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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEN3SvuxYT
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDurrO55C8
"..."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthVdzLtxO3
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSeQ1QnyHy
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE5Y16PucR
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlcGJyYJnm
"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nUJ632Qw7
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPnzCkv8ez
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuiz5eQLC0
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3nt37Hn1I
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTS0GXXNwQ
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3znB4gqOV
"Crap."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHKSWmWDi0
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kQM6Tgdgd
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJXoLfAUp1
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE6PVNuBqk
"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYc9ouVtqK
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU14hp18m6
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8erNgDuys
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykAzsKgrfk
I didn't say anything, because he did first.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZH8pK5lFS
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzPjQLhpsY
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfKXAmQJOX
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GViWTMKxX
"...Uh."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgGvrxoYL2
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyerKBcuSpI
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OVD3rP0M8
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVVeFalWbT
"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3QmxIux2d
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr39445v9ER
"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJgkdCjpyH
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILVaQbYSrP
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHe2ufT0iO
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CV31lO3WS
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeG7mLJNnm
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG0j87cUyj
Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMuphwvx3G
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp26A5zp5l8
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS0N1hBdmg
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj9HeCiJM7
He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV93n8nBMnQ
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGgsO1C76i
"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp7m2qIdFh
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHu845f92L
His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP6UAXgcWN
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LpdhabamJ
"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45UFVfy8ly
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALAeDVb315
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNkjPvsfKO
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfTNJAYQ2L
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgawzPuIjE
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw3i6DlzLu
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9K0JnU4m1
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DLgyk34vf
–355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkJMnuB8hb
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKiAVfTd6F
–355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedhhEr8SX0
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqbOHV3Dl9
–355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9RRTQrjFW
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt3T3iaqHt
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5EQ8kPJPa
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9r372QUw1
"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfJcu2v3PN
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLmLS6IDiz
"...Trevor."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAWWbL78mA
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooXzXKZvDN
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqW17sEfg2
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNWvgKZiPX
"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31Htk1x93J
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mrrr3odDX
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVR8nf74uo
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98RQGMhqdu
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkkqduqQP4
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwknMZE2aB
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uTQtO2nVT
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlpqgXVyAy
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeOJDQYA5P
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrd4TnNAr2
"Hmm..."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLgyE7RP9F
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8b4c3ycOV0
He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wC8N6bahF
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i4sKkpsRz
"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyehwUSCEv
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpJaYUjout
"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMkHVO4kCI
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B9bQ61F3I
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.
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhKkwf10z6
"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uqTbB1ML5
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5iKtbFrYd
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuazO0aYkH
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAM5fNJOxp
"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0N84iobwC
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLDv1zGh3Z
"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPE6jRr6nj
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b7iZ9QIpT
"Are you sure?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9eLGnZrqv
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVbqs9TYCP
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9Ii92jbxo
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC2kcmul9X
"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nxo5KrfdP
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQzO6919TH
"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDCai5AYET
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3fVgdWRnN
"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot1U1hbVpD
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp0IOz9zL1
"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h3cnKXWFi
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp9s6mznxF
"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x8rkaddxI
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe6k4Nu4K9
I took a sip from my cup of milk.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnNxb9hgfo
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sfasAU9vx
"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g1dt0uquE
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhMMVRKcMx
"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPgIttu88I
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5SQkxk33q
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFznKodWS6U
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BWbU8IXTt
"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxbG711UJU
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg9QJVrzuf
"Excellent!"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCkqeeiFnQ
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUinweS0G5
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVxX69YZgl
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Nkk7IzVpm
"I say, child–"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OmRSJuYNN
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnPnfLKI6R
"Please, start calling me by my name."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHPnGrqhsU
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kyrxQ6rem
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrp1nO4w6iS
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoVKYyUaa0
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6NBu9Hfg3
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vgg2PSvLh
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHQwempsAg
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFz121Da3H
I looked at him with a face of perplexion.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgjkkO0AWw
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55aTxfxFG9
"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?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0KAdXyKwY
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfIgm4sEGF
Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSYl4zolSN
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDIiAi1B1L
"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbQLE1dUZe
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7xOzY42eg
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sxMsnjXJh
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDc7SMFihc
"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e5IYIhfqk
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR4HdCHGA7
As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aqvV8iB7W
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR0Ym1s8yf
"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvcD3TzNdE
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXKUwqk0CC
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOglgFosR24
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qISJgywu4
"No. I don't believe I am."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmnvKc3pvR
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks3I6a1pUp
He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGhr1qhPD1
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBJtSFpeP1
"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?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ypavo4KCh
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlspj7IxVb
"...How do you know that name?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmrLKEiIiU
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCEK4ICbEs
He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau6fJWhtfa
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lIk3MPQU2
"How do you know that name–"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWz9xebMEA
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIekaSqHLz
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj04T4zOLJ
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUocy9K7xi
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu6PFLFVOG
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LtRQa55j4
"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV1CYeGWQi
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBO59MaCpr
He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQJkP6gevB
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryUhSTJOBQ
"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIBJ4faghe
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIZxQQhGhj
"...Right."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2vl4CJihI
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3p9CJJwLg
"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiiMF8ERTT
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNfxMhMxrh
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzOMtDWX87
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONZpHW147h
"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcVXxH1rzA
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAN1OCpOaJ
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fWkFH4eRO
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SPMADEmxN
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AL3eDazV4
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap5U5ZkZ0y
"What!?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGADLquQ0e
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KQCLvpPUn
–
–
–
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7djoJe2HKp
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldquaLHGBC
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKOTLVRNcM
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKbTLYoc9e
"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!"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyaw5v0LEq
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCN5DB8Jze
HURRAH!355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLqF22LSzO
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsdm5uSDDV
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwACDtaFR2J
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBITZMg8z5q
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUUxnaWIOd
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzIDQ70AFL
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjlYp9nCjD
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Mh4LnvKZ
"What does she mean by it applies to us?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4TAuFPolf
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx46q5EZNz
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G5j9JuuGi
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCgAwOlaBm
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgX34e2MFt
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9Vv1Bk20b
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUmBOffay0
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKD9ej71qS
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxZQRDGaSQ
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxT0I562kY
"Hey everyone!"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvEYy0ospe
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXP4qiPX3Z
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTffbdrhNQ
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBxsPFyoDV
"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?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC10ur42EId
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwhadel2wW
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeulGhh3Ro
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oFjn2wE8W
"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!"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGKmqEJoUm
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyMLCSFIKv
*HURRAH!*355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKDefgIMZ2
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGoUYaPK7G
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKQatWx8Nh
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABpSHhKIbh
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wWK53j1AT
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTyC9rN55X
"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–"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dv4rIknua
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyNr8hD8lo
"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!"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kodIb7DrF
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF5eB74Tfu
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDoDihkQkp
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5P21P3kNp
"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?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh8tUg4GQ0
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP17gzgSkj
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQJbvvk4cB
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLbBazuJBw
He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBF1kDMOdM
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4A95xyk1f
"Ah, that's a relief."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EUMERJNJY
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12ZXsoWZz8
"Looks like ya do agree."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOUtYJg1gq
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhUDVsZdMm
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKhKnGTrZH
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhW084z7ry
I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhZ5cKJ3LH
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDS7hxuTad
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW0CkyKvT0
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7g07lgWvJ
"Eh? Handled?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZC8Wi3Vcu
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIvulYVlwg
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxkfzLirLB
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqARtieDdxu
"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ6cme8xyY
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ75UJoVPjz
"H-Huh!?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX920mtPy2
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxJTwAUVsE
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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPjSU98WIu
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65w4cO1lT3
–355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0MfLMAuNg
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEomyuQl8CJ
–355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMwF44W84a
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa05De1GtH1
–
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBK6R7hRzk
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanpaXtEbZu
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhVM9PBdw9
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdASseQR57
"The bag still has potions in it, right?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbculBVOqU1
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RCn6iB1bo
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddwOCwGlom
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1G8932iPm
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZ3BfDIJft
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAvnK79pbK
"Can ya do it quick enough?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ27zgNOEl
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyAKtvltLd
"Yes, we're in the back of the line."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa1rh0ZJ0d
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWPZ3o2piy
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk05Vr72ICm
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ALctxUnB7
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DphWaScgN
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIJpCSXwTX
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA9u1g7npa
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO6DTLrbbL
"We're comin' up soon, kid."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKv6iqli35
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP56RajhLO
"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUInSOb1QLI
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiejG1uyme
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38ULVusY7X
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGAND4j2Mz
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7hqIskXDt
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB2QUP3uvV
"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B1XvXPUYZ
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy5BQUILAI
"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?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B9K4mY8vH
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY4nvpZblV
We took a few steps forward.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprXog1Xt09
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsrIAg86Tx
"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wOc9fNDma
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Zzd8z7hG
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrDYi8D7cl
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLk13DzTxl
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDBpTozEOH
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldTnH0LLCQ
We took another set of steps forward.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogxeDHMsib
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHnKG6C6lx
"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKHWyXTnr1
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVVvBPkE0a
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBGLbE6PsB
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhjbEzGkJx
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DhtqkOb5n
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BH4po6ruf
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09nNCEGASL
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea8bkl6wbf
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A9oz6guWV
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudyNRGS3tW
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0rrreWllN
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gDBFcKThG
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1di4WgkQI
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8aeoZ6PjZ
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1e3bL5b5A
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDw5TOXoz8
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWZ8tJh90V
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5wa5HSQs8
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpNj8t34gN
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG5WokHpnI
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKDlaq9Bxw
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWUVnExuwK
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67UyUFBJ9Z
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrIu633UU2
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4Etp9kwFb
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOlNZMnbcq
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHuvaiFnRz
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZj2mkh3UB
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp3KQqYffk
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRZSY6HXVi
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DVV2D1kB7
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4DC3F8Y1J
"..."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSjAKVRsYE
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPDX70ic5V
"..."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5yrU0Xflr
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX819fGteC4
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPKn5ClU3H
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gpwB9nB66
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxX6M0j2FG
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZw54k0I2K
"Huh?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrUJ71y4is
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BCcbHtbbJ
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdEdcTQPVi
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNiklqKstO
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSPtSAjbbe
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtFxnllewh
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaUIh48cLV
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fcTZJn55M
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFluQZc7Nh
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVXuVZ3Xun
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU9S7XFTl3
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyPZ8Xvb1B
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHVk16CfKL
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLGoADJFpJ
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8l0V1f33k
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7zY9JKnuI
"...What?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVbnnXoVla
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSIBnYzV4H
"Ya heard me."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbp6RMGF8G
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmGT25BCPn
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshAqiWNBj3
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn01l2UAhS
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTThiFlCgc7
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAeSy8kfgL
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbe3LU2mi0Z
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEkoIVvtyC
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCdkD9r9Mq
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFVHDeiNOr
–
–
–
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?355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN66XqyT3Y
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYZDROdj8d
"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPY9W1qgtt
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr8EbESBdT
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Kd7Dsm2K
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBkQoemQvP
"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."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN3HkFgtn1
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30sQvHaCXa
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKLDkmOLhH
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wT7yuMsw2
"Good luck out there. For both of us."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu18vGCsCr
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEvsEi7AZz
"..."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpitGPQ43Kb
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoUrPHDuZE
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj1CjYM7yP
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE9WUrgZcL
"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?"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R5UDqdo6u
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDWV8l16Fe
Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXh2g4KGh0
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt4ybaZqlC
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXkGFg8h8l
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLEODEOJYH
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDOaVtJATH
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5tUbw8KZW
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWjvJNYn9H
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT81HkSDvQj
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMb5RbJrPC
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tOg1lVkgw
"Everyone!"355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTKLw4L04H
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzdpDSPy8z
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.355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRIZYvA6NP
355Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLx2oBpqYM
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.