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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQDI3MskWo
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW0aTnYfgd
"..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DJjJTzny0
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgWgw60igs
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPY1VEygll
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2tisa3u7e
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRKe3Lg3aQ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQoNQeV8Kn
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYySwX8LSfp
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWHfHitN2q
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWfn8jbi5O
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByWf5j7elk
"Crap."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpX849cgGI
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtpfo1fiBe
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOdyrhKWuH
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQlW8gQRNz
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1Q45J2YIs
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYMpn22Ixk
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSK8H5w7rz
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkhiheEw9J
I didn't say anything, because he did first.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprWlNvihuu
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8rKdKlVh7
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe00RzCejI
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0oq0WAoqX
"...Uh."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqaUpSXK3E
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYIOPgIYnB
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZlXtYuB9z
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw6EIwP9QV
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE7TW3VBcN
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuh4sgl7K7
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTobHYN757
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7dCFHzmDC
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaB4UWpFTC
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyeWm8i0xo
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuloI1k77JM
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhikRhmG90
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICMOwPxTEY
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PYFVr0Jkf
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jpHAoyws0
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm4JKnFB2x
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniJQsQvdWQ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMyCTrbzOm
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvZKAOR3rQ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrnIqHoQlJ
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwI5XgqF60
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEODpW3d4QV
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWocfZL6pL
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IRdobXIPA
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g8UlEvyk7
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPCJuGA8Zv
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCdZVLZeAP
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFDHVPp1Pm
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwy3cBC7QT
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMhPmR8q2F
–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaKe8rLX6z
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfyqa0U084
–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGUK8YCogG
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJnKvAWruI
–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6kRe1lA8T
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSzgzw9hig
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW4dSlG8AT
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4ekMAve7p
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E5KRvXERm
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYeNFqHhYO
"...Trevor."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKNEW4bXbG
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGN5vDBkZw
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUHMTaboQ7
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuWNmDVyfv
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFHJVX67cZ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVN1KSRzlg
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfTjiEIGog
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1esmSYZP5
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraAWDumvC3
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa35vy9yJ5
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuqaoy8DTa
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NTKkUJWIM
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ9Cmm5SB1
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU77B5hkjHp
"Hmm..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBBjE2ExlX
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvsdOJsjvj
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRmNZNXCD9
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH6rP1EqxF
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWMnAFS9Um
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQTCz7uk4x
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnYYS84auy
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnQsvY3Ekt
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.
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNorUibHjAc
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeY0Dxmcut
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvAXAnDI2q
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRjygGROQ3
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTXNJFvOUx
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb4BKYTRRm
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vz9oq1g2E
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxl7W7aPNF
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bRAsGoCoC
"Are you sure?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBTzoDd3AD
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMY3dpLoQC
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhiGsW1ATV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GJXhO0lgh
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLU8U2YQcX
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eCG0h1sJO
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39pE3rBtOn
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmvGyeYE06
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowhn6JcTrB
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XiHBYVx6Y
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR5oEJDcEF
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33ST881j3V
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAOZURzhIe
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b8RzEtWFo
I took a sip from my cup of milk.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM6PwpGgJd
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOuWYGgo8q
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ29yRcSkv
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjk1hGo85x
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqXohfaG97
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt0epva8o5
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltdSUVL3UJ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4oBiCDP48
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNGc1sf2Db
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDkOBvtgbx
"Excellent!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBevD7a4Rrp
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRjQYksnDS
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCdAr9h2Q9
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoOQCIvtVd
"I say, child–"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87IwkoiV5e
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n70DZHRLn
"Please, start calling me by my name."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU1MvGtnkd
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zjyg7sC1X
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9DIhnCJQo
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIXaUVN20W
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LOXVDuQoD
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbs4a36lmO
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLk2MXSLXex
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFTRrRIuWK
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUanSoTSOUC
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu14pPpmTdT
"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?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovWOoOkqMT
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnES6QhAvEt
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF4FLrmWQy
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOBilsgpXV
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxMDHrXMpV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4htSX62I8
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jmsuI8Idv
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWxS61F2mC
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG6v5iM3Z1
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKODMCMNouI
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCkxyMHGsf
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYy43UiYcJ
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFKR2S7V9p
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6D6N6GNfx
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0smsAgiwK
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs7ksfOg4d
"No. I don't believe I am."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtykTeHBRiB
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZUd6VHEVU
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUvnpQWXQA
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJLdIGYi9r
"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?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAZXz1nxwa
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ168cpbUOP2
"...How do you know that name?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLcFxH9au1
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7LqfI9uZu
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNtJcXqrbD
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPftfwExDv
"How do you know that name–"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Q1vtzRvWz
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzPUKBq4gH
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9NdhGrNtm
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUiSoFqgS8
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8zjN1yBnW
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcOXh5VVhw
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsOGC6r3t0
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKaZ7MkGDI
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEdXGWYLx1
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIvoEW9uBY
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqy7rSdLm8
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFHSGUbT4m
"...Right."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomwBrgJdHW
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnRr82M6Ic
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RZsWP3NHh
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGJX6ZhNCq
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTJBfYyFhT
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ieuOpJhlp
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8YhJf8wzW
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjnr4iVtLq
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfNmN9d65e
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNLPUHuuEx
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Rqt4LPkEk
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIhXKXY0Dj
"What!?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhamhDWmzOx
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz7vnxk4An
–
–
–
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERMjrDgVIn
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgy3vITl4G
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YzNGLf0Dk
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAXcrvDTAg
"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!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7HYNxEreU
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27sOAme41c
HURRAH!154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKtlyUVJA3
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZPEuMhplj
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuqEdEdceK
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XAyfHNiKP
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKYw3EkeHS
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQZEIHL5Lo
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfnFahwr0M
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9TVNmgbsm
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFyl6CjEMA
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIrUcxRaD5
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXgnepu7XR
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi2VWdCnqX
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd87Ctp5Nsv
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TXfdhbf9l
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb8cRqXAaQ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSAwS1Lyi4
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrnWHTY7nV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUmPhinqfg
"Hey everyone!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLza8l0yJV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlcueSypdp
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK4WFL7uXq
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIO0yuofBW
"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?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnJr1OAJaY
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLshh4OxZY
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaWV8YdzsA
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPMn6bimEJ
"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!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjHb2MIv39
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChlRtlFgqu
*HURRAH!*154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPz36xxkXX
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSUl0eeJ5i
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MLBt0vTQC
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7IUw32K1C
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jIClVdGnU
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Wg6tEhNrR
"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–"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfkOwpZuFN
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwnaXqL0H7
"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!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxhXJKXrMd
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRdel7Wq8w
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijtQLcJKiG
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsflvr4TJ59
"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?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ385HzZBGz
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhXkoGRV5a
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAvjZRknaR
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWoKjIqfz2
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBwwAMRKk6
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwRFAiiBDe
"Ah, that's a relief."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdA8AXZUbM
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZjl9XMmeb
"Looks like ya do agree."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1FsmUWycH
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZaFF7eyxC
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uhppKID19
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYq0tSHxJ7
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcWXn9Ryf9
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGzcSoIBEt
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTzseoo2Fa
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr71IDXiyTQ
"Eh? Handled?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmCO50avgN
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSW1xapT4W
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFaAR9SW5r
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA7bRkj6As
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwayw1JWm4
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HI0BpuqoO
"H-Huh!?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyawFFm5l05
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZikAkAdks
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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RheKNPegS
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XsEb6zdW0
–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF2oXYQKEg
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WEvckYPQU
–154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7BElWXN2Z
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6mklZ7q0W
–
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLK8O1qPCJ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6dP5dL6xU
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCp71BJif1
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmiYPeAnnV
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3115cAUW6
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYda0zs8N4
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBmjvNGCuK
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoCY0PCu6n
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVgvzjFWw2
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPRQgUyjJn
"Can ya do it quick enough?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtr3DpepM2y
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP45sh9OFdE
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZ2MVtxSnb
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxHffi9Gut
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2UQiDhckI
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h5o0YTFsB
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYotkW6TQ5
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqqQ1QW5v0
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3qxWCGRcg
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qLmzbvl7w
"We're comin' up soon, kid."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJR1CDf22qF
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLztm4Z7IIT
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡav5SNO3r15
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjGuiHRqV3
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkfUSRtpV4
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjYqcJnoz4
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILM351qyzQ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzYXvtTii6
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qho7oINoz
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuDS7Lek19
"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?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVsS9hM9W8
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOXXN0G0SC
We took a few steps forward.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnsekfIxmH
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDI3gIWsd8
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xzzYXVqMJ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWscoOr2lGr
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0dKNkKxIQ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4PQwEAAM4
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmjR35zzoz
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6afHQVxMMV
We took another set of steps forward.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YocG1KkOe
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1QVHRFTNv
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBuUXhP97C
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcHwyNlkMn
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbC5hmBcukk
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT1xUcP1tM
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMyLKZAutw
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBI7vxrScg
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Ouzzj5SC
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddzrvb9hIf
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXILf3gkTL
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3EIX9QizK
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGNu8ma0Nw
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9Yo1qMHCt
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAPgfyvZJm
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7uCkQ2kP9
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHO2Gf03Mf
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSOWzxwZLt
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZgGyuxsT3
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9LXL4Can1
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jXyuzFx9k
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMJHMUpjcP
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6mNNp5LxD
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOGosbPPLO
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpOtbtKbDJ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmnHAUE8PO
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0wKz1EacM
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD6y7UpYpM
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LZ4phuVzn
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxMwFkcCXq
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUekZI2tDbc
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHofY10ZrT
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLYzUkwlr5
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2A4uFDDQu
"..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g2lvHIssD
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMgjfvBJWA
"..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxThNSLAMo
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xPp1xVXIw
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcTnOU2SBq
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtodP1N2xaI
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCCHFPSmP8
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWebmEf2Y8T
"Huh?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosZlqzKX5y
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiVlDaaQLD
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqPxBUhGiV
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8636ujqnAm
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qshozONwt
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjdGGXcgod
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjNBWsJinq
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDhvFIpGKC
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZzSegn49I
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM9J8iZzCn
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsKY0YiCnY
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMDVpAyU5G
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg7IwKk00u
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ggcPatVR1
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrkXEaasu4
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe6tNrbv3Q
"...What?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwqOAIITB3
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkrgLvBeYz
"Ya heard me."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3zWeeY3mT
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzdJiI5Q2L
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXPvZvO1eZ
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCqOOxSW5f
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIr1ga1UR9
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokT4jPQKcu
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1fkaNZmgC
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSyT19KD54
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAmzRgucdO
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrIHsZ0wWd
–
–
–
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?154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjbQZpsxfi
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnaMCe2Fd2
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqoGgZpCvu
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmcuu2u80C
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1qUwFDL3O
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu9svqrXwh
"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."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAYIfD27Qv
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQchwDi6GFq
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQxcrsj1xD
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcXCCe9fG2
"Good luck out there. For both of us."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZktt6oP9Vb
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUX2GpxpB2
"..."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE2xFkhNpL
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQMUlnTeyd
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FXCu64Z5D
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsEef9vnR9
"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?"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoYtCO5S0p
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mTvt2nycU
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizVVKYUhZ8
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVo9f6Kg0u
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVMJfSAEFl
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2cdgIbgZa
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmo7vzoYVI
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVA70LKFgC
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YlqXTFJTP
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNfTKTfEw1
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8joMGkyby
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbclS03A4xb
"Everyone!"154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9TzinOuCe
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTVzB0laYZ
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.154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfY8s8OIl7
154Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvVBZrw648
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」