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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYnrPsm4Nh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB6329JFau
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhtd2aoCAu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPCSltE1DP
"Right on."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30j4DzZCYE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67Tbe3NkXW
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XyJXJNfVS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNO481dUUP
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPdtD5kf51
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGdhI28hYS
"Huh? Oh, alright."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcUZSEou8i
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWhtZFhFyg
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkFlqRa8j5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK091XTDdy
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRUIVMW2VD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnDrntshdW
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Sv9W789o0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOiqQJ2UDw
"Luck..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZOfZLG53P
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJWecPMigt
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrjsPm8xaj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbZMjWYJ8y
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmg7jmi7uK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZURL8jhRv
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyJJLzES16
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfJFqxNtC9
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV8IlG5bSI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp141c7mNLp
"You people are strange..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAEuKjB2Yp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0xkXXYQ9J
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoKQjyDHWf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWB4GZ3YCR
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOX6JDFLLD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4Bi8YlSP2
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTp0lRdPWp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l0wD4xiCI
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy0zVITOjm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4trshJXh0i
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aI6cz1rLd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgsTzwNjY3
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW5ztrhLnk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k7SjsBdSX
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvkGlvXdt9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeqcqvfA1V
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32hRINEGhs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgziyLymo8A
"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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw8KZ1d4Iy
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HNV6gbtGT
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJJUjvx2NI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxDEoEe6AU
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMnxT6ZFr9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa4CAF2JZn
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSosT3Jrkxa
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoNeK7jjkv
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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZc5dIxB4T
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmFVkjuBJE
"...Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstfb1EIOtN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk7ItcuRBn
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouQqPE8STU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C5jZz3l2J
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnNa07BRVR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHOWeT2uuO
"I can't deny that."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELFBxOGdBQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iFmggDUsL
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGyGTwTCW9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEYSOvo26h
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AOqMJ09iH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJFB7CUS5S
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivbd6C4mii
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡincxwb7n9e
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYuOC7M00i
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3T9diQV1S
"You're up."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnHkSETccV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC30Tg5tss
"Right on."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYsBndw6O7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0yhDf4EWY
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3kwO4YqyP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCtsoKrMt3
"That's... that's incredible."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLRc9AlAuo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kBcdMVkiK
"Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobgbcG3rpH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSkLrfM3Iz
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kAjMCCsg6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI2rTxT60n
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2yPSUMju1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLy6NbLMaA
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbFCeKTS4S
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHETkefUe8
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1d6EJmtuZ
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn9jKKnBI0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIlpEFhYRm
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjMv7IHZtc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfQqL7lEjr
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK5trdirti
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG8Nndql3l
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB14YIQNcF
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHcMYzt9zA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZPsLGiX6f
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4hV4T0CS0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2fR8vcPSM
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FK4G0Y0ou
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDaat5ZGs7
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zHC39un2o
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02vv5BgbIu
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexEno46lpo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GBDXILC7A
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dpkTTqatr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WnwrJ6ZZe
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4br4qRmhS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggPm62rzsP
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnhlx7JaS9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVH3fGhaFj
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq9uTPvoBa
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLchGECam9c
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dNvTnaXPt
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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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SfpEgDVk7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDLWhzkex5
"What time is it now?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EtHWQg1zC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAgWYFWHgh
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GoqkVcuk1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvD0404obc3
"Juke?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGGTyq712p
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uSMT7AZqJ
He looked at me and perked up.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ808pm8zg3F
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtzRVIxwYL
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdUlRtbKp6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TG96fyOHi
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDvoyK2wtG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AdRuRiDbz
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqOuGfSGOl
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSApHwbcVci
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33FdTpN2Mz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbMcU5kdUC
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk2IqgSaA1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKlQHr9bRb
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTFND80Cbi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlRi3nCDSl
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1DGGAcUYi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUTozs3XF3
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPyjG9EgSm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6JaoH6Srn
"S-Sorry, sorry."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1YlcGTqW5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IxCI37fsO
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MeGyva4SL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx4QyobYQ0
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WBaHYAN1J
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGyLaRXKSW
"Ah, shit, yer right."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xeNzAaR1y
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWWf2S1m0E
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9zeKdE11Z
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoUegkyxau
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjVoFfEtnb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdMZUA3V9W
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocB3n5rJcm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GlsI6sSew
"Did ya just laugh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uyKrLsu5H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkAUXRSPxU
"N-No, why do you ask?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpWOcUKzFc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTN8sfpdya
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5Bt7SNN0C
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XVMOweci1
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFYWgg6cny
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DF5ZZy6g0
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogfCqR0sLV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2jnoaVD2h
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HxxgjB89c
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hQzHHxwXD
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kW5a65SB9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoXmW3BUSh
He narrowed his eyes at me.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfhBLfsr81
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"I'll take yer word for it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyI3DAVxQg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIz1DKBEJv
There was a momentary pause. I197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oM8gF4dPM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0VmhEN6yh
"So, what have ya been up to?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB990k9uJh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz1F3eHDxi
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczW2akEEjH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDf9rYslgN
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzocYKeOW4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhkmGWSsmy
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyfFiYaM3g
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh15vz8HbDR
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxoEFKXMSZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0ZPEFrtZD
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4kMMxKZXG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡot5KJZi6Nq
"The sleeping room?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PmHgGG5W9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF3z1OHezr
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlMOiRnk2t
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DfFleGrSk
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTs3zVeT9r
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrdKWBNNIy
He cocked his head.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvngwaprLoQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRy8DblLLe
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA38i1huzNT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJIcgQJ1pA
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP37kQrExmI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3w5QdXjBW
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut5EcfdwdL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlMdrjVefC
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWxkgS6kJW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaybk9Y3th
"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..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfRSzJ7WlN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo0fBJdJyX
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSZUy5iWJm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIGF4sdo0c
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiAK46K09q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V8up2zj6q
"Loose screws?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShjIH7qYKD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3Dsz6yw3c
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTc8OSkJue
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWjQh9Meap
He huffed from his nose and smirked.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZRtKaXbm1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOOWc5kvdH
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwRtlcsTJb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQinSprvVvH
"Boring tales..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROspnl2oLH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DNvqAK0xj
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCpJsX0Fq6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQl6ZfgfSF
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7GNU9QxT0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfYz4U250Z
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TrVXEGNEy
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtvuW508To
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizDdPoNuPC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYi1mr4ev1
"What, am I too young?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5S1Mzq8VE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOSPsp4IrD
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuw5l9Sj6d
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rx4SLi7al
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd4omLECaN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TSlGx9nrW
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJyTmtJl0q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGzjBVJ0Hb
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt0QYHSawb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCjoyOgOQP
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XNB9s3zFI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh8qJkkMla
I straightened my posture.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQaCesY9pc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsdAz9sJV1
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXOFkGjdvv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR0iiiPytR
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5PPVwjpOU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVdbiRIHYb
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXVuE1jknc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ybIAUtZXB
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Tz7V9sbwW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgglhInA6Jk
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn3pPBszCm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FCO0GYlG1
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7xKF2A5s9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoPCkqG9oo
He gave me a blank stare.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OhQj2GJ3H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGii4ZYRgz
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj8qVJf2Gc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTM8fOofIG
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t5PREuRc7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlH0BiJzY5l
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmDij86qUU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT97Dga1Kf
"See? There ain't a difference."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kIHJEUc2c
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4calc2Nc50
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZROXXUdAX5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaIwALw5Os
"Yeah? And what are they?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5S5DzdvQo
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqneNh8odBp
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdimz0BeIv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pf3uuJhOv
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sbqCPOsnB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qNGHr5boo
To that question, I simply shrugged.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBkJGXI3iV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnQbKt7Bl2
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXzFqtjoud
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLX6dguHtE
"What a load of semantical garbage."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xa2UwPjHi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf53khJB82
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrw96UcYnz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslUSMmRjbJ
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEe9HmmpFK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD1POmzAB6
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrD4x6QiSA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6dSs2zPK4
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQMYFL1m24
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33skdf4tCq
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwXB1xH0tJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaMeWQkUCy
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOnbOb5Wv3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNNg8ZAycJ
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqMTWA2nts
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSlsaFudLq
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpvT7LrE2E
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ421RrpWfVq
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq48FyzJRHk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2MFfz70d8
"I'm starin' at one right now."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66b77pyeLN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7rSwrH8TK
"You know what I meant!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPIPBnWDLF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdf4ivGb1lS
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZrZy815tR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4fnARgBhK
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRxofQ0Nly
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5LYucwUcL
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENGPBIV4TJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRJMxkR670
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nwS1wSrxU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjcrctcIZa
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQkHoA3vON
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW2G19VmFK
"You're definitely being generous."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYN3os3BGs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbf0XkCKpa
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kRUJmCbM2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIYLahIttd
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7azeh0In0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi6hXWVttl
He nodded his head.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjcEHnToYg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK5rfL4oEP
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGtAuWsvQV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrj4TVEHe4
"...Oh my goodness."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcuIMmstjJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyPH56vo30
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO65nUNSmv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkDIZAFH1v
"What? It's just mud, kid."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpoNBADBA1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwK05TFZJh
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx1enwoQUu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EvPRokxJb
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oQ1KiBR1z
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPejYvOPeSb
"Yes. I hate it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrMMa3auDL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0m12VsESg
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDz5jFBRz5k
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMyjYfcE3W
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBZIB7iKOi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN67GewT1dY
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX9G3detpb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE4CiMtHn6
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQWMPTy72e
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IqMXwZaLi
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjr58rIfRR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJqR8qxyGq
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5S8PrNnn6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgxuTPfp0T
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMkkCmd06H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfFukixYVZ
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoF06NG1wg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCS32qSFSk
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo7ZIrji4U
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO3h9JdsmS
"Nah."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAzydeoIfV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjA8Ys5KSj
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWwWz3jkCp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2iOaHNEeQ
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8gCoU3JHA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM7dhR2EhG
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x82OHOw10
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXECBcg4lMc
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWup7KJuta
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAViWPMX3W6
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk37Osutra
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdUFmuocng
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUQ8txlNk6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k4ScwNt3f
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0b6ZEle5M
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWglyyErrmY
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs27BqbEUPz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡood1w64sJM
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SsKGpVqEu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsn60caxuD
"Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGBFBFAMNe
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatfZWF7uRT
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoxHKz3cAE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIigywMiiYQ
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFihIwzXbN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EIO8xFSyB
"So someone told you as well?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxXxtxxj51
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH77rG14a6
He nodded with a smirk on his face.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQe1U7A5XM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2z1CIFdKg
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKKdk5nTuV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKzL4gHC4i
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJGqFiSyNG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcQSVjk1Q3
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdLIFnaZYm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpy6H7dHs2
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJiTieoB4t
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj2jLg6oW4
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSo49OMzX4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2hUkmHfO8
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuouozizp82
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qmS8S9lxh
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyojzE4COM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUSg9YaYoQ
"Strong?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtgPOP7mL2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOx6LNuXWJ
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnbYMGth6H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QxGuDHAKm
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nt5EnvIUm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs23IokXfm
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?197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwYCjLjoZl
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CwIYIeg8z
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xeHsBLGnC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDsjRWEREe
"Brat is certainly new..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbv80JVrXC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYe7KZ2JaW
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcP7fSuXOh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK03S3TpJuT
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0FB3Q6aKC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznpGiZYcXT
"Think like what?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eX5IZ8b4h
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBskP9yF1BE
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicmw5oqXpH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhz3QUtbFd
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdfTMo12Q8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDvYKSEcwo
"J-Juke...?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLGpDrv7j0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zoz4WPPil
"Do ya think I'm strong?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJVCyRIf2M
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYwWC5yl6B
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUpAHfyFm8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJcWHgiUMi
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8B8jlDehs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCns9548b3
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NXU3ax3wn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQihFvCj7oj
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16oEGe9ztM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwWbHJpaTY
"Yer a moron."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8LqKiaoNH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjov1xWVXXc
"H-Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDl9H85Q7c
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNir1NIbsF
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT8BmEjFNg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWnQkDcZek
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hxbJW6Eft
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6aRIbKbvV
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X5Fc2NqbE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eTpr8ELTW
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr6t7S4aj5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyNeKAaEMX
"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–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu1w4Fsylp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQgEZCHDfy
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMsspqEc5u
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRmwxNMe2D
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAcRAPtJXY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqKMRb6j6k
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKLL5pSRwJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCIkKtQLHU
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hrjyWqyYj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFDs6dRt6H
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5f3LbDPps
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiYhJEoUMp
And so, I spoke.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhM0IgTmwA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RcxoX73Wk
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsvvHcJJ0e
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpSZ5E9N3d
"...Yer just like that bitch."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxGMYY9xGv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCt5hmfcIu
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojfys0KxGS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZlENxig4Y
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcA5Fl549e
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW7PVusUDH
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusu04M6vJR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gBUFSlFMt
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4uqmm67lN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErbMZNo2Sr
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD81q6zDYvI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWvF8rSuhC
"You're missing the point!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aZ1UUzZee
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIwQyx8YhB
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lGr38mW6p
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjO9d7z5G2
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc99pgz9q3X
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQV4ozHHpYr
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ50FfNPOMN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokqgHrM1cm
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uZhu0Cqm7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4KhbSUobO
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPJe5f4ldR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJlZANKqkz
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNazXmQj5qW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINiosirIna
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkTk8nCeH5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBqR7fHrp0
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA0EaIHShP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CqhjGoctL
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSZRCX9j1j
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a77SeJpem
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AujmUCXmm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer9mowXAvB
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iIkkC5GFD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqrdsdUzHk
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
