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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcdqsMdVxV
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfuSiceXke
"..."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTdOdyHQqb
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku2onuZ7eY
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYHLmg0P38
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZobINTuDg
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIHNrj15kR
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMBRXuQFdM
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp2f9mMohi
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJNOQXHvaI
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx6bG4ETkG
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SAzwh03TB
"Crap."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9VgfioTM9
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVzZ9ErOd2
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAY2hoTCls
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0TmcCNmCj
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaeZGXT8fX
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9cWgjdXfi
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl5GPNToPo
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVJ5ATvpXC
I didn't say anything, because he did first.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjjnYY2nLL
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nmnH6dC0i
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzxczpIPLo
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZXfL8TeFX
"...Uh."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlkLpumJ1E
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyErPpO7gz2
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZK7FDkJoL
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB6dTxON1q
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5ACVOzJJF
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzxuh2LXNb
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BwK4LYj03
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiCFXs3EKm
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0AFQLM7LE
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SYoGqWf95
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkgSlhWJTN
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLZoppDum6
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPa8XSxEYv
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyMNiGiGyC
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXlPy5cQka
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM7wtn2odN
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3jTi2NEwV
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjkbZzDyzB
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK1CpUmAQI
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3edO08pY5C
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MGzDtN5SS
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnpg4a9Qww
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZPyOTFIwC
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRtYc9uJqo
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y32ZEMHEg
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJpSv6KjO0
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekBhmDbNzE
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJrQyLat5A
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jJ6ceCzYI
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSwVK1i5xV
–417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8YEOVKoNu
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNsRIltnQ6
–417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJdzG5U540
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1wYmGO0uW
–417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJapdtTDEM
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUXxMxRbaZ
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMuWgKBVWj
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPeJa28T3V
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN8kfDcwRF
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ENwYQtlr8
"...Trevor."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M1YXaHqNf
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXNIaBkkuX
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKd6cU1oQw
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITIiclkD1o
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye2Wq9EJpZ
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrvrcJhVj3
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqsux8MbBJ
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVHYwBWSVY
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnYv8Oho8s
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDUAsZQPzy
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa5cGSlq4v
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbmOt0r1Fx
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWhvaUIB5D
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrwClnzPaX
"Hmm..."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3mdNm8Uz2
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6jhw5zFpz
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzYlCqxKwR
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT3JozyIeh
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMDNz4ZW1m
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlKydrgj1h
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0VG0Zz6T8
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZsRArpoi2
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.
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfbYPup9to
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2D1Ryooix
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOayRd7WQw
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT0ayQYnN2
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyT0uJ45IS5
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVptpu2DpE
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VKAZ7z0Pp
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsitu9LC3EO
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux5YA90q6z
"Are you sure?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEbQRoZXM1
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrEDjs204j
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F07jy78jm
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22Ew6g1rti
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmjtgMWS3R
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInjbrYDsrZ
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3T3eXpRiZs
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlV9FMQq7Uf
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eKj2shTpF
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DNg6nsSiQ
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6jHVOiltm
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdeZzeY6CN
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo52oWrjuz
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe260Q87xQi
I took a sip from my cup of milk.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGCJSXnXJa
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch2fJaASNm
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl1kYeRkUi
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9F7xSdni6
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MYfmfjvOp
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uP4AIpn6F
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOrCd5ddrU
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRsmXfXKTw
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R341uP0xn
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJcgpKFE5J
"Excellent!"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMwbcQ6SUC
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO84itS8zH
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45tsyFPvu7
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p6uN0oDoT
"I say, child–"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP7jOv71A8
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGRWeb12E4
"Please, start calling me by my name."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfYA5ovKHQ
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr4TvJ6Fmq
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdYncLAtIK
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFo4k0Gjrn
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wubVHh2cl
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjBCIHETEu
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcfOcarfTW
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeD73wjoMp
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPz8PoR8sb
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwPpOHeBtp
"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?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN5nCRD4BN
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMOBj9EJA3
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx9jpcN5pT
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQTNH5uZB2
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCekaurBJ9K
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIF681A0kY
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4ptvme3t5
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4K0dfO7Ux
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tOAJBphuE
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6jOO7qgGx
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhxZOFwaBX
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffjTUm0gNH
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTGSH0Occe
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ978EjR6qQ6
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZceH3jspp0
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj0WWUhqUc
"No. I don't believe I am."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wJsVlTAQC
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wxoyGzTYA
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIGBpvUhca
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4x055801b
"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?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6I3thftCL
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4FeQX7ntI
"...How do you know that name?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwMn7zEonj
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafpHrCqsdH
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsNbVhsW87
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgahf1MlV9I
"How do you know that name–"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfNf5sknj8
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH973NFEYVZ
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIgkeIrKXU
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSix1yfvlB
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkP5IoitIV
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9JIN54z07
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qAZn5T8AK
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6erEkWBcUs
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTJEIgfRTC
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrNDw5sDb3
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kSLjmMAxf
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwJFoEfPfz
"...Right."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p7MTx02bT
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3FaHme1FE
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6lgXOaOSx
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEioxjXPTI
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgwvMowhyu
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UTUVyOzNU
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0TavVUoXC
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F5WgYArQw
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgV04QauKC
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdnntoWRV9
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzBJUGH2pE
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9izdxmPD37
"What!?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWZCYRscGR
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnvaZwJD7W
–
–
–
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa6cngxLgW
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s2vmr7c8t
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm6weJkbWr
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVHDIOGukH
"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!"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrzEstlbQI
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju7odWEMon
HURRAH!417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGsNWKrwkH
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VrAiztkJY
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Qtba2sCJ
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4oZx10hP8
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9SGqCqRVa
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkLcg0fUoR
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvZv2Budug
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdXh6UlPuA
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2ezqUFB9V
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W1abED1Kh
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6nvHMqjIm
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WH9hZj2cV
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqfOpoFnU6
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LdaRvRnwF
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsJB92fDW1
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvSyzkuIzx
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWg4YFVCcex
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiP6s7rsjr
"Hey everyone!"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYWGyJn0m3
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykF5PiypIK
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0a2D6o49g
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J6iCefJfb
"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?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhLhN1AWuG
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDBF7tiHYy
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEXL8KaI40
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDFk2jLFK0
"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!"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvnZshz7zx
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwahWjsNDa7
*HURRAH!*417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8UNC1dsJt
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumv91te8Il
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf6cRcz5qo
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSm02rKlaD
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9WaQKhMuP
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonJ0kznexS
"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–"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBUO6u5R4x
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQMCI69vpt
"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!"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko1DpWseDX
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpUM2sdxhu
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR5GU21QWH
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bRPpRlvo0
"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?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5lm7iidNu
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIweXB6Rm2U
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0wgmP2EXC
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOchgivTGR
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXx4WgYpcE
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhaUnQfmqs
"Ah, that's a relief."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcRHrurmMZ
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAB7ZbslZc
"Looks like ya do agree."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERbEmZS03N
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFNqEqr2tl
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhyhOi5uDn
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplNyDvUnJG
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D9tHxIZ2W
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlarhASmeCP
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTh54TJwQ9
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fcHSPC1Mv
"Eh? Handled?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpvcwNQWv1
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxro8Po9MzC
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CUuo6VkWR
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QwCHDLVNZ
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyabopEQjI
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEESHsJm9dl
"H-Huh!?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJtVSDrqyW
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5mzIktorW
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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVPnKiY7Wu
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8GBSJcjLc
–417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YKXkiURBe
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAPh03ZUk7
–417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmi6mR2Wnz7
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhPRBc0z7Q
–
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dyyP7zXdj
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDZ2ec8vQE
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uaFsrj9tF
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXikLyOqxJm
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOHymTqpSp
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7JIDjKy75
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrTaKQaEQI
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJJRkAs7kB
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7ObiavyzK
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiOITOyexl
"Can ya do it quick enough?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZHmYmY3Zu
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbExOhMqgGD
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocH9benq2I
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOkMORwzhC
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMBk9Tm1wZ
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR3INf2tti
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE7rVFtKDm
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrCZR7f69L
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrbSdHPxT1
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx8CzxTByU
"We're comin' up soon, kid."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE0M8vMXM7
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcciQcf4i0
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Lgj6SNeEA
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbgNOZdyJt
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzRHOgcJYU
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGuoXO9APg
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfOhyJ4hDD
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmZZwYYLZU
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRApBeUqMF
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw01gabOo7P
"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?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE9CCivCjh
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZcComhE6B
We took a few steps forward.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bW0gnGWZo
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcxNJUYVLH
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxuQQCxlIO
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Dx9Hr2Zpm
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kzuTljwxy
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQCEFjCZaY
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhvY8IoLm3
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLURQaMogi
We took another set of steps forward.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguT9582cq2
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgd3aiGBkXX
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6tA8hAw6h
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcdSOEY9r7
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjlJ0hlVbs
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgibnvXnhx
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPUMgpa8LP
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjvoipGsb1
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡre74CJny2X
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrYwvuPShD
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxSfjeC2jg
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PHR1v1JFV
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoruuYKAl8
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKg6RBr4so
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9ePxXTVzF
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVisaySiY2
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw8IdMEBtw
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KBDXEEIkh
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXnabK3gL0
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2qqUzy04R
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiG6w6HL1i
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dFvWgIMHp
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wyt66Mb10
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgndpdxsuR
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjI9nTqYog
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWjC8Mbim6
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGRdSp5UCp
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaADMpnDEzp
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxP44r8XM4
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kD5WrcvLn
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsUMu9vwGh
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAsgZNdsxj
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kI5UKwbFX
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwVkxDX0gK
"..."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1BODNvxqA
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaeo5buey5
"..."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKYQ4puRjY
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2FkN8NFMZ
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaLf1IGz6Y
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXEc2ehlfC
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq7skYApQC
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtwn1k8teD
"Huh?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXTsSICwiX
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdlHrG6p91
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1SQ9VSflI
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvP1rXAj9d
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gV0dQ8QcH
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q9OJLjOZh
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8GNjvEzSN
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRWuIt88jJ
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeweomEVZQ
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBafrdkaOnm
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLytj9zpns7
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg38QGPkIV
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegxop2Klwu
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qm9WEo7lz
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG4LtC8Ash
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux3EapB0aU
"...What?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUKcDFwiBi
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuDzPJdZzP
"Ya heard me."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOSk9vl9Yf
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8Ll5t17ec
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYuR7JvcBC
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aGrYQqub2
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuwboEXz7h
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE1yicCIxt
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4HeD7AQw2
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bqYFyGAzp
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9aTGQQE6x
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4xyODybzm
–
–
–
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?417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B8k2sdJnX
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PGuTZ3zTS
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdpbxCMxXt
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUqkP2rKJR
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk9LpRal3N
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq23Ux853T
"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."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMNzW1ybVc
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqbz40pAIY
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl35yrM4g0S
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrYSl7GuRo
"Good luck out there. For both of us."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nEUN1PY2u
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0YwYhzZlJ
"..."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcqsupD7iX
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnMKUkSMvl
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpCqybP9X3
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuHqL12foh
"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?"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9TwIzzI7A
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb9hZbzbRt
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOsVliR2sb
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkLdjK4hzO
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcVWjyIs1a
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Eu5IpcdAc
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY4WW5LZ6w
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1unOfsUDQ
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOAv6RWzPs
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqJK4E6FJw
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PaGvQc6zM
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJod5Prnhi
"Everyone!"417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKutoIYDvnX
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK0plAbkrA
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.417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT06c1J2b1
417Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP756XtmF9u
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
and then Add to home screen.