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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQGDhJ3R6o
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUPjaT4HRf
"..."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRy7QSMBnQ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmWlnBcjlB
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjgpREIWau
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvi8BuOTjK
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOChp8pIq0
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv3ip8WEnm
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBEsEp8H0b
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsu4098BFX
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UWKtHy7Xx
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz2gfJPXOZ
"Crap."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUGRH3zQ1n
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzZMozyzUM
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRdecLfrdi
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRi8LfAITF
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1EAdVT0i5
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG01udARbN5
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTgBUiE2PI
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Htx02uWfU
I didn't say anything, because he did first.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT9tJREdcy
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFj0Ic9PSK
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDbVb22W5o
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4r97bOwUD
"...Uh."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqg2kOWxCA
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPYoavj9Cj
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4UTmktAyj
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFlVUnxIWj
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUNIQjGDWb
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJax6qqebUn
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmDEifOZVa
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyINSaSRMHr
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNNHWghD3l
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58utk8gjgd
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH4savmQ2U
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGBjkgvmpG
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFU34swNoj
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9FdXEQyDo
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy1bkWoww2
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG54y64I7Q
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagDUIGtjqw
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPq5LKy0o2
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3FaFsQBou
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2ReaOEKV2
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ27LqCtQJU
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpLykaSgSM
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I47ks0P7E
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLHdSEofAg
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSTaY3nnzH
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBAvpsA9IW
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DIOyNqWzr
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQdPhjkgLV
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiviXr8aqt
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRxBWTPGs8
–72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyra7MPYFl
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7tw3NdyE2
–72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7A7k2h54q
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7sWHhjMCc
–72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTOjwGHh2q
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorkLBjV14T
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMwGdG7fKN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvrQFzVagT
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHL2JtAlLm
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLy1LfkXTv
"...Trevor."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDaMDs9t6c
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFoxkgjCdr
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcFqPiaQ9d
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXJyavkTu3
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndJwK5CxjQ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICkjM2zTRx
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2oA6SF6aa
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYWF5H7dPb
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdJLeH0f1L
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg9xxDUvMR
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo1VIEjalY
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqPotTdZ51
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXAAAwBxNF
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPqEBexEwJ
"Hmm..."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg7RhTvPCh
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkh0Dcoc9q
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnwCAX5Zex
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9uXl1vzJk
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTrHwdqdY7
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgOYAfLLzJ
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwz4qO1SqYl
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4R5g7L4pn
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.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM72EW6d9x
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoDmWvNtBH
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZncNyEcWz
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmRKbyRkrv
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPhLI6HEas
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQsAUW5c9P
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSu39uvkNE
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxctqckJYyD
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5n9hoGG97
"Are you sure?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohouVzum5X
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIYQjehts6
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOJ53FXIm6
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUWWVjhZcw
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQKknBMw6D
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ58b2hACZ
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhjbPj9wRD
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99ICgbX9T1
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OMkxyXi83
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkimmN6aHK
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k8MywHEvj
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rmI1MnTX9
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjvJO9FYGe
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hPxJnwlyb
I took a sip from my cup of milk.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkYqu0mgCf
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzwdaBejdH
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx311TkTrRy
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYpj2D9k5Q
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1uE2wSK83
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYzD5q916Z
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLEjJq39Ga
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVeiUQxmne
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFhYUZNULI
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g9M69fKve
"Excellent!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwzsyxjMpH
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl4rAyIGyH
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2pw8qRbzK
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iArmtKCHu
"I say, child–"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AFv3ALSZH
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuas5hMYbK
"Please, start calling me by my name."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi0S8oEKJ0
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVANaSUynW
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuV5Z2qdGs
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOnwLyNZle
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1lBcp8zOh
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4afl18QtqP
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6KSQmgtny
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVFetmdDnQ
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGrnsTPHGE
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej8nOJmoBD
"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?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8NMus6IEN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj20P0c6Do
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ0xqUDJ7U
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc6OPvHVGu
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMd8EhcNIpc
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc5Tj7uceE
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6B8SVlclUc
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5Qu3r5pzg
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmYZWvih8a
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx6Ay62QC6
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX48wuRdSR
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI23gCMrO9
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfshwE83SsP
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1a3PFuusy
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iGjWSD4jI
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZDF37Z2qv
"No. I don't believe I am."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKNCPr1LVP
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYWTA3rZQ7
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0luEY8Yk03
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jVC7UD2DB
"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?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGUXQ558b4
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4byncQ3kk
"...How do you know that name?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsHzEMCFWB
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCs9Qqju3r
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLPykNzEHi
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC6pGwQwUj
"How do you know that name–"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLcN3vdnLN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMemybtwQUs
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z6v5oOrTh
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc9jojOzPE
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE3YfzHDBF
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjVDJOeijE
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSMaFw7D30
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0naCG0XkW
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTqrRZ5rsv
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNnPhmIYTK
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPiSN263Rl
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLph3z8GWqA
"...Right."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qgXTg6VRT
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zoFrXTKrr
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPVCxRQjvU
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAXrRBAxMK
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnKpwOgK91
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBYePg2JYo
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSLN7nnTcF
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLv7YEmt63
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eQWdYTFML
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyhJbPpsHp
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3znIj5rhng
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oG4f6sNzn
"What!?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVopyIV4jAv
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcLaYxxf4v
–
–
–
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1oKVgcBda
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j5xu2Cyw2
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLnTSaw4yL
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jF0xsZjUD
"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!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KgtZGCOux
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNlwCiNOTx
HURRAH!72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5mZ2ikVQw
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBvfcrnlc9
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CDvLpTpQG
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgSg7ETL77
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5h2dl6u3N
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKN1LPNC7W
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmBl1KgMBB
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsCYILfcFp
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCnxaiMm48
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmK42lGu30
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfgLU0RPfQ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaqNzxZRK1
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbzkNpAFTR
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4sRluddTx
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GnJfusHee
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIUImbP1ZA
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hBkNZ0rm8
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkvcgPsJsV
"Hey everyone!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrtxlU8zlQ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwlURssxBO
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOq21vE9pD
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOda8ZNuEX
"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?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv5s8fX1K9
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qvci4kmyv
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgPmXFeiMA
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tpu4hOuuf
"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!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87pCbCa3Sr
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf52W1FmcLq
*HURRAH!*72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfTgliu4DE
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WBkurkQyV
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCwtORaBlm
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAur0wkIa4
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEeMVvilR1
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HwpujYwf1
"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–"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUalBqQgsUY
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jm1fIBGSu
"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!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc7zk2sc2F
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSHjN3jgMr
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce0Z5cU6cT
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtBbqEzfQh
"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?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoWJNQ2xi6
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9QrfBRDJW
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMiUKpkYWh
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbPIQNpytk
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw98eTV2Xj
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO9lo5Aem4
"Ah, that's a relief."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SnLGgJNgS
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyOwFaSeg5
"Looks like ya do agree."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kq7vDtVzM
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcFUM42rSB
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6E1GLK2ET
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wuNajl1dL
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSy7k4NdRM
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6JZHaSbQ7
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjxGuwvulO
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHbb9Bl58Z
"Eh? Handled?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24Y7sarCoM
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFE6yQJfNV
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpboY636vf
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0zY71MyZB
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n7Tpx08NZ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr3IxlvhZw
"H-Huh!?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgVbnRi4Pt
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3DThSZuRQ
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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkWM84hp40
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEArh55GHc
–72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV1v4zDMHX
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAxFZO4QhV
–72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmisJO6M6Im
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfyDq7Em0T
–
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYrDkmGb6b
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdzHwhqJny
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjV7WQpBsz
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IMkrBlbMM
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Xr3NKucbZ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDHHkjYpak
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpwQwegjLE
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHw48ZzLPP
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyzjNP6DGc
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCll0MJINfF
"Can ya do it quick enough?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTU1Fv5Aal
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRFTztfj2e
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDfxYo0oRn
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCnAwqIR7s
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyER0IR7Y8
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DXRuAfxl4
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUGyzagAqf
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q2TZhPJOv
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7zcWzjqpZ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW14ldaWNJ
"We're comin' up soon, kid."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieSG0HW0dE
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZgXNbn2Da
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SdZBKRYIA
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfNHfDZilQ
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtgeXpV6bR
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi5OLp8Ylb
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcuRZ5jTct
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMStSTUPgXn
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzODu8qfExc
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74upWdKC9B
"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?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FXmzP6lmJ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnERUuMmjN
We took a few steps forward.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQhqGItgXY
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAKgWEDgnl
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR0EpFnFaI
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoDc0ll1HF
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xNbjhy44D
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoS4uOQ3Bw
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAGYLHNj9C
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdwj0Jp1Ep
We took another set of steps forward.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YlRxQtWpE
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JHLAIETI8
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrD7OmnCYW
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnQwjLxBp6
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL2pH1R1JC
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSq1BgFLVX
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkcdwkLUdJ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKhqOSEkzS
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyplkgHx3T
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcVsw5jGFU
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqJ2B5maHp
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa22Nile2e
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb92BRUv9X
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RrxPqseHW
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB9xDOfpeh
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK3sRlflI5
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzAFGRGx6U
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yIBKuecLb
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhxot3bSfL
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtyKq8ougi
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmA9UCUDW8
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvhU1I9Zt3
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMMyilWNxk
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnT404GZ6F
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTOEi2o9yU
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2poEmVzUHh
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfADjTUGiR
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3aQ1a8XXD
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wkJI97RiF
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyEcZ6W4PV
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM36VtxaMq
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuuxhTyHaK
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNi3ZrvkZK
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHWJJhBI8a
"..."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTyJGVaNgb
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f5jZaOtgp
"..."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh45lf4PSO
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlY8nri29p
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7sF1R2ART
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQQ1pe2rV0
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkoeRzu0wG
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BLN6W9EqC
"Huh?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF3m3YLMn7
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMTb9on5eZ
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNqGSv530P
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFqf65TGjs
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxXa8yR0VH
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78XrbTFsqt
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMfFpCTNjV
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ5neaa9je
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZjkRLF3B4
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTBpY6FYld
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJ2naqLJlG
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oLJBOPQfr
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr4Ft6LABQ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HEzdabPUh
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTcfiCI5Ed
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPUREOpC3x
"...What?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j0WhAI4Sh
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuZhIdsegw
"Ya heard me."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCExoU7q43a
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJGBQtpCy2
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ed7hn9prf
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JRyHIw8Dy
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW2eCgrwrf
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50JjrhMgBF
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrKyPzyTH8
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJWzDnpwHW
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesXDODkepG
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00vjfmFX90
–
–
–
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?72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRZr2yv4jo
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepJxVH4noF
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13w2kvnr3a
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbtkWEqoYk
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8RL9gunT8
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yLuWC5Gy8
"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."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyO5yeMHiJ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFtpmNOu9e
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qblJXQEP1
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4a00R0e1a
"Good luck out there. For both of us."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEe1PNoYdxF
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIuYVgoPDP
"..."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z9Odp50mT
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuetgV4ogP
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tgz4V3CTB
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50drgq0EZ7
"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?"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbkw9j5ObN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCDu32lNz4
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvmr8diYnN
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡledQA2s1lU
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NxoZjvEa5
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedAOMl5vkr
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTeNGlpxAB
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdoPYYVHcr
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLS4ykMivW
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxjEMT30IT
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vx1aBvQ3n
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgxOEIpP0R
"Everyone!"72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Csj74Y3cJ
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRLKfYk0qR
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.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DnlKLscOi
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbCJl7HV1Y
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
