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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxSodCmVXa
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66BAtnN1ev
"..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIzbnQMEs3
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXMXNZxihJ
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTqopulQoe
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JrWssbBrR
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkle2SFVt0
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe4F1o6blQ
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ785SAr0THL
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4qlcYGlIV
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EVh1OCw9S
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ25guAObS
"Crap."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmp6PhYJn1
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLzkiAI7ZH
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7bNDYZ3sd
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoO54CLa2I
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ081XRY2Ak3
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2mV1fv258
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5HO3rIEF8
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVrIzx4zOk
I didn't say anything, because he did first.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraPsbhw0BW
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhHXqzW0OG
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mtfnkID3E
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWV8c95OmM
"...Uh."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72Dd3C8aHd
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMqU3R8LI3
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz4wlOZxXY
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLL2j3JahS
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdr6YCHViM
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLpKMNWdtk
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsilDj0c2iJ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XbatMnvnx
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkolcq6blT
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mZ8SDWnd9
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuN4Xn7VXE
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzeB3rim9N
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgRvRtr9zL
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVT9VZE8qN
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjctHSkELi
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx4s5vjIAi
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xwQAjao0y
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnA26Te62q
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0BnVZfP34
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymlOLU4Q5E
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXoZ2yvvxf
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoiDZ5uL2G
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N6pJdOTRh
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiaH3TsqLL
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkY7kMw3KG
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX9oIxfBN9
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ0uYLj6Qm
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp94I6LVhn
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzyY3na6E7
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarImlC0WsC
–173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KLdS0w2MV
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXZ309ScNz
–173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVx93xLACd
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQVHwdfkWW
–173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJe8fMl58z
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuWLZrV7PW
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvGYQZ5Dkg
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytdKEUSxkR
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSxKArKRMz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX70nBNymXN
"...Trevor."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgCMgj7Jeu
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlZGer49xf
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX5ckIrXKQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeknOhfUhFm
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfDTASNbeS
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi05sSRCPB
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZTMoHO7Ld
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNusUI323D4
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDnc6KUu44
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXwYipESch
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXaNmDRyUQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjQ2xlHXAB
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBmtHv9UsG
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTGf2fmaux
"Hmm..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOJa5uPSqB
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAjyFtvGIN
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE8qlOkZqQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbZtcZPM3b
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PR4Ub5ypb
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmYpZTmOh8
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEN3LMKryN
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkapfkZOZqH
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.
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr112gSXmF
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDoT1qmAxE
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMJitIRnBE
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDXxoY1C5I
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP684d8XZU5
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESDmYJPbxb
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHSNKvvcBC
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HNAc4su94
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIldLJqZza
"Are you sure?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PHpg5hmWC
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7jfhqSeJp
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzPKEREdxo
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0vNrXnw6D
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBHsQaxyX8
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK3bd5Hd6A
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHV74li9s6
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6VB6lwUx2
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqPyvDGehP
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TfHSuwrHm
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiBXz7xiqq
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6LacZgw8u
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aV0kjENxW
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMG1pywDtU
I took a sip from my cup of milk.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFDWEbai7f
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjMgtsDYow
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zukw5QKGo
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaniYtbPYbH
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgMldsiikg
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXynhLDIcs
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz4VGHuWQU
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdMhJZY5be
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXyDbFBemz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtzZGtlQtn
"Excellent!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE5a35Z27A
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7Npz0VZPO
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6NOFrjaCk
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3xe4wA1jU
"I say, child–"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nFEMVI5BX
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TdSUC2pyC
"Please, start calling me by my name."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhJeVdXRUS
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSsnprzThU
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR5B5lBm8Y
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcOD0UjrEh
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYbgVZZubf
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gjb0VH77q
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMe3eTHqZU
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdhvZYH4B4
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2VkMeWxIy
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznSjT5rrwI
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEn0X65q5C
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSpuGDHBFf
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXLCWtEuRB
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5qgHlQA72
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EAK8rzfws
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUX21FFIZ2
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk9DMtKUA4
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCdl74u1Lr
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzIU3ZUGEP
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvOQVaqqn8
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzFxatcskE
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFaelTobew
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEGRUoMpP3
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4J1ygme5i
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DE8qVKjXE
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAA6CMSPQ8
"No. I don't believe I am."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oHlc3vNKa
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTKMwY3keq
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbkKJekJy3
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QURx3kbQ7
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6BDJrvA4O
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1NAr3vF9L
"...How do you know that name?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrypVaXn8M
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCCxLjf3W3
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡletcaqg9xo
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmvc3FezsK
"How do you know that name–"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYhQzzyUIB
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtjqDX8qim
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9sEyzxE0r
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUzaqEz3gc
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaha0TNSt9
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiEPxog9VG
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAHkQix1jB
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RB1nZyUpg
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNuDxK6jnS
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOZx5ymf33
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYOpTtCTVv
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7mpGpm0iI
"...Right."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVGVkF6B3d
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAixhaPfTO
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlMvYLWAmm
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDgyWksYqw
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrFJpG6QeK
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiXBZKfrlD
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhPHL1gbG4
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU8ej1h275
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsMm8b1Vz8
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyyjvA3icd
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR1r9zZII6
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLWSOwCScN
"What!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qk5X8EZgz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt7eG2rR8e
–
–
–
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NRnPmdih8
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O6nCxn9wg
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfFh1H4Y6U
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0qOknFQUc
"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!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqeAVskZV1
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix7RuwUNeP
HURRAH!173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpAk7YWV8a
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZsaCkOl6T
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYviRonX9JX
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ayAmZ9HyB
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Bk6k3jkM
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMuYrEAc6p
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4hCjm6RLn
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjRG5Gcqu3
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCwLIhkN5g
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV7DY3VEoo
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOPeaxxycT
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JRZNXNhLg
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIeSVP3QRI
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL6IbTEPkM
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUldNUy2xOt
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG7irPAkk9
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZULdbsPob
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAM1XJaOmE
"Hey everyone!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNWPQjcbst
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrEPKSPZDo
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0fV7Wy9xp
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPcu4eyc5R
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tanJ7pM3v
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRfnwbtlDc
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh2tJ3Nrlx
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3kSHE0iSl
"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!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4WrAtWQmn
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9BBh3Jtyx
*HURRAH!*173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p8Tc2IG5k
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0j6hV0K7r
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jF568wCe6
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY7jKA10Mm
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16WA21rL5N
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTXArbhNAj
"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–"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq48hzEPWq
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGR1qF2ijH
"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!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXvE4Mz2Is
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurD3Yos91S
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrKdSF5dtf
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDe0lhqcKD
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaHMZ4CIir
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDaBhP2Qjk
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBAiAc47Zw
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82vei4Fn2Z
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUhvVh5wE8
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4QUk0P1c1
"Ah, that's a relief."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFBnmR0ew5
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBFHYZr7UQ
"Looks like ya do agree."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zZ0qT3zar
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnpIgEvi0j
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvgeKd34bY
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1XiZiPmmd
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKmPFr42VH
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCcduS4PvP
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38TdRXwrCu
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9aAsOExxC
"Eh? Handled?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF5TJx7baA
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4tmtY62TS
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcLDIFCo26
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGdjaWoLTP
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqy8x8OxWA
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcZqac5bvP
"H-Huh!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBy37P6Nqo
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrhVzopJl6
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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQHAM7bV5M
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXi95jhbom
–173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla4nl9BU7y
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79V7zmZfR5
–173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHDmNbBoZ0
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu8YDFlXmj
–
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQkre74fx3
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcF1VuqLlz
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9vPMCiG91
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KMuddILUq
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEVOOH2ijL
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeHAtF0CPV
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDaAXBHfSe
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33bd3j7Vte
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwP3EU1bZH
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b3FpXZW8O
"Can ya do it quick enough?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKm8N1vBvI
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoR4ZwdQfk
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMIaLOBFR8
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabFREsltrb
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdJ66z0gwK
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0euHf1o41u
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YYDxkGMB1
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaJXX5RSNC
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlBwdqkAVG
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9Sr4Rrh5G
"We're comin' up soon, kid."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7DT502MH0
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hi1iUrB7o
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNbXnfGR3c
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqJbGc4XOv
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae2aylYrrk
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN5397CMof
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXTteDdrEo
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNmc4xWaXR
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu0KZ3520o
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHNiVXNbtF
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo11a4b4EM6
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8vWFyceE9
We took a few steps forward.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L0yJCvDaa
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqMu8iIM24
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuA7wuD78B
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCO7WY5HSL
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0TKmUoMl0
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdx2wdWLd4
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQDsnQHjjI
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mjzAuDfJO
We took another set of steps forward.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTaWhJKbxF
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoybNNJiNo
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsQW2GXh73
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyJn8VWHEv
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1njsVSpv9
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r61tTVEDA
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUIGA6hy6x
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb96a6NpGQX
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnKQtRZg63
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42edGWXca0
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS9icdxdBM
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGeiNwBjsR
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt98AsY2ya
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNEDLZ6C7u
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKM89Q7NfM
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0hyjsPjtc
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk7MQteMMQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRctAPRPvz
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ16mJFAP4y
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde8VFwsvYB
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk0tppaK19
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTyqdc0uSd
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtML6xxzl2k
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DUMEFCdkh
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRpq0SQxCp
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaF1w4ju68l
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMq4J3cQTZ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUxCn8yGOe
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj9s4jP6hQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8VovCLiwV
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bNASIoxVS
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yulkbuk8m
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHCSjzLZHB
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGU0bc1WXr
"..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LRhq9zAVQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfAKXsh0xE
"..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcE5fmDuEN
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBoi6IgQjT
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0idEq8FWAw
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznc1gdTnzw
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsihOcHLqxh
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUb4fmwX8r
"Huh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXhqw28whM
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7pAoQJAvt
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgT04AMU8K
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEtdMyIb03
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGLo41ISX7
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIsqR6dyi5
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHSHpW09So
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WQtdk6uvV
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK37wKjRcP
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOpnQe1JPz
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMthT8x4Zyn
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNqLU7SbMQ
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow7oJOB9NJ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP8mLBhcmT
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UwHhvpXQZ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl631XcvWfk
"...What?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fVF9giTaQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNpMIjCYwq
"Ya heard me."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1ewhFtM4H
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpazo5PO797
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCpe8vsCtX
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcQVdKQRlk
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRc21msLto
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSAAy8PCix
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaHRpQHYEf
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrYcCDFit6
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WogRrMuwr
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i7UiKNtvA
–
–
–
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?173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6OUNExHBO
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuEjT3Bj8D
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgebAIEPvL
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntmsUosTnB
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJyDGcKZOn
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc97q1Wo0Wm
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b1SmPWEpW
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQYQQKbgWT
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YJmZOd4kM
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lzajz0pJ1
"Good luck out there. For both of us."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE42jPAsRsy
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDjTCH71om
"..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBRKRhhr1O
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOguENvbFAZ
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSmdqkB2g7
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAPL9n18ep
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0cugoPAIQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hcix8sezR
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBmsfEpZXe
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzmkAOKO4o
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf5CrUdFav
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNiu0d1Mr1
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6uWiMkesm
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD1DGwH0OD
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEXTnD1gWr
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSrcIqNu41
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjkJy6EIdq
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFIfsmbKJ2
"Everyone!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruADvSKOYt
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4M6QzcYV9
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGouGaDhmL
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokkzkFTpAF
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
