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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQBZg9cTpj
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7umLaeOWB
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"Right on."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtLBwYBMcn
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCkaeirGSp
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP59FXG2NVF
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"Huh? Oh, alright."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucrycTyHPi
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wN6Nckphu
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwGTPb3JDL
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGKvHbo3jV
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"Luck..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIxfy2cmvd
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBPuL6K9Py
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYMiW7gXGJ
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtvswmXbla
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHpbj4ZvqF
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"You people are strange..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfHOIAeFLh
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"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPSkUqbPcx
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdehPhb2eK
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNongmg9p8z
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZQ3kP1a9z
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"Shut up! Speak for yourself."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpfPau5Hdr
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qeqIhwr3N
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"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Kr99FWvYY
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFZ10ZlTco
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"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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpUPVdgQZx
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcbfrbi5Jf
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"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgY0kWy58Y
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUOzH15g5L
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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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNzlxodPxD
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"...Huh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMJ9EsUa4x
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVKCKc3NWn
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdHIuRYXgv
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"I can't deny that."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhYZMnpm0j
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hw1wwJPN5
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9EW25hvxl
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9BR346P8Q
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRyB46iDov
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"You're up."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W0s6cuM8y
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"Right on."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAJX7Jz3vA
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6exzQMDJ7K
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"That's... that's incredible."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkQAXPNuUM
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"Huh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPNIvbJiml
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcepUVp25Ly
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSimdWIXtk
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F2AsKLLBa
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt05JDt0s8D
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI5Y35Nwnr
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"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGReqvIMD2
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEOosyyJAa
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp7UlY5BX5
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnM6nN99B6
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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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdcaZHkxJG
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAFk9uvJUw
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvYw6pj2Vl
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6Z0fBhvZT
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"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDwCISV3Lz
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhAB7lzXQg
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ08tJu0KnC
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJNmoZpW1u
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIrrH69ElR
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"What time is it now?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YGoVe3EcH
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUAr3mvrFM
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"Juke?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv88390CFI
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He looked at me and perked up.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPHOWo325V
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBysCdWZIxf
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"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWTFOBMBuo
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"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VRIMO9C3J
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR9N9Qt0kx
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5kkHqzvy8
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZvgWLqTGn
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipzJsrr4n2
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqXKYmZOzr
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"S-Sorry, sorry."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqdusTlnUp
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTojKPI2eZl
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgVuT48UMg
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"Ah, shit, yer right."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RO0kWn7Ie
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNHFI2qaG2
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9LMCR5vgT
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxgkQ0d47E
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"Did ya just laugh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJUhfRCn2j
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"N-No, why do you ask?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxO0Im3uRz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmPN5dkWpS
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvEpmWHkEP
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There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0s1uWRFBC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcclrtI8XVL
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDX6XacKIh
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7tclT6Uvb
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt1OVuumaO
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He narrowed his eyes at me.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3adpBvIPpT
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"I'll take yer word for it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvCHLWVhuC
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There was a momentary pause. I205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E81vQggBY
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"So, what have ya been up to?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyFTyOtAau
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBSp9v0cId
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiWRmBDl9C
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGddXcuaDt
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7r2ieRc29
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXiBP5N6aw
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU2Co69eFZ
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"The sleeping room?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMgLV9HYBz
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"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisQxSmbe3i
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsKSla2oxZ
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He cocked his head.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMGFBMW4h6
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2v9xEwb8w
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"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI5tdjt6JX
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgPHrmgjHU
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq2YrTXMgZ
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"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..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl706BVIIa
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXle7qtY6N
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"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM8BrtoIkM
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"Loose screws?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZNtM5sHkv
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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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOTTMMyrMb
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKYkzUENt1
He huffed from his nose and smirked.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5wtuCzxvx
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdSu7iwyye
"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLNOmS6mCG
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI8lLLYNJE
"Boring tales..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Gp9mvx1ir
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd2fM8rGFw
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoX5crFoWr
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifmVLkZmCA
"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2pnQiHxb5
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPA3TQ3DJh
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6ATP1Icr1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafp9LYgEaC
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEf0chnO1I
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"What, am I too young?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kHdePVWaN
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiL2zidM73
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5U9ymVzBW
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX97l2Y1Fa
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kGzFV5hTj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrjfv777b3
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUVsFM6GZ8
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95zx7QrCr9
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXN9ZZdw4B
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxnt3rQ4LN
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaFmWwCBsU
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I straightened my posture.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKknzU73Kq
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbSIXShy1f
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL8XrIjB0M
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrhehJh9dg
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkrZrNPH5O
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZhzfbWfq6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtowrZ0ih6t
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZwFDIYFqC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XQ7HdqrpB
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3knKeUN8V3
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc98q0oZeZo
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH2C1qBqXw
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LGGrCmwaD
He gave me a blank stare.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphuJasAWY9
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAfrgaiPY6
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgc2ZTruXz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXJCjZrG8m
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWWsLrFT0P
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MbjH4PaUf
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjILOIsoIB
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"See? There ain't a difference."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa8HoPcowM
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXptjFhnUF
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpS7fFIr17
"Yeah? And what are they?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jAHKhYgvF
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG081Tttw2
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1fWH2ISHC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqYuysihhP
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sg8426PzL
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To that question, I simply shrugged.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlQQ6RBWGv
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"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxHTwg73Je
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIKC0ygqz4
"What a load of semantical garbage."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfTrwHibkW
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I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu3YFDVzVl
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYzQtlWFy5
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCcsqoR4mt
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ln3Sdn8QV
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcqcuKTBSk
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnc6kjE0AK
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRRp8CnsLU
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufW1wBE2fg
"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHeviSgfUv
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUecuu03cfv
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdcK08WM0m
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgokoXDMJ9g
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1kFqNjo5b
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUmwrb39T1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq82epCwlbS
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrac21voniD
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdcEbILY8L
"I'm starin' at one right now."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqOJcJAK18
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"You know what I meant!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1OMyFopPR
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"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgXmwfUx55
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQqQzoxxvE
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o83whQHMl
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UDimVBCNb
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQYI3VyCtP
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppzwXr6jld
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dX1bRUWQ3
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95n8bpfDcG
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HAbyBF4F7
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuxEDZD2AB
"You're definitely being generous."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCEnZ6ge5j
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1ImSBVeb7
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAldZmuRPKX
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ES12cpPsE
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zj529hcnu
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He nodded his head.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc1g7JjKCD
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv20Gme04Ad
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYRY1ZNar5
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0YYuRgHAF
"...Oh my goodness."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNX4vmRogU
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I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t7HfZ2jGV
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORGUNunp6v
"What? It's just mud, kid."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5WkTvGBe1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhYbs4fvEe
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7hlhI4ewH
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh9hmtm7uW
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELwuMEAWgH
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sK7So31pr
"Yes. I hate it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEWScvV3XT
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNElon2HuEC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNPVi76cZa
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQidlkT7An
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFZvk0hxes
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5KIr3w2dY
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ig1Cx1wPK
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAvTTpSwaf
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkXpjVMFQg
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4R2NznKVC
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m4W5UDBoq
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AtfeSCo6p
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsXN4862e3
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejK6UvC0H7
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx8xxXSwac
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpeka89kY7
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhaXYFCv6b
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM7QRXzuML
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuYiiCkH0Q
"Nah."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRJXBn8jdC
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I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaqUeehOMN
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"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHN5RROm7Fp
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNjRFavgyd
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Fz58QT0ev
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uIZpxvurW
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnNs5Qt0W1
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I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSgRKbnZKh
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6hbrJzhK7
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDDDzS6V80
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UbELraKpx
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8GYyjZZs2
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"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs5uyuPzeY
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGod0zoepoO
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD5w0mAsZz
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"Huh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofcTI8jBq8
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDDlf2lgqM
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5pTgRrYfB
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcMsbMmzZ5
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bGT2168D1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGo8CUctGU
"So someone told you as well?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bKFe0KyuU
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He nodded with a smirk on his face.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtRp8YMcfn
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHJosjQMWd
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOuCTXYk7X
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulICXog99D
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS69HF35oz
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFk4A6V5wL
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAXyMO4JKF
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XxsctNYMm
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrtirkb4A9
"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe11R66YXQV
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OIEi0g8W9
"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo83LgY8RUj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aG1m7zbwV
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfnKKCyXN9
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"Strong?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg7DxuqbNS
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ3XVKWGKZ
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxkpY0XhwU
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWUQEunWdM
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeh2NeF15n
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi7mVOblw7
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?205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVG5bmAccU1
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM8k2JOELI
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFXBgUfNGj
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwchSdKXmKx
"Brat is certainly new..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHimfG0dmWD
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbuyfoilKz
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK14O7Lg6q
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9koPLVNCL
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9If2mJ9RW6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjBdlNtVkc
"Think like what?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCPTGfxCXz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyugXHGXQj
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJIieuSJhH
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEUsgEKK43
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVHCHDhTwU
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNJ1WiUAP4
"J-Juke...?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxZiaWoii6
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvipeH3sn6M
"Do ya think I'm strong?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSywbHtDOY
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEu9Wm3zgJ
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr4vZCOa1k
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNBa0D2XPv
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY11q4nq3Hz
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sMSiirIRp
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wMY4LRBoh
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF2nK7X5Kv
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpCwob6D6M
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFruCuDModB
"Yer a moron."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVBHtH9FN9
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqxyT48MTY
"H-Huh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHVgmZU8mz
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEVrZQT1lc
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"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjRew9DDSv
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46ry1lbou7
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He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK5Meksg1D
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"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–"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y2ssKP2pU
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypGuB87IrT
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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBA8gJIZojr
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"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRbVXSjwto
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLq7jv9JLk
"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyuhUMHiVh
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCLxwB3IIL
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiKqqAc7sY
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And so, I spoke.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVAWAxFqje
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0WRZTM3Kh
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"...Yer just like that bitch."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcA8Aj9g6P
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It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZpNM7jQjR
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaOq1D8em3
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MyhFWAf1T
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"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?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi2af5Nslt
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN6NhlTYg3
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa45ATikgJY
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"You're missing the point!"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUdQqPxqka
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Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTxX5xSWI3
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"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOgqsWCqtG
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzmY44c4yy
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"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj36wN3lBMX
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgH37IEAlY
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What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccEUlE1VWR
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I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYQSpV2pvZ
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"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMScD3h3EU
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"..."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujr8DVMfNq
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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.205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ukI5hoHVs
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"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."205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wdpy6N3Ry
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His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
