As it would turn out, Serpents and Vines was a remarkably easy game to learn. The goal for all the players was to make it to the end of the board. Each player had a turn to roll a die, and depending on the number, the player would move that many paces. However, some tiles had, as the game would imply, serpents and vines, where the former would bring you closer to the beginning, and the latter, closer to the end.
Such a simple game made me think adults shouldn't be playing it. I also felt as if such a game existed elsewhere under a completely different alias. Setting those feelings aside, I was enjoying myself.
"That's a five. I barely missed a serpent, phew."
The bearded man, Damon, was in the lead. Nigel was in second place, and due to an unfortunate series of dice rolls, I was dead last. I was surprised that something like this could make my eyes twitch, but I was able to keep myself composed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kgjC6bK38
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5rGaREyLo
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ012SaWkh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLqR9T7JZc
"Right on."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjnBwYIbWW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJLKsUvQXy
Turns shifted and the die rolled. The process repeated a countless number of times and the minutes passed by quickly. At some point, it stopped being that way. At some point, rolling the die and moving a figure a few paces forward became dull. Looking at Nigel and Damon, it was impossible to tell if they felt the same.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrafmEIPNdg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPjf3AHJEk
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOwpcCWvDq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCmZiv37Fg
"Huh? Oh, alright."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzMnvUogOx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwxsY8e3zT
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFDCdbVkJp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYBuSdqWk1
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0Ygwybp72
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVPcFQkxrV
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTFAWhuDz7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnyzdhNJ2R
"Luck..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWIEMvmJnQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7FOQwoEMx
Damon had a point. Maybe the absurd reliance on luck to function was why this game so quickly lost its luster. I moved my figure forward and was sent straight to the beginning. I sighed as my head sank.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS7UCmZgrq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL41mC7urxv
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5VvxNgYP9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8J103yQPg
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAEMH9hJrb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTbkEF1vHE
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisDlRn6l4S
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyxdxrVKgt
"You people are strange..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5j9gsfJbl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMt6EtrfCWR
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46pjS8eJrb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII7qFUQ2kM
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHq4Tke5pF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qKTA6ufWQ
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HDAVhCHBt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew1PNYP64A
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZUCUide2c
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvossYIABVV
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuDTfs2lri
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QrVgToL12
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy3tCnRR7s
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sqzFdRzKs
"Especially Damon," Nigel stressed, "It's only natural if you ask me. Our upcoming operation will be the biggest battle we've ever fought. I'm sure the same is for you, Kenny; aren't you nervous?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnybTnD5ON
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNwhRZvBSI
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FMllerItm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3WAPoCoWG
"But?"
I pinched my chin and thought: why was it that I had a reservation for his words? I knew better than anyone how parasitically such events nibbled your psyche. But still, I struggled to believe it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB47hQ8d28
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bMP9OavqD
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVa6iDbkZx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kLtPiLaKM
"The whole Retaliation Crowd seemed so enthusiastic during that meeting. I didn't see you specifically, but with how loud the room was, you were cheering and roaring too, weren't you?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKwhYhTOTi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw02huUxlE
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC1JDAHKEr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18dfgXsLWY
Nigel looked away and placed his chin on top of his fist.
"Well, don't tell anyone, since it's a big secret and all, and I don't want to be beaten for spilling the beans, but we collectively agreed to act that way."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ge8ta4dqe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pcUU2KsPb
"...Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMAxvoaLu2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1py0hClaKk
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyiOVp0nX2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXsdbJ0IGh
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfesziwUpNC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTJl97GDY9
"I can't deny that."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGX036fpMm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcWCPDLqcU
"Right. We figured that it would make the situation worse if they thought we were dejected too. Let me tell you, after hearing the news about the Raptors, it wasn't easy. It wasn't easy at all."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGn9EBDfMg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Se0sh1uDN
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkQ3aRMeYL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmC4JdUzcZ
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfWTjOf9DZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTPivclT4f
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxn1qtTXuc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXUhAlpzrw
"You're up."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wuAE6biCL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPWqpzgQ0D
"Right on."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7mnIbcr6h
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHymy9UwaPD
They kept playing the game as if nothing happened. It gave me ample opportunity to mull over his words. I had a knot in my stomach at first, one that came from confusion, but as I mulled over it, I felt something spark inside of me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYoz4R0NDu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nXOCwu9aE
"That's... that's incredible."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2RNSveKkv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrK6pHpODt
"Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3a3mcBMlR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKl8pcP6aaO
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeWxo0UZz8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS3ksBeQPD
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxaBFqGQ6q
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4Cpz8Tr0a
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbZnwpGtZE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP0fs6OBkj
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq2AoPnxnQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZP5DueDyf
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAExbunJl5Y
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q97KoW6Uo
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FBPdcMbDS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YoS2LFjKR
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3rly9W4SM
I sighed and clutched my head. The other two started cackling, which only furthered my frustration. I tried not to let this moment spoil the other.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN34iZYlMzd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsrH7wwv8Z
"I'm just messing with you. It's flattering that you think that. It makes me feel like I'm doing this for a reason."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbsEIlpvMf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjlo1cv9fp
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoOfnM2vQP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaK5u5W6OW
"Yeah, fighting, sure, but being a guard in general. I'm glad I'm making a good impression on the kids. I'm sure Damon thinks the same. Right, Damon?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5jBLWJp0L
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfhQLBwzoF
He didn't voice a response, nor did he make a gesture. He had an eerie glare aimed at Nigel, who looked completely unbothered. As the two continued to play their game, I looked at them. Guards with a duty, poised to fight the very next day, yet here they were, playing a trivial game, and smiling through all the stress.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylmqDQJKl7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOIaHzmP0b
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSbRF5B2AS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzZA4SYENY
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdF1LAQ7YPf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx8JbpElQl
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmffeQxxk5M
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWSFEVNCWc
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jrRPElocj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE5yrPpUBu
I had no doubts that I'd be seeing them. Or, at the very least, that they would be there. It was a comforting thought. It made me warm. Nigel patted my shoulder with a quick chuckle, and I wasted no time leaving the game room.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFKkugUIzY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvZp987c1e
As I approached the door, I looked at my hand. I curled and flexed my fingers. I balled it into a fist. I felt ready in mind and body, and more than ever I had a conviction in my heart.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD4VuVGXGq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLgIwI6Bxg
–
–
–
I was out of the game room. Instinctively, I checked my wrist, then as I lowered it and asked myself why I did that, another question barged out of my mouth.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gRVK5VIbk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmur0G90GSz
"What time is it now?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9yAElq26A
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQfjTEvTJN
And as if someone had heard me, the door to my left opened. I looked to see who it was, and out came a person I was all too familiar with, but with a face I hardly recognized.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsYRYGC7rn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm3fDs073J
"Juke?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX45YQFQGm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7Rmp4C4w4
He looked at me and perked up.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrBUEXiIYw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Xjvfo3ri2
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXOF7Evll0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpufS4i6riW
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c3XgIRuzj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCPWFqL3DK
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmMJlXIwvi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIfzCrHcuV
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvFpu4gqh6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLtiBTDvv9
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl9FfBRmfc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HEbK8Z1OG
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7khzLh2u7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBdiyfgx0B
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzSIN80iW6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JXRSFxYoa
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX6nsllBwd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfB6uFf7D0
"S-Sorry, sorry."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJieYU37ero
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg3dLXSgCN
I slightly bowed with my apology. Juke walked away and up to a couch, but before he made it anywhere, I stopped him with my words.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vK71a27F3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8UFDtb3eX
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI322PIMNg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LC9HNWyyQ
"Ah, shit, yer right."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIybUEmg6T2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vbyrvsfye
Thus, he walked to the door and closed it, then he returned to walking towards the couch. But neither I nor my gaze followed him. My eyes were glued to the door he had just shut.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd13PNVXhu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeIB4pm05Z
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjhRuR6F9R
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJnSqKiReB
I looked at Juke. Juke, who was missing his helmet. He let out a big sigh as he sat on the couch. I connected the dots, and all of a sudden, a little snicker escaped from me. Juke turned his head to me. I quickly suppressed my voice and walked up to him, sitting on an adjacent couch.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr8wif0sQq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOYIkrzlIx
"Did ya just laugh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oDmPxKO9p
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZCIMorMvd
"N-No, why do you ask?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSaw6ilPzd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTMfPfcf7O
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr71xvK0jXd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwhmzibYGr
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6A5gQlRiq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BJSV3jkky
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUeyHLlha6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvsv0EjGC5
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5F6MhUC6w
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0826hJgShG
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN69xHZtpnR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3678IgQ29
He narrowed his eyes at me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTb63CU0WD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbtBp4C5ax
"I'll take yer word for it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshUASIghlI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G2x7Eiw6P
There was a momentary pause. I190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV9OknxuBG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvJ4u5KpiF
"So, what have ya been up to?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRSWzYO79q
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPVN3aJZwY
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotLr6bENTi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7DBwf1eMA
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtyxv1OAwk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERkfPOqmfu
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuYUlEmVXU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WGu6RXgM9
"What, the sleeping room? It ain't anything to write home about. It's just a bunch of beds. They're pretty damn cozy, I'll give 'em that."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnnTHkywOG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeoJDe1gsP
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnVp7aeV3M
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvg60oHLnJ
"The sleeping room?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6G1ElfieO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡearccFqVBB
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bvV06vnoS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerjvrJ6qDq
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP8oXAYC1X
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpObfu9isTM
He cocked his head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV68ZmZ9OiA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw2f39RUVF
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJkCDg5kSb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESJVBZdk5t
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGxuKOLKOD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVRAza42Y8
Maybe not every member of the retaliation squad was noble and principled. Juke shrugged at my request, and another round of silence ensued. Since he had already brought up the topic, I decided to press him on the matter.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFuJKuSoDo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBc7isgzlk
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJSjnlC0nP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfvN0LTODF
"Nah, there's more than enough beds. The room's gigantic, I tell ya. I ain't a good judge of smell, but I got no issues with it. And, the guys and gals themselves..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroONHXHvlP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSEAwYuJdi
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOtW0CAHEA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqWsCQhS6u
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueeas0GThC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh4Joji8wU
"Loose screws?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaf055hClu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2PnY0pifc
"They're a story-telling bunch, almost every one of 'em. And they got these crazy stories, kid. I can't tell if they're tellin' the truth half the time. Even if they ain't, they're crazy for telling 'em."
"Well, are they at least exciting?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQGdI3Rc8l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEMIgE9WQd
He huffed from his nose and smirked.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlfYipZr5V
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9qG1X5kZT
"They ain't half-bad. But I can tell a better story. A weak guy like me's gotta get good at spicing up his boring tales, don't ya think?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAO9MvqHc1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq7hOhh83W
"Boring tales..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL4s39Khrb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXiHNX38ah
The only story Juke had told me from his past was brief, but from the content alone, I would be an idiot to call it boring. I didn't bother to mention that, though.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEg6gbunzX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqm7xkHadd
"I wouldn't know, Juke. I wouldn't know. But if you're so confident in your storytelling capabilities, why not try them on me?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8impSdqKvH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOfWEBaftS
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhVmrzecDA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ntN8m5RTA
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMLlaMuqWw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPX5XIDVFR
"What, am I too young?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB62RYR5hET
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3IMVNnFaP
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTLF1o2SDf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEIJ1nQglw
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpEIHmf9hW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsQc8NEYWJ
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTebng7z9F
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0J971Sy5O
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6au34IGfuE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy1HSqBYUj
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL2cpmg5Px
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0bIFaoaiM
I straightened my posture.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdZtvbfChZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OKCQb0mol
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcrzRiJcTx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX5vzByoyc
With all the balderdash I'd faced since our arrival here, it hardly shocked me that I couldn't remember such a detail. It didn't make it any less frightening, though.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1Vlw336X7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwelnkx9TZo
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOmRK3btDZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGRxxlaHma
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrVILzsd2G
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKExO9aKCSB
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV0Yij7yEl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdPDLxx1IL
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP79P7Grlw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwJT4qeciI
He gave me a blank stare.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxxMvOpdH7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQDv6PnyDG
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3mDTzJ3kL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOxXdUzwJm
I opened my mouth as if I had the answer at my beck and call. All I had to do was run my mouth and it would come out effortlessly. That was what I thought until I made a light gasp, and followed it up with nothing. I retracted my head and lowered my gaze to the ground, suddenly deep in thought.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46D8R8yd5h
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvyLCrKe06
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT6iDfh3uS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgrQIUksE8
"See? There ain't a difference."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8SOyKIlCE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi2B3wrUlv
"Well, of course there is! When you think of a wizard, you think of someone who is dignified, powerful, and above all else, modest. That's a stark difference from what ideas the title 'mage' gives you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjRmVguOFd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwgTCBbOLo
"Yeah? And what are they?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS33PGkOBj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01ZtSBQhPq
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9wD1E16Se
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i0mJrX0jf
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYAQozyAqd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevo7eWLuQm
To that question, I simply shrugged.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy5ClGn6Ut
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcRa0ljVPw
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VLUQeZiVD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneSEkPZYPc
"What a load of semantical garbage."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPjhZXW0B6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnoT27tYyD
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMNptDkWDC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g8modf9VH
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOpD8TCQhH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDYOgVH9Xl
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2MTiutbxY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUA7YV2RVj
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqJJhGIhzZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerS2aFOCXV
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ03nM2UnS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOXtG1zhnW
I thought long and hard about it, scouring my memories like I was going through a book. Certain segments made my head ache, but for the most part, I recalled all I needed to reach a conclusion.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWEBPIHI3f
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6RhVU6DEO
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6wnaKUWcN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JNMOU7TKj
Juke nodded along to my words, which confused me, because he had no idea who Skylark was. He shouldn't, at least. I put that detail aside and fired right back at Juke.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyVNpOXfqT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CZdO4duQ1
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjY5DCwzw0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fIq7c7y6c
"I'm starin' at one right now."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqAa4fsHsh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xnLvYYTzR
"You know what I meant!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6T1335Ytx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBUagtXKdh
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVgjs5A5as
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMwPLgTj1X
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbNq0u6G5y
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDpsTQcyrr
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4w8iIo4QI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMyAzyLlO0
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplYeYvDN7I
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SvuwHrezt
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsbTzFuApK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1RQbVhO9o
"You're definitely being generous."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzC1etdOA2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs6ZiD5EeY
"Nah, see for yerself, kid. Those folk call him the 'Mud Wizard.' Sure, I ain't seen him fight, but if all these strong folks are calling that guy a wizard, that's gotta mean something."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ339teCWoNQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3zgUUmITp
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiS5UMcFXg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolzIwHqJhS
He nodded his head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODWTSgOJNH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7CHPVOR1k
"I saw that bastard do it. All he did was make some dirt in one hand and water in the other, and just like that, mud."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGG5rojZPB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2aL3pnQUK
"...Oh my goodness."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY70K42RNyz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKVx7ynlqB
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJxzHGhpff
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6zAJ1qMHx
"What? It's just mud, kid."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQBqL6cbbA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4lQF7Heax
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGDZxAgsst
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGoCY9hvuV
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKM3KALWgo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEarQjLFHT
"Yes. I hate it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlpMtzs4YF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjF3jquCoc
Our conversation came to a short halt. There was something I wanted to ask Juke, but he posed a far more interesting question of his own.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTalfwTmwn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNY0Xh0Zq3
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUafBfoGze
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX8uzKXhBw
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGyBzFzeft
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhlNFD9OEN
"They aren't driving me crazy or anything, you don't need to worry. Honestly, they're an inspiring bunch of people. A few of them, not so much, but as a collective group... I think they're admirable."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡargToQHt4z
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw0AGOEuQd
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR2egpntNY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa7bb6IhEY
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M39pC1RVB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78Z50AA6uG
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYQfITMI3g
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx4REdcTjf
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaGFYtISQy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosPOM4R1rt
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8v58Pui5B
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwemGgEOgu8
"Nah."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUS9UOKoJq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohyf7zKW0z
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciXCf9fXJS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYrcysMzDr
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCpUh9KYnF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8RR4wOBwc
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxSbLZzqyo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdQtQLa0bE
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YoLHbBivG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7EOEl7POU
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPXaVKzHNe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3VkKZy2o8
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhnEgJXV9Y
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7rscYMko8
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA1ObC61Rz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUisVgNuJyG
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPIwyAaf6d
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwybudervaE
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCSjaXBNsT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtPNkwWeu4
"Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdQMY4oE6G
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaB8uHUDYR
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KOSg2g7gx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3JAXfdAJ7
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GIwu9ScoP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToqHklFVA5
"So someone told you as well?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk8FNgSL0N
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHKdpBpSDL
He nodded with a smirk on his face.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvggRZlikt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRTtXZ6i0R
"They're tellin' me it's a big secret and all, but they're telling this junk to chatterin' fellas like yerself. What a bunch of show-offs."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxPOCZGTv9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsukAkb29iO
I responded with a nervous chuckle. The idea of them being show-offs wasn't unfeasible, all of a sudden. But I still held that conviction in me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ObIbuigsA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOtq9RcktD
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzTmqnKIpf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCYvBwx2yg
He kept his eyes on me, indicating that he was paying attention. I was beginning to get cold feet, but since I had already thought it out, I kept talking.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvOWGj78gJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEZAWwALfQ
"It's their attitude that I admire. At least from the few I've met, they're determined to see this mission through. And they have all that determination despite their fears. Despite the fact that they're afraid, through the foreboding tingles and tremors in their fingers, they look at the task at hand, look at what must be done, and declare that they will do it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZmk08mNwW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iZ51KvxCD
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjxhtlCVC5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZROUZPkrr
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1QBmscluY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFN9u7eM6C
"Strong?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhza8izbTEG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzcwlBpubt
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKcLRJX8X3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCqj8tqApa
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxuDtqwyH4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f3Plg28P1
Juke looked away and at the fireplace, slinking and sinking deeper into his couch as he released a heavy sigh. It was an unusual feeling to say he was 'wistful', but what else could I call that sullen look on his face?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHvYFwvppJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTta92prJ0i
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliAWUpalkF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyywMRjKADw
"Brat is certainly new..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqLwRy1Ark
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWoNMP99mc
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CyTLrO1RW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAqehLXXuD
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsRQX5oruF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q7D8WkUfg
"Think like what?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1baMRNkmm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJzDEFwBSB
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTu6hvjw54
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTeqmiew31
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mUvZb8JKa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeNCcWwoea
"J-Juke...?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSsA7X2Y0a
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fOgQHhNGq
"Do ya think I'm strong?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCH5iYcKbH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMZw9f6yMk
With what he was doing, this question kicked my perplexion into a nauseating fierceness. I felt inclined to pinch myself to check if I was dreaming, but I was long past hoping that I was asleep.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxConxFH5IM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg0oOKtX0U
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuI2OgCPmS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2xgoyGNM9
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuPv9IgaIe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygJiSgg2uR
I couldn't help but remember the times Juke was there to save me or to fight alongside me. Without his help, I'd likely be dead. Despite his nonchalant disposition, Juke was someone I could rely on. In that manner, Juke was one of the strongest people I knew, and someone I was proud to call a comrade.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLdvEZNWvB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUPyRtqaVo
"Yer a moron."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWJF5PvCB5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJmZYQQnAc
"H-Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NKOh69lFo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPwQzaIP1y
But my resolute answer was shot down. I composed myself quickly, and with a will I didn't know I had, faced his scrutiny head-on.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1tJAV6KOj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU5GTvolmT
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC7icXfQoF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9Tcg8Lyv2
"In front of ya is a guy twice yer size. I've got muscles and a sword on my hip. I'm a guy who's been doing missions and fighting monsters for over half of his damn life. Yet yer the bastard who tore a Lionant apart with a flick of yer finger, like it was instinct, and ya ripped a hole in the ground so large I thought I was gonna drown in all the sand that fell to cover it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgcyGJyvXS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrfagrMuBo
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXWkWRZOnN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU75x0m7Tx
"If I fought ya right here, I'd die. Ya already know my tricks, yer already experienced enough to where a big weaklin' like me can't just swing his sword and cut ya. If ya really wanted to, I bet ya could destroy this whole building, what with yer plants and explosive magic. Tell me, kid–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjgUWXxWpa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm4nHSDhFh
He took a step forward and drew his sword. He didn't brandish it, only used it like it was a paper with a speech on it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLociYxFBl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2bYmz6oAm
"How the hell am I strong? When I'm faced with these Retaliation Squad maniacs, when I'm faced with yer power, when I'm faced with that girl, Rover, who moves like a damn monster, when I'm faced with the fiends and beasts at Hard-Bringer, how the hell am I strong?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3iv3GB6Sf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZZhFSbKDh
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmi5BN8b4p1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQEZlm5ei1
Time wasn't an issue. Juke looked at me with patience he had never exhibited. This was a question he wanted an answer to, though the look in his eyes told me that whatever I said would matter little. I had no space to think, though. Something grabbed my throat and squeezed it hard enough to where the air couldn't reach my mind, and to where the words couldn't form. I was in a box of some kind, though I couldn't see it, and the couch, a comfortable surface but a moment ago, exacerbated my feelings by locking my movement.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrjGqSnpCU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Gx4EskFb6
However, these feelings were irrelevant. In front of me was someone that I wanted to help, and if I couldn't start now, with nothing to inhibit me but the mood in the air, then I was hopeless.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS69Jq3kts
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuZbdRSLhU
And so, I spoke.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSutkCZTFqw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMoVUeXWDq
"Y-You– You may not be the most capable, but if it weren't for your decisiveness, then that Lionant would've eaten me long ago."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfa8qUKGFU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbPPOjKIeY
"...Yer just like that bitch."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wzbhKzHTC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sxQ9KQ5hg
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIQa0DFl5t
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3eaWR1mdm
"Ya yap about things like will and determination. All yer lofty ideals ya strong people put on a pedestal and teach to everyone else, turnin' them to morons. Decisiveness? The hell's that any good for when the most I can do is swing a sword, eh? Courage ain't gonna brave the storm of an armada, like I saw yer kind do so many damn times."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPMjAB2pGP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI9ZXz7caT
He took another step back. His face was contorted. It was difficult to look at, and looked difficult for him to have. I snatched the moment to make my rebuttal.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9N6pzFlcC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGHEwAJrR1
"S-Such traits aren't useless! It wouldn't make any sense for it to be! I-I mean, what good is power if the one who has it is too scared to wield it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XrlrRDmHc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LaU25yi9c
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv7d6GEjdt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CKVJigZ9w
"You're missing the point!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv00fUwg7oB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpfWIba0Pb
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7x5Rk9LtY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBTU54sN1U
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8qaYUxoLS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj5LHrAxlV
His comment struck a dissonant chord with me. Time stopped for a moment, and by the time the world around me flowed again, Juke was out of my sight. I heard his voice beside me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1ZgHwy7Wz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjHbQkSBaq
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCenne9XXJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzTpjDWiS6
And he walked off, towards the room. I couldn't let him do that. I couldn't let this end on such a note. But, I didn't know what to say. A part of me was flustered; another, angry. But all my being knew I had to say something, anything.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkbzhGYfz6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC0GQEXEtw
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTzHYWJzSf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAwCqcT5jZ
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXzL9g02f9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTOI3kTCkO
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh40wT68EY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGDHP7Adbg
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcLkdP482C
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwhnMoS8sZ
I wasn't looking at him, but I heard the soft thuds against the carpeted floor cease. He let out a grunt and gave me his final words.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kh5BwtodB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPB1pHHK2pp
"That was just luck, kid. That's all that's keepin' me runnin'. Has been from the start. It's gonna run out one day, ye'll see. And when it does, my ghost will find ya and all the strong folks who say the same shit, and laugh at yer damn face."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmB4PryQLS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEQh3gXN7Q
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
