVveC8rdK7C
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMvJnLOL7Y
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YC5kEq7Fe
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarrHXmMDB9
"H-Huh!?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqLVAqbJyx
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kOaMvrOuF
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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07FXEDtuRO
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4IN1FveQ4
–126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZV4ZuzGgy
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH4AWGsrHq
–126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONlBBi3oA3
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhTxsvBaM1
–
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp19TOeCgBG
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKn4UNxqvA
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yPgXn5t5O
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROsMuUf8fE
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhbxWN9PJU
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSORNDiqHm
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxIKvouAaN
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP0WULAj8l
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgABVB4Y9ci
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm32NpvzwQn
"Can ya do it quick enough?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSmxY51lOo
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOk6fLWqbr
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7wvPQDwIX
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiknox1YyJ
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6omJtBPTS9
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYF39YtWus
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor6xm7tM06
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiZHY0yoSf
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZwaqn76lU
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkoZvzGTzy
"We're comin' up soon, kid."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR9rVXkrA1
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q99isONX3
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvXq927BO1
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NFFgh60Qj
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcM2LZaN5e
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2F3QgYfkh
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5AGdCwaMV
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf0rKYKZW2
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq310Vj0TA
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g2r40kXTv
"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?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNoVMI8fyo
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaofcXU8wrm
We took a few steps forward.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdtZsLQRMF
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5T9KzpVMF
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHLEtOJISa
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAucM0ffZR
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB8zkZSQEX
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x27dkh3jW
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJcssHS5Kk
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHVCAbTCtZ
We took another set of steps forward.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk2LDEQ6vi
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTw4KgKLiu
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmuWenrPzQ
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzBOGtXyFA
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTc9mA8zTl
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4hfOxzdv8
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3mZYGEeO3
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w6IYC5GZ4
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUbb9vnbKD
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp49ltb6fQ
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jWujqQB39
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8IOnxuEyS
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATHUQmwJaK
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe025b6F3d
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc7X59267E
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqjkkI2DxG
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa79MVUXjFK
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehOl1wSPEF
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwA54cSDut
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCdqFwdXtM
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx7uCydDbc
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjL8b7MUeh
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIBEjmLzzq
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUswhxDkus
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY6icUDppB
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9AIzUwnph
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyVYDPuawe
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFK2wd7pd8
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebt65d43HI
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyuxrgMZAJ
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkMx9sHZzb
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBA0cTy1Ng
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQSaUPdA9F
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgff2gkF7Ko
"..."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNXiioCicP
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Thys5QJ5J
"..."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZ5ep41Oqb
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGVdyJrCoU
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWJERpXFNl
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT4slTTcYp
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBakwdAlmU
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU5yBTdvXH
"Huh?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eS6uXcrYK
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXxwNropyA
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8ufDYvBeF
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOXmmJ6Gtb
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTdzaxkg06
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDxw7AtIU6
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BwTaSyw5e
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp60X1f1oAe
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFBtsWvlRR
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5TpkvpYoZ
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAfXHCXPac
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr69lv3kls
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIHw6Ma59M
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSoqfV02xJ
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd5bTPCCsc
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLJB8Ga9M1
"...What?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm2lQHdhfa
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5gCXhYCnu
"Ya heard me."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo47ayO7jU
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPtuZL0Jjb
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvlu9TeeDN
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3ixwSokOx
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuZZA7YYph
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmFFDmBDco
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9YbCd6e9k
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJwAj9NPQl
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslFAKMfX46
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QYdAdoASu
–
–
–
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?126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mnKEic98Z
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg20e0JpSnt
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICbUhrnyXj
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHH21h1tbl
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfSreGP0Zf
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonhykxwTKU
"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."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPWXQRu23U
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDNw2Dtm26
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMKyq0AXaj
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpzajkMsRH
"Good luck out there. For both of us."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSql64KMXXx
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRlph1RLUW
"..."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjSqNiPH7x
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHpHeDPqpV
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPqa7ViNTP
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWviCKVQlwo
"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?"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtUrLhH91v
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k3nvW66d6
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDKckt5yta
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi4cXMM46N
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCpbmdVDU0
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9SY9tj0Ru
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmPEzXHtWW
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItjSYkdMhq
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaXLenDVX3
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh5OmScf8F
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkzwE0U3kX
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBeX6p1U3g
"Everyone!"126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07G23alcAv
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUnUvRFyDw
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.126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEt8pJeojE
126Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4UNSZANJW
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
