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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTd6Mer7MM
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNRKd73Beh
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqsCvLf4pX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjurpph1WPQ
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hOMSqxHFI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4bGS0JTaY
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwdm8cMKcj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxH37TG9J8
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mUDRCPpRr
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVZqpHfU35
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpP7tKCR6R
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4o2i6HeTW
"Crap."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXkCtFPLRZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96ZCTsU7sb
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlA3Fhaqo8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54XbbxShHX
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXBXzvKlS0
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L9yF7iISb
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOxViaWpeq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGl1cWxzET
I didn't say anything, because he did first.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm4RKvz5rh
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvtWidL3hT
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ491pSskAkJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbaILOr6nE
"...Uh."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9iTqnFuuo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w5u6mQ146
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8quPJbzu3
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5M1Qzgzun
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl18I7QeCmA
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2rAkAqfpF
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrWlMFpKjj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueQzkLbU8S
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjk04P4IBw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfc9rXgVf1
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeuO1CgWKN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJklKHr85v
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9OfjDZSe6
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HszVVVKEU
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPRn1N5Yyq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBzKy7qq5k
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGUkCCXLcs
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O1hIMXNEu
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPbjStM0L0
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvbqJToAn9
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSFEKje17x
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNZcuLrySt
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQmj6wgEAo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAjnbxnaRI
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0zEYhTK4f
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKxJtuu93I
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHXRBoSyZi
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigipaDlnOD
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjehwInpmPt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPowfcKvYCs
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lubJu4XD4
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAwmSrFHDW
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5JdyzUB7x
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUdY4dhy5M
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcC4oxTBFv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL5DzmS7Jg
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9K8XIQ9Xe
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJY07BUElW
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmbBxAhH52
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZWDfFQFaR
"...Trevor."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiqMtHMZ6F
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDgoOZJS9x
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TWkQ7s05Q
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3egtd6Djn
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKDjXZHAwY
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho8hhTq3Je
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoqIlq1Hr1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTAjgIHbPS
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBaDyDbdaD
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2CJ5U2lsB
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGFsKH5812
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczGaRDDi87
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3obycTPaG
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAw5opnVoN
"Hmm..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiLIIuGv2u
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AhdBuz2Tt
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUvrJc3PAg
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazo7HtFA8q
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vip5ex6CV
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9V1mEOdyc
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqUvIHp5A5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSojN9CVHTF
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.
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0RHkEm40U
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri8ZemMVso
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HkO8yaTQz
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOgPSoWoA5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfIvTtABZZ
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeOwPrzBFi
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlwPwwtRe7
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi52NuGea5T
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY40NpSdLs
"Are you sure?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HillxvZZ0
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeq11cz9vn
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOChjgk1tCL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiyqCpsBwZ
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPfShnU9q4
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EMhW5YO47
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP22hg5r9f
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvg7k0T2ZO
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMy1zOdcGED
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpYQhcva9g
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxMFHjixxt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOnc5D6Y8l
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTFg3UO6WU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eoICaV7xP
I took a sip from my cup of milk.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiDY2uWUZ8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6UYrr3vm2
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkuxCOq0V4
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2txovd7sZ
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChLox6XHXa
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKS6PjLzqB
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjbucCwp51
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24O1zwheqe
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv7aLNd0J8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY8aRvMXMj
"Excellent!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVqI9DPQsv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFzVEFP9P0
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNm2XE9jeE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDIZJAFGeR
"I say, child–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEGTuMneiy
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibajSoMRBE
"Please, start calling me by my name."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhmLVCHKHZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ9rYIccHg
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopFr2mXR3f
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPCQu7cvoC
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOoJLUGMwg
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZQhSqLofh
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfUQ2CY1Vc
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DhL3adlW6
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFIvLUPWYb
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCVSi7YGho
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymKUDOo8UJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcdRXw8Qts
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWpczozxxD
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d4NDPsSNW
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDz8Yj6HEo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHcK0uiEJ6
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfEQ9tw9R8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauwpZ4nP7h
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wlxmt9QIg
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCdW7nBR3e
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoEbfQiUZ4
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qGuUQJDLi
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGc3dAV0ph
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXqndiYjFk
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIEybRKgUj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvP1ao9QD5
"No. I don't believe I am."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC0eZ947D9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdns4lcnVt
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXdJAx7q31
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl3TnU4bYR
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ra1SCCT2x
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUwMgmXNbG
"...How do you know that name?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUPkgldJxv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATvcdyDiG6
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAFPE8h7jr
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV6Fnf6ifV
"How do you know that name–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5ywbfiJ0S
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSeOn8VPCy
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZRHnPKFur
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n4RAacxem
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7kWrYcTGB
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaIYrwrTBn
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUyA6NnyWX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ413JEULDYG
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zeEgC98NU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyufJ3aTWL
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TtPLKrSY1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbfvu1oQyJ
"...Right."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYB3W2sJjo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAvIsUHlsx
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVCn6LDpKq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtp3HdSD6T
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cV3u1QVwb
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHJDX644zq
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9e5vsPBk2M
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwvm4KgzU8
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSXGCJ6pUh
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfPMZlFWuA
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdStI1hWnci
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG5DkG1dhB
"What!?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicWxk5INQt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgtQhtsc3Y
–
–
–
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhuAcmtc1n
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWVQiYwMsE
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ2c0MMMsW
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HTQpNgCLl
"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!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKoyn83QYy
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S1OiBloIH
HURRAH!198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZK7IPV7Gs
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj3bb0eVOh
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG44YXdCfpS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO0WGONtbB
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAbeFN49CC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWTuJACzjA
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSanAz3szQO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WHjm7Furf
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jdmtQ4gpt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPyBJZvlMC
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zYZl8tUYr
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjDambo0Ij
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f8EQrr80t
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCA9uAGRnu
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQPkqeyiYI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TJoKAVcrM
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldHIJEwqJa
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmknp1saJuY
"Hey everyone!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEv3xVu2uq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Uf8CHBrYG
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIJdxiYdYu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF0g8imTq6
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2eKRJysXx
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvtW4iF7Ys
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaRpPKdgAD
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd21ePgiVQ2
"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!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdusKWxkGd
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm7eEpJ4Lx
*HURRAH!*198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJNPM302rx
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZuIz5fyCS
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnnOmyW4CC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXpxqUAWEo
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwWXtmYWGe
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJszYc9rrOY
"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–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRBw6I4atL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOFMMYf6Fh
"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!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwS1Xk37QF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ROgOMzl7s
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDUshlxVt2
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctAwMghbRE
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNacPRXKfjj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFxQ7x7Wol
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDDaQ566vN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIdV1f2sC2
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXC9J4SuoU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1bZu7gBbw
"Ah, that's a relief."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UONfpxvEq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq8ptTShGI
"Looks like ya do agree."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuTzvp1TTK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabw5PrfPMu
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbh4WYiQfq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpfjt5sLWG
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2UTpJXr4H
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9Yr5PSiJx
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhcKvljx17
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0dbiyzK8f
"Eh? Handled?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgP2Fwhjnui
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Iw9rjrXPO
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9JD6o1Wbp
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HXgq1QTgs
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qIbhRgOWj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR8xwlmYbQ
"H-Huh!?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxBLqXpRJo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOsIaMLC1Y
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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjfjATVy0S
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UVDO0RkI6
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgyg4AA2rC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X0pPWO8HE
–198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOIea8ivqy
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvdkbdx9xh
–
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2ZGwJ6TNP
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV0B8XFFoz
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnxqOr1u6D
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr2nXdyH0K
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPhmct9vWe
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22bZLVI8io
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNjCx3Az7c
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7efoi91AYN
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WTTknX52y
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEhragle0M
"Can ya do it quick enough?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CVrhQLDr2
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpUbu9m8HX
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbNr5VdqIu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK8oyY16xI
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbpFMdgfqY
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrVjhKmHnp
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoLCM23r0G
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZPDsaz1Ku
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuBA33ivLO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2984zKYHG7
"We're comin' up soon, kid."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiWrNsp85h
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzp82E3Gbv
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o1zmQxSEn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQYU3uC4s4
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECpI6mcFzH
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2N1Y58XUk
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB8Leszzod
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO20TrBPxS
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYdZOWc8z7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnQLyKhJRn
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoSEF73KB1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyCJuOPeao
We took a few steps forward.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmbyFGho0n
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNmUfIIcYr
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6NE4c3d1W
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjMBNCvYd2
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU25latE59Q
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PrAOc2R4P
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzXaGIHL7t
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyGGMO62dD
We took another set of steps forward.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQKN3b8VFp
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzig0RiwbTf
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdySEQ9mkSS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCIiCcDeHs
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrQRJfbQIJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh9bYrjrz9
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwfxTXjQwc
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRQzhIAZWd
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGNkwW2Ny7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEtgqFQrny
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1EmWDw4Ax
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGJrYnqCsm
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrvShXGULE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC8cBqRhv7
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yy56UuOFQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenWP1B0wke
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOElNNzD6J
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLhyfS2pqh
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo8BCqKnJe
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4KSu3uijM
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5p6bA5fdU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpdGZRzVp5
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FEWqt1TT8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkebjUStTIN
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uj8qlYxSk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR9jkHTXQ0
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL911P533DI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScPpZ2EiJ2
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR24tIm3vjz
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn510rAkGm7
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkwgvJUqPo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4wqzcuFCP
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOYgpBF9ki
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsKLl2PlNU
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m6WSLfdgk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM2wqTTpWc
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFgFV93e4S
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0EK8byPO7
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX6pcbkzVK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VPG8kFj2B
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxP7pfgPFR
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X6jiX0Utf
"Huh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQR7fIXVhl
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXIDeGsIq8
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJzY9ZNs6B
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2YyYFHeqJ
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJAPNVtRH0
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdI4bE6YSGn
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgRkS0KaV0
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTUhGHUrHw
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bkcqBdPj6
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO7IUlbPK3
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspcAdmLMEt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqMZDM8mmt
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOFbnOhUu3
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt7Bx0YlwV
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlta8X6xLa
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZMHwCT8Go
"...What?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m7ZzR221Y
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4K9AbRjFs9
"Ya heard me."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3D2wULiRt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayAk5v9H2z
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyGPYk987q
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn9ZgHINMG
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHtdQ906jT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9tGYc7lD2
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qm0vK6tQh
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y6amvTTl9
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqGWXdZGBb
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNR77VKbPbK
–
–
–
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?198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVSkjKKVFh
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Qy748OdHz
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtR8g3w2zk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBuOiyP079
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qjMwG204N
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM6TBw9xMt
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTwYXCeqK9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CYSm7gDcl
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn4KzJ5FE1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4T6JrF5cB
"Good luck out there. For both of us."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0K52JXdjL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm347dsI4i
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGX4OudK6Z
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXhFLWntYt
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDIMR83K2W
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51Kppt9kQM
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGOYckcE7a
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgmSEIVGdl
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HEdMenVvc
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagxH3M6Zxy
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYxlupc6jq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSsWS1P9Oo
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnirx9tZgCd
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDpd7f90ti
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfxM6BhwnW
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GBBPuPi3F
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDATHzvQ8LW
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoPZFJ2vcc
"Everyone!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqJeLYe9fC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkHCKXvvLO
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkMnwpXmeu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3IW3FuGON
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」