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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSuJFNQw6J
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66pDZGaBez
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"Right on."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHHXNlDY2r
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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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJa7addEb7
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwrgQL9Jz8
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"Huh? Oh, alright."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA9uSy16j4
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5s19162W7
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatkZxQq5Ra
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF52ArAaEhp
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeThVoJ5O4W
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"Luck..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2ferIRT7L
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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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xMiwePrs5
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctYk8P4jSP
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRqApFu0ox
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGEMTgcvuA
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qePAr5iTl
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9upS56os0T
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8RVbnZCt4
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"You people are strange..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hdYNKOo6K
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ4Ckc7CTW
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1ENw84HHZ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrP5QvzN6U
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQfqj8QRQB
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQxKVrrtOD
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTulYIY3xT
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc3LtxREez
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65zVnbi207
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z084nnUmZ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy6bvUjR54
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWiEK5wgzF
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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?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY3nMmh8Pv
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3b0Yi7TPN
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZcPrSo6yH
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7pc6xTomH
"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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzjQYoQPVx
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudkqDI9fV5
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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?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRBP5UvuuD
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LIMAdIOpy
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8kJ61Tu5m
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ldnk0TCZF
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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3LIWwEJjM
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"...Huh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQW2FggHy0
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vJLXb0Dv2
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnefQT5m7oo
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU4VLemb0h
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxx2dQ5elq0
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgRS8ZEFZR
"I can't deny that."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IxCN0chrC
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVe6fcchXR
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt45Kl4WgBB
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXOmjYjnxZ
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspwfQnkASB
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwEYWl4fwS
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ0TT1uuop
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM7Wf5EMK7
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXPfzMYZ4O
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sUS7TAzAN
"You're up."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXVDfYxbkV
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"Right on."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDlLOiYimU
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7ytC8iRn0
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjoooThMAm
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"That's... that's incredible."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVYUADmpEL
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"Huh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpt3OJ2Tn0
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCms9FfNU8E
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp8qVjdIoy
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ycjiLhu7M
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABjvJLmPTc
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF4ZUaz0sy
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z16kjS0Jl
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtPixKihKP
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1b8jcue4u
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLS76UfNci
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7BYiMMujg
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmyZ57FUL5
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXC9AQjRRd
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCqMOTQKAv
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SgvHU2icE
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHI15LJN3T
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCyPVTB12x
"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?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlDa1kZtsa
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMYBof50y0
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj1xa6kqIK
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxA9xmbIIW
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfF6pgx2tjm
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpccxeaGGfB
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJJHRvNbXV
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV3YD2Whib
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtf5XFlBfN
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ndqQ9lLah
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl4fIOLLje
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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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJGD5ke1ez
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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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2s17fC9lXo
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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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHj8QYou4E
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"What time is it now?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU1v2qBIcs
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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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvfd9N8op9
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"Juke?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODXn75e72K
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He looked at me and perked up.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL4vIKFJBk
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaaesos1Ck
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUDcgQkqIt
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtccBf5Ozmq
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3kRetOoN3
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0k5sGitYM
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzX0TC0ByH
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1dIrli4Ow
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9idLTdLMkH
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBVSgPb6i1
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFA4sE4kkS
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RiJUkVpGj
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfiKFSflzP
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69QXtkCCnk
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLuJk2oDl7
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"S-Sorry, sorry."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡargSA8qIO8
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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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdTBkGVCRR
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo1T7gsMZF
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXeOVsHlES
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"Ah, shit, yer right."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoUgTKnAEe
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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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUX0iWdVFb
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rnrewrtoz
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYX625HmAf
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDHrrI3u6S
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"Did ya just laugh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2uT8qaVZV
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8miM1H30x
"N-No, why do you ask?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtujoPRAuyj
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxaZljVCWG
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVGJWaQ9Uk
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ecbI269jQ
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujxrCSLSEH
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoulCh4gxU4
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RozEvYaX8
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru6jv8eKXh
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TLOzwDjf6
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOnparOpQp
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuvD6qAIN2
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He narrowed his eyes at me.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAFAdOrn2S
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"I'll take yer word for it."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoTRtkmkTc
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There was a momentary pause. I245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRL4XrRvB5
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaMrQY3lUN
"So, what have ya been up to?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jY76k6sVR
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutJBv4Uix9
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN4jaSTnow
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQew1sTI7gv
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wrsC5q8id
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLyONWUS2s
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgiqMzoZLq
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3hQYvPUUE
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LrlZR6tzO
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQLJAVH5Rm
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRHPwvIHDN
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1avSaFWau
"The sleeping room?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4Fu58GDB3
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4YGoWUiPC
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCnEakaIRV
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5HI9ntV4n
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztiTkfptFq
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKvJycSNIj
He cocked his head.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbCvIZD22b
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMRh8sBm4N
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zCzrDs40Z
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAyazW5aqj
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8PydIMeHJ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhAWljejqX
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxjo2jNlur
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjy4fN9AQu0
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0ACCWP8yJ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQxwJdQ3BI
"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..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYscMXnyvN
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPGBgelczD
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB53okKv7Fz
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqIurhh2Vo
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSYT4PHuI9
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzINs697XK9
"Loose screws?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMikfUGSQs
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7687N478Ch
"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?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0ZVF6GaI2
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8NTgxJQWs
He huffed from his nose and smirked.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQifyRjI5k
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxFFHqvKM0
"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?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2WR4lOs7R
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1PTaS0MKZ
"Boring tales..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNvvWjc1vR
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCo5O0DtCX
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vej0gp263
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ppbajysw6
"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?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQENEr9bwb
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ornqsQKCd
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkracWETYg
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z5t3cpcGY
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCB87PAYTo
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCde5Npkyje
"What, am I too young?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iX80pACPZ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GvZ0KG5Wx
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34KxfeH68N
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9v8fHvnqQ
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ6ag54odR
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pGmuOe7Wr
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOiYultHO5
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPJO3P8PcO
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNfzK48Vs1
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnCYgIt8EP
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6qJayg8sI
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGGZ0A3jtV
I straightened my posture.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH62tIQvHF
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB6OAYcSax
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJfGBG4qrt
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReUYc36wLN
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKDj2Aj6Qj
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2HSPGd7YQ
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVzapZIPLb
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWAqcaA4Bp
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoWk8o9xbp
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXvC0aIbVm
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoiqQhk9Yn
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKlwF2e6EX
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg129Cuucgp
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe9YNBBHyy
He gave me a blank stare.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UuAkOUhrh
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s58vNvEiT
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7hGsdRVqR
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHhM9z7AnY
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLIzlrJROT
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxRFFxWJLQ
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GiaDvKEjS
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9YAxsPJcy
"See? There ain't a difference."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRxEmCyefj
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbzIAAYo5t
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4uDv42nQ2
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot0SY49uyZ
"Yeah? And what are they?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHBTCBMJsk
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltFNqNaljE
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDDrfWinSs
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wTTy5gzuH
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZU5dSapwA
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXmjmPOYVU
To that question, I simply shrugged.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrar7DKHbf5
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBNr5dWn6k
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7cCmdj2CW
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplEVwyk2qj
"What a load of semantical garbage."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSDnegNgyc
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ2McG1bIi
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlX8ICC4R6n
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fRvprgIRA
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOh2h4dFxH
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiX9v4WLeQ
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTXRm0GmCO
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3PXp7uUWW
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ5R0fKkbw
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcPbtVNOAC
"..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKgVatu4LD
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4kMp6XS9l
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3wan9goY0
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi2fScFhdM
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNfvmyCn74
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55rQGbZXNE
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFd7ibMyUg2
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNojr9QYVk6
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBwsS1W51E
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQRHXPUnqw
"I'm starin' at one right now."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrifRrNQ2n
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLlPQULDJ4
"You know what I meant!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFhh0umnAA
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVNFEERme8
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsp8qD1lxn
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyu4XdWa3f
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBbQFagVnB
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa7gsvWqMQ
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFzfVGc5Sm
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKCgV44LU0
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxzbLNV6m6
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldrcZJ3btu
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8180fz4HpL
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUebVXCnpz
"You're definitely being generous."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1rqQ1cKCV
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4IqfcvbWy
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzxtpOHLPW
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4vJjr0VYV
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgSgNd20aG
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKViFuo073g
He nodded his head.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYSapXjxgw
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSqRmIQIxU
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbeLDqgUPY
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpai67SwC6M
"...Oh my goodness."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7YKozv3jr
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTwbbraaSu
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8qgnuf0dM
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXkBZ3yGhD
"What? It's just mud, kid."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvEbxUPg9D
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9662cjyrzL
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4LcfgL1M2
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv88nMitjo
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡta0wJznTn7
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjvGFjQ08E
"Yes. I hate it."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXVhp0gE2o
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh1cKhSicz
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFDrFsDS8O
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmMFmFR5B3
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjIPC7NrnO
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmXc1xuvyG
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXnKWPMYTL
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTJmirKgXX
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5qKDgGnSX
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qjIWT59TG
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMbAMiKbzx
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfauVzy103
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvpkI82cwH
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr0OcXHlYI
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGljAiNRF3
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcmUZgFfSq
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDxE1EC7Qb
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpSztWZdhN
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTxDEIFKhV
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMvzUfNE16
"Nah."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2Q0fWgjEx
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpQUqGbZj0
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzRpjFKzXp
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlmiHCrNI7
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p6PYXzeaY
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLh8rtTy7V
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55A0qbkKp1
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09Z0fRdY1R
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOD7q5PPqc
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVRjAAZQd6
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdIBxQhPmz
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOgMsfDLxc
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesNApTBrOH
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zkOaAAulD
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMp0zjWcgg
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1Vu17p3Bu
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o92OEXpx6
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKfwnS6GVF
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsJuYPhUaP
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMrIYmHQQD
"Huh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ15kNVdblG
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3jUUIAxyg
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTEO1vZ6OJ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3x9OdfMIX
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciRzIgOnP5
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzZNQg0bfD
"So someone told you as well?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbs7l7HXpv
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldWBBT5pS4
He nodded with a smirk on his face.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfqYSZmxPy
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKULieuoXwG
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8MMtYu2tj
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0w6SdGzAP
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9QlkpS8RW
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O0QISh4mX
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo15mzgr2c1
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzULwlysuw
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycr1P9sFUC
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMfc2Tq9xF
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxGHxSHSAJ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0ZCWKiQft
"..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JXHK3diTy
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCYIBGM9Gd
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz4K9U8Y15
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjZXnJNaOw
"Strong?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN3WJrL31S
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53o4gmzBdH
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSBfVfZdBZ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaMJwhyoPy
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS6oZCY8lV
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLox2xY7PWs
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?245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgqmYho9Fg
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYrr3RyMZy
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ655v1qVt5Y
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek6CUQ0AXE
"Brat is certainly new..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujMHFZB3sn
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1zRtd4sZo
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXAhooRGAh
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SOglyhAze
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hDa8JD5LJ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJR7I9Xbkm
"Think like what?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5P7LxnTxUz
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbup4glfiv
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8K6IyA81u
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpW5g7rsYC
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmygWPWvvPV
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbPvaxAwNr
"J-Juke...?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2XZpzM8Ts
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Dnh2o4DFA
"Do ya think I'm strong?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr05t2U7mB
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91wP8zlR2a
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj28O1Rt1v
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWUYTdyA1i
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiiNrC66bW
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9fE7E10jg
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOa9pHJxQ4
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLjLqYeTsa
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4FRd9NfeP
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHJCzMmkEg
"Yer a moron."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7uUgWlUCC
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUU1Yv10uk
"H-Huh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDriR8FIcPP
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f22gMFZES
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs3oAjYwS5
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0HGqZpPGr
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz74HdxQqEd
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXmXfKroUX
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARG3fNh0mt
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXAyRfH2vZ
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZDU7esh9H
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgMI1ysAkj
"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–"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxamjMRfoNj
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡili7Qzeb9O
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCo5AnxWwn
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8uUCep0ov
"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?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4VDvLEFdH
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYild4xlrx
"..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfbQ5wLVWH
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zmcaNL3hf
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SJxk35rTp
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDzyspBysQ
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91nCUBTD0j
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uFakBzApo
And so, I spoke.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xz4fKzgLI
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qdKUcHxwL
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb2lTejzdR
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMUJxa1wgP
"...Yer just like that bitch."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzbjXEyjO4
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYsbmGVmyR
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI8jcUheEU
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEup3pUEhz
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlKVKVVlcH
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViOVX3thdA
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYooSZZr4O
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6lADwgQyo
"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?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2Mp4xrBp7
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8CFt4IHem
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxb0Jjt8yN
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueNU85blOi
"You're missing the point!"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE6igjTc03
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAKriJ0Rtn
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxofyYvyywv
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60yctrljFb
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDK5GVjiZ0
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtc0FNlnyT
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQz9KTFD7g
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDimT53wqF
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSIJJR8VC4
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH9YCn1tlq
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHCaLDEQx9
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwuYJPxDW4
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2FNUN47NJ
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkWRSnJVrc
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1vwcYE8Zm
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHLqxdMepX
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV6Tv4X5YB
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUS6HlvlVR
"..."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesixKqfCyL
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn7YGw3SkE
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.245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcdlxTtCNe
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tmScOPhVC
"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."245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl94l7PFQW
245Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPVMLqzaMv
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
