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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZldehcuC9
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8MRsFMNTR
"..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8LvCZhBvK
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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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVO7JGRznV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyE1yW4lpb
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3GeEDkC5n
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8yGaZaXyv
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vntJsEmgV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpdNsSQ30I
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4ahrlUK2T
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYedenIPFV1
"Crap."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZXie8CAFj
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLo0loynos
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZbXl3pCyc
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"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqreb2EYkZi
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkENZZZVw47
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4rc2UcMMZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F16lXEFvZ
I didn't say anything, because he did first.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVh1fenmeD
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VoLhO1fnl
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElAnpGANeN
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvYC1qd9ZQ
"...Uh."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGrAScDycI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOk6VJkSvu
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7FXsgVUKc
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyBrzVS1Uj
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKe5Ug9ZWw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPy2BP5cDm
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk06c7hO15M
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW96VXutP3k
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHAJ1NXThb
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCmFEQZFzi
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxA1SWSamk
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJG6VxW969
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUsPsHvZzK
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUBmWDqnPv
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFRErC8gjs
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaWPTey9Na
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E3TY07Ygg
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIh53WyG46
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR1Dd3NIWu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40xINYWFhz
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk8XKfT3yw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ULgpVlxUb
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdIRJyDHN6
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBt5wd7h5E
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48ePaRgnAQ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu14C9Kd79E
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IZOebyG1K
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfya6j6DDZO
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1azNt8hc0Z
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ41m2cIKDT
–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWcwILwobQ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR6Jh0crKn
–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbsN3MqMOg
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–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKOeFTp7IJ
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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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iHG3SlNPB
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGo2Cnv8SFj
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKxCimHUwY
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGX9b3VyWWj
"...Trevor."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRFLQwFHR5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfFsL267um
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaXOiaIFSP
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1okcOqU6RU
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudj971CPi7
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kp64vrvuu
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzKvyLUOcB
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMeVpgdOup
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DMsPkMcA4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw2wHKyBrq
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfskWAXNjr
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJZU4EM85L
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUo3ukcbXJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqfsA9Tx9I
"Hmm..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLqnazBhxq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6quKrAdkp
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg5uxGuTZq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4WTz383Ak
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i67EQyuAZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcGMN1oq21
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbW5lHmjF5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqNZWJEbb4
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.
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"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9OAsIQzDo
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmuzYwdaZe
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d6JjAJAWP
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g4pejmiT4
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSFBlB7yJr
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMO9tQUVVG
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbziTnL2gl
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jojrUa7c1
"Are you sure?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRdYnWIV9q
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDsVWB8uOk
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxmJ8K2NUf
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PkRbA7Q5C
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai8VrnULxN
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"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCJCQQYeSt
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPhFOq9TnQ
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVDQwRx9Ip
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroxyCUVBkR
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FtXz0V5Ur
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAMlQJWnAs
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvXA7Grg1H
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIvb3aorm3
I took a sip from my cup of milk.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOHsXJqCDI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNiZHn6iWN
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk7bEXzrqX
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ehxiJVOOm
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUMGejunMq
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp13hdGjw0K
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wjxCvjQtN
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCbekAKTRJ
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CEeEJTfjP
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QZvWjAm2D
"Excellent!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8voIkCejK
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ86xGLKTKa
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6lkUltoJl
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHCRSR51fS
"I say, child–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yFrGJtgt3
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPMFXJrmPh
"Please, start calling me by my name."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7rl1d0qa9
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rd54nVwlL
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ma2cVf9Y
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP67yz90hUT
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM3qBBgfXN
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcOJTFBcoY
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWGhaNFctk
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvO9YFcHig
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCAkv2DbLW
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZOzOQHOrQ
"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?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDFmJ8IUTI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaS6E9PKDx
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYRIDZMiB5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEEBTkdGQf
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCHRSR9qEB
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRyApRNVme
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2kc90f36r
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xcuSnwAyr
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjX7eDvt1f
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxdqI9poow
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVvn4rxIUh
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdJw23NegV
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGjgBkZAza
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJaqbIKYob
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrWP4Gz3Iy
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YE5AgusoU
"No. I don't believe I am."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4OGJ06tOc
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GE3ZpezPC
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw5qAjY3sD
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4saGVcXssb
"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?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt4sfs2VwF
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhpFZZEmDC
"...How do you know that name?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVhBgPTkiM
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftjtAdJy23
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZo5nVouOb
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6pFMG2rkq
"How do you know that name–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ4kJ42b9z
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"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7C2VsLzyn
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrVldxhm3g
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sVdoesxdF
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf52WPUFwK
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCdyvnRNSv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxjMY5fkT6
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDdJNeOzrF
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabfpiFyFKI
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxibdm9gBu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNiMkLNaFf
"...Right."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nad5udpvw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eid08IRyV
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7HPIQbT9B
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR3tRgz8xR
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4JH1V3WK4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5cYbUbNID
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV3cxVdVub
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr67ExXQ7FS
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaldymmhSxC
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhusDBFbMJ
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbj6lLulj9
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxFlUg4a6K
"What!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgfEeHDPyP
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i4Qt3IXCM
–
–
–
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPplvG0t0b
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKAmfwopdW
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmFS4TgZfm
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHdO4nYFdy
"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!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1NXtr55KJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1UuhbrtET
HURRAH!214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ7Dx2Rm3T
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19QTSrf6ZO
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMM2lX3saZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTepbtDdkmo
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qq0MCNbZL
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSVVh6o180
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRQpGC8gb3
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmkDQzPqeb
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohQDAmicZA
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1f9TxsANJ
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN66J2kZRM9
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfYMxpAt9d
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCefMY93vi
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYfWekRrLc
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOGBcILqUa
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtqsNcfMVs
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWxYL8BOaU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVEC2WgCpS
"Hey everyone!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejAE8jFVaW
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95tMsCVL8U
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqCtAZ7nhI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhensR5YkF
"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?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa389b9WOTJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6yeZOn1GD
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqKF7LPpeH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3Br0BCxit
"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!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzBOO7GWPm
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBzp3KIo1R
*HURRAH!*214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCIIJJEDk3
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ515jMA1gPx
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5dsLZj7ea
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzumreLpiU9
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGanG1mj9q
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy8Amg9vKe
"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–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpfMrYwhy7
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlicNPBzy3t
"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!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tyc3qTHP0
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyT8i4e5xs
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYsylJJQvf
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH2qk2zmFS
"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?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6gAf8qKKl
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO5H9Zm7U6
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ524D3BY4lu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG3bx7zFBM
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWxPue1Uwi
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRh3pc02md
"Ah, that's a relief."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY5lGI3Db8
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKGavJjVJl
"Looks like ya do agree."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdA5OJHFWY
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsytt9JCVP
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrIeaBABGA
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7y2MZYFiX
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8Qfz8vs2b
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FJTzZh5d6
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYUMSfdgBx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOpiqC88AS
"Eh? Handled?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vjph1OERz
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiaxUQMpU6
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bv6K8cqxu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5W2SMA6Iy
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUqTAcCpLG
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVIDeqsuCc
"H-Huh!?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO20v6RaxqD
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPK5sYGcCy
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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c98Uc48Nr
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3G8csh6zU
–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2UaTafiw7
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–214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSms2exmUL
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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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGIAVISH4k
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6F5rIR7ys
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZojTDL3HL
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeknZyt38pp
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnCvbAiZXS
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZc65PQ0rO
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yYgnTCmGv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeeM1lBp6v
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpjlkSLpbf
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcayMb3jFt2
"Can ya do it quick enough?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa7iIGL3AI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2GKu3wmrj
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FimyhzMwo
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8AiXp1O8A
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPg8vfbKGK
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE83VGlVV7h
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxlrTqGtsR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTgbyQkAx0
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfCRmSzPxU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YxLDdC97K
"We're comin' up soon, kid."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX5mxMWOH4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLxnc5gHaY
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGYNhoBDOu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuEYb5vXmJ
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejRCwEqBZW
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIVo7W3AuJ
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwQykGgfWQ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApME8VIGKR
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejKYd9N557
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4efpJRVjZ
"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?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aiq5CDMOK
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ9q2EveZm
We took a few steps forward.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuHcnn6QR7
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpeMJSzrZj
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO0DMdn51I
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHBdpcfTbq
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b6uu3wxWv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1Et8fdRKP
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNcgkab96Y
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzZCdYofQm
We took another set of steps forward.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBvLo2pn1T
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRVbCi9uVa
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkC3fgFJOJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkkIOInNEL
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HytoLBk3i
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyVXhJZKpe
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQEWeTlmqZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyc7D8Tz5Q
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERl10mHBOx
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfIRg7CkdS
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMvIUQMjaX
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9AmGNe7Ep
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvbNTkNSPR
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28HKZMQfvQ
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcldJfTtXgb
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUcXfXe7Cq
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jdez1tICB
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uBnE8kP3M
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOrIe8mc75
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnarxg5IAAS
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSPzgKJf7t
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HlsaTJE3c
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZIf2UWjZk
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGkPCw1K7M
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiGGD1t7Mn
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEI8c33XoR
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXjMDI3AaQ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VlqXWIJeW
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzMj4Tcl2y
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMJOump9Zi
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpuMb32qVm
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgJ8sMhnxl
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7GR6ruEsu
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnroQZQctv
"..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqE8huNffv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxHqa0T0Tn
"..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuW3v2jbK0
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMs0E9aPzs
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OAlvt0mnp
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdVi4YFnHw
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NK63K28kH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1GHhBwyto
"Huh?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0vo6dkqY6
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoizeb9QSq
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrY4Tquht1
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkRYGOzczl
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamM6tpvc6N
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TAMkIYnrD
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHwtFq2Hns
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRiGRUhRkK
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnepr3a4ce
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tz7sz3Bnc
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHGaQWHuRn
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpN6MImntF
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Hxuefy6Bw
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrCZke9lxc
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNRTx4ypbP
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ974n6kR7fw
"...What?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdYp7QiONH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoNjGyUNKw
"Ya heard me."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtJaPjv0V1
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwQbav28Ev
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp8LJCt2uo
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnD29ImGLYt
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjNp6Mr77q
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OOEr3EBG9
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwmseuaBMg
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4cRVs2gbA
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAwJvldcfv
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bdW1CZedf
–
–
–
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?214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGU0JKK2UE
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiCJAY2Vaj
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSUl2iZzn5
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESn4VLK0Cy
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6JVzFcz44
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaIgP0YAY7
"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."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveRORGRDgU
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdsQitpHnd
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bo8VcVNVl
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd3YvFT4Yw
"Good luck out there. For both of us."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRmklEkCEO
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunClr6xelm
"..."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsp8aHKV3G
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGUxU8NI2F
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0I7RET4XV
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bwh31jCS9
"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?"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDmEg61PRy
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5gnQhRZxX
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDz182CTnM
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj68cwol9x
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho8lJJvfg4
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyIDIMYIkd
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TNeBURLMH
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhf2I6jPSW
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK19otbsYI
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCg0H58b9c
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V7g17MkEJ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7Dy60CY9p
"Everyone!"214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdD0YPIh9X
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5YgXzAVMu
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.214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEA1VkZjunZ
214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl6AvkvZPt
A blazing stampede, a collective roar, all conjoined with a fervorous crowd. I took my first step, dozens before the others, and ran.
然後按「加至主畫面」