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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0xRk1UMLk
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylrErAGFLu
"..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoVeKdZ4c5
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXRRgJj2M2
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7YjUOAB8m
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbACnhUS2jY
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLei56tWnWC
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEfUmMJsaI
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPpM9A5bHU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsvDv2nETu
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUBJplwAAq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhIzOeqN20
"Crap."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLZW4wZRXa
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSXWIsfRAs
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjvm9nqXVb
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XvVzZ51qG
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtaCBXrufr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvdTsSO8Rd
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHqyJJH4Pv
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqE8uuiIQ3
I didn't say anything, because he did first.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSel6TPPJS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNDQWj8IC3
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kjq1owT3T
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD4EG7x8eR
"...Uh."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JWxsfTcFh
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS10OKRVJpS
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCOo2PJVxF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9xvu4QNjF
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm5lYXXYi8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhNUvDtIWb
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYUHcemiDv
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKZZ3k3EiN
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOOeNKXTkz
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOPu8IRxnr
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW8O4togh3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUv3OG1NQt
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAaRH1TI3q
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6OSwCMLvu
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqshUHzHyO7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOORXtP1EA
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavo9fBi2iU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3iAM8NThO
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb4IQLdGp2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHKL7FzcXe
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYvwhForNV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1CWDtdIq7
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJHfPtN5pT
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGMnZEq74H
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ7ItouCQP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTmns78I1o
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeguEw5dKkE
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouqvwRlgop
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MJ3OAMkHV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCk2qgFDxT
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCnYnKKXUs
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWP9skJDjB
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ymexaot5a
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW4mnsPW4f
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY1KHDhufj
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZj8Vni3EX
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBuJbnx5rt
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ167chJjqcG
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngbJfEz2S9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzDFf4J48W
"...Trevor."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX6xpdKtiy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn7nRqqPz4
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv3C7lHRda
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ToGqJuHF
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc5HgCPdQC
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW8mryBcR9
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxsHIf5ISG
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGXJ87NLhA
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sZc69kgEG
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV5ZbGWXOR
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkIss39LkQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFqayw4iZo
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e34E2Q88N
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc806WMLV8l
"Hmm..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4oawHPSqu
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFN7pz6v6D
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrROd8WSmD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT8abc4Eim
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxyUEyGjfc
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbV93ylBujW
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H7e2xcCV9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrpjH5S5uJ
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.
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB9wKlPMdX
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhgRALyyXz
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fVKzrl3OH
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRnqsdKuJo
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5kkO79Erf
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJYZwl7N7z
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJjwMKxPPj
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT4RCGOij2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv277KzLcFH
"Are you sure?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8zFjsK7Zq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfsj4j8b35
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0zRL6GJEU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmFdygPHlx
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsrih4KvAf
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqPvBQNtK4
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaBcou2hH3
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrA3O485ez
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPvrYAlN2z
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYImq3YorH
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa1fyHWRBE
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOLObV1JAx
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHmED2rGPR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qayvymrBF
I took a sip from my cup of milk.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9lmUqQGF6
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDfgiGhliS
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs9t0YhPp6
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2jqaxBzck
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVjGqtnXE1
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgoj6Y2SFM
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qmPGd2ZIl
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IWmPDfQWa
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu2vuM2Hpc
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVJ3DJ6WX7
"Excellent!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFGm4KCREc
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboFoWYS80u
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE0Djerph9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL4SdQ4pSb
"I say, child–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbubODoT9nb
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwcJobCL5H
"Please, start calling me by my name."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAXQ39otEg
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3QXdGjyEj
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOoIUR41jX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOrwNOSBhM
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zGWvIpwVc
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X1k4BbA7l
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgSLxQavxS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqj98v3JGv
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8EGWAytNR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8exr42Dnli
"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?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkef2LmxZKU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUELFmy4wW
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8jwgOirpg
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrjkEboIUe
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHPxbEaacj
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC4w2GKtjn
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2dQyW3x97
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rN2DayYdC
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAZ4RMPKr8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvb8qecEUD
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoTiOjxcOu
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ221XWH1sn9
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvywhFLxQY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToAB7Lg8d8
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzydaELnAP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q88JyLGmf
"No. I don't believe I am."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekf8MMkVLW
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOqwqeWZzE
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBfJzU3pdI
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5RYbOfHmL
"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?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1yiQt76zw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHT3296IUJ
"...How do you know that name?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfEycpEtFA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcNw1JBnW9
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqbrXIMGVg
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtnmFrrOHp
"How do you know that name–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCZkSLMUXT
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUDAWQxSMT
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqmpgEVpHc
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyMSNCfn9L
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNQyqAstL7
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3vXudyxuZ
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQJ2dU14KN
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1PlRQVNVT
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxadB7Q6R3f
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96qZzD22tZ
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTx38Prw50
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SPSZHn6ol
"...Right."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFaZx2ilXB
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDezjhZLC61
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8njCzvLGSK
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD57emnd50R
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujlphmwVqL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmev2pNIIE
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPfIcuEysY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCSgPhJOxS
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIveR1PKfn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIhwnKi6uM
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZONPBgeTC
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUAZSqcsdz
"What!?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBshVzg5ud
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cbnfvD906
–
–
–
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIjaNqzBiV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFKAXV408G
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo3IuYk6PK
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS7qH3EPRo
"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!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBANjDIZ06
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60iZlPYNEI
HURRAH!92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABhuzhw8Wd
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHs4cRGydOd
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUsRdjADqA
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrb75ja3cg
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWGes6vHTU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUvR162Qg6
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0nAh9THMn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL304pvccD0
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OJnFmfjWh
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1295GqIVXX
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlzij1Tf6r
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHX2e9jeXi
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKANRHQG6Pw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCevws60NEY
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7uJRUdocr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYzFOgKK8C
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl9yjVQ4vq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaTBjKQ6vc
"Hey everyone!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn18QKBLaS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFMZbmICeZ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTuF8i9Y2b
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEke3bMlrt
"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?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCTqGVIUvF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanzMWUY0mu
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW0PfpdA5K
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPywPhidcE9
"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!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B186hABHB
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VJmsde8a7
*HURRAH!*92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12lZMyBPiz
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveylZkfaRG
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGg8ZqtNI5
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGcM2nsV2E
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeAVBAM9lL
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvxvEP4qNC
"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–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6cSmtr4oV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX5UeDy9ef
"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!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01lU75dbqV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpV1tAashH
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUp4U3dwqq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecKhiwZHCH
"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?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKamOGmFNYo
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qciif1C0n
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32EbXrH9XU
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xeQWzGAs8
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3mUWSG17j
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7EAzVoQy8
"Ah, that's a relief."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjI6xYR9Au
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFcM829K7V
"Looks like ya do agree."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfh3msx1OO
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRaUHgC1Xf
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjss67TLzd6
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGauMeqUsb
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oJTbc9SfH
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdDP0R7DXN
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRvEgc3mzQ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIiq34fLq8
"Eh? Handled?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip2LLx2YwP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIdd3mN4c2
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKRQ7bmGto
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDbgWRmA8i
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhmjnG5PIe
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPp5lSvQf9
"H-Huh!?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiF7ZplmKa
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dspl1WIpA
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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo8Qn7qrp2
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnI5xSpYTe
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhNQagzSJN
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWCVqbbnkq
–92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDU4zV0RqM
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zmfKfOROC
–
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HVmLQHQzr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs9JovoU4e
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV6ud17ELY
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX8SLRAlJO
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKHFyQkN1c
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3egdVdvro
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGQ45YTopa
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa28AHHtWcY
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR17hZ7Sbsc
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxv60A4gE4y
"Can ya do it quick enough?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PjoUVqfVK
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXxWGj66JB
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDhkbJygzp
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eouQBHt2z
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRtozZxIGp
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHezk2oo1S
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rdc6ZTeDm
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTSp2VJBmo
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt8jZ5VyUd
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPKeqevR9y
"We're comin' up soon, kid."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo2sSfwUnO
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpaXO8I10B
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYjL96HSv8
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ0MtQ9df7
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKaQnOcozk
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WZky4nTGN
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyKuKTmdZS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXvTqXassU
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs6mzSBpld
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIzmS8l9RZ
"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?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix2QzmJz2w
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL0gSJCszI
We took a few steps forward.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJB4acdtwF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSCrvCCvON
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQW5ka52GV
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaZGPitUS8
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrypYgnIlXu
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC6vPBj9AU
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpLx4nTQqs
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm2x1EySMP
We took another set of steps forward.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5libFUSLrE
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJicJE6hU3
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHYLCbxoqK
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmgVaVyLWv
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUwCjCNn7F
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzclrlUDWm
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4jVvVFMWz
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILeVjuMSOZ
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwgSeuDjNn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqrZVXyJ26
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiNjERcJOn
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fqOYc4L8f
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3rN9NgO9T
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO2wzMBSOA
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZMmWd3oxc
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdygiJp2Hwi
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUTSJC5dvy
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFFIFnuxFx
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBuxDp8RCD
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN0EMWHTHi
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3jBT7JXbG
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02vDbdRFZc
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTejN5y7RJC
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bLNPJ4rYD
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvTl8rlpFE
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzAuosupE5
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqyS7458uS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2grnOZvj0
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcK3ZRq92T
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B0J7Ynsox
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BaXdPqSQH
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGwiRAkPfh
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGqKK9dedi
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiK7ARQHQp
"..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFzMUbwcfP
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRoNdMxyeF
"..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaOom1rQHl
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9pX1dcQvr
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoUoZP47gu
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhp3M0qCu4
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkUEKyQRU9
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8aOfwxp7c
"Huh?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61YHp5xNcq
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnaj4vhbMW
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy89KN1iEk
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05b3XLMWGB
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iNUpFhCfl
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Fav9wJXWt
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x0VVKErFS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyzFNoRhOY
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJuoWps2Xi
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z6khIee9q
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EPAIoC6oR
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK0l0s4MJl
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMouVVeuUkt
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLDwyNxpKO
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QjW3ngjZN
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2ruuuQNXA
"...What?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXQGp3uTDX
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV7lWnBDGc
"Ya heard me."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaGSa9gz2p
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnYzSPVsrL
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFdD0eKOEw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAeke5ZTYW
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrouPSxmV0N
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgTEwEESF1
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLxrfPGuEp
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FOaZNmiWS
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZDK1KlDcZ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuciqp9R6n
–
–
–
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?92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7BSuX0y4C
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tztVi1QaX
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEYaD6oGVf
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5SekKFLcT
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUftOtQQgE
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDNFRq50yU
"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."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUXI3DUdwJ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9l1HGX2XH
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3JjJgqkTS
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2BjUqFoR8
"Good luck out there. For both of us."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrxuWMGaPF
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuy1ENflQy
"..."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUnazxjB6q
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw5TZlPbpQ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLbFG7HLGf
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RViZlywn9
"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?"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPALmmr8eVf
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBstGFTt4T
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZUrdDpt1y
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNRHnJGZdN
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRY5sEl1zw
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrQ6McwJrm
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqPUVxtARr
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WDEl43RQY
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdRoGPa9oG
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tZPnwCLeb
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAIeuPdKPL
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"Everyone!"92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx0CIIIUgJ
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFD8qmEFXJ
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.92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqQZo1wmGm
92Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVJSDxhcuV
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
