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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53SKt7LFd5
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOS1nASwdQ
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"Right on."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVLTzsViLo
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Turns shifted and the die rolled. The process repeated a countless number of times and the minutes passed by quickly. At some point, it stopped being that way. At some point, rolling the die and moving a figure a few paces forward became dull. Looking at Nigel and Damon, it was impossible to tell if they felt the same.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzv9LrKBg1
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0R0YFcPmS
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"Huh? Oh, alright."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Je6oKKyoz
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo1n3ymi5G
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDFxCefYqP
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqBmwOvIq7
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"Luck..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qASE31Rx4
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Damon had a point. Maybe the absurd reliance on luck to function was why this game so quickly lost its luster. I moved my figure forward and was sent straight to the beginning. I sighed as my head sank.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2O83CfSDI
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmGguvLLs1
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzrJEDVS6x
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERlht1gzyI
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmzsfDxNDe
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCbzcoOaGU
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTATpGQ07i
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"You people are strange..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZsdBILT51
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"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGGeaDXxJ8
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUNEmHVf7t
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZSw3bq5uP
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFe5J6Xt6J
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnplrH0Xd3B
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfJCXSvrUw
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JfV5VqQKL
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinktD51U60
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjd2weIfhW
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCwVY7eLSt
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"Especially Damon," Nigel stressed, "It's only natural if you ask me. Our upcoming operation will be the biggest battle we've ever fought. I'm sure the same is for you, Kenny; aren't you nervous?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmrkb8FFa3
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSLFNEIfkx
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWoBuiFUjo
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWiSpfCwBo
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YiFwRL9C6
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwURAOEfjfk
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtfZ7vedSm
"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?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4lW7qIDar
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx5t3fgZvA
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYU5cXlGVu
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS4Tzkauwm
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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2jRT1vHTg
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"...Huh?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyxVbXiwGa
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3LL3B18aH
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNetnRtv1Y
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G5hqAe0R0
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxl4D7KRPlp
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"I can't deny that."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLV6QX0jD3
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiDGzn2uOh
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFjHgZBsLJ
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFNTTprMKc
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtynrLYMTK
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSqhOIuFgx
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3hivYCPT8
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BV590V03g
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuauqGvOIi
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCg4MBKRdQ
"You're up."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyXlh29cBF
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuwZC02Dza
"Right on."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK8IoLycIh
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonNSNl8AXW
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ9VAM2ZFQ
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"That's... that's incredible."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cdLzCbIMD
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"Huh?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb4cIaZKE3
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoRrFcxnQc
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0FOl2Iw2K
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBcir9Rjfj
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBzHoADIo9
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmwt6kDq70
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlRwTR5MXk
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7HZXpZTzy
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP9DfWfuXk
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjd90cx2xc
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv1h2sYfS6
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuDZjKep28
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI5fGoSNQA
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dvwamaQhU
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jO0ap4Vw3
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pZbKTTQMh
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYHeiBuF1n
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nkpxaliec
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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?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd569aIjhT5
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAzEgUtD7p
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5Wyed01k0
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGF0Wrg55G
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCm2N0VOJiC
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqCP00ReWf
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXXT50SrZu
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA9GczN1eX
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN24ZQdHoq
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I had no doubts that I'd be seeing them. Or, at the very least, that they would be there. It was a comforting thought. It made me warm. Nigel patted my shoulder with a quick chuckle, and I wasted no time leaving the game room.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSi5B6hb4J
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As I approached the door, I looked at my hand. I curled and flexed my fingers. I balled it into a fist. I felt ready in mind and body, and more than ever I had a conviction in my heart.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0KqIRtIGA
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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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQErBhK3kE
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"What time is it now?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlsOrcbLQE
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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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51y051H3Wm
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"Juke?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTuZes6f8O
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He looked at me and perked up.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADuo5VMwiO
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwoFt53w3P
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIQDHjQKwI
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpvG5XgMmr
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡled5aOKjxT
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZErdIUf5X
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQQGcXnvHc
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6FvegxXfK
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVFJcPM9YU
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwQoDxMi3e
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ4v4owpVX
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkeWlv7S9R
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzXTUoKppj
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqhH3OAxdH
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGLKefUVSc
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"S-Sorry, sorry."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdW7uPIM7ON
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I slightly bowed with my apology. Juke walked away and up to a couch, but before he made it anywhere, I stopped him with my words.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVzdWjwaKZ
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjvoSPEMuv
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"Ah, shit, yer right."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdmFMPaqFe
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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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6lsLjcFcX
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciCdPZkdp4
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxavM3Fw40
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2kM5qJg4j
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"Did ya just laugh?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxseMxR7Ah
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUOYS73EJm
"N-No, why do you ask?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNMG7LEK3W
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphJ0sNXzhR
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B2QnPlFCP
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DQUsejlY4
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHHPXfneaW
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHfiAUAqMT
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN7FIuepg0
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vk1X5xhMD
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrzEEih7Zb
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE7VhO7l4h
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He narrowed his eyes at me.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuAYm3BqLF
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"I'll take yer word for it."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILDjuZz1b1
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There was a momentary pause. I234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9odpK0xQc
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yr0UQkm0G
"So, what have ya been up to?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMuPlTSxLY
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEgPhdFhzx
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LNG1XESmq
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtDDrgH47H
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Nk4TGo9gH
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXV1OTuljs
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoieMFhHCS
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDgjtpWc5d
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMcYA17tbZ
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2ZUdhSJyj
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2RKiamIVQ
"The sleeping room?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TW5nQC2r9
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z9cTjYpk4
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxpxTAxCrG
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvMEmnFICQ
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeTTbgstCD
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He cocked his head.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoNoSZPFoq
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr3tMpxmLn
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHWCFmv7Hw
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiw816RdnB
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcy1z8lADf
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2xRbxNZxj
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZUX9AHBfj
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CP2RDlFeV
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6vznhlQVF
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bI9GZ8zUQ
"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..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QIZaaFS2x
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHw3ysqBqU
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiBgqcOLmQ
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7dLveKVTJ
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImA5WEhWgi
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjCNch2C88
"Loose screws?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtqdgfLDNz
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xlqbxQcqY
"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?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVptUitZ3Dy
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6fMABGf1T
He huffed from his nose and smirked.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYUiHWmFy7
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09P15E8mQX
"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?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEysIlH7OL9
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6ZFtI5LSO
"Boring tales..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNq1clKYzQ
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FrypPojVF
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVJgBHMPck
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QjLvWPF6W
"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?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBRCyE8znK
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY62pW6QdZ
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy6nigLrXA
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO9JnJJjUd
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLvcfyUIOb
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkSsINqWD8
"What, am I too young?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILyvR49qHk
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUepKxw2bmC
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMlOeaK3YD
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PTzg6IUic
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOY31aQDm7
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5XW9p0Haz
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVzT7hM59o
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFflgU685H
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3h3tmsztZ
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIe2DPkSob
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM4o73yH7V
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNevTYHPP0
I straightened my posture.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZj82enIQz
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ktXBwGHRT
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlXbF3a1HB
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqtgCNgcyE
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIGV1iXzNI
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM889cZL8D
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCvVDS2xti
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCTj1A4H9m
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHDTPwvzWU
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLTzHwQyRy
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RcraCA4uw
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJK7Rj8XHk
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYS9RM7y1Q
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IaUQ3nLx2
He gave me a blank stare.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pkv8HI0dN
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERjYC1bPKR
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3457z1KB5
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dsZ9cCNMi
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIwf0vy3e3
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb89yKPqlR
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcqu7fyaRO
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExQGC2pEvz
"See? There ain't a difference."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zqJm4MyyE
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VSxGY3ea3
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEskDgozCwC
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd2WEN5phU
"Yeah? And what are they?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GaJmIdTYi
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1GqLbqUW0
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuFb2aTTQL
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQRIQsDMSn
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABums3MISI
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoZzYmAxwG
To that question, I simply shrugged.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmojdGWAXBT
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSQERGVp36
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JH82ci3rQ
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP4xH9vlk1
"What a load of semantical garbage."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHBV2V82sE
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEBWNzEVg7
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeENonEXIx7
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87LEWzQm07
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg7es1jzgD
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA8SqXXY6u
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydUrTfr8fC
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQShIW8S1Li
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUETBQEyTJK
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WeXbhyZdX
"..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrPf2FOYnM
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Olk5zWwJ9
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsDQn4TRDx
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSP4xxJhEF
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdaVgFiDAa
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUk1ygP8uq
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYcHqgQaeV
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMM7fYNO7I
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcb5MMdy5gY
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc3Rqh14VY
"I'm starin' at one right now."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFrPbcGT4l
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3W4WHhXME
"You know what I meant!"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL7L5s2OXq
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnR7S8Cd5S
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnMi0aSojf
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ttsD1R1N4
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U2NQBdk1M
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbRI9vpj9k
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChtqSOlkHs
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiAadfWq3z
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpcP4lSn36
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dp673PBQD
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJdEueSQtn
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHTApS4AOH
"You're definitely being generous."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bSLcyIiBr
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rlJ8vmgkA
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1I1utSsWs
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShgQuRnf2k
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKkHcD3KVT
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGB4nyaE4J
He nodded his head.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJFwXlH4Uw
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaS1OAUQkF
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3LABjUldR
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GHNdsU2GR
"...Oh my goodness."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEfIJaNAA8
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U3RZTw453
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiWaCDsgQ0
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0axxsakcEx
"What? It's just mud, kid."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzffjtVEsV
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqQAFjy9L1
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpiraIKuSY
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoGPpiPsib
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvmnF8LxCQ
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdu4fn7fBi
"Yes. I hate it."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH2xCRZqtf
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Wg9gS3FLO
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBqm79v35O
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1XN78CRE6
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpGoNafUCx
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPVCrZ3suN
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGFahc1npf
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig82Q8D1Ux
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAnOR1JC0J
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05a1BiRpgp
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQev3qbB2Y5
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2X8D9oeYC
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTXmRqp61K
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWpLxfxptw
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhaeMi1Kgk
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFIvYeoYFy
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChxClXalo1
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZSLnsnwHJ
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfLAKGbxGH
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGO4AJ2boH
"Nah."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yoXyAeccN
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3XUNg1OG2
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQGRotptdx
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEcidMHgOy
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32IAiRSh3j
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxR2j3z1KO
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyXIQo7cz3
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4A5DYOed2
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC95GbDToIo
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMr9u2WVBm
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuDVSu7zpz
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYiUQRC46W
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNZCxkuQKU
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8REIKBQ6h
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAnmIHy9m2
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ125yKNsMdB
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskIuru3JJS
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjsYgKqPNe
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20jnMCmUFF
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakJceGCDRq
"Huh?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKExLxb4ZJq
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJbKfvfa9K
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWGCejPLpW
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCp1sabb3m
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqFtb7Mv4g
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRyc4shgk4
"So someone told you as well?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3lv1lPogn
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA3Tox6kZY
He nodded with a smirk on his face.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ChWia2HF7
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEdwteW3Dh
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeYIwMPHeK
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSpYPZdEzx
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRxTtOeMM4
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3B2M3psID
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0LOYXwufK
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t3VYk4XEk
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtB7R858YA
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKgLILqOq3
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi18WF9Yos7
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3Gcfld8Ou
"..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5qCVeQcqa
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM7Q97Of48
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HAvpCP9TB
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdM8kO1AT8
"Strong?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bcYzFt1eI
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1GBxQowfS
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVKVCPQUJQ
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hxPycss8Q
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxNo7AsZMM
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIQookDGkN
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?234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7grAs7VPU
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3l7ayPole
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmok2SlzXR
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrBtuyVYWg
"Brat is certainly new..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN8k4DzYMa
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe46F4caU8z
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xevDUbd6r
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8QFZnnO3X
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKeLaHSjJk
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj6QZ28CUQ
"Think like what?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkpS9rXywr
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkPU4tiMfM
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLJ2iV1VLg
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9jUCBQ9Y0
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO5SfddGpB
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm2uRFa3xi
"J-Juke...?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpE4I3Zscm
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAO2Yrl7SI
"Do ya think I'm strong?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUMBcJDr4s
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3Gtb8nPu0
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAawmgqUkGa
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbNcsdUPwu
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmW3XjwS1R
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktHfrNBTi0
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53Ln6HwKBT
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc1XMNbfBu
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX56ufeJCI
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5PbmHraxz
"Yer a moron."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9oR2DqzdY
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GNJEI6PfA
"H-Huh?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ3G5RaXaj
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwLWzvMXJM
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4UBaMhKVa
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbai24jrSwV
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BiKvkyGJR
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PIDUe3vkv
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcNfPUU1cP
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQEvdtENMC
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlatshqyxE
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2MQb2khx0
"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–"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHgpWEiMzp
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1maPmVpYv
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB1OZ04gwm
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseTVDUwu5O
"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?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrVqrknCL9
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa42shywPh
"..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YbbAjt6Zg
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqJBvosTuW
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxbt2rqnIW
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpPnKOs9I2
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62Ca17gnDv
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1QbrzbWg4
And so, I spoke.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw0cxQ7BUL
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6J6YEOXxd
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2zRmSYlqa
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzzARpcljx
"...Yer just like that bitch."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDUYNwP9cb
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ670RiMw24A
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKRmrLToy8
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuW0yqdYpW
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaAvqtMZky
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa79VOpJ1no
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8c6vAIUWV
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61iwJQbq9W
"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?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDs6cvnT6GI
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn32G7vQzW
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx4jWLO4bw
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIfc9N8lVi
"You're missing the point!"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFZyjEOXPM
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNSCC8Ldih
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwJcx2auKI
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxOSUSHJfm
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ4y05oiEd
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfpfgjYtsg
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOakGK2Rtlx
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMIxWVaobk
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sDYnbIPos
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ53urzG1b
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLt7NbAu6C
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKkqhNXulS
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl0rfi7exZ
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79i9dMSOuY
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgJjcrYG1y
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvoD1UuEOG
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aFzVn5Di4
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOZfHYJPEV
"..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBC11FePBk
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsQYvrRU9d
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EiGvBJ3T6
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQowAtA6Ww
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1eotxzfJz
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjDTBStO68
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
