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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9TrlibziV
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"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn2LPUjB1l
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G9p7wHBJr
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"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L1f9g3tuF
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQC1cquRHS
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldFIsKG2b9
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"Crap."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL5XlxXopZ
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixMjiUud7Q
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"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUHupdLglY
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSP7yUfYbm
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I didn't say anything, because he did first.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3LteC8p42
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IL5VgAfll
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"...Uh."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7U54nw1mi
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D3ukzBAMe
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"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWRwvEGcOc
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"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7P0sHuNDR
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWST5Dhtjj
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjw51kOnWa
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Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbHrlonG1I
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg85hRe6yzw
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He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJFBnStk7P
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"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ685gGSFDsa
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His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eBqGdmuj3
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"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53l7ivyRub
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIuHuTQyOi
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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLjEhdBnCc
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGo6QqCr0e
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEEYuWClFU
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–110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhinc8rC7n
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–110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABYMSqmWpo
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–110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g0ZE60Zjg
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGxaCp4mJj
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"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ivExsgOdM
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"...Trevor."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRcVFkA6o9
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3qBIBIcPi
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"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoHCTSgKOd
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pitegYe7M
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb40chqtOjb
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFIMCLfv4Q
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6utKCQ5O9
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvDa7r62kR
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTO5g1olCo
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxpfFVLGGb
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGACq8pVZr
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"Hmm..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGn5xAjtJv
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He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci9FHMUsS3
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"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV2dPLrTQJ
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"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmVUUSzSOU
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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.
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"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YZwHIRXIk
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iaiMWq3I4
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"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nOYvTSyrx
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"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3oY2pZGv1
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"Are you sure?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJa8W1oPuf
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vC4kqli0q
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"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoslkpUH2I
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"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb4hQtYGHT
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"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjwhAgg4xx
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"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HJUMMGE56
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"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7f140fvg8
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I took a sip from my cup of milk.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIfCZcsBQW
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"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYMOBZYU4D
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwOM5JmHKX
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg48AWfLRsy
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBEIFcZ1mp
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"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lqAcB7PxW
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"Excellent!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEeRyf1Izm
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBZm5kfaQI
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"I say, child–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ435U3u4RIH
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"Please, start calling me by my name."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2RD0ZxURV
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXh1RQmOGY
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"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3ud8bXTyp
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"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWDjuXMYYB
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I looked at him with a face of perplexion.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgrcPU9O0q
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"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?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtKo1e87bP
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G7F4fUHtR
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtG8ZSymSH4
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"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQKzwhBEEM
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aeG4G9H3d
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"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B36FfS6XM
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As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLbfC08eVb
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"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpSvZhZTjv
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWkbWYDaUD
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdZ0WrJ63e
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CQsNgwUFZ
"No. I don't believe I am."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXXF4GmGXo
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEcAXOPXNY
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYURx8QxqLE
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"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?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY3f84cvSs
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"...How do you know that name?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3usXcjBduT
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He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlQ2x5iWGz
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"How do you know that name–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt6YY84QZ7
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U8HxeWSVx
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcKbSsop0T
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"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAQYeS5Uqh
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He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5D4SIEVob
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"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZndwSl5Bb
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"...Right."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNAAkCjxV5
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"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPqdEzHZC7
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT6ysSU8NP
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"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYzyKJ50KI
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjHDwQXk5P
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuempwdT2j
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN45mn7pYVp
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"What!?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4Npqw2xx5
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–
–
–
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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Mp5Vjk99I
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoeb7NySB1
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"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!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBICOCwNEyQ
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HURRAH!110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm0PVFBKlW
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzIirSobfH
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Vyb96pPJe
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgqnrQdtID
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"What does she mean by it applies to us?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFHB0kwrYq
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYj5pN4hYK
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"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3otGI5dlEd
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnGInnAyo3
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl3F2Fuz0M
"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCO5j25q0B
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"Hey everyone!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftdRH5qgHr
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lVaPNwK0S
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"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?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvF3S4xUuk
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The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpDezjCUNO
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVGOiWh58w
"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!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXex6Wt8cdv
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*HURRAH!*110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDyo3zfTVd
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"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAwX8YCBs9
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheXJ6uO4uy
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"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–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuTYfHXwen
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8M9D7oTel
"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!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioRJ03WKuJ
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4sn1hnOAZ
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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOcI2Fyaeb
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"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?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJmxGt4yuO
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"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5C5Z3baxc
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He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd2dQHT574
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"Ah, that's a relief."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30qipHgsoH
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"Looks like ya do agree."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUb8U3PuGW
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UsrLBj8CI
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I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wmSxpX4C3
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOy6WEPZ3O
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYMHWu1G1o
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"Eh? Handled?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O7VRISksd
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3VfM8Imam
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"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUXYJZ4TXb
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"H-Huh!?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8abUNYKTO
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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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtjlHFKMDG
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAb96ZsB2F
–110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0kNab89bJ
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–110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CU8kYaTN2
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–
One deep breath followed another, a sequence not dissimilar from walking. People walk to reach destinations, and as easy as it may come, it's an intentional action. It was the same here. One deep breath followed by another, with jittery limbs as compliments.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2o2CgUfpM
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgYhy4E0xv
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"The bag still has potions in it, right?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yGNX86J7u
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"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc49LJnYln
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ5GMXkuBn
"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JJEdjnM9j
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"Can ya do it quick enough?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2KP0izSpm
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"Yes, we're in the back of the line."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVX0q6EXHm
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMxqH2Qc2Y
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"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByr6rlMMLP
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVl7kNvVkz
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"We're comin' up soon, kid."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF4ZZxB7KY
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"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMga0OzIY5z
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q0uJmsr3u
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2WssjrLjx
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"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmKaGJPKie
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"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?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sa2lfynR4
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We took a few steps forward.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWaROxSSjR
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"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRAL57F3Fs
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZnOGybscs
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlfUqGzuco
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOeoIZKDif
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYv5PIMMmI
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We took another set of steps forward.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqerQcVObBI
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"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdskk970ho
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nKRCJaPxJ
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPIDgpCTjK
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tInlI8BDh
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNFdlRolDs
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"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkkxQscMkI
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgSScvX1m3
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"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcRMOOzl8O
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawP86G8Dyd
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUoMNxY3Ki
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbpY7AJkTP
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He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0ukDiv2Ja
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQy8JLZcAD
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1400DomaJB
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTnX9h7ptq
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"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKlwZEdL1n
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w5GNlmvOZ
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"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXqOPRiMwv
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"Ya ain't wrong, kid."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKvhUyw3cM
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"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f0zfKgi4u
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"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa74slEbOFk
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmmRZwve2U
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"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTBLvDQXlq
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"Huh?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7JhI8GMBI
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"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELMIXNKP95
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"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWz3SFxLlA
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Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5mW3xHvqM
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"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWs5o5LaPgN
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdpJvUicMs
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3HTbwIRPq
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEKgiKm1Hz
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"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd44nyrtKs
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"...What?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GTFsdQZ4y
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SLGstwvAT
"Ya heard me."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8d7UM0eBb
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qMRPUQGCH
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlbMU5g2X6
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY33ZIcWA8
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNvWwzW4H9
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9guXnHFEVo
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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzzz0CHLc3
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2NT5jkVes
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk5GN1EH8k
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan9A9TlsdH
–
–
–
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?110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KFI55lYDk
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"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTgq0pHSNk
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpStIyqydT
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"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."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEonz4mmkWk
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His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhA0VVlsnr
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXwH833ElW
"Good luck out there. For both of us."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPb1GrpYgc
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"..."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Dy0JW9q8V
110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhgm8suo5P
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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOYhfxRPCn
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"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?"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInuFbYBYuT
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Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLBFexuTkZ
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"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4ktB1HQr9
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"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HNG4MPCti
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"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdOVguPWT0
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPP6Ozm0Qt7
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"Everyone!"110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf4YS3zgaX
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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.110Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6i710lPww
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A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
