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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sxgnhkzIr
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"..."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltK69GUALS
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLfxqCooIo
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"Damn you, Kenny. Damn you..."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3XJkcElCA
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvH0PXtENH
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44vrI9tLvX
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"Crap."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2zSQ7o08T
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWsu93FvQb
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"Heya, kid. Good mornin'."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGexXqWppK
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQsyO59Bim
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I didn't say anything, because he did first.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk8kA2Gvi1
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"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXyYHZcj9W
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"...Uh."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnez7WI2TV
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4PN8Pw9nU
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"Don't give me that look, kid. The last thing I wanna hear now is that I broke yer psyche."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3KhMNKJlU
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"O-Oh, no, you did no such thing! Don't worry, uh..."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIDkhrv6Px
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopVjpHINCE
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ676st9cgzO
"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv6h199G52
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Juke's eyes narrowed, ever so slightly, delivering a devastating deadpan.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpdoTKrQqE
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"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpxYOrcMO0
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He said that, rubbing his hands together with a satisfied grin. Before he left, though, I felt like I had to say something.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qL1VVnvrS
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"W-Wait, Juke. I just want to say that, I'm sorry too."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1z6xsmrDt
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His smirk vanished, and his eyebrow raised. His hands were still together, though.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxcN8UO98P
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"What for? Ya didn't do anythin'. Relax, kid."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd3cawv7ts
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0PM0dY2cR
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G6EeJqwwQ
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjnRZEbBCk
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–150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXQBbEWDWs
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–150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfjUVzZH6b
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–150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvrMAkeERS
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2dchyQKX1
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"Good morning, star child. What think you of the food in this humble residence?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvr84uRzix
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"...Trevor."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxJU6NDXaU
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nHeWPD2yq
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"Your eyes have lots of malice. What did I do to deserve such scorn?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXeycVQxFN
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVFkjdNYc5
"Calling me a star child, for one. And, for the second, I'm sure you know."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaECItCd4P
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu2BzLB3U2
He chuckled, holding his arms behind his back.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgma81xgNZj
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiofwVMphoo
"Was it that little stunt I pulled yesterday? But does such an innocuous gesture warrant that glare?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbtysTwQ49
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppn73PPcF0
"Innocuous? Anything but, Trevor. Anything but. And it isn't the gesture that matters, rather, the thoughts behind them."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6YJVOzmMm
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"Hmm..."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi8s7XKE5C
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He held his hand to his chin, lost in thought for a moment.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4tfXeMdXb
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"You're the type who'd frown at grants as a gift, aren't you?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkT1LRlMVu
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"H-Huh? Do you take me as crazy!?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DPIRjHzG7
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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.
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"My apologies. I had no idea my stunt offended you so. I, Trevor Eis Buster, offer thee, Kenny Buffalo Chambers, my sincerest apologies."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVTM8pT9Qz
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZWp7JJdgf
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"Now that we're at a clean slate, why don't you let me join your meal?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7XFeLFelj
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"Not possible. I'm afraid I've taken the only seat."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM69wyrHICh
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"Are you sure?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hcJgYGHJI
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNk2d0B2dw
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"So, returning to my first question, do you like the food?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKYoxw4lBn
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"It's fine," I muttered with a half-full mouth, "I'm used to higher variety. And, well, something that was prepared by someone."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlqHXYoXeo
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"Ah, a child of higher class, I take it?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOscOUZFthe
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"No. Not at all. Why do you jump to conclusions the way you do?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82DgsR8rh3
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"Indeed, why do I? Perhaps probing for information this way is just how I fancy spending time."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRwRHHdgiR
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I took a sip from my cup of milk.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkwYsw8Rtz
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"That sounds rotten. Befitting of a fellow like you."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdlPVv2Fio
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"It would appear that we aren't on a clean slate at all..."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVfaPORuYC
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDnOvzbGp9
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"Fine, I'm sorry. I'll do my best not to hold it against you."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycvRaga5cx
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"Excellent!"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3LvEkT9Al
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AeT61IM3N
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"I say, child–"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGnleXngrc
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"Please, start calling me by my name."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnJqhGREfh
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"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuedAwSH9rM
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsChGappw2
"Maybe so. I would prefer something with meat, however. Wouldn't an increase in protein before a big battle be best?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRlpeUSHEx
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK48K8dqND
"Maybe, but that would risk an armada of stomachs too full."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICxP0w66Jm
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I looked at him with a face of perplexion.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeVu6EforX
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"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?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgAh6a9ehD
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Trevor's grin curved up to an uncanny angle.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcxdZ85YHm
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"Why, of course, you're right, aren't you! Haha!"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H5PEDMOce
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ1GhcEZ3L
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"Say, Kenny. Are you afraid of the upcoming battle?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqlT77wDks
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As I formed my petty plan, he fired a question from the blue, one so sudden I nearly dropped the pear in my hand.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78KHQfE9dg
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"That's... a strange, but silly question. Of course, I'm afraid. Isn't everyone?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtVapFKfSf
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4VLhnwtTW
"Indeed, everyone is. Good. Say, Kenny, you're a powerful fighter, aren't you?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRGevbSP2w
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"No. I don't believe I am."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCDnSpBx5m
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He put his hand on my shoulder. The air thickened. The presence of this man muffled the chatter of the room.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH4aahZGwb
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"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?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z1JHhg73X
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"...How do you know that name?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRW9Q3UNwzj
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He smirked. It was a smirk, not a grin. I hated it even more.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUuEL8ob7f
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLSd294F6b
"How do you know that name–"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvcz37Dq50
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"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDaohsSmQN
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLPeBj1gxx
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"Afterward, whenever possible, find a place called Hatch Cabin in the Rocky Ring."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYFUPFfuqv
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He pulled away from me and patted my back with a smile.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULAqu0LetF
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"Oh, and I apologize if I frightened you. I need you to understand that I'm being serious, you see."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWRz3NZGNn
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"...Right."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mbYsQpKrp
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"Now, I'll do you a favor and leave you be. Not like you'll be here for long, though."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI2bjRIN9O
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesPbURuwVE
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"What do you mean I won't be here for long?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMHjuivU5J
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwDbPMbOdv
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDl1OKjKEb
"Haven't you heard? The other camps learned of our change in strategy. We're mobilizing to fight."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5Jq2tyeN9
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"What!?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65uJx9CZsB
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–
–
–
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGfetBptTR
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmdEgNa1HS
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"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!"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ9ArtqFoW
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HURRAH!150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDSQlwC6vb
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxSu8Hi7dR
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"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kFZvL0cwd
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdurdKtHOU
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE6VEXvFJu
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"What does she mean by it applies to us?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKEWTovXRp
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5h0LJr6DU
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hLczQ399T
"Looks like yer gonna team up with me, kid."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAnjY5a3Q1
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB51j5OvCSA
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ068uqdMIA9
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCrIi8ByAi
"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK86AEnCju
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGSvinYpQY
"Hey everyone!"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVwspR7fYU
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezgH5Mj7x2
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLzuxWQp2z
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"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?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmUQAt5v7o
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLsj4g9xvt
The crowd collectively gave a resounding affirmation. Dave swung his arm wide across, opening his mouth to return the cheer.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj9ZYJOqvh
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPb7HW4m7y
"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!"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfRghqv17y
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9rPPO2SUP
*HURRAH!*150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQihAjDRbPu
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWA37nb6I0
"Y-You need to cool it with these jokes, Dave. Why me, anyway?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N7BQxBTnM
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgYplCU5gB
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QepE20Dya
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3RUPccoKL
"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–"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIXO7Wy1s4
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeKy6BJUml
"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!"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDBdpJPZvY
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCePKEJ1WV7
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtp9wyJ7Jp
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNsYu8xElR
"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?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtR5Qpm5P2
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1KzoBY1O2
"...Hey, Juke, you and I will partner up, yes?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡper2EGkBkZ
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He tilted his head and nodded shortly after.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ7wRfaa4J
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"Ah, that's a relief."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXLk0QJA3n
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrceKGIzbg
"Looks like ya do agree."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sqQxcaTQ9
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRosTM43VUp
"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzlGCyKdGm
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I grabbed my shoulders with my arms. I didn't shiver like I thought I would, but it still made me feel more comfortable.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIeQf9ujoh
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uUa0XMjXZ
"I don't think I could've handled being with Rover. At least not yet."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ464F5uNj2n
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"Eh? Handled?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocioh0h2jk
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQrRzac3ZZ
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"Hey, kid, yer scared of Rover, aren't ya?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfQqPmcUGY
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstWB680AfC
"H-Huh!?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHFBUkWQgK
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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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHCcHKtI0Z
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPhIbdGviU
–150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg8PFpYbMd
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–150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYe3Jjo4CQ
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–
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xpNVs7Blz
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIDVLiOukQ
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"The bag still has potions in it, right?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdt0y7dIil
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdUb2CLOtv
"Yeah, I can hear 'em sloshing in there. Do ya remember what they are?150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0tw78pmKF
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYD947NNRk
"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZPJALmXw0
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"Can ya do it quick enough?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AlMPnANGr
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"Yes, we're in the back of the line."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYk7W2p2Mk
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZmgtQUUmV
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRHFiBeFd9
"Ah, right. If I had an energizer, I would've used it earlier."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAWUgQvpDT
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtDawHABz9
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd03MwIqXdX
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"We're comin' up soon, kid."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGMh7OaSUw
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"We are, it's too fast. It's a bit much."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2agFzJHHhI
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxD3bv38eF
"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUs64TPu31
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5QADHZ68N
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDLG8xhJXQ
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"You have your helmet on again, and your shirt-cape, too. Is that your idea of battle armor?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7PQrOLqxP
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30BkmjAwdU
"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?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KIgD7OUHc
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsMnTUMt0x
We took a few steps forward.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JCbdQOYmX
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"This coat is the only thing I have, frankly... and it means a lot to me. It's saved my life before as well."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3Z1gzFLUa
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTbyHKLkw2
"That thing saved yer life? Did ya live in the Frost Ring before, kid?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIJdvRLcu4
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDEZbpaNc7
"What? No, don't be ridiculous. It has magical properties, that's all."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNVvlTsttY
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaD7uOLLyI
We took another set of steps forward.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpCNyydxCy
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"I've heard about stuff like that– magic defense in coats and shirts. Shit's crazy to hear. Did ya imbue that thing yerself?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplwBpMLPNt
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRgnVK7cFk
"No, my– Annabelle did it. She's something like a guardian to me. I have a lot of respect for her."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJHVhT57ys
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr45MKxFUZd
"Apples don't fall far from the tree, eh."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b93qU64tU
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnLyulEPCH
"That proverb only works for blood families, you know. I can barely do mana suspension anyway."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnPlP4r4c0
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEgj5NzFTN
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdZeP3CT4a
"I'll be with you two soon. Wait here."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnw0xTOBxV
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL5ovYPmfr
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks6ppBDHOg
"...Is there any reason why you picked that helmet, Juke?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8BZBWzn79
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIm5cuhsFx
He chuckled at my question. I flared up for a second.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7plE6yBNEx
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tDMB0Oogg
"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeQ2m3PJGK
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zKweCjrYw
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DSR2FmQJR
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX1TOe8JW5
"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0bT6rypdq
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3WqMvFR9N
"I'm somehow surprised you didn't admit to stealing them."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52mWVrhwtE
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigw2eae4Cs
"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0BfhdJ4BO
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWLF4FYjtn
"You're right, though that isn't a high bar to reach."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH0KJUcjke
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdPXgWkGcL
"Ya ain't wrong, kid."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOPA4s4PA2
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaiWXjzxOc
"..."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLCCErti3j
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcFV8mbnpE
"..."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEvbtljzJT
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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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVfCxzWFSK
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCWugQypON
"I wonder if I'll see Dennis out there."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDpuvOiOQd
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"Huh?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VNeTpo5DH
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW5b6MTwHC
"Don't ya remember our coachman? That's heartless of ya, kid–"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaTe8Qrgtw
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjB2uWlQgQ
"No, I remember him, but... oh goodness, I did forget about him."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt0bwEAskM
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwp9JQzWvnQ
Juke had a hearty laugh. It mocked me.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG1PdcZ7qX
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXIZONJo56
"No shade from me, kid. Yer head's in the right place. Me? I'm still thinkin' about how much I hate being here."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u6Lumtg7P
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGr8sACUmw
"How can you say my head is in the right place? Do you have any idea how much of a mess it is?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkly4pegiFm
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBX8bY1SdD
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aQBx1aQKo
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINxFabPf5P
"I guess," Juke started, "with shit like this, Anywhere in the head is the wrong place."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ8lpKYzek
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5HHMmliAR
"...What?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLowKzPLuWY
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs2zXQ6hL9
"Ya heard me."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvfXLlB1mP
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl8sIhAVKs
As we ascended the stairs, he gripped the hilt of his blade and balled his other hand into a fist.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiIJcRTixI
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0XLspFqzK
"There ain't much use thinkin' about it. Let's finish this."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIwIRz3PEa
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFgbx8MZXZ
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomTqiaOhJz
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrnYjQvxuo
I took a deep breath and raised my right arm, letting loose the tendril that laid dormant for what felt like weeks.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw2yEFT4DO
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSA3U823fY
–
–
–
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?150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr1IV2sIi4
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"...We're going to do just fine, aren't we, Juke?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMQBwlGteR
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzk1bqGpaN
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YMnDgvAjR
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"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."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnb3bGIciY
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSClWXei7yp
His logic was candid but undeniably heartbreaking. He put a hand on my shoulder and firmly nodded.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb6XhyD04v
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloO4B37XkI
"Good luck out there. For both of us."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ6fbD0ZJr
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI9Of05FB4
"..."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZJbcdAWGT
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRL0OGKcag
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQwFCJSnzo
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLWAhKvhhk
"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?"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSMovcZ9hf
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Though I couldn't see his face, I saw his eyes widen through the slits in his helmet.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWesIyFq5rs
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVKFOT3ty4
"Well, look at ya, kid. Ya finally got some backbone."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrakRrSGh4M
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9PCHhHWqx
"I-I'm not so sure about that. Reserve those judgments for when we start fighting."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP5D5bE8l8
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiqX4Wa38E
"Haha, I guess so. Yer right, we just gotta do it."150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZPXDPNKAP
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsYPUCxCdi
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmltTsLkDpC
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMlbp5iQuR
"Everyone!"150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZFF0sHVMo
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMntctlwVJ
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.150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGitIa4v4I
150Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYbt2n9xoM
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」