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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kD6Ru6qJG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPaZXtzFcp
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gSFTeuZqo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Jt8kYTpwZ
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vyEKTnDfC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4wZ1jmz2I
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4yaHrulBJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDOioJzm8m
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNAqwCEKzh
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmO4GTrVeq
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbiFZ4tC3S
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOMONydKqW
"Crap."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfttB2EUG1u
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hCMTzTShc
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAH2mqmVan
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z2NErTNj1
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7Iu7oLie2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZe5fa97EA
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72NM01RLR2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wmXjG0bFW
I didn't say anything, because he did first.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5RhxswGPk
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XgkMqqLTv
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfwtv6zTPx
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK51muUWMk
"...Uh."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGAqiQLIJ9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH578qMIhoE
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk6w2XuHlg
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb7LjDJOMM
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctqp3AoYbJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHKB5wJ9Ro
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxaKmy3YZo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pv64yUkGq
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveqhK7Bqcb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8J3bGBlSl
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDydJu1nwb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDqN85Vm7s
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNDs61Hbjp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYB2KCxsVg
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElRR8wXAbq
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZpCIijQAT
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToh59gLhKK
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIDFLJ7QZe
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlHTkgw8vp
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wGi2AG6qh
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRrjnKrTYu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNX80jjJTA
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbovBR0Amvx
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhsckw5eQk
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eYjN7V1dn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ922rq5MLwd
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MB2dj8g9A
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwCULgkqpx
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxHJMNqgYJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXmnWVxSBq
–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3v3guYPNq
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoT1ZwNVif
–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xYAJQOZ8Y
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ORiWPzHFv
–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIixDfzogyV
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1W9DlEMdw
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk8TBGiyvB
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8sNuiFKUT
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbRtuvABjy
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBtkJe0vRE
"...Trevor."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGizfB4M9xd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6MbE84mde
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FvoixMuIz
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ5MusaXFC
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fRVrdBor4
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2Hshls1tE
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaagRvk79Xj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz15o7AvFHL
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebrsHXeHVx
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDNHUPji2y
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3yASMCI42
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44Mjj3AE2M
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTfxzp3ySn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACWBqhBdRp
"Hmm..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalNezvEIal
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ163BLm2Oz
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY1LzS2lYc
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw67jhJDqfX
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4drGLgjk6
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9gmuBc0hJ
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAo5BuXkno
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl48u1Z70yq
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.
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIPkJZQQg6
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42ybMP6bGn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbyv6fPWU1
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB78SWll6r
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Li1QA4RGM
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVdYuasemk
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jvTgEvD3m
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fAHptPGW0
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1UWg56uN9
"Are you sure?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fXjimviCJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ob5FQd6Oe
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBGSM2MWxE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqS9D6Jmp8
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWhYAEF3UO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0Aly0TvgS
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5PWzQIDzC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l9wjtdUEA
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo7QeLQIqI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYBpvarzu5
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy49JZ7pawP
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8JfbAMo08
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gzgYdP8KR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdtrvKe59s
I took a sip from my cup of milk.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1isg7hoeZl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5MENiwoJg
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueLJQMGq12
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9UeGNJ8da
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqnGmxliDd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChX9OzoQiV
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFsFSKEDMi
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaOYa6XElv
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2zuJC0TSu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaP4CnAcqFe
"Excellent!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaAnWq6Pb5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMzxpfgBoV
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6khs1dDwE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW6jakKPMt
"I say, child–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PILHIRmRh
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FG2Fwi9rd
"Please, start calling me by my name."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GM6JB8hFE
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4F1AVAp0e
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsckGXRyTWK
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7LK48Ugfp
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡextWTMgUwl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBaY70ABQG
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ0q4uecZo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LZkb1Qgg1
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6gEFdsFGH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1J9RLhOI0
"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?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4GGHaq7at
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zQjzg4XbG
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHJhcxbF5G
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ6ADKuLbr
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnvQsdEeu4
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwRnFUICII
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22yCIFnMGy
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jMrfgGNdK
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ4cdlHraH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKir7hQEzPO
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgYzxNokRh
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc5LDdc6NB
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D3iOiQ5xR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLqt3y64vi
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFuQHxW6ga
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQOBApONoT
"No. I don't believe I am."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGVyAMrZ5J
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9BqLVuLeE
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz0LqBXhVZ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxnvVoOXiu
"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?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDAss3X5Mt
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkcetzNd2D
"...How do you know that name?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxZk9XepwW
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Mc30CSBnt
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowUjDkjeym
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTuM6dCpwA
"How do you know that name–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhWMCVl7PD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKyHsUZ5eZ
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpEcrjCRsb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21HyUww9Vj
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzedoXIRUC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxTc4a38qT
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDBKMf9qdm
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdP4Xo7qjL
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFOA51WdF5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6K17Oh4j6
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dHfugohf6
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtbVw0VK9q
"...Right."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN7BNGCNna
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCX7G4ADg7
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmsoaqohwx
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRLOCIiAyr
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk8R4nFSCf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5yGfhQaOA
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQwedqtI70
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjl7oHC2o9
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX38bRBMyV
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYJN94niEP
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NKb36FXab
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMEBwP7j6Z
"What!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhEmD4MbSr
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXiH2E3tNu
–
–
–
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6I4ywNgFj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYedi55OI54
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCtAndylzo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvRJXPmfQ8
"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!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARYr5T8aGn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vDYjX5Csr
HURRAH!74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHFfj8IDGn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxdwMYuO4f
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpf3iMe61t
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1h7SCNiAM
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIskk75mqVu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlOECTjvu9
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTd4ZlVZsqD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbhIrHkllQ
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oZYFwUSPb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hjiTq4ggs
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8iid31f3q
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QqQMdRFAC
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AxErA6MpU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AZ3SIb1dO
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOOJCvAxP9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYcHtCXfLz
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbxZrcv6Zu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvEDrG2S0M
"Hey everyone!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi7ZrEWYWh
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxIrskDZ6o
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J0awJa5WG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjehE1Myerv
"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?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOcSlbXAs7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1TCxd5PVV
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZn4a3iMvT
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmoa1nlCxj
"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!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3gcDQPpAo
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3KTp0fUKv
*HURRAH!*74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchDrCadPPF
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8LZI5zGwe
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIbAn8D9HF
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IuSMzZO0k
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnUuw5FNpF
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCirnK8y2cM
"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–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfZY18ezeC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze0beUzIu8
"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!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftuzPGxv8I
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkvhXNJSYd
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tLuwUXJry
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtA0wYjRyR
"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?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJUBYjOlae
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKNvSF8pYQ
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTPwQie1Gd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat6xvMdcP7
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWgpwEFTTH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiPpSYDbqV
"Ah, that's a relief."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLBGNgL3EG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6obeKmX43n
"Looks like ya do agree."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzFErh7IeQ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulDxvgst2y
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOocFNeZgIK
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z3Fz9MUtp
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCwgD6N5ev
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UXOEIbAGg
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGysdiCTulR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGtTFdMnDE
"Eh? Handled?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLeUr6h1Y5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu0nz9UMxT
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcdk2iTQOd
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx7oIK7xgE
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFJq7IKZJf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0MPC8qUOn
"H-Huh!?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2pY1K0X5B
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImF5JzKlR5
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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpx3KwjLY5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotr9ehZPPS
–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEdifHGVY5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIKlwTvGby
–74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATt9CKoRNt
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoIxhYvPpB
–
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLWbsjlItX
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycmC9TJzYI
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkQv3g90lK
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVTgK9Fnhl
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW4FeDa0nD
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03KfGkEUM7
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ioemaVSRj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlBcQ9Ujt9
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwHcl3SNVT
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8uTFhqSJH
"Can ya do it quick enough?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVL2qdo4AU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH9XjRoRSA
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9APWpacut
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxOPfDaaM1
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl2MIENamv
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthaDw6o9TN
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLJ7v6tDYO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54L1pU0Q0L
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOoyTPaOZ2
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05uHiqedSx
"We're comin' up soon, kid."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4bz2EUZFA
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBTaZ0Ip6H
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMUr7tinbH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8T9G5yyEN
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN2wG8pUOj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVfEthZsJJ
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NsQuVEnPi
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPOK2z7vjC
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZisw7QaxC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1kbWpnsxc
"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?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsKlkVrQWu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEFCKRsYmK
We took a few steps forward.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb75xVWQypu
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEfzx3PFdd
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqKjHVLVw3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IbEJTL4HZ
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OfnxBSUm6
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0YKdKovwc
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosFboafeVa
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVEE6TfIRf
We took another set of steps forward.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiBQJmqKXw
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZgWSf8T9o
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91otIIHwJj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7WbzeRe4L
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtd90PGtEC
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjT2VTVipy
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiRwhuVy3n
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nYpjjfPlB
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTV7yArSjO
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Kchw40LRB
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6REr8Mvg5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjcukU8VJD
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeR5NnAlaJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnP8p6pP1g
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz332aRgrT
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU26y57uQ3J
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyUL9ryZuf
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWWdnYbM4f
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01uIVBYD7h
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNYisfUhRm
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMcovReyAA
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGDKwRpexU
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfPh2hdkvn
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5it00TYxTO
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkYadbsX7X
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrCKzTantI
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvcqNEPJTW
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCWSNtJ3aX
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHOrdec7HF
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58idGpY2OJ
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmJM0WSBQ9
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA0tpj9aow
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk6j2Y6ZUl
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EEAztMmXw
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5rWnLh14k
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovkhLmXTNI
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5J1pVrttm
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7CpHLGSuw
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSXOB71RBb
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X9LaGgeFt
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfwzNVfot3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtCRAFt2rM
"Huh?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLjgQRrpr5
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ012LtfV4Ks
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2BxOVOA9R
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPbZUpSLVv
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8o8SUguLG
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl0YblkpCr
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRSEqDbjPU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlSVo2i3Mq
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlhYV2AIDw
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEN5UlK5J3
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyXK7oCMel
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgSdSjcR5L
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdPaGrhwhI
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfycRaLHFNy
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOO4W5ijn7
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tgt3XPKdc
"...What?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSZXvrux0t
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhdlFtTg4W
"Ya heard me."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdJsXtE76f
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B8LB4iHBo
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk7wwxv3mJ
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWMsK9UsS5
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VKj0nm4XT
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaedG8iGkD
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4fiuWsQYz
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3QKiBLOAn
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2uTx2zXmH
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiem1ZvhtLy
–
–
–
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?74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L8z8u9X4S
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMgATVdttD
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFKPb5JZPN
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4hl1DFg3T
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliue8Gl2oU
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS39JQ5pqx0
"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."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKcCzWGTJ3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4HGtIVTW7
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZG8MUaCj8
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rrUJYRR5U
"Good luck out there. For both of us."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vGYe4Poob
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYxEtcrf8j
"..."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPWJO0VJDA
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtCYhFkS0E
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQM4vEo8sj
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJL2s8E6XN
"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?"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjCxB2A8tR
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt8leKpqZ1
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyn0ixQCTa
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3lzyJpImC
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9rVW8ZWj3
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyAFO8ZYok
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbfUYJdErY
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMU0agTiEG
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp2nEkZ0iY
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qGoPpZGdf
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHrvSKiwMi
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxtOORPujU
"Everyone!"74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhSvW7FRMz
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9aBZNqXAk
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.74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZAHFI7xph
74Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrIF5sWTEg
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
