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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOz09PqqH2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCKspDYTSb
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY80qsTOfBR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYy2iPmI9D
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vwTbT4C1M
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XesII3ZgF
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83PChi0lWk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbgWdXQ7o9
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZgnVwwpdm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApkEBGPmWy
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwjFMSjRjI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRVPV5egw4
"Crap."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qs1gqZtrX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRqEDPzPW6
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiwfQnIllz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQxALDc3ME
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBDZhgN8Wp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tpjGYEURE
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZkhE7f4A5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu232kOzvg0
I didn't say anything, because he did first.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6YVeHeR7f
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBR07oAl4o
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDzCn6fDe5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYrYKfENHS
"...Uh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV2rIVwL7A
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pqeiu8yAk
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8KArXOq2z
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr93fLJ9AYA
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6T5qIaYtY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYS0i82Iki
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu41UuUC0Qw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVvOkmyk1m
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ0Vdtaw0N
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZIkiH06G7
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbdaD8aZxM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEspd4fp0I5
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XDZIatNgp
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAndDFgFmTe
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk89oUK86W1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72riZ3YnMK
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdM1CAO9Pj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxsQaioK2z
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyS6TgxbOb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9443sDNrZ
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKef9gCe67C
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMm6j96OB5
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDcuZ6AmCv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJVdDiaNIV
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnIXpDQwUD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGCfXqzPvs
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB6vKE86HD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPisJyx2NLJ
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI2Gk6eBrU
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKljwxIBK8
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l7fWIRBbq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTsNvIQLVN
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OvjM38uCe
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiptZGehVq
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAkDCGyyS3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kc4304q9I
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KzDEkHh4Y
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5hw4TWjeT
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlDaCtN6Yf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe3ce2gAwo
"...Trevor."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntsJ2yZsf3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXZJnOsS74
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgupUh9ZRL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaorM0SKloS
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4LKIYeKw9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1oL2xdak6
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDm0GX07k2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfxoUDJ5fB
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFxGOcOWsK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJB64PGdj1
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nyxMwmdVS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdrE4UHKrY
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcX4LXm0th
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1YfVDR1RE
"Hmm..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3kNeWJ8Rq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0G7ADAVS0
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH4kkO8lAC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lMApzsKTD
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktBxsDNnO9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZIsv6AAMI
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmqbvqOGCh
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssspSMuvBs
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOxqtiav1o
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFK3T2FBE1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ9jgjWkAC
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8tlBjajbN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwugCmRcHK
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMtCfqe4df
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZXqPeOv2v
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lvIZdM4a6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMvsAWquwP
"Are you sure?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC75ou75HGy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroNJCqtxLv
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6BUfPMP1C
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAf36uiEP6
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4dqYXc7QX
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ3tPl0Up7
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRXLQxMPwk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrObWIUjsd0
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFk6DWktFx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq2lsuDDCN
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdnDtpkEOw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24wFM9ryL9
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTHmRv5uky
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pp5zkgX7l
I took a sip from my cup of milk.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndL71xKnpx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiou5gzAmz
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGKUydyF4w
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt3ZNA165x
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk1nohXudQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLZv99vgcY
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZsHGE5gBP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRud9Wy5S7
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qQt8SJvFj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiPbRRrC74
"Excellent!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurIJoXLmgI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wHLw84lLM
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7pB4aDVnu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIkgu7E4CK
"I say, child–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy9hnJrswo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RqD6VIPLy
"Please, start calling me by my name."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuEk59aY35
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1uUtxVrFm
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF0qv4KTZq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzv44DlMMe
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqdBfzBaI3
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AQoTuuWyi
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddjQt36ql6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90C5Sbh7Zl
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLebN2v0IGN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvz6PkmRoF
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1SVTNUq6h
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5FtCQmNeG
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWw2kUeRSi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGyHEZR3dX
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzoxiykXaN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDTAIhZ2qF
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSIrLoajW9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuokswFhmn7
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aZt1T2t77
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjbVd60lxS
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyTrOspzjr
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmDUtl6zbT
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWgClmn6cS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwadNYHnxR
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxhYLq9W6q
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSPpbZvRJk
"No. I don't believe I am."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDiNZ0eqrP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1Nrz3gv26
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCcvkoqwy5
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZsmzP24SH
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaox3128JAO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0GPDP4STD
"...How do you know that name?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVai2SWn5uj
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4FdmOxECz
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuo9IWH5Hq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ813dRRAbXO
"How do you know that name–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQ96dczSSP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnY0a7YN0S
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz3EG34Duk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqICPILzqM
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1ugD0l0uC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XzleVm0Z8
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEtOzGBssJ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUm4WZRM7v
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgpkLU4mu9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHFNGb7Ka4
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGM6hduRLwL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2BoCRggwY
"...Right."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tejLlWEA1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCqTTncoHY
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbhhOjEIMk
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjFeYwtWay
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6ZndcM95m
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIJvdpRf9q
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKp92Gb7F6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BMXkSG8gW
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnnQUjNMgD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS97nRXJHn
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXFORYWnJc
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLcm3Zw7ht
"What!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyozicfRqNl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbzD5MSe2R
–
–
–
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1ZTUxOxNz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rJbLfVhK5
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipLb72anRV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHx6EdBTgq
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAadHhTfg2p
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD766HHgec
HURRAH!209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddIGMzpV07
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8D9u1DhnW
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxNbxAGyCo
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVwEv6XFTq
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYN7Qy0wsn
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4vt9Pni77
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSOJ07UWTZ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhexYmkg0DY
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHPJpMkhUs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTKacXQp6E
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO9siUYR98
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4bQjOBlBr
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT6wn9F3Ly
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoPpoECwzv
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06Lr4Mfmff
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uHys01S6x
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTCfiG7Xn7
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfSeyIMEqx
"Hey everyone!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV8EPEMHsL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoryTz6AVk8
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVm6RmELni
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbqnsOU4s9
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT53aEimnR2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ5DYYikhe
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUk6WjM7EV
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ABroT37Vc
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAfW05VhMx
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RtLDSVfig
*HURRAH!*209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sdMLNZl6K
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQhUbRW7BA
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsCjcSBZq1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS5B4wTq97
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRVh8f3flH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNFijq3Irc
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk4eyJNlWI
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR3wLuQZhJ
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyav3DSxxxw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31rqwLEdLf
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0j8AOLl6D
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTKd6fhmiZ
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHYJISNOoB
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ909fIeM2fE
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSRbRIByD0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizQGBGJBoz
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJIb9GoDy2
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESMUOsTKek
"Ah, that's a relief."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8Tx1sfT6T
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXcnIwiDl1
"Looks like ya do agree."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqJSu05Mir
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9vTGaXor4
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ311EOVQywz
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEPu83yAfx
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXoHQrKe47
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdVxCa53PO
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWWNIHiWaa
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7IqBQO7fn
"Eh? Handled?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72cuM0tVS8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpfFYRhOJL
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uIY5ovUUl
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtCvIhR7bE
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe9CAtOK64
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNokSOQU1y
"H-Huh!?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZxblWFTUF
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91nXHkNt1q
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaufWg8hkp4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvNrsE7eKM
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Sj9NuzeNm
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PXFHa091P
–209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh4WisQaMq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6MIUdHann
–
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCyd5WCKj1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxtpHhXAgu
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiMNPueleK
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9sJglbYky
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC4K6VVQvD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y4UMuPU6W
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgWPeie8Wt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVxw4w0Ssp
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqo2fTrK7YA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC70NpYPbb6
"Can ya do it quick enough?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv4iqnFdYs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqnCWUS9jw
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlillTz2kw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXrKTM9UJh
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvttkk0uX3j
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1ibGFZK6G
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtxqqNOvHP
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshhjOIg9Aj
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS0vCBBjSb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslHLo2dzG1
"We're comin' up soon, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY9Mi9QvLi
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3YdzlskqK
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpGatD6sqA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRuG6LhNbu
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7UpOFsfe8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWs8c259KU
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9PxRZmxWA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm61qhFZf73
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cfowmbfiO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHiZbwPthu
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKg66sdVbE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFyJwqyguJ
We took a few steps forward.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OAoEJ7t7b
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvQLGS0uN5
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P9LwXesQ0
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveZaV8sICg
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uYMYGbHUf
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH8H0L0p0v
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflcqYLDrAH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRczynv940
We took another set of steps forward.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR2VeSkGex
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKvNor8n1X
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42l2lHXMJL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4nu64hEue
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfikcOXjd05
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9GRIie4Gg
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSP8iInKD1
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H5TS7R76v
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbSPZYNCZM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgMhD8mHcY
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkXlmAlxLE
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUJSjmLKtC
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzz0dlI7Lt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMZJABefzG
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs90moBEwsT
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswFFrcu21a
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyLwF6dSUW
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRSe0mOdjk
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua1uogofGv
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVYKo7rVH7
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGLCwPfZzQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7CfoY0fzX
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymc6fTi5a4
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidSZ60pIW0
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsulobe5Z8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyG7s4xuK4
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI8fEuHTY6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0amJi9bJ5
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcFMYLWwCS
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt89QGX3bbW
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSpSMyVQlN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ287NnbG5eG
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKuSTEHZRH
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYU7Hg2QHH
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYOrkBXIqt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZKI5U6PHf
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs0chm8QTw
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMA6l0voeV
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMYhFpj8Z9
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUSo1jnS62
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWX8UKHWJC
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChuNuA8Kqs
"Huh?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlnb55QTDM
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzLLAOn5vy
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3RXyCQ85F
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUmYBDOO2j
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3z5bSrR21
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrUHK86Hn7
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DZ5WQ0Fdt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9RFSGI08D
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdviv1otFiR
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQCeE39UVa
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCm2pciL4tN
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmNirp67vA
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5izNyc22R
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOj81YvMWR
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eFQRjD08Q
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclJWbzWKZt
"...What?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X4xVEy6gg
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8VjThgdza
"Ya heard me."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJvGlc7HJD
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcoPtMNTcs
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwWmPdcMst
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBPeE6UYsk
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytO2y3dmJs
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfc4Zg9dBw
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3780hXJYIq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHABmBLKwa
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG69UUplgLu
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjoWJB5bPH
–
–
–
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRYdZbYL0U
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QCvVTJUA6
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXfv2NKZmO
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN1vwbUxzr
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiAdCTLHPb
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HKXN5pV2o
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah12BpCjYL
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMecKkwCye
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1OR1z189X
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCYPl7nec6
"Good luck out there. For both of us."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoxYvk3MKd
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mXDB6CFqE
"..."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1Hw7NBqZY
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSfBJ7Gz7L
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77RDBhBjkA
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vuqACEeML
"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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLXNO05q6q
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpnORyU4fk
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq5KY9SGd6
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v3VmymKFz
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9Dq6At7sy
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmHMMw7hF9
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghuI8JoFvt
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KqSg6KkYt
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ERDEaNL10
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGZ9i8tJ0b
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8l5PVyYa8
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtlNX2u0SX
"Everyone!"209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZVDaqBKwQ
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscFARxoVoq
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.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySK7S4otHq
209Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRpbB4PVys
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
