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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTkT6ilPI5
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5mRAuna91
"..."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY62TdIzXo
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqBzqAabvZ
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4eWJomC3U
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tmytOpXat
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCbccWzDvE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJGg4K7oQn
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7IE7Eh0XQ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwQz1TrO0c
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98MJSEFq7G
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsoioXSa4n
"Crap."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJymkuBDXW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCkhDydLDQ
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGeePFvED0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGPVUg4jlR
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0kAUhLOQ7
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSelbhwBzx9
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAP4sOvbHz
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xMUKKv1JH
I didn't say anything, because he did first.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVyoEtmqia
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkAbWZ9Bia
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4Phy5dwE3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNHTFJrRWq
"...Uh."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4NkGIpKkv
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZX9aACrSw
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNyIei5a8k
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYC4wrvFPw
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdfxA1tx0a
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwPCJ4bEyF
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYneWWsckfR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xMR09Qao0
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC2uYEcPjZ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTemZUbOmJe
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkBhlA5ORA
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5P6b3wXAi
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnasJU4Ne96
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWYKX3uKV3
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwAof5zEUV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uLNwJklJ7
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hc90gUcZi
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUDZ0zB7ei
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmpLhuHPBi
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWpgcnXmXx
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ1PbgphCJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1bQMk24gV
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8lxgWXh5Q
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQCk8WKftR
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeBeUWS4ao
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu9T8MJ60v
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxebPzeuK9s
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP5XKzyhDl
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkQ4kYIQK5
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z2PZgQcOT
–389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpYfWk1kPH
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA456dOyOMq
–389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f3kn2GsvP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCzVJj4490
–389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71zOq8f4d3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmLKTz3SKj
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq33oKOqU6Q
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A1pHmKVQM
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvX5WuMPbZ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWilauylpBm
"...Trevor."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdQJQAeFUX
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3DSQbBw1K
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLsIo3qA6A
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDYSbU1vx5
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPwM5zVfJy
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02bQPJSCvG
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwuSEStVUh
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6e3jWu1XVr
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGt9Yq8paG
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAnAy1ruKP
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom3LGQxthU
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK0HwbPW0t
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE3gfpfaDq
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdCx0az1Ol
"Hmm..."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQbL7xnDXc
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFrp7PsY5y
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAzbuL1s8k
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXnKutaOpg
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPni6w9PoS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53WLxGkhlu
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUvGeNQMke
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT9v9ZvAdc
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.
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMofEzpsNxS
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgWtevnPQb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyAcUCg3OU
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37XFIwMyRL
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3u0u1DE5q
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqWk2zWmy0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cj5ra59mp
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzMWzCjAaB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zMgo5MAtf
"Are you sure?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoPxhSvSta
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXiUj8RdOq
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0RlTGWrwV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgnwG4uLgp
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiaSuwSlaW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPJCeMU09R
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkypJzC4RkH
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBGUsaLCLQ
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4287LneqKx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCggBftyqoC
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGPskfNhat
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtINbhlXbxT
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKPr96SQE0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHhI6FffLz
I took a sip from my cup of milk.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g9aAz2TAP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWaKikoPwH
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPS9jpfPfh
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVkfK15dPa
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJUskB6EM3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJL6iw4nYu
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkId1Hr3zn0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJgwyXtKas
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS8q6YIJJ1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDifThq8QM
"Excellent!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39XvqjPEkG
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E8rdjsixs
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb36A3WUgRv
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8VqIYpU1i
"I say, child–"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7jaKeRTql
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiInmI9N4Yn
"Please, start calling me by my name."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCCCcgjgOC
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlM7LaUYoe
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIINqOHoFg
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBkoCUzPKO
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZtILRPdXY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsJb43a0Cl
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWsnBk1imH
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGmbw5gHrC
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrdqbpsJvu
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgtzmH6TRC
"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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0H4uplrWN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrgmQoF4jt
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI9MZ1fqnt
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb2WrPQyJ5
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdYJVz9wS0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiud8nGjFGP
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9yzi7zvM3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw927iBrx5
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQf53dDll1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJb5l7Fy7H
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGwTzKUgTm
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqktJOrsn9
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGWzVtSgug
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqtY4gGhlY
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOb10CyHyr
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1NXWJl26u
"No. I don't believe I am."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbik9ifz9F
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jtvQufToF
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzdx6Hm9BS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgE8NBN59U
"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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpo7iB7ZLn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmjOA5vuS9
"...How do you know that name?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LAd4tNhmw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05Ieo6ec2I
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsonbkswS30
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsQ1geJEVh
"How do you know that name–"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdntwFd2Uw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk4SxTXJp4
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKGRFpLHtg
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDxOSa9hSi
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21wMAOYj2B
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6VEZzu9mT
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVT0t6Pq3T
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXroPhU6q3
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5hrSDHmHG
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk3Il8VXft
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzXmW6h70Q
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RmzsYAUOX
"...Right."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3nPjPTxyJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMY2cf1QTq
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPJviGHAyF
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwGZL4AyXf
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ597chIr4DS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkQJIICjJo
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBohnpcwAX
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hqoEKzEsw
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVi7cgyAIW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCpu4oqJrL
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqq6VibiJ1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF6DbSDB9M
"What!?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0h046Ejg4
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAhri7B5NE
–
–
–
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumfsh2saPI
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEez86d70wh
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDryGM5ghw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsRmz44On1
"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!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7j91DAdDu
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK1wDhObkt
HURRAH!389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrXDDLC0Ud
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6YWv514Ja
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaM5xPJogv
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAY8ZCRTrs
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdB2kQpmZ2
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqdgKs2tOR
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWju9MU8LM
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ygjcd5qKK
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRerxd3XEI
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC4z3Mxvoi
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOvNh2tfJS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV0Y2tECmP
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdMR5qglzV
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwG56i6Zol
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FgTvJ4BiG
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1omrtLYRp8
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FAPYa3FXJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5QkkP53bW
"Hey everyone!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS2bOc6fVo
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIGRpZk55G
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl1QQjhDTT
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVRolsx7F4
"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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDGZhztd1B
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG2e4iJIcb
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZjWRVjbK7
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ChZBjhJaP
"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!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9illYO4N0
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8PEHNR5hW
*HURRAH!*389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXLPKO5M2k
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOHUNiuQkL
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRgmo9UnB6
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZjwyFrKOV
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG5VraK1KM
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGp6VOzYCgI
"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–"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkYMm9QHXa
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8wHiUG9yN
"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!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ5BHsuRBD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ej4QcjfN
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsK5wvryS4v
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIODKmLlef
"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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9CgKOUPGD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf0AKd8nqU
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlZBTHG0R3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTRb3gOXPy
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfqx5VOOxx
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpyoXKBF1P
"Ah, that's a relief."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpapAdacuR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb2YNvBpQM
"Looks like ya do agree."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuERXYhU8Ur
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV8kUWYRUe
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F3iJm2Xyl
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLOfJPHJvB
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhLfzl4CHX
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkxbgw9SZD
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdAmZU8NFT
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0Eah3AIyp
"Eh? Handled?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ROn4t5Xr1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcX5T3y4n4C
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapBnbwEjNF
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLrzT75XJN
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJBvi4ELtE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec2zfBz5FT
"H-Huh!?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIldnS5Q3u
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX793KDMWdH
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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwmd9BB0um
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtePKb4Xebo
–389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsdt0X3Mor
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4usliBpP5b
–389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS5ldC1gza
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslFnznzq6j
–
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D3bFHrGII
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs141UARLzB
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoiWl86C2o
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PCqPTXhsz
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT8eeIL4X3
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuOLwyIped
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA30dnTqtc
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxddcC6zyKc
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpwKhu5VgI
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX8DAKjpcX
"Can ya do it quick enough?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtimPyhg9zW
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKht7X72bl0
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sL9eiD6V2
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY6e6nK8Ls
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvzy4OCdQb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Gj7eLJqO
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C8bt4S2PA
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uHnVPcA4A
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBz107B2nd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtyYYmVhHF
"We're comin' up soon, kid."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NA0osIRXo
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisTk0TVyex
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYqEaCrOFF
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX7i0SM3aL
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcnFLfkzRa
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxfJnx2Nhh
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrwsw9W89Q
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIR0CYZVJM
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRHbZTZcrm
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWhS6t9GgI
"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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9upRKaSTD
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9oUmovlI9
We took a few steps forward.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu5Un61ZGY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl33k1tu05N
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsuZkeGMqd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO271oLsIa
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2jBOgtDbS
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzbv4Kx58v
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRTaKf7fqo
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDse4wsEdO
We took another set of steps forward.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOh2Kzwrq7
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEO0QrGJAK
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQykrP6g4b
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9zLfmM6jr
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkQ5sIoAza
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb7GRnmfg5
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSGkzRTX2N
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaegWocfxtM
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakmLjQL3Uw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6vPkIa7HS
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JCEnMMFPN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcQZke9hM0
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlKDFU8bDE
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxs2MOybotj
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzVOnUD3ts
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7vCvLY8HK
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDC1kECGlh
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGlWryYNXz
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2ESZtOCMr
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETdi3kLMyu
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zDDKl9gyZ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ofKRbr630
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHbV1cUGES
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsktoH5cs0
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EUBR7hD9X
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52vDAxcXPY
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sK5dHsqNU
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiIogmkt59
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrjYaGIAJB
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5OPPOBBvn
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9HW8SwcMk
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWg4fj9FX6
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimM93rrcus
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdaI7moGOJ
"..."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VBwJC1ITR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYPYRZmc2L
"..."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHhuVmjgUb
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOD8xMO6MP
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CyTHH2I87
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVuCRgehUW
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabGilxr1SM
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1UGCLznPy
"Huh?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUyk71JfVU
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9mrcRqqzv
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmeYeRHYtf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9o4JxO541
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsVPu71fXw
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt761pcODbz
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTje1LxQW01
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwwcffoYnP
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9itm6iKsFi
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofB1zKHs3W
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9hdr95xED
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kstB7hQJF
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY0W9AySPo
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZHJJ0aZKS
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0T1E0EwGj
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhp4CYvmVW
"...What?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnmR441RsY
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrR6dtpalk
"Ya heard me."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkVNQtuHbP
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEo54fhvSX
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD2tWZcwHT
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPADuJGXoY
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0oXUAna3a
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2OItY2oHB
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK0oSrURNL
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRH3n7eENJ
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWa9rfhBBn
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXABDdksMdw
–
–
–
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?389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZwyuoYboJ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVtF79mhLq
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7ovrrSMrF
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7LCnguPfF
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRvCeJknAR
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e1KBtyAn8
"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."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7EGPdg8Dd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7ZBTpB51V
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dx8oXz2xy
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF92SmCAgZ
"Good luck out there. For both of us."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1qm7TCiM4
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgzNHvVZZi
"..."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5iiyI4Q87
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKaum0Wdrj
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27q9YgarGG
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88QN42ayXi
"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?"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HW51E8tet
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGCvwnmOYV
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsySXCfuszU
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5M8WCvbKA
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ymRfM6ld1
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0cWBl7EKO
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4ujaxT4WQ
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1pm5Ohhp3
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HPTlUr5JN
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGL52VF5Pp
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPuuTfgLRd
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UvIXTvrKn
"Everyone!"389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcuuizTbp7
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ301UprntSM
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.389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjTD9LCUTf
389Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPM5OeEIQL
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.