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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL4OvGaaWG
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx7xAHbWri
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cWdJgjxVh
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI6rkyk9R2
"Right on."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZhKmbZvSy
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GfQ4bghEF
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnmwiIESiV
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQULFyrApA
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDPjaE7hum
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1rQ3iF6XM
"Huh? Oh, alright."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4IQELdOxz
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI4wHH76Lq
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM2F4cuz6l
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2yMGUs1OQ
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZllR8Ju6V
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvmu9wr2D7
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRVAX2VPF6
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KcFZOLwa2
"Luck..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSc5O8GAoZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGAQcUnwe2
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nJyipTrFu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqSr7rheVj
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE1vd6ayJJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyNZZR3L2U
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQkHUuuTnH
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡberMaOsdRW
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4m87bj3cw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EXzfmYKwH
"You people are strange..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0jwFtPFUx
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46b3CCYQvi
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOPqd9jsYX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZdwTwWjAD
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnEJvdnQld
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhpLjFLI5p
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH76BOm3ZzM
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87C3XYBXnB
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBlCjDGL0b
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5Vte7vgx5
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lURze9bpV
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncPoCRyCGT
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWarwM7A8s
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmappiDjKry
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UgAFvCEH3
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp8ygfqEX1
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fRFw3StrF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAokVee3CNQ
"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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6tvIHZ4tS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbKzNXACmV
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9faAvDxoky
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7L2PtBaOa
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8buekKxx5V
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwU3fe5zbs
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1ho6nwNwT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlvKDsBRVH
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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRs4CvAXtm
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1bhtvvX9f
"...Huh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99YFkOqRkv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDFX2hsiio
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkjf1km2dJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxQw8Up6di
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetSzEn3DIO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNv272xDoDs
"I can't deny that."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD07EvekQai
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkASZWVvGg
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpr6wSuJw2
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mi9A0zzyN
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjHbgMMdnr
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsv2AfxM1h
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqFGhQ7Ett
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9hyle83pj
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiiB83Zs14
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAAj5FMT6e
"You're up."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1KCB3hnNR
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5qT4Jf0ee
"Right on."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOItGUDZXmB
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKsk6iukfH
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb4NRncrkr
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88N4KAkJ2m
"That's... that's incredible."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0t3AATzLo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VxdDiwxmM
"Huh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89VMGFxtEi
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DSMvsrkAT
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eTLoNVElX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h2DLYK99Q
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZXSo6TuW7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qotxiSPPy
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywL9BMEY2m
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdzcsJ7BgA
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeabJkzBjL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5v39bqzXZ
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHuuPlKlhn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMbM3eq2e0
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3ai8niUSv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyKiVq1kPr
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPzsnFQ0GM
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEELMVPlXq5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2ouu1ujjM
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ifsUYz6A5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1xUe6XVrL
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNctKjb97L
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6b04LHWQD
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFVo45dq0m
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm5vATHdB4
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWEa50XDIw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPjgGKU9i4
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ9Cqx3KKm
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgetNNgTLMf
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPegTDERRg
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJDZlrMiyW
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L4uxvBmY5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpePIdZGtU
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAbmKfguj1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Ny0jbrBp
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZP2E6AUYJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdHfHob5nY
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWD73tBfMn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7F0zud6UO
–
–
–
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yPiDOjbZ1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXWaA5Y6Dl
"What time is it now?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zH1AgZJDl
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqYgBdEDCu
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrPvHyse9V
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSH2zIf8km
"Juke?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l2Y6erjYE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgpmwDklXN
He looked at me and perked up.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUmxtqOGN4
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeDZc5jiJV
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURkkK2ZRgU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCErGzprSjz
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFwki1EtCZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycOVsNTwa1
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzHi7Gq9Mf
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8asdSWIpFu
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeFAtzJZVO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl2q6SAs6W
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cPyLjAadK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiLUhXeKz3
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOqhBrPiCm
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikMDutTPM8
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEeF2S9T4M
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkoACSHovy
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfTCczbwdw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbfDsvCLkp
"S-Sorry, sorry."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEDmbVdZOv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe7rIJDKsC
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aDOVXBFnu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbqRf5hwAj
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7uClmNoi2
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdSU4t43jO
"Ah, shit, yer right."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA28dIez7x
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7shxcRf4h
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1NFGkhfuv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8bmN9DDsU
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZ9XHuM0st
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwUPylHn3D
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3Z69hdwgA
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBEbAGuJm7
"Did ya just laugh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNIZhELoZP
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8p2BYu9ik
"N-No, why do you ask?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUm0MFCK2q
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wfwDxg4l9
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NIy8i5HJt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIcT45oeXr
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWtNOwTjOz
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DZEas4WqX
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO3vGJb5iv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKCJWc1JSn
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4dStZYfQ3
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwm2fmRPQ7
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqEkCmZQYl
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAnB0hilRw
He narrowed his eyes at me.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA336coBuWe
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mc4cf4svp
"I'll take yer word for it."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFNVXAheJI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCLBppm3ps
There was a momentary pause. I198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCv6OF30Ws
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXCLfujIru
"So, what have ya been up to?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOifky47En5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gEha4byQS
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUlvpbJO4n
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoWpOqDzhk
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstJ5hFjceJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJrqyDKE26
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3e7pEtell
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5LkF8MWkO
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1dSxGUFJL
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyJZSM9put
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZV96Cnqoa
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthHPiHTHXj
"The sleeping room?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk4aPJKCgJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRr2qgtCTv
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohCSCoQPJA
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg9Dcc4ti4
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObRl6hpVsU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwwlDsnccj
He cocked his head.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEcveV1i1t
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMZ5NHIPXO
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaGhlaFpRD
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKKVOSXl3Z
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCQjWKSPOK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IzpbL8D5c
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUARusA1nJk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT3QySQ1B6
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFIAiWr3az
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CJccJL0NS
"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..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZwQnfMbxt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkZFguYBjk
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtisfP4FkUT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoubwCsFZUq
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLA52B886w
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMRB7QQfVE
"Loose screws?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5jakJViCn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZJ045CaKg
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FotEFkFqu
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNlg4geyki
He huffed from his nose and smirked.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIY26KVuXw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJh9iqpeco
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpznLgK5Th
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRoump8xu2
"Boring tales..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq3QlZhdqK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK769kqHaRn
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTax2izOyQh
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzweqKM2R4J
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIF61gGodGf
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCQhx8fM6H
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2RHQ4LOyj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbT8cK5YTX
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lMguUw7bT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo5Im9fAjO
"What, am I too young?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXw17iymVK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGV6mTYb1Q
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidJpptzqho
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrKkzLlDhX
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5qzkAWSpG
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1N0w1a6CE
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9csXlXbkfe
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1KxeO3cbt
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD1FTcFlas
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIu3eKOL7n
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruSyZC7x5e
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInrdAkSv0S
I straightened my posture.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIxwsgtG3c
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfSoyJyFgP
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjSMmqOxFj
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrVvQQzSAQ
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRiJJAI0G5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgcGg8QeSs
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToUGco354N
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLBeb8xZ4l
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI48bOAWKz
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiQsdiB4in
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzGmcWH2lT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzLABR68tm
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAe0drGh3t
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN1wCwUG40
He gave me a blank stare.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF8h7IcngZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEAWoOXnuz
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsGOfB60Yx
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy9lUuZaNZ
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRsTL6YgwE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu48CdhFAG
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXzBCa24vS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuWBByfdKc
"See? There ain't a difference."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K20WkVvyf
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R1a1bdnxO
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJENC6HSvS7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6Uv9EEd6v
"Yeah? And what are they?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9BGiPWcF2
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo0DkWKC8k
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmZEMhlbhv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV9UenVr77
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpcrxkEZTy
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBSfDLTGmI
To that question, I simply shrugged.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbbkHG2Y0L
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBB5QK4IoS
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw2MkTgcz7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFOFlaSTqr
"What a load of semantical garbage."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUPD8A6OIN
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e5txVbsrR
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPExgfo5IF1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpfpuwQNTV
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtyPwJMyOw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85AtwnKcFm
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7Xf0Yj7wA
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XqXmQNciS
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sEdZN1aK7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtTWyy7NRb
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEAA3ZxhVT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV0kkxqRFt
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9hVF8fv62
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS4OAh2PgV
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE9T3FcybZ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6inVQYFMm7
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFefr23R2S6
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5S5X5qOZP
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT16nPG4YX9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzkfWTtPuM
"I'm starin' at one right now."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV80nI26ZcU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHqpG3aHiY
"You know what I meant!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0GEA1pGMx
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4flPe7fwAK
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqAlMeVZMs
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3Vw8kd0dO
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NseP1aCbO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxGvtv4BeD
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg3x6CQ67x
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRWOXMmkKC
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqFWaCqpN3
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgKQPtoOht
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W44oFhTQK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69cQuuxmVI
"You're definitely being generous."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWj2LvcUI1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtW4hWasxO
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH10OctM6u
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qQTuCCPGU
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuLgq2EM5o
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JE9XMMkZW
He nodded his head.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EdDb5soQw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrloOOKMFYC
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdECUnXF7J5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ucgsFTYMK
"...Oh my goodness."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa20h0tRy4E
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV8uJjNvVz
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqci4r6RC2k
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUgO9G3x91
"What? It's just mud, kid."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dJgYwwvVQ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wE8pLXnti
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDbqG0BKVE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnLwq5hTFf
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyU1zm4TG9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHj4DfHavd
"Yes. I hate it."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSR8XNPis5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4amR5vxSp7
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbM7YEQ65s
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpae6gx3LwJ
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hxw5WxgUH
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNggFZRYwv3
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSutWwXjOv7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lXRIhtYXa
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNS4YBUPL5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Lql6WgBtd
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs48QuA0Swk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9zr8E3Tnh
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbOyvKUWlm
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZrKdcWv3H
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSotbO8aoZO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAsOSMr5F2
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSRZqUb1Mb
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBbKUPyudk
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKOC7yZcCw
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx4mj8wnzV
"Nah."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3NCyU5ukD
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfQ5qkOKGG
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nulgqbEF7
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0c5io7KzgD
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bsqMsT5rd
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtVqXfW9RA
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIlyJdjvjy
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOIvvfDxQ5
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe69j0AmtyU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljwIk3U06O
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ECPFRj8Gi
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGpQN4LqJY
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlAh4jlidK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxWr5Zk0he
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiRaVAK84D
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUt2HHv1NA
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAODMwNw6u
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmtXeqoh9u
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg9gJ1PweF
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitMNOdzQxs
"Huh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF3Xs80aPg
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkgoNTQUWd
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtVEmjfou6
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflMb92QTn2
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4RbxdE6IE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVyT3Liatr
"So someone told you as well?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMicMfQGLIg
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CXndkg9xz
He nodded with a smirk on his face.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW4ziXGCNk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ2O4T51ne
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAshZMYjM7B
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWxgqlOFcV
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLoigZEsLX
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW95lsTJvv4
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtNDJWpmpU
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLDPUQgO3T
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUkRTTouOi
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXDWynbTFr
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVweW8WNHjR
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG4QL7c4DL
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDeM9TxGlJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzrD8X33Rv
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVkndCCXZ5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtdxbLR0d0
"Strong?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bdU6X66qC
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9fmRtX7Fk
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tSj7cuLqd
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc7MwaWy5I
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCWDVDFXgn
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiFCfPDRUe
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?198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNilVTv7lk
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL4gXio2Ah
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1gQmA5PRY
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgDgqVQwXX
"Brat is certainly new..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYpGQURc73
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYQz4mRzID
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWXPRRJdfR
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwWisWH1Rf
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEsRz3KXS8
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDZBFuRNAM
"Think like what?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmzPGD1xn9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiYxuicukZ
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEVt9T8XGT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFgNQfNJOB
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGg5Bx4C5U
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycWGoNFhk0
"J-Juke...?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX9JtSB0aO
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV0nss0wKe
"Do ya think I'm strong?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyqoNnpjsK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNYOCCMyJ6
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhVVsLfph9
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hopKnS7kU
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrWXtk56YI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTm4EjZlP7
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPS6qdmLan
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhwZMv2qW2
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlwh80lkfc
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwoDtTE4wm
"Yer a moron."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLRQGGeFVP
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ212hB36gLK
"H-Huh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRa47HonOK
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU3GtDvIOR
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMaBJD9C3D
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4sdfUIEup
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7CJeOa7wq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJmbTBgzvG
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVdf4OkiWI
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmPgfXnHPZ
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eTkOXetH1
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO0AomeQX1
"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–"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYOCclaseS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgMYHwaRZG
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CGlduZWYP
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dqZrmjJXx
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGHvZBL7Nx
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZBhfNfB4M
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4jGGxFasy
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsdUg3WLV2
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFdNJFJMOT
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnHuXBEDWL
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVTbzYwx8G
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzHZfXidqo
And so, I spoke.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiWL1tYTTt
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqzDj1MCw5
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkDyBwUuF4
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxUcnPtyuT
"...Yer just like that bitch."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBTw3w9QNS
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzDZXhZaSQ
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUkkiWyhsq
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbYS37BmGy
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dvU1BLO3h
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0URUKzC6T
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXflCubESa4
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2stbX10RC2
"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?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDXJyxq8D0
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuYmlEZ2Ep
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb2sPJLdqg
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVPab52b1y
"You're missing the point!"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVkKjqYaVM
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWgPlZrK8Q
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpajy8v71R
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgqTf6dvJa
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1tAoG1EOv
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJgEc5RzQz
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJUqYxSApr
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckwJLix672
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj1ZsXykMc
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwHq4ew5Op
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl0HDgaCrE
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENaASXh1Mx
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5myDReZq2L
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyHtP8ZPrK
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec73T26tdo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQvtdDpW9U
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgPgPJPx0Q
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryXDpS1fYk
"..."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rJPOodEQ5
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jdVoG66Hj
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTKcOJeFUJ
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrEtO8mX0H
"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."198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1E5qWXBJo
198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT46hriADT
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
