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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpqGwpPBCS
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4vLRS87Kl
"..."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpeLNB1Xe0
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFRVANQylu
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxJXs899lv
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZb2hPDirA
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN73Xo5lA1l
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG9VGlLXSl
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBhrwRlVQ4
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwG3dYtz58
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz1H6rthdi
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwR1a8iJfIe
"Crap."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplvINq5eg1
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWhVH290wa
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf6vNrojGg
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnZ5GV438v
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsm0IiwiEG
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1PJ5d7dEa
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq75Lc3Dbw
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZpV6cW4zX
I didn't say anything, because he did first.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5v87sfO1c
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP3LHs0NbZ
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6URgrjNnKp
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAOY406NDd
"...Uh."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QsT139FIO
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREik0b18EM
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ093oPeSRfB
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxshUQmidL
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t5dBee15k
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooYRLV4vHq
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcUI1C8a42
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfybPocV2S
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse1alTJcyH
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub0SumFYus
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrxGC7W3c0
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw52fhvt7Z
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIV03h0yXH
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p9bVa1FaU
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFvKexVgm5
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7k2sxveYc
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzfMYgARFH
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXEKSaCJuu
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVNLB9ZdGS
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlZ6BTIuTR
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCossBYlbZi
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqzIqqZwlM
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsoSxWkEwB
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69b5sXu517
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqY6UmhZFL
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdsf2dmYnZ
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWYtp8HUNL
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS7GT90NXv
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc69CzCWBeq
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lk225g8Og
–109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Cpyvezx0N
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDm1xjzfkG
–109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKnh3dsM66
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUShQKxv933
–109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT1DEbfDKG
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVr4g8mJEL
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGq60UTNhI
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPBaIN6ydy
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNMf85GkOm
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFwNMoCiui
"...Trevor."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTTY404pYL
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrtFt1GGfq
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzmoAWI34j
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10vxOVTzj7
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXc9puRrJv
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGBDir1Ser
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoLO6w9wls
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnW6YfAVeAg
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIEpkXlLi4
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBpKdXeoHh
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFQLO9RrLj
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RsilQo6nQ
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubEHFM14yZ
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p2EG7RpD8
"Hmm..."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo0prHMKrq
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTlCkg9w7x
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzWpIVMXSm
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡligqgtCKla
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG6jtWSebE
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYkRt8eMdX
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYuqNbltMG
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTxUvL9IvI
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.
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQRDdUJ8DB
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyReQ2H9LA5
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo8qsz6sn9
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwgbx0NWrL
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e48K1ghym
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqlzZnzGFi
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DSgtEocJy
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6I9Tqn5tD
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0p1d0ocqS
"Are you sure?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI9tpKFlVM
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH0McW4i2Y
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgX3UYYTQO
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpmubQwYSc
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvJkkcZWI4
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLor84nYQyt
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb7oOZrJ68
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy40SYlwiDW
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuCEd5Vdbe
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpQShO7mSg
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L3kUyytDI
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYszk80SWI
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ8Xz7E59t
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbXpDEOFTN
I took a sip from my cup of milk.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76KK5zO1Au
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qm2jxXrRY
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yojHIxQWH
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVVUr7E7CR
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y6hVnLFSb
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybHMi8sUw2
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzT6cyPU3C
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TKx0mq8M2
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyf1WHzVuA
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDVoUjIp7w
"Excellent!"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuttNYdTsYm
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyubkcZn4u
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU9jjJ9ImC
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecGTE9oAxn
"I say, child–"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5rdQJfqh6
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKFYTalFfg
"Please, start calling me by my name."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSFzyETjYv
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lRzWN3N3b
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfWGYKL05E
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hHymYO5ei
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MDXPnPnUa
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHI07Pgdmi
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGCwybAolK
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10A2TM2Qlk
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY7C6EUYs1
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNB429sZqK
"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?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVinBANc7pl
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkttYGE8Jr
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFQdi5zUmp
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3SYZdJB8R
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IqxhSAIfc
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR46JhKZPx
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyxA84Er2B
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX3JJDXE8a
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zJTz8wgcO
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKnwy7vGIY
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqwEaIKLrf
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJpVwTPEWp
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CxrzLYi4I
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIpf6XPRcy
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKldatPNqWF
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUgIq5c3fh
"No. I don't believe I am."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2H2Nr5w3a
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGlz1steFv
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEstOZQ4KNR
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaw5unqvNV
"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?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JadDwOu8K
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3VfpLvrjA
"...How do you know that name?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIgwQarDSL
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbFkhgipSb
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13I4DFlXww
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdi4eX0B8A
"How do you know that name–"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemtz8f3ZiP
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIjnOS7ImR
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGnAQEFkZL
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pDZD1pgXJ
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMAzQf5GTs
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6bc1vVMd7
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlftxdQ4pfq
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqJR8jbcsf
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IXzpUYKhu
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStYoyUQTTZ
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrdKrIoPFc
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcK3UfX6sW
"...Right."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmUJrEJp9m
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTZI8ItTyz
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMmNX3JPHM
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4RNZ2vZOh
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnFUBNuifA
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxelJ6FE591
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyYVABZtpe
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuANtWrfQSY
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3IqLQQDlD
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNDjYch1rS
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsZ97oqrmr
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwxxErZGXS
"What!?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxfWRfK3pn
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpYqkdXI1S
–
–
–
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaC2TYyR2s
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0orPtSfyq2
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrRz0tkOL4
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFm6QDhinx
"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!"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsXLXG4zTf
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCMKhYxmSh
HURRAH!109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsAhwhdW0T
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9U4tAsVwE
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU26zwnyvvg
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE4iTVJkHy
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eCdcWJqUg
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3EhQfbym3
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpijtqqOSO4
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa02eESYods
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL7C8YETzw
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJmUt2aGi9
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUxUh1ghzt
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WXaAgHi5g
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyYKW6CaQ5
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7b1IYjcL6
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp1VM4LWav
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvILOPUfIT
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqe0PmoHGf
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP3JmSxS5t
"Hey everyone!"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAt64Y940Q
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhgcBhKuup
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xpNt4pj8A
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpILohyjwH
"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?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXpjbRUodZ
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOlXTt6Vr4
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJBW3vCAZb
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8805mj9lT7
"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!"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLhRahdl2r
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3t36BsLhq
*HURRAH!*109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrgJjfzs0t
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8KvDRKo0N
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeVp9xeNaq
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbXsILALl3
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CDGJJ3cGl
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtU6ojFMGJ
"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–"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9H5dW86Vy
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOAZ8ZbpW5
"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!"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWAwNHx0Kc
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA089bYI29
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSn3U20tZ3
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Lc2yPa6VL
"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?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDtFDJxr6Y
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3rt0qmkWt
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrGJAj0z59
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquUi4P3r9f
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwMiNSPCbl
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5wUFk1PRW
"Ah, that's a relief."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZteIYUs2zU
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPF8eXCWGQ
"Looks like ya do agree."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvAzWpDAZo
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctvCnHcmk0
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkpnJ1XYPJ
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6xMeX6LID
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFIcWu57Uv
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiklSvIlHC
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQWQ3N89qt
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZGnd1EBE7
"Eh? Handled?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQwTcIKwNg
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoNC2v0Qml
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP9J8ZNJZb
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UJai4YiJj
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGybsww7t73
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhv8OQlFfX
"H-Huh!?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWq3U2U9FP
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ906YFzOfyN
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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBKsGmCn5L
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19gJvnR77w
–109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B37b2fvQj
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–109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzbjDC0WMi
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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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov4mcunNiU
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwH5ccxXys
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡledZtdnPoW
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2VJEJcjrb
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLsd2f912w
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2pJp0UoTo
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTh6hbEsfT
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKZPRkQNUO
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP0KUciqRK
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y9fVgvazD
"Can ya do it quick enough?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTUM1cbMKG
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBTVj3Z01v
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NY7jW4gCL
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxwZ2ZrGjH
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMSWhUZBUG
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjV0ohIvwa
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7yOa81U3j
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVgjG6eP14
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGFbPHDkSK
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19P4Bxz19v
"We're comin' up soon, kid."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuIA2yOojN
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUD53CxjLm
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo59zx1d3wm
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAcuJpbqrn
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSULdEm1SEb
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGvNXSH23G
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KS8o1zweo
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5bST7rX7f
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOHjyIknir
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovh54KmQ0g
"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?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTONORpGsJF
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPB8RGbUtZ
We took a few steps forward.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc4zmpoDe5
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaWorKHd18
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTAnyIWgWO
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3zfa6Tkpm
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadO5i6GUpX
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtED2zTQiUM
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD6rSZdN8H
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjB6Fd2Rh2
We took another set of steps forward.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvO3tRlir8
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGUAgZBDtj
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1a7xy4zt0
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWiW3UrMi4
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx49weX50c
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWDXbqIW19
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QmprFgDaT
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZa2rTzJQL
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnDp9LiLa7
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL9DVgRPcn
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToQUoisFUB
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjN2UKetOH
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU17RZ2Nsn
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBxw4dsN0T
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUZWcSWYW2
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9ktwofH2i
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB62AiWeLPD
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkWQqjPx7v
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxxg9xe237
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3EAQHbEz0
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNU0YHJ3Lm
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0lTxwRVlf
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk6JSDAHWe
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75KBaGQlwB
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtz2uHB3V1
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThoG1HATzd
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ihm7Ys6FG
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9QtAElXkf
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv79qAhEdPp
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZdpTQRtLI
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4bR1QffTF
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4E6l7mUIr
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TvO3AcHVp
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3M9paBYM5o
"..."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i4VzD4WFL
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmFpfboEBZ
"..."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNzzjbpZQX
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCobBvqhXy5
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWXwKfXVXg
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba4TTfkiwO
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6XVKQOfeV
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQQtimJS1l
"Huh?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQT0v6jY5X
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnf4ILwpmG
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNjsurBTDa
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRNmZgijFo
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6X1QqBCaN
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxARl1JbI25
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWiZECeUDh
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfoRmCp7cr
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5bwtp7zz3
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZhWiV02tZ
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwbdPKFwWT
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqMbQV0sPX
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQpHwjSXCb
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrllAFXTu1
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWTKRw2NV9
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64jXurnQZb
"...What?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQi4kWOUQY
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwExUt2m42
"Ya heard me."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIZ0jeqmMg
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9yncHBq7j
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKnh4kvwoW
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc2UT6XmhG
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Oz7on5Pf
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuJ3hPs5kS
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZoeVRRcD8
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ224TX9yGST
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0a9qzWHFZ
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dOjZMtvvv
–
–
–
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?109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbBxymd43M
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWmtvSRLsg
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ujC4gtMun
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhGoZnvXtU
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydlk7fyHCA
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO17R6ozFMs
"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."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WGrYNtPw5
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaXh7cDH8C
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1PoBuvq2B
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD3ZVob0N8
"Good luck out there. For both of us."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3X4n2Vf3s
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVoV7EKDjt
"..."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxK2kEw1uz
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VqWHrPpBi
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vDxCj3kMT
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIabHsfqZiM
"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?"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYJMQ57Avt
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOzDlyosn8
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbDU3I8zEG
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalscN0EwNk
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMpiN9Evpy
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL849Ig7z55
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljLVeiZRkP
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhV6TDPKHv
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwGcPItC5v
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyqtxAlFp6
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqbcccSH19
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupGN6XTLBa
"Everyone!"109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxmV7QP42a
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYyVW0E22o
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.109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeFSjEL5ca
109Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWBXEN2JMV
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
