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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGoIEH6TWB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mSWKcCiL1
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCbw6rf40y
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGsouA66EX
"Right on."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj3u56FoWH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDCTz07o7Y
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerqCnLFxCD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82imZfXfOn
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6ve9P9inY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzw1D3fbNM
"Huh? Oh, alright."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwUjm29VOR
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZLCjdYFQe
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FMFrmKKew
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeqEyNP7Zg
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjPlruAQGt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpWNOkoHcn
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzOpxVTG8r
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloSsh2TDCY
"Luck..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWHLctP7GY
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHhNy7sdN6
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqweml1PvX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajXU4aO4Ez
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvYLNERq9p
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghQsHQFYkC
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFzxA6N4IT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XJuVMCiDl
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAkzgCdAsE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQx3zFx0Jv
"You people are strange..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrCzrs6kB0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih59PAptc2
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6O9jDkkjn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02eG5C0UYa
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KBqynY4sI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR3mIZXnx4
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9uHjPnBsl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObM9ym16DZ
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz3LlgPkcA
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqJQGHub5e
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjkWUZgFJh
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbLEUHWQB8
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff1RPA6a2s
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyj0817HHo
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qNYqFeO2S
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHWh4RH9cy
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwmXRySQHB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArHkm0Kvk9
"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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7eOkqYkMx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUmvOezJ0v
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5cp9Vlrvj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzmF58aLk1
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UrQUtu3qp
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI5MWloKYn
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHB9ZMyZon
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6Bv0VnHJ1
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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic3WLNOI3r
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlUiG7Zjuz
"...Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AKv8SpQdZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNFzhGqIYX
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkO23S5LKW
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tT2YJpdjx
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmukbbAgjZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF6VOABD7t
"I can't deny that."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDfi2TN3A1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarHKFKEoz9
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdYDO6k5JO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBrESHdb2L
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg3S3mxd20
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7REj2PZjZ
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1PzNHyrrX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUiC06eHtR
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBnwnFLrBO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ygtbZRFpP
"You're up."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkseaUvpQq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmsl3iKIY2
"Right on."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzPv5YqesI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqh37TYKcE
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8E4ZvIKnz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4hphFXRxD
"That's... that's incredible."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTKMXQss9L
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZthoMOQrLo
"Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iDD7pj31J
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WpsSE96nM
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXAKIfn9bL
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnO82MKN9f
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmopFvglXt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVPVUee0hf
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXfSuuXUP0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ngviC0QVW
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaK7FxW6UF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHYNVyPG7p
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhgjNZuYKz
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5buI8oyZI
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF3m4pMf3e
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRNL5gTh0g
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhejen5vEb1
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMzkj5Qn52
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtSxRWkZuW
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFGrgZRlX5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU4thjyuBP
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0vGi0ljcW
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2rAHfVBfg
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM0O85yty6
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QV6P6MP8J
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDOuiRxTOO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz0dlmdUw9
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokM6wOHJMv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDE1fdQHMcf
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUSaDoNVzw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxnj3Jk7At
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NIiMnOly8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgV2gDkTI5
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65baPXSTxW
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqU9TDIlPU
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TBC8iPt4L
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgpzqOCoK6
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnjIB8K4cw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxIzYieqbs
–
–
–
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0xvOD4S48
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKHky2anTe
"What time is it now?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxNoISjkcn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyS4uY2jI5
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxA7wfCQ5b
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMlBO5bvry
"Juke?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y7gY8SADQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbZLo6WfNo
He looked at me and perked up.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXDFwgYk8s
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uNSC4nexR
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡholIFzEJU5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UXZDjM4QM
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDog2FwlO2c
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOqE7rlHIg
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlS2I4e8xKu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOl5zjhTM4
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXQzmyAQNP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAtWI8YrsM
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbvMNHqCyO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlyiodXTXx
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VIvVyXDNL
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVVo0J9YMx
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIR20H4fzB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzaVwRs6XF
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXlFbxJ8P7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceCZznG72Y
"S-Sorry, sorry."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv40ojBmYMa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGoIG8MZ9Q
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQmDPpgcxl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKE2ufGY8j
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiNgT7CEXG
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8skpdW0Bdn
"Ah, shit, yer right."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W3XTQE7aW
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80jC56bjIW
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBazWriIWne
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGLNq2p7bK
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRn4bJf4rR
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH9puxX8Oq
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpiZDkUTjZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEsLbQALsd
"Did ya just laugh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92twBc9YtK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI0emUAkzp
"N-No, why do you ask?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtycvJdFXZS
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2Db2ApPBy
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfjWq5Idbq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7F9LiXwSS
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnazQtQvkl2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrJP9AHqqR
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrMPHheR76
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6iF7PXxEy
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mAcPLQV4q
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF9K1p6rV0
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTsV8IDRbj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zNoSMGYIy
He narrowed his eyes at me.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTZB9NImCq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMokLSUMFKn
"I'll take yer word for it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCri3OFTHvk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGorhBTV9A
There was a momentary pause. I142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTtjIlfn8j
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw4wyRucrI
"So, what have ya been up to?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUy4lBh6mv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAUscjKf0U
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPDB9Y4ocO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yCI7eatse
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFYVTPx75s
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH88EWKOMLu
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yxmq6CUHa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojXxUWcs37
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0OyofD7a1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTgCLCsjgI
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ075knSuJ5Y
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxnyYeFCbu
"The sleeping room?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gNNfFFFg7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVBJANV4Xm
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsl7Jxwrgwn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivZvOEyH0D
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74qD11HD3S
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncnGwSvHFy
He cocked his head.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq8QeiAdvO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnVQNdsoTn
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbGLfoZQmn
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVva3mEqhi
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcV3ZSWRLE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTANmAm9xPE
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpix8cHLqq
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHDjrBNVBz
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaCyZohHus
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5bxnmbO1u
"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..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WUZ9tX5CJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXTmR1GHFQ
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1K4mItaog
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvogVJByFsU
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEl4FFnhKf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsVD8Uxovo
"Loose screws?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQEffOGV3q
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNvZMpw58p
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNkyD6cOLK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI05qPZVEE
He huffed from his nose and smirked.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs2da5mfrm
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwFL95ku6o
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYip2pZN86K
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ir85hSKHq
"Boring tales..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVY6F3O666
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hbRNsg7IB
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEpbzBExCx
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmJ9jVOJCy
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dZ4HAvQu1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUia5WSNvHW
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL6NwKNwM3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQT1QdJlWx
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGy09CJ7qV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgzTDC6xdf
"What, am I too young?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJgkoyOs4L
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPIhYfnItk
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQPR7p9K0N
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJDRJ1AXNg
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUYdsGP2Ey
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMjVWwP4p8
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jXzSHJFj0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2eOjboycS
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlcCtQ6lPZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaPtuMCjPi
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwZGr1MmlQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGDGQj4sgm
I straightened my posture.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jM5zk5YOC
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA5gkadzWY
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl19j5AQSaF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyS0ceKS02
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DzeTVSpyT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLtru00YMO
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqHS6PKBPr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0cIYwENX9
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpHpVYQuIs
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwxzogfUs8
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsN8BhoDGV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ymN9ZrE1d
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnni6NDXMHd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPajI4HoJv
He gave me a blank stare.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP6zHZ1dSa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxjy1C50sa
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZROn8a8vQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzLK7jlWZK
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHppTCfhmu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2EkpLIA4F
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmeaone8Vc
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaHE8fh91H
"See? There ain't a difference."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoQvU2pRxZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4sBYg5PBO
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05TfB2uYlD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteZUQXIjVa
"Yeah? And what are they?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7FhmMZXBk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb0HOaNCs5
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm7ytyRqUI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSnGCQXT5U
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimvaICoxx1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD24Vy0pY0
To that question, I simply shrugged.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TuAeJShJP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucoUn3CBkC
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaenJWHVpM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fbqote85Z
"What a load of semantical garbage."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V6d03PUBX
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsw7BIuDuN
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaCOfpF0YU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr1YN92Fzb
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohEv48xg3T
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntpYCVziQC
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKXBvrK30w
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKf8h0mr4n
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksu9sAgjba
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KmaBv3VfZ
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBw6UgMwy0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPkNsegiGC
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFLtQbInZ0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6546KawU1
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxPGBt8qYF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpML0fh4WEv
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeggCXnqgT
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUZRB7r5DV
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31sb1YdMAo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjzfI6hbrq
"I'm starin' at one right now."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQv68lSKhg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrIMirNCzp
"You know what I meant!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGLat2jgtZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUefxsZPpX9
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTFe0I2DCB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbVUDPViXS
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlDLMdqTbH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEnG40F7cM
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWdkK9XCC8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAomWj2lbb
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXXDoE3hDb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe3R1QfxQ1
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OtAlMX3BO
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXXrfRWHP9
"You're definitely being generous."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvjcg34Hao
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UP4WjFqnO
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDcqh2wvE8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwqgHDBBz0
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEQSRmrZhv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfUNUhe54h
He nodded his head.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqcTxK8xK1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjSzmzcDxj
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0FfbVpv1w
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r69OAvyvA
"...Oh my goodness."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniuxcuSTZ2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzX0E8RrKl
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjpv1dHyRH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GQc9apqbR
"What? It's just mud, kid."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9qaZ4o7aw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf3GfVkePf
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg20239shs8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFfsuiyUcy
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxUbrzPJL2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy5ZTR6e6Z
"Yes. I hate it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapHXz2ZcbN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7w70uGEQO3
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LA8D23TXU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6c94Ohypg
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9PK0staTa
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4DXS5UbE6
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTul6r3iKd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwy34u0vph
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn5suuOv92
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscQVkx0A6C
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wrXS6ZHmQ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nqDr35MDO
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdMu5vjgRb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IZHUye81j
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxKSgAB8Wk
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWZT8paCog
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM29bLvArCH
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96ptB0tzKs
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hKjtKV4kP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8TFYY6MR8
"Nah."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIALtn9Qkhf
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoFV5maTwm
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhbRQqh5I1
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAgcaOiKrG
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQU9Ddtflu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTg13XeUE5
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlby5JubMzj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCyVuqBhQ2
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVYVIxnfcw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlx5GAqGD8
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsycvyWReIv
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqCq4CSDzC
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbATphNhv8
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV9SXxrJCH
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3WRNkowdV
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHm2LCjOrc
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DuWZPpHss
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrUCgyf8jC
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA5OUXxRnl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzRc52mEYY
"Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLafn6o7Il
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDqBMjezQs
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwyGK83nhJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VDrM6x5SP
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhZCax2LXw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsctQT1K7eX
"So someone told you as well?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthoiDrtALK
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z3iZl0U4A
He nodded with a smirk on his face.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeUxSU98tj
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk1KdL9RQW
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPysh7rV5B
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dtw46t5eH
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP11RNnqofP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq2OIFi1MO
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBSeMs36jE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaoGqBFTco
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKfQJmn5z9
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA62RTp9SN
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaapCBCCuap
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJOLIUqskD
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmBuQL2GZE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyojr82u9d
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJLITcWlSU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPOVoGL0S1
"Strong?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9kCpc0Vfr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Eib5s6MYX
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yUbVyD1eg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAL2q6yPWt
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXXRcynXcW
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmchp33pmT
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?142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGgNehBiQM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwyubSkQbA
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJPhjXIDKU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2kyTgX080
"Brat is certainly new..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb57NAF5a2t
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3CwCGmDti
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFm7RMetLD
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8WnNXjnE1
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEHNBF0yjh
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV46X6Nc3iT
"Think like what?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3chg3mOQb
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpmrnEfZkI
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO441ELhXl
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5H3XNV7gB
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OuB9DBDp3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcloCbQjrav
"J-Juke...?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA998trLJDU
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hjRCXOOv8
"Do ya think I'm strong?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwrrdaK1O2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRKVavWltu
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqeUp5kt9A
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1gNozS2ww
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhgsXU8Zfi
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVjZhyyUGD
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSqQ5P6rhm
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhLtqE75M5
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y87gxVBKN
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnrzua39Xv
"Yer a moron."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMHaPpIHN7
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqI8IvvrZM
"H-Huh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8IHIe6cyB
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw44imDloS9
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS4FKC6QK2
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs6so4achk
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9LYA5fGKE
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFUztORcTA
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGjpoRN1SL
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzcRxFN7Mo
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef6KKyJwfo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zZrekkxYo
"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–"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ90en4loxw
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIRatsZoCH
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLhuRsgRIg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnO1GU38mK
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oPowZhe2d
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCTzy4aaSa
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4BhamF0yM
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ6WB9M46D
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPF0v690Ow
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHo6Y8UdkP
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3F6GGP3S5
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1BIGQwKeF
And so, I spoke.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZBaIgzJLJ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qj7IkcyvA
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1uRWreWyt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1L350QjOl
"...Yer just like that bitch."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq5ILyuGNo
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKeos7jaJd
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOKbJo4hZ3
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDNysBAy6a
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiDfZL3prP
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Ovl61KBG
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCVgFgAeBI
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KAjjz1LZn
"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?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV0kum1lYt
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAKx02PuLq
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB9kKJn7PF
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aLQdGpkd5
"You're missing the point!"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZxB1WyiH0
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0OlC3IG5H
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfJJi4b89v
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4Fse691v1
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYepCrvnfPW
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1kq1eo0B2
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4f3VR9Jvr
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNciL0R98bT
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCjgctq7sd
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTwMWwNkRh
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCF9Rq95bZ
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oTopJgXeP
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL23sC9gcJg
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSFKFuJfcv
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObaFxBOn8j
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAIbuuZbEg
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDNqEsAytu
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zF1dbjC0Z
"..."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68xXGLjq9g
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV8UIghVfN
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.142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqOqIWvd15
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBex9c42yd
"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."142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MPZFlgI77
142Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMDlawHvyk
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
