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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLogIyM9ixf
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gujD43tRH
"..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo3eKlFa3W
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ9m2vvqJu
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhG6T2XhJX
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsqRlqGgbN
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI9nsC5YX5
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGzTu4zliD
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKKrWH6oKZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfZLRPTGJ2
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJwUqfTrYH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaCDCBjHgY
"Crap."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k36uvWcup
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc4DNhEord
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdENLgGXtQI
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXgJ5R5KnY
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc13uzoQe64
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhS2WOdc79
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oPhCc8H7y
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7swQk1RJ1
I didn't say anything, because he did first.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYHhAPnNqR
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xesjURqNj
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFrYKxv8Il
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4b7CFi3oA
"...Uh."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF2kq6HDQk
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sA6lTKxy8
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OLEnePJe1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sMHBsEg56
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHyUKmBsLD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLfLIjPaZw
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxmdMrubNK
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfWqaFKG2R
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgScROo7ut
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9H23gBzbr
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw0KdEZlha
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06Tr6rKTwP
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44f2e3cBDQ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Gftd2p9U0
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY3E8SF3Mt
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5iwQgErzY
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJAqKLwyg6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5VhbsPJJJ
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5CW9ic0cd
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkepNoAFEmD
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5iQickdhb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNIzOxPeNm
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeeo1XJdUW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwd2lXXvhT
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJaf0r0dDE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoU6tdkVMm
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx5RoUFwnx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yZcZIqsGT
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZDM4MelPp
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLH3TcZxdr
–73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcRLfyCyhW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8KN8f9iX9
–73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvP124TZtM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSNlgdmXVh
–73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3mZCROsh3
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6MU3OTudb
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwha2vlrAhx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo8RxLCklS
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyccX0iFygX
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQAZBdvzDy
"...Trevor."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkaUaFCaYC
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOyyYTpD0u
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzKXb6HBhD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4wZuailQy
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdadgtlnEn
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcskKNyzTms
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNKcjLOk1d
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE4wwLK7oe
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWcvBzHFP4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPM80ZdR3x
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NhlkNbKt6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSeSrKiyG7
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgI84OA0ms
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAnqTOuhQS
"Hmm..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMV2Gqn7OY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznb3bZgtdm
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXVuXFB7eF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27vN3LMOfh
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE7SZCP0fS
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H3bFZUakz
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVWeLCO0Ka
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSrWFLxhKV
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.
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL0QTwve9G
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XNP5tvXuj
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVvife0U9D
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnCMvsseYV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTHxHwC29C
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPauQCFGZme
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB354sCb0jo
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTGcl4NsGV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIGvGnY23N
"Are you sure?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVnyTpC1du
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsd7EX3HkC
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOTiOzZk0a
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlY57h14qC
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9jiY43ZIy
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgPttUXtJw
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3VnOm1bGI
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiM41cPj2b
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitEAUDwbgV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyg28dKnNV
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcskGnjXe4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7bAXZq5vX
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIDfNyoJ9V
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSNUlm0rZc
I took a sip from my cup of milk.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac1JnFVJZU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuLUiHy2jp
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGYvQxIX2f
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKz5hCRHAD
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkwzGGuJWT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4ZI1eKWad
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMwHyn0TD5
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTNudc29vo
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWlmTxatwH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8sim1u0Bv
"Excellent!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcWVQ7WuU9
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfLBfp5ibp
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkt61RxsT9P
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtIgZlW1F9
"I say, child–"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH7AjXhWIA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYtxYe9x5v
"Please, start calling me by my name."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkeBWydwVN
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnjeWC1RrK
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIw1WhOmel
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjntcgonPy
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTotJtMeFw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksQCu18jm8
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaxjw4m8r3
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj1Jx5U4GP
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWblw7iSyMM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhYzTliL4w
"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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGqm8ubOkK
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcinB5jAo4
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8grXbdEC2o
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlZkJNoZLb
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2244n5pwCj
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnBptVNKq9
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7kFhfjOTY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4hwLgvVKM
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTQLnA5P5W
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFfsWVM7oq
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcei3pYek3z
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdUctSPPND
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDS5ck1Ls1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgHVQwg7fO
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLuTHSUGJY
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh40E5jzyM
"No. I don't believe I am."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBKyJGKGMG
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvA2Z2Zf2Z
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFGvtn6Crc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCicYCAQ1D
"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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6t7SjmaJE
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntXV6yRSFY
"...How do you know that name?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqhO0Oua0r
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnEmDBd29M
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS7mGSvVtT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡest6Bozi77
"How do you know that name–"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7akZalFc2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA323eLo4R0
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t2PSSJoiA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2UrQeQf5u
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkwk8p21QW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMMovl9Mbo
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6m8z4nHkb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgtIHQRAga
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLq5iNW0eR
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhbGrqm82p
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoqAgkAX7Q
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6REwAeaP37
"...Right."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIr0p7IaDw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7eKvI1yID
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYXFrQUEsL
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJJYt0H7ns
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFTBppglnG
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr89p34xoM
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IuCaKfqUW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0Xi4j7joI
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgIh8R1oOj
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eGU2ioD9w
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWrtqXd0GZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UpH8ey2lo
"What!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqI8sWeREa
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69971LuRDo
–
–
–
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2T5rcn9s8V
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXmWIbaZaD
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZjv7aOmeh
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjFZ4X9UAb
"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!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdq0nAXpEp
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqKHp9QVpb
HURRAH!73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQT81tNpWn
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6jHSUGwZW
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvY6AeC1p6
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4we3HYPyHe
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfCznB8TFD
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5bjHNKiY5
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrccGtHHczP
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12HMwa6YuO
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxbYN4cCKM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9JVVgU4XB
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkwOyduHmZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiezHLVjatB
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m7ssTomyJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKtyqmfQmv
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyPYle1eRx
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TyNdqYukA
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7op0TdBIV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpMFsi7VsZ
"Hey everyone!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjKgBs256U
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykP3MPPa9C
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceT3KCWElF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyilWKTBxl
"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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF0p96gohH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7buvT9Jch4
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Vx6kV2Xh5
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEGhLepHRa
"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!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCdlkRlcIz
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81lG9LUeDq
*HURRAH!*73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK0579K5PO
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡild2tnFNzx
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAXTrn0HU8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzlZ8f4wsW
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkQwo1K6WA
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O7pFDp9Xm
"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–"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPOvX5PkdZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkTbhesoQ4
"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!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI80sm2OfS
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUphDnMTTf
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GKsYDiAHU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQutcR0Zqo
"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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSjs8zrZJb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvxmdyhKf4
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl1QLY74bW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeS8LeKDQo
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQNq45SpHo
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0Dcc8m0uF
"Ah, that's a relief."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUuUxzmz6Z
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2hOhn242l
"Looks like ya do agree."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnv4JYcNX5
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndTeuwtohK
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tY8uhbTaz
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJBNXjqT4a
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fpj5kf0Za
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsNZdH6ZPC
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiZoSz52qm
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFh4AqWo2e
"Eh? Handled?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADIl8Pv1Lg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzogVuj3vzo
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjpBuGFX6Q
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsRkDB2LsE
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfpV8vtHTF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFGe3Oj28p
"H-Huh!?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ6okKk12e
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60Zqqoucb6
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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcMi3BArdF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbbpSY9VDc
–73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24hdPUitkm
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMm2Bv8VwM
–73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPesAOkMEy
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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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZTuOhGWUT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCLEM0dCeN
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OIZ0Y5jVp
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMD6UogkLU
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFAppmzIX1
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOdjk6uR4Z
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFRFy87JZ8
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUKyQCPlVq
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9C8cyXZZs
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tUkRDQhaV
"Can ya do it quick enough?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX227zUnd1V
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHQplR9Mhq
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu1sjCTs8Y
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIT2V2Hm07
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFbjn7vGkX
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFf51wX8ph
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe0DOXvTac
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TlfOAWmRk
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL05zyf4P55
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4oRowLEVF
"We're comin' up soon, kid."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF8c3Z37uw
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTOL7C12Rv
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1PQJPFoSS
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ4pSfBVjw
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO3sP2o2I4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFspa7qqYbD
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7KjYXPqVp
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMVLRT3OMb
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkNEDjy6id
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJacFUVAG9f
"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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhjjYxG63R
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ug5mTTIuQ
We took a few steps forward.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBlyT0zqQa
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzbo9deza3
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatPTD1ND8u
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8xO8kaXCg
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkSArTmUxe
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlrJjVkKpG
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreruDtUvjP
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ARcMNNEgD
We took another set of steps forward.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiq2lTtl28L
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXDrHfOv7l
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7VlH4rbfu
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJmXL1OuO8
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG4j1BmY47
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkntbRiS3R1
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡietmTsh94b
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6YegQVe9A
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxMQv8wZ4y
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0SytsgbWz
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvMhT9WbGn
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZvJrXSIZy
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbWLms6d49
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmA9DQBXY3
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHVav4bnjk
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk1RpbX26q
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2jUjynvy2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTRPFgdGwt
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQakOt1tbsV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCknmTscUZZ
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0StmPF0hJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK0mFbyEcU
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgpnQvlslU
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bcbss749C
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT4aqpJqya
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpDlAfS04y
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUXsZIW99I
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyhtBsrB1a
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjLyKhREMW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2yLl1VL1T
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLeH3PDPzZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY3Atom1Yd
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZYZevUJUZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jCv4BIF8t
"..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH5k8r9bZg
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdNp5tr64t
"..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBnd50HO8z
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDUMZYWCQT
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZvcnp9HcI
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoqzOx4U4e
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZe1MI3Cri
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQznNemQQb
"Huh?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JRnQtljFT
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPIDnkpJya
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6RsxFOzoB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGQe6DG9eM
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWreJHQBMMl
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpSsGvnZm8
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoNgKlSvWb
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDqvRtgPtx
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUlfBFw1mM
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPB6KTspO3
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6rYj3I98G
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKViJZLMBOY
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW9fRnXG8d
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkdM37bQCD
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ03fhnYDp
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9HSIzuFfO
"...What?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI8baJIlab
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXadVlthGBZ
"Ya heard me."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgWozuPumH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PcBENEXMj
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC96lcww2P0
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr36MBXAes9
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVbfAvP5ue
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3ZvcVyRd0
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2psYyUj6Bq
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR2cvGcZMP
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TF20F2ctN
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD4MQZcgAz
–
–
–
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?73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm42MkmvbMn
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo7bBG0jhu
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfS0cDNy0X
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHqJMdTVgu
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHNOSJFUQ4
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJsSBjg5Jc
"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."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEfFUKFbu2
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UaOFVY3Jz
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bEzobP0jF
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle3aMZfsr0
"Good luck out there. For both of us."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2djWHIwFPc
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpOa0XRlLG
"..."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7CACh3VgW
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvHQGAYqdU
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmtZErVgXH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ8sdTT6IL
"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?"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtylHvTD2yB
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUs8P5423G
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUx7RYqMiu
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIqiJHYE7R
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir1cPyAKK3
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8Vmt7JfZz
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8btKm7axTZ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IadsbNYbP
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL7y3OphnS
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vfebhe2a8
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOmGrQ8piV
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMigEo9ESMo
"Everyone!"73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NN0JoyMxH
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HC0kiap2f
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.73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4KnfoK9pJ
73Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZnBD2OufZ
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
