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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjuJwSfnf1
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SwNTY0ATd
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"Right on."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTOnp0E5y0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjcGeaGcG7
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUDil2MOw7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBONgyt9ly
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrAthA2gul
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"Huh? Oh, alright."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9tLOhNOua
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡob12zZCcv1
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPMsIxbZSL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurTXSMuo2t
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjgPhfnwR7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JFimxOm3s
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoDkPlRGlb
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"Luck..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G9dqwKQRl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D3ylwR26i
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS0sU2Tn5b
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwbZUTJg8v
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaqsURcas7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQVkSBWQjO
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qFaivq3fL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fVULfdDxP
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9CyJiWDNZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Cr237Tfd6
"You people are strange..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBPvg3wcD7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjC6K1ngTt
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcajZSqIdN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq33dkXffl
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMahQg6qcR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3iYqXc3HB
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPYrSXNEpN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXFRwxVxlQ
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ678jG4S3xG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhCBOWA34Q
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgitnvi4csA
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NdkwZYFtJ
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6Z9A7Xbix
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfqe6cA3SP
"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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAKexSx0oc
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMbKgsSWM4
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfHdYBsqsC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlc8tlBeox
"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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj0XRYnNEC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKr19n91vl
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJrHsLPFdB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbWFZ4qQTP
"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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7rkNRxOnP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtCsQplt7s
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1mApPEDt4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcBWxRqkea
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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJSJbImAhJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBikTDlj8Gs
"...Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtoyiZyvUM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kGD8kGxdK
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2znY3afQNd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmtH45tVNm
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dOYVbB2Ab
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB1W88qmqV
"I can't deny that."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vYcHWd5ZG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZD0yUbjpia
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wADCUfLac
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPbxcrHBlI
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9llbNG56d
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcTxgVj46c
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTVrdqlYcJ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiMdTKLk9j
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom40P4lqUN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0iqXYYkoM
"You're up."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1fpkQdmXd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwxjpQzrkn
"Right on."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NiN1XdBd9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I23LcpDd8
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD7hM7iWUj
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"That's... that's incredible."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxReAjDP7O7
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"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVO0ISbRHt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PBrptJVVm
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOOvqIBNYt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgxeW9t6dz
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlHUyU1bUF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYE0RoiVUL
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOd6VB5Uq0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aRuX0cCRZ
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFBhX5R4pz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBufsYH4NIy
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4LzoypAvZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bsy6zbCu0
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC2TwSZvJO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleMQ91MkH6
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Ykz7SFMR
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZYE47EgRn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTKIcDqdoM
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mLIqx8FTT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrBH2dNh2l
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo63HAJN2i
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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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zrmA818Tz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjn5amUXEg
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0XVDSVYlR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qiRz0joI3
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCWc0UX4H5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWhFTrcDWI
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyG56BLclX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7Q8fqgSW2
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt38KSvdeZ6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupwcpidkWU
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fG7QEemKz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHyYOpACH8
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMt4TxTZrQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrgWfB3sh3
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj93Vt6ed6P
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2q4mlOf8d
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbimYOBejd
"What time is it now?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3GjtD3SoO
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4ToK2psB5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaiKUt7D63
"Juke?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0VR492y3x
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He looked at me and perked up.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMoLu5gYn4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOONXceNpM
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62c2aR55Ht
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIEZa0VloE
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRUM8x6HTR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfzJCr0NSf
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jfcOLID87
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tC5UVdMnv
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVrSc2apVB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFxeIklYXo
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUxgf11N8p
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9k9Q2POSx
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIoJWqPtwN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A2s4SB3QC
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMMXo7t6b6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeSkDBn40O
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H0sFkJhzO
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"S-Sorry, sorry."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ268SyNdoxX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyDFZFDixF
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4DZ7cJT0d
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhL4EjMvsf
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnioszk6Eah
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Gdg06nLm6
"Ah, shit, yer right."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb36BgyyYa
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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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZSoRXyU9M
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EwswwAtzS
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPI8LkVkeO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHLDZvT9hT
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU6Rh3hnNN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05rkxAvjAu
"Did ya just laugh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHZfrY5yyH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiZD5J2ezm
"N-No, why do you ask?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUeqC52ThL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p0hqQv9cG
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTruqpfuYdE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UpZZYrs98
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaERKp6BzY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhdUkLm65A
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlMRUwYeta
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHhgF4CnHu
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PTyJxI09i
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLKPeiEItE
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOEUkF8POD
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He narrowed his eyes at me.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJWa9ia1rm
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"I'll take yer word for it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY6JhVK7i1
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There was a momentary pause. I241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKUhNGb1rV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPVFumTDTV
"So, what have ya been up to?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tOdrRwU1n
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o6ggNdsSn
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXm5ZWGUq0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9rbxLJj29
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyoS3PhXe6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgrIe3bO8K
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo4vQddlOI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIle4DGpk8K
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiWug1rRIL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz7XgOjE6m
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzOShNSKrO
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"The sleeping room?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWDFP6WoKb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkUVGdaJw9
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDweadQSiqF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphFPWdzmj4
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ4rNntSv9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYk14mOwP3
He cocked his head.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEWwMWe5n9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndRTX9KuHb
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4TdHXxMi6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzAQGWtDLk
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4YhGQS5z3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvFA0fhjae
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZA5TZX86o
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6SKbp9rt3
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYWEtZHe0J
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmOvVMtIlw
"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..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvpFFNWbrT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcrz5Ome0C
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlad4TDjzW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq2xRB9Ofv
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1gji8ZcuU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5iaf1vYEk
"Loose screws?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu2lgssDTI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIFi5o524c
"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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRoCLwG5H9
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGTDZyBuC7
He huffed from his nose and smirked.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ4rVzNeuo
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy10pNDVW0r
"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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdYFafd3Ol
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljrFPB7Jow
"Boring tales..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalJXpAoS8P
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiW1fQ4gHS
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtR0CFGpnd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfaFt4y1K3
"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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yKDtctpKZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoynRErqrr
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwGiH6ScRm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78glIFetNR
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66k9mc2mcW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1bPRDWdIt
"What, am I too young?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xYOjIq6pg
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX1LZ1mlbO
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcs0P4lS4x
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tsc5LmoMN
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB0NFUlDIH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmZP6X7Rip
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxGWHq8xvV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7VsCCTqgT
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMnsQc3ZNR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUVn1Es0Lz
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvM62XPZR7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwT07IkJ1a
I straightened my posture.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFJKIVB9Lj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50H0NIL2Gw
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlUTDWLf5q
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI63bRdMNl5
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR95m9wAkd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkUhxBz2bD
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X8lYKxdRX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrOpMmqmuH
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtdDVyMOrd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2ullFrDJM
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrhoZ38tIh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0iLwzoBvy
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdlkpxvaPy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8AMVzHe7L
He gave me a blank stare.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oipydolAp
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tAvLBUfKR
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY67QZq45yl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuIck4RpIf
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulOsPufou7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMkicpEkYX
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgQTnLLYWe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS005NROmlg
"See? There ain't a difference."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS787Z2cyB
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bBuAC4dGc
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ORNtlMdfW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2SScDBC5G
"Yeah? And what are they?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCET5N6uw4O
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8R773w41r
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7IDY0CHcq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwGBay9mXw
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAyIi3F9nh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDKBerHyPU
To that question, I simply shrugged.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbyPMZoxUe
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShyJ31UDdG
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPj9JMKP9P
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2XNDurLGa
"What a load of semantical garbage."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLJtV5LIbr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlFkFgyasH
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5hnBuZIML
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96uO9ZpGLL
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCqu5wzidR
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl7Yuq8925
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD3BTsofeI
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gSsyd5OD6
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wyce1R8jM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJyo9RAXhA
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NuqRKNsyT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3sdX5p7SZ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e9WS9RIVF
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL19MaU054O
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUQJXiS2PG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTjqnnoiC8
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWm7Fo9PGN5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhg3TybWde
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnh7KBbjlX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUPfRPZJ3R
"I'm starin' at one right now."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNz5viPMou
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnQw7iPzm0
"You know what I meant!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkqzxY4yOt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl3KX7iswo
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY0cuy7dos
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyz48MAgVQ
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUL983q8mr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsi25MG9UZ
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5VCnQFc1O
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFSjULardZ
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp90f68nbn
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOle63Ms1tc
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkIj4mgzcu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQqt2FUDDR
"You're definitely being generous."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYKfFMIHKD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze1LcTJTrT
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWLZsNeDUt
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejj5zSUvKm
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRVfjPVMmz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUE9vw9h6Ev
He nodded his head.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgMUzB8nQW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqZ9I5hCt1
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eEc7cfAKD
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkVtKmOJ1S
"...Oh my goodness."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDocpdmqRE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplOcojMaFJ
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRb7qAoWOy
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzZeFJCm56
"What? It's just mud, kid."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUIDqczHAG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTZg9by2yA
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYhqzgMXfE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UeUdD9QAK
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZWNlaeREH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh5hegmcge
"Yes. I hate it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWg1DqZlst
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRqsBebnNk
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJXtmn1yMY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ng7J8MOTK
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLs8lH1UXi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkvXiuT7f8
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJA7JTL0Sq
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldx6ePSla1
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPpe2NjOX3
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4THOBsZ3d
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohh5Zi4sCM
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmYDBzkSbQ
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrgY8ek7dk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciItrhzDZP
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A2aSwqFNE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3CXaxsQVn
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYraK9e1TkE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMXtgNdhDA
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBxqDJZqcd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqqZ1y6Aox
"Nah."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiOWJai87q
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnMD8LsZSv
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBubigc8mTY
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oCawhQE2K
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOeHDVQmZL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMuulwKlv2
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSXSRqWzOW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAyDLNTPov
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLPI78HWaU
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX2AYMvxZ0
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh41n1YYCv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91X0WcZfq3
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEOWYZqrxd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbw8VPKzNg
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3LSU6YqLT
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60BFtGaNi8
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwaW9KfInd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ7UCw3Wnc
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3x1w4N5m2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjCUxcW22y
"Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK5yBfwzCb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3yOJuX2g7
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT5iJ1DgTZ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowz9paUV1z
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdYZw3sagP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopABVpronA
"So someone told you as well?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrKpcMgCx0
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZhFHhbtXW
He nodded with a smirk on his face.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyIzFuMEsv
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oqDIwYI4k
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQtQTB22zd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOUzkEGsPg
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUMPwQRzPu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFt5eaZ6om
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNf4Rndcc6
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgl69q8Mgo
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkggDMxTMX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW9psWygSu
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW0fPh3CC4
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMswNfPWS1K
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0mRIBu33n
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJY1ljAs95
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba2DtRNBwi
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRLnLm7UJT
"Strong?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk8NHXGwmQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwLK00VGJ8
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS3hrLElcH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0p7MjqJeUj
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1sku7XHhb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUiJX6JDkf
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?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpW4BXZUhb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VETXmBAsS
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjOh8uxsCG
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9pkKcDEI2
"Brat is certainly new..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcKVwZLDBx
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwP9gHDkMA
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyESV0MEywb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2guXJrrJht
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaJzI5nwUW
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgEH1viHvF
"Think like what?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RMRws3NdQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ41DTyX702
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpKbo7Tg4A
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6x9J3qjCd
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09ROPlPCRP
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrE3ftMlNo
"J-Juke...?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzF0uEOBGm
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLApoBO2fQq
"Do ya think I'm strong?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1vdrDCtsH
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPgIL7vrjq
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoubiMgp29
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISXJET7OAH
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡood3s508Yh
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmwn1WTeys
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAez8tMhMQX
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbc3UvZ4c4
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4wVfw7lhk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsytyYwhcH
"Yer a moron."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SRWVicBRr
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2bvfvVFaR
"H-Huh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsFJz13D1s
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEEq40cT74
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAADAMhtKQ
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpiljN0Z15
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7KVmtfWtE
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUSkFqPznZ
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPUJZtAoIV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHEc2iqxmH
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIDozy7VL5
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKyrOmRdu2
"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–"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAoKKajNeC
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlATHhSomWZ
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOVfp6xSUf
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ps3Z9py97
"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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9SKVSoU6q
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG0YpPE2kL
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETfNHGkr7v
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVxqnHvLmh
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF0cYGcvvO
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQeds7jXYz
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozGVTgCRF7
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pawRFpp9S
And so, I spoke.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85fgqyw0qz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RNfijWRhf
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuRjIsyP5H
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C2PmgbQ6h
"...Yer just like that bitch."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRB1Oso7tu
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZLM2LXVi9
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEojRlPtkl
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK58JjYPXa
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5dIFvn9Nz
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCeGDkLGoK
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkbNNvhBTd
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ANh0BHVFO
"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?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8u2KxioQP2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnWn3rbI4r
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDpTAtRV2F
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchlphkLGh6
"You're missing the point!"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV3gz0vRkS
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNUcSofQ7b
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4XuuIGVU8
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDkyEAI1bY
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYOzFoNA27
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UCgFX5Bet
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRoTXCkGn2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZtHteIzCG
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk0zpWplGL
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLbUCz7cVa
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP7IQGPpi2
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeB9g4L2E1
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA79ACxEQV
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg4iBUeUSK
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Eq4bTwKgj
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNwvZVdhH1
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iO7o4rRSb
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr0vRRQ3SZ
"..."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh06hLoxiN
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgoVpR8KZ9
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.241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaXcWxm6Ng
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAgvTcqGUx
"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."241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yYDGO18Gk
241Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDWjYryo2v
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
