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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfbhpWdZO3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTlrOSUHQz
"..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV37U44kB0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2wlKjUOFo
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TAzBySsWc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1Z1RTHo5p
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dxWxCCKDn
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z3yzP55wZ
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd3y28slzx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qQJMZPTua
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxlJN1nrUV
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukQCpdGAmp
"Crap."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5ATmQx1nn
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2KknWh409
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVxsyqHdsd
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa1HlHlvWU
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsspwcWGIQq
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoGNXYXxnU
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhbPkTHBEX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyOXJeQATv
I didn't say anything, because he did first.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjXlP310XN
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBB3oRQ79p
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZBVecl8yB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsC77cCtmd
"...Uh."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHEfftEQCj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk2cES2wu6
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6ghYDzQVj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu29TfQ4Lv
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlmB138L6d
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAKI0DDWN0
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBObBzikmoL
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQRbev60gI
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPos1zkdjug
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCYXKwfrc6
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY7newVvOa
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1ausqsJ6c
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EFIre2cQ3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21lVuz0P6h
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum1lnbMv0t
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMy7hOo4qU
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcaglcpph9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hVVs2wpYy
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQv8JA9uSx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGh8hBZFYg
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8v6t1N0av
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRuKkeZch4
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmCq8Pyw8x
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDgzvMGS2G
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6iBa7yHup
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHknQ2oI2W
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4edePbpwUu
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4tDBql9D7
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1u5gvhXzY
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2e6dlCTzx
–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrl0N4XnkFO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpLmOuyA8p
–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgNXzudHnN
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIrGtlyFUQ
–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQPvUqlEVd
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE8LoBc19a
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13eqS39abV
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8QXahRGMr
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLKSAxL0ap
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe0b7smuES
"...Trevor."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuBgsqScOS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJySSuICSgr
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRLLJqKIYz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5wJqvqq4v
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYqMrujolv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtsUfp4wyG
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUDK5usI7G
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTiKRurfdj
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHUzhBjoHg
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KhXUGkX5c
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlBLbphTl3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjQtOumlnN
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ctyXttBZ9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Z4978R2O
"Hmm..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYpNT0c7kE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXElfKCX0m
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLCFdgghOS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEl6oOei2c
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNbiJn4ChN
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcacMGhI0p
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW2r4ULSUR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPIJJ519R0
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.
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7Gsn1WqFV
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NxQvcKS82
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAAWfKxAwi
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRWj29FzCs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBLtgXQ5DR
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnV9tRUrv0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAiKdihH1x
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuseAKr92AZ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmBOLwYJ42
"Are you sure?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuUKQC5Nw8
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhRUw2YbEb
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLv26ZH5z1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuIh9ujOV9
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO3PLjm6yh
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIIGHGFWiO
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVnrkMIDqZ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbHoqgcqFm
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT9xhjiMKl
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVd3awE4aJ
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89wzJW8UJr
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb715zi4a9
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmg0IXtWY2
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYHRqW9v8E
I took a sip from my cup of milk.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FKj8YRev1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQWOZELAEE
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7IFeulwce
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDLnpgF63x
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTcN8dWrPF
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LJQD9Cwc9
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHjhsBqmC1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKaZMOxcRQ
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikeaTZmffJ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cKl5Fmyb4
"Excellent!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkBbdpAfGz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EnrEmY5uB
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswQZVkQuN6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ820bFLWEod
"I say, child–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NyISEPf2I
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZqiR8vGpU
"Please, start calling me by my name."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIboi4l8a6J
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1MnkBCVAY
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsWuratelP
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggkkfD3POl
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNQyheLJqH
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdNs4KdaCx
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pLvXik9QO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoRRdreMYk
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yg6oyqGY9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUMps3PmHg
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGNo6Rkrk2
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18mMvjKcTX
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYn4dfn0K9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0izZ33f9G
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjCijlWzr1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy96tCi2Z9w
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMWYiUjbBR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFpjBuyTbZ
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt4pwThcnq
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOTjkH2jPP
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF65rjJesGQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUMUmhG00D
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjcTkI4cf9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISgCoa8aBt
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIEf0s9YSQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z9JFP2Vv3
"No. I don't believe I am."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxhZfcI4TR
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEomlhMPIL
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwneBey6NTv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHWVQWUFmY
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0OmUxHzB9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfSNIU3Ia0
"...How do you know that name?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCt8oGNM0a
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE3ZaonTHv
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoTg2bjAT2
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0xeN8a1bG
"How do you know that name–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVJsd1I8YG
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2wZyns9FJ
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplyAfTJZ6b
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyptxM7e9lO
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZfJSEPjfU
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7dCz0hRPM
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KFhC0Wak6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4rZhiRBZa
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ypu9z55FP
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmKWAPRnA9
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE3hw00tBs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pnfHmSQGh
"...Right."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil8oPPBWYX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGnaOEkvDR
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZQ1IqUTFd
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvM1yWIEim
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BqWzHmZqH
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQJubElFII
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrTRQrJdwE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqFpkWweVD
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWHKw0tQOD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOQxRUm3Kj
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgHxAqo9oU
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCWC0SqYVt
"What!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXvQOPC644
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5RtFjKoj6
–
–
–
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtXNppcaKa
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxja0qeIvqC
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEPfytYCGc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIMjpyoFnV
"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!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBgwaTrOHi
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55aMmI25Lw
HURRAH!164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJbg2VJ0Ub
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFhQ1aOiLQ
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDmcxLK2F1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONtGU6WPFr
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mWRxVscGX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuSVoO6Uzj
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4rFNcbBny
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTtFGRqOGB
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9tHXZyCGc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie5MkKkM6Q
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN55mzmXXcS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4aU1hI81F
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1fqbTAG3Q
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHBDXGL5Ta
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rRATxUJ4W
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQtIvBgo1C
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZK7S4CQ5v
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wQ52qWiC0
"Hey everyone!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bYw5wCuSY
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqyU9EUiMI
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HNg1ffmXX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l6beJiFvy
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt6LRo3oz2
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUngXo5Sbb5
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gN2F2B59y
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ447mKoumLc
"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!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86uBwxHu66
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNTmL4zXjk
*HURRAH!*164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYf4Zex1kB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvfrGVQhq9
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLsOGJkGb5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMNPKQyDvw
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqFsJmNXAo
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YQy6jExTQ
"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–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf8cvFmFYI
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhksQZtKQpE
"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!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZdRboYkoj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe49SGfPbWB
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmEsmNhS1c
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOkSgERSPT
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjmsWhHT9B
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTfsAxA23k
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYHCYkCPtv
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoZIXBsEoC
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxziAdZBL3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0U4MnYgCJ
"Ah, that's a relief."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh3e31Y52w
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYN09kSTg6
"Looks like ya do agree."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq9QebSDJQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytgcW2BGkz
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dZTS6G6el
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemUDamKyVy
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUPlIfECPB
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzSxRcqySz
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGaAMs2kSY
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHh7Otw89o
"Eh? Handled?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPyy79dvmS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgX9EHVPl3
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU1e5dPLON
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mIvpxqSbI
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NRUy7Bw4G
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfNRplnFe6
"H-Huh!?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZpLMogR4I
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJl83Wczqt
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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡro5kEOi5QX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaOkw4xUMU
–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bH4CdXzeg
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzpyHiPmMI
–164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKczLkRWG9J
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlGec7W4Ew
–
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk16j9mJ7x6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkD5zesLKZ
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhoQk8X3zU
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWevQVIHvU
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUXbYjPqnV
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOPS45RGsz
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLACvH8nbS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6O7fFpvJSE
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIIjIALVdl
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQT6xoH68w
"Can ya do it quick enough?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMA3ORgw5A
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ1U44yX3V
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkerud3jFuu
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRE6nU1VdA
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGqjCqI4Fs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00UsWNaJ6t
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEWwdmgGqb
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhyXZfIuco
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1039Kicto4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaijh9smr4X
"We're comin' up soon, kid."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjOKkscG9M
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAhYE4Z7wO
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f6qzd1JG9
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVgBO3a4PU
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdw1GkuJ5r4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnwlC4M1L8
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4xAfFmJ5t
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQeQAxIxfd
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgubpB3PJ3Z
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBID29sKFU5
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd6g1mHk3E
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqebeRrsB5D
We took a few steps forward.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQzPAsUL3x
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASOxMjZBvB
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF2xIj0Ns8
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI38KObRdG
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1m8SlEAt0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P0AM6g2oL
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FrSAXlHvE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUezmSJeaw
We took another set of steps forward.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2JHGP3JZ0
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0OusFOLip
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8I6dbxFe2
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqQm8HYWgr
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSBLAYYYrc
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2huKnE27pE
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTDpFyDkdp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghSKIHgg4x
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBCYov56GX
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvADqFZz89l
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLS9MgjFqRH
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLZ4LIl70b
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzPVcXaq6D
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPRQiviKL9
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVdkBvx0MD
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ140lZd9oKs
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqodUgp43p
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunHDkBrWbR
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcd7SX1bYx
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyWF2IlGcS
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFq0nUhomk
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeICpmvZVB5
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwe3BlZvzf
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbOeiAm8cw
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGDIS1oNxO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFgtLHrIXA
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bLzJY6Q5w
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzlTdwkXz9
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSdTY5F0Cn
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4XtEHTEPF
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0INCI7fciz
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPUaIMznEj
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLGccLi2W7
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcMyo6DLBs
"..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B8Zka0P32
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb943287ym
"..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4nfiAVzgG
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lhuamB0fO
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBOVWEOlaw
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4NCE1o8kx
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPILDPrpCE
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB7GGhmVk8
"Huh?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEA37Fluqa
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2SW7eSsrP
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRguchxJwx5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEam4zGX4c1
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEz2Nex2EO
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWbNSC4hvx
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxnQVLXJC8
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizx3iJZRYj
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA4QrxMRMn
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSpcZ0d0RR
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45rqKq5BDH
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk81UIJjjk
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh2R3zN6G4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1hpaC6Jl1
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa5C40Mbi3
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt94dZqaSw
"...What?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcO7nQtziS
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNMAa7pUBT
"Ya heard me."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT09pqRwvm
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEqnE8JmLi
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7wf1tgfa4
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6mYTlxDxw
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUGCel9Ale
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lRG4ocJ59
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJcmj7fouJ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZXqwEmkQd
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFvEwQIqrF
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEYOADNog8
–
–
–
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?164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqttcYR0gg7
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLbyQVNMPt
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS3V8Vqosn
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJokA4zzMT
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfWxHa9uaC
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbz5o5N1Jd
"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."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIdoYiBMmg
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwYbsK8OgS
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIuKvIuILo
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp9wOScTr3
"Good luck out there. For both of us."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSZuTAV3d5
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5dRSiwpTS
"..."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxOZ5xpgqQ
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOGIrbgP9E
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LRB8ilsRV
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfNGdqQ6Ki
"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?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIXqmKFENp
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5EIumJS77
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYEwHVZf7e
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFtocJagxE
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKglG07Rj0r
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSATRyMpBy
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGRGg3RjUs
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtjbX5hLaQ
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKnsx6Ihwj
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeAYRGMwTo
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wmgMqGFN6
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85shvz32xH
"Everyone!"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36UcMwq4R1
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHDadkHgnE
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.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrAwF2tqlL
164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvy0ct9MPp
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」