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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dM8K6a3Y8
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMqT6hEGy2
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"Right on."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Jb7tgJrNK
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ2heWvo1f
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaa3YqDiXJ
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"Huh? Oh, alright."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF07IJw5IV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO7tW5UOdt
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFNXvJD774
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHbsSXyudw
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgz44je72S
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"Luck..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMeuf83Az2
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjC4V9e6x9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIoQ9YyOHs
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzbsfAHVX0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5iNRaSIx7
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWvDsgYuRn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnCXqTeV2I
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8m5WAnesR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3s6kLsLb5
"You people are strange..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3NQlkFgNy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRzYFvBgOo
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6Gd9IZihW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1swBtfbyBd
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcMWt1ufyb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBL5eN8SZD
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1lQzPWlWT
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEXmoyHcP5
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtZDUcHjEi
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YN8MsN3HY
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtrg1k1UEq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHMeTHhSup
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5Qfw9TY6h
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0eIwyHKBe
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHwJNEmiwT
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8h79dfPIx
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaiXWq6UR6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcothpTde2o
"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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCVHBzyvov
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSk1ycSiOW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPeXzbdgJk
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKlXiFOUpV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJufyZT7xLm
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMKOYNZsFs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwgCVZvRHN
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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTinxUXGgP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm8huWzNLN
"...Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdQPatWb4g
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0lEaugBP1
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEZTd0ROR7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuCIbac5as
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBxIwaNAgo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcZpHX6ZQE
"I can't deny that."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sTXxJRd39
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0eQlvNUZO
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26i2E05WYF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrotNbl4AaD
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR74ZZRQaUl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc90naRPhO
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0WGoY91RL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnExyU8a14l
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdKqyC1X4z
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dbk24GmPS
"You're up."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcT9PeWDzg
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"Right on."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN78s3gpIOF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFat9VPJ044
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlnTKOm37n
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FaLOLHfhb
"That's... that's incredible."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU5iqqOpqh
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"Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVX3v5jmoi
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo7orvF4wb
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlgMfPnb7J
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28ze6o059c
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvS5sr4tnh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8yNF3zk1f
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqx40p3E9pL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5him1vSH9z
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7kT08ECVw
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPuw2N56GA
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeTMGp9FMe
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HvOTXsrhT
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoVCfKicuG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDnx5vzWHJ
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkdFQDozby
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OHl91PEIA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW22wHSnzA
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa918PcpW0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBM1NeOK8B
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3IHZBMsBW
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"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWgCQv87H4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiaYbpNJxQ
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWqZBIiXAP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVyujh9Sqo
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu8X6KzRdP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAzVvjV7EA
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaRjbplYYE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrpbBYKoXk
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET1PgliBik
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFjVZyHbzp
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtf5tcMgny
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzprAdGcKv
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OOyOJb37B
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv0EGIkASu
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–
–
–
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbYud70RMq
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"What time is it now?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHMhzNEWio
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk4Klc6fZH
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"Juke?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPUXl3mBR1
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He looked at me and perked up.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfnf5mAg8l
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPagzVXULTP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbCRrxjWEx
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXEjf74GEo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMXuwQuTdS
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB1GFWghcs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttlkl0XxmD
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlceBoQsQZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtpuu613uM
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwynlSgP7xp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQpm9qAWgW
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wSCf08ACF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ONIiTv6px
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNJnLwrtnP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6V7Y2XZi2
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89Vt6ivwnX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD42Teqd8LQ
"S-Sorry, sorry."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAubgzsDuy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEharEKd8f
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUtyXHTPzY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhBxIEEs2s
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGOCPkpgp0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36AdHA7uau
"Ah, shit, yer right."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCei0dzzAP9
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSahFx2JNL
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0Jwr9VpsC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu2xQuHgi3
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxziyMRC9O
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvTtPyVw12
"Did ya just laugh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q79mUVfmo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK7VkZu3Gm
"N-No, why do you ask?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP95jfM4Ke8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi4IInZXN5
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCYyqeaMCz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHR2mvOIgjR
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwEimu2Ljz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDU5wzqL68u
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHen2bQ0Y2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGhPuF1Ysb
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z6rrrZqyD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQOwvhxwUJ
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZixvhzhga8
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He narrowed his eyes at me.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomUx3MHJ4K
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"I'll take yer word for it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBr3aaYy6O
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There was a momentary pause. I235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlIfvRhEvE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe5ymjT1T7
"So, what have ya been up to?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT2tSHf2QI
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqrzZVXT08
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGog297KAdM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsCgbZ62on
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPETkznIY8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceI2M031lc
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0sxk3HDOf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAuQr7QL61
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRu3fg3DqF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IC7gkXGvv
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTpShSYPHC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVWCZKOjA7
"The sleeping room?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ98TBTeXp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb13cYapX8
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9Y2uyTORu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzpXjVLrSX
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gdRW7sHRY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr7i2hOcFL
He cocked his head.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmbom8Qa9b
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r9LNTQvuP
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NZ8OkYYCb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFd6Xv3ZhO
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLveFELGMqA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25Saru1kBR
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKdvNg20Cw
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg8yas8oxB
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBZlWLA8c9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu6tXivgWv
"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..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCewetd2zGG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4B7qeZ7iI
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpNobsShEc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntTcdTKGP7
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvmS0Kl8et
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyQyb9DnbG
"Loose screws?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTSjSqXtFF
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"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLLazoZy2O
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVZBoo7bsE
He huffed from his nose and smirked.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwazTdD1vk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKOcIfCWjn
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjsbaSq9Jp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX00rGmo9gL
"Boring tales..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47eeZ5ZJPY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTLAZg6d28
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuukAXSEbKy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeONIYTX4f
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHPM4nBzJX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTHH50SVJn
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX7CP71kQs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTGKZLxtHo
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR042BCWUGq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQOXAZePib
"What, am I too young?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS5aeQ07P6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFvnRHNpwY
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1QTOPclS9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNayK1Ux9lo
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62pG4A2HZr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1kGlZeCvt
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepiqKok5p2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftLW70DrUQ
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQEoueZ05P
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1bbOY3IrF
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoskZjyUvb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMkRRLuH7V
I straightened my posture.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3R7qzAagt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gXITdvy4S
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA6QNp7gW6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjkShy0miz
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfLt3YWUBh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjteIEWFNql
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG4ZHoQJVZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLEWBhDIVD
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3svI4znGn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUenFKmgAZL
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TjsiLuEcu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2DWk9RE7r
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVtZcoHg37
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwNvawX52v
He gave me a blank stare.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpEVaZNx5Q
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVAUgHfLjr
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGZndCkyMs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUas6X7aJUR
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASQdD2yit4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8Jip26CSD
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAiCdAvusk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIe07qJ6KC
"See? There ain't a difference."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4Ixot7MbG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeOISXp8mE
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn85rlznwv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed3hMG0rjr
"Yeah? And what are they?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0chbww7Ve8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OyyTaJTgJ
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL811wRs7t
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9uOA75XCn
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh1x14vYDc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHaVBdsEWi
To that question, I simply shrugged.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcx9soZHKe
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UPNNuxEpt
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAL0ceOex6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KRgSWvY6n
"What a load of semantical garbage."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAh5sAToIc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUOOpc83Q7
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiGj8Tsx6E
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDScHoVU973
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAh0iWiGHd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JuvnZ1SDf
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1Oz8y8WTt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUvnK3XHwL
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDpKyvH6AW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0jqyWgxbq
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3M7APVrzWu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurj1w0IkEX
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n56SvJ2IW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW2PfvUtDv
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RgtBWtnXt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdDt2HIGBH
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pSu8P41gv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lpPeSQNwN
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNLdCUjlQe
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ8SIU1zfr
"I'm starin' at one right now."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65qWrOBAzG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnjfG7t39b
"You know what I meant!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1xEMcEACh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWQNtfswyZ
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDUepdRRgg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5LTGiUNO9
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdw40mHDtU3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1fHtPPXm0
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVe0ELJ5hd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQATDQUK7B
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcx4B9LAKZL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNClip4fTGY
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5heC3EcD1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMMdpl8VwG
"You're definitely being generous."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TEm7cvQ4K
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TPkbfVe8w
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ113lrhbjO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHixpiVDhH
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXBULItn7b
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGARowERFM
He nodded his head.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfCZWnf8vH
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRVwYnGP7f
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5giPWIt0qP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHV5ujAFmu
"...Oh my goodness."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGk4e7I9uh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe0PY7pt4q
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qkQSmdPfk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1y1TfYlGz
"What? It's just mud, kid."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VWEBFH7lr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYnnjObSOj
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO2J0QQZk3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ570QRKTeuz
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkXBZr3Did
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7HuPLVB2H
"Yes. I hate it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3Im3Jxkqj
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWztn5iBuq
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J0FMJke14
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnuTTcg5Ln
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwaPVNw6AY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLZlDbMeCk
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASdxel1XvP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlvm0IMGqu
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24UwcSXoEL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd1PSwrhIP
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItfJQCaHov
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD9eg3mx8q
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzKwF4h3EX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HGctUGfYz
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKlYFhn5IO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1CY1buKOJ
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Te928mkMF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQtvfpK9yn
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEauh5DdbR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hzm7fOv8Q
"Nah."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K8xQ9Dtwg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8bej1MNH9
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG570j9NcFy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaHEVgchol
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwGDRFgIsE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOpNZtLBmU
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33M3B7DcEe
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfli2cGMyo9
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst6dCL5Qb1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOci8Q71CLC
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPVrAT7qRy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMzTGkXrJC
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJWw3WHEXZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJRdgm6cPH
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHksSAmQf9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBivqrF9nr
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ULJ6q7DAn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupV0nHJv1W
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf71Sx0rBT
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BXHBixOy3
"Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSldVsISAP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkEnSBRTO9
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ic2vf56CV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGgVPoLsNm
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNuktNcIto
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxC2t0DPqi
"So someone told you as well?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXJO2XflWg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG92R9J4isa
He nodded with a smirk on his face.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi27YhtLYGG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdb55603rH
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9CzeTnnyC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxaZPKVmzf
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N34boARHy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sEJbhkz1A
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEaSHoDkTk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AQQjbUM65
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkigMpqPCm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPOELNvmzY
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fPl8uu7La
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDUDMLRO3s
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOMQR4fHQA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqeGunAVDM
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCurEkXAYAq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmXT8T0CIN
"Strong?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eBDwi27Cl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsArBJvVebo
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq3VE4V3SW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEeIgc0A4r
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh3vdOAXEq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjaiOPPSas
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?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsdV1xkqJC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPyxLeiI33
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfe7RNJ3mA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNnRYqBKsC
"Brat is certainly new..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKBmWsGwpz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn7HY2F3Xe
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp7zfODLsK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQmw82AIqC
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHsvwEc4X8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzk5V7ZDIS
"Think like what?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHDNGORGor
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKkCkM4gh1
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahH2FEapyM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsSbbYqcyM
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCBadnxF4P
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf4ZpdUPtG
"J-Juke...?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn4jbASo01
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsvooaS8AZ
"Do ya think I'm strong?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nXbNnh1Ro
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54BXqlysA7
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsiANq0P3P
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKoo4pLl6u
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp82t2BDPOS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKqhZkjWFb
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39nbAZUCxh
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqy5T124uP
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdsuN63XAN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyE4Mi55X2
"Yer a moron."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKMbY7pIly
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3ZIDprxjc
"H-Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBVQQ9qFE8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwr5u7DEQK
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ySURO6nUp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHAX8vTlr9
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBYN9L7MQb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVIfygxcUS
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1893UvIM66
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8Ef8CK31g
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xbjREblPs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgwDmf0NMP
"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–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNhGoCgPYy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIGqo5H14Z
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIak9N6qeGF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ0n74ReD5
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsocR1YZk0w
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqrIX0Ewaw
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtazSP4dWOg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h3ttqG9zR
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdp8UGMnaZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnc0bbtbYJ
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9gnKo4huO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxIvJ2BOXs
And so, I spoke.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1YbvsIzwd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK9IudetyQ
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCox25hxSgP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtV5Xwo3lx
"...Yer just like that bitch."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJkeyEY8mk
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTENmsGcwEh
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGETA5wzMSJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kGNIb49h7
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA5YxrvJVn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVOKOpprVe
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyafVApVFoG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpShWxZfu9D
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuEVlMAUEf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvZEOfgBXu
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLOrkNJhof
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqDpim446S
"You're missing the point!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDlaHovB88
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDT9HAqoxy
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZepO6LorW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNvs6sPuQE
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQXfiMQGOM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZEWym4ZNG
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYPIQlBwwG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlob66DR8aj
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSIOoZ3f5B
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKjVc8FyBS
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYVb2XqFLX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QF3PWBnMa
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWobMRJe9wB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24Qeyq94S6
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKHcX8lRF7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuFadMENQH
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HVsyW0ZWd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Wj3Lj9Xwm
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwpelq9OGG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGM6Swft2w
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBheYbZ0pEq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOqxR2M3XS
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcpbuQNQ8g
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JFHWUUDJA
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
