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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl2Bxexzfv
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD4dspHLix
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"Right on."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjNU43RrCG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUm4nMryS1
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZnOHDZkBo
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoLXwGMDND
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ7soAQfr5
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSLHKf8DFu
"Huh? Oh, alright."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5Vgu9iJ1D
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqn7E2Zpxz
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbSgwyJily
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2snqvDA2F
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cFRnlzZSY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiXE7vBi72
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48aGifP2gb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXTQfVRJXd
"Luck..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4w9H8HxRl
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5Jj75Ngdt
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx8oVBrOrQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhskXxS4HXk
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRNskDkKDA
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzt63325jm
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ0JZaaWWo
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn8xYBqxKQ
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYhBAOhEyf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9rMNikSYj
"You people are strange..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns2MMaYxPx
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8hmECzejR
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP0vl0u3av
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5Kc8rNtOm
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6djuWe3amI
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYi6ORkKc4
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjRevDSDeV
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtybIvInlw
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUDFake2yv
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6FJ3H5Fsw
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRa4fd0mgn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuKQvvamks
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY3tGwg5HI
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJNPlHCqUU
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WDZG0HX9a
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcbKzSA9ma
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlfTiTYyy9
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eUVFbrtK2
"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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJBggEigGS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ALotvfb2Q
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTNLXdQJ3w
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt8q1d1wLC
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKgQeOPQRE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOkgyD88YI
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFEgPWzKns
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHC2PWKRLX
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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbjQ6hqn3r
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXrKtw12cK
"...Huh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw02mRjA5w
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ125b81ih6
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQRfGmIgn4
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolyXPCcjiI
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5kzzXdCrY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnRLwXfuV0
"I can't deny that."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9SvDJf4fU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JiaMfgSzO
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3b9rX1F3N
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2MyHRYRCB
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2iHSiQ2WB
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMRL3uGnWk
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9VDBD2h71
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DbdD6M0r5
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycMEtIFliv
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PRV7Pmnlm
"You're up."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7iZHwfPM3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnGWDjruuN
"Right on."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCx3VycI28
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXanffE1A0K
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFob1fA45r
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"That's... that's incredible."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQXYQwkQWr
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKz9gYLnt6
"Huh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspdAdxv2dk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGiGi0EDiu
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV7qWxMIlp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQKH7WXCmL
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNf4nUXmzd
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRSqrMweGI
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaeHirukCC
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIWJcg0BW2
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrbmcgqr4k
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSsPyPrgye
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqbhMRDgJ0
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2BxVft5za
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GdahqWCvL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXirLYiNts
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx38FwGENSp
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfI0gUYg7q
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjgpZgOUFD
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNgLPCYOLJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOISw8d9i9n
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Sng8qrpo
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMlWzaZTli
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiJ5Dy1IT2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i0g5H5Dwp
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQhWwI2CDL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UxKtn4aD4
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltDlxjViCQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7JuGECiND
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITih9pUFfk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3b9oA9qNO
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUi3v6AKOZ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnGOSrQ8yZ
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SBVKaLVXZ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVg4Q1eNeN
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbGxCBVq9w
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVPHDgQGZz
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzeLMZMoQd
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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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd5NBlxzwI
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoMIO3JDHT
"What time is it now?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PBgMKsu2R
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iYp9qTtIq
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe86UFbARXU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL75bbQHbR
"Juke?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpKwd3GFES
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwfwW4gHRb
He looked at me and perked up.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLMU9bHXCT
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYonOC8IZP
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMQ5taFyoK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeG69Jg2DoU
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXOUMuyk5L
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJfeZiukUH
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhFbjv4W01
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraJaib1PgR
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu6RQ02aQS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKx4BuphXU
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi0fs44Ssu
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6ZsVwHcso
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrUTSPOuaJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEyvxRR6sm
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Nzif7jBkU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7leKEnxSQ
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5recYbfKpS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDg9QNNU9k
"S-Sorry, sorry."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipUkMCSq0x
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYNBe8xlJ1
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxIhnk0jT7
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiCvZ7QHSz
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx4Kf4tQQC
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCHGVWal01
"Ah, shit, yer right."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJ1DIl4SZr
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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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe97DkXOxIf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyl49XymHI
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1XCUgqcD9
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwZrETGfd8
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTs7Be1c8X
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHC4rKChZAm
"Did ya just laugh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ttt2IKfpM
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMkehd0Okt
"N-No, why do you ask?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ2iKyCdXm
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE57klklniB
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsj79BwR9y
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxO1cCmO9w
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd1JcCBexG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkbdxNhDkB
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjiq7q9D8D
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnhLBBcRbJ
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34BpRYjMhj
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03npNapk8i
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvELQQbVlaJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo5ck3gXBM
He narrowed his eyes at me.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuKUpypjOh
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"I'll take yer word for it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtSG1JJbcS
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There was a momentary pause. I136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFwN1ysVhW
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0hee9IvIW
"So, what have ya been up to?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3eVZ1x9tC
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K9E38y7SX
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT3FS4ItYl
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkPXp6qHBR
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLkHQ2l2c6
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Lex9FVxiP
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA2JRyzplk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJWmXegtaC
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6lXZceTpg
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ2VauGQUJ
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapkDvdmGNs
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMESAmoJck
"The sleeping room?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtim4xKgf9o
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh9ozvEV1N
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngg1GEdDqk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44iaj7gZmq
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWCKFawE7x
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rp0e7qpi7
He cocked his head.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfS7iYle5E
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojTWbEDGOs
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnrlqwOl7d
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxL2aiRcd7
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABUuMmIWeE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmaBHMb7iE
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF9Rjk1sbM
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs0mEA2CiR
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCUP0Sx1MN
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG37egJLgIk
"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..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CWEsCQYU3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t5hZ8LQsh
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjzjJMkXUO
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTYHAL8ZX3
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8pC6sx7ye
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bUMnrSYWC
"Loose screws?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0uQQ60121
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq9xRHrdln
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W24IKTMSp
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQQpJ7X7pC
He huffed from his nose and smirked.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSV8gdB4La
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDLSSR1URY
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MNlI4CN09
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXebHQNMrU
"Boring tales..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoFZt3zppB
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1LZ2gPJwU
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nknk3TmNW
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLLgcu2gDm
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxgOL4ZTLW
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO1vNRFs1M
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnPs6gNuIw
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu00QpKyNJE
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8Git0QMik
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfWTDh5fUg
"What, am I too young?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe340A4yyyM
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUgUXp1XVq
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNpcNIxoCV
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7ZFFAeKuO
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MH9RUxBkn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0EXgx041F
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHT7Ttx6fx
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHZWP5Uxlt
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK083Em3Npu
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK220MDtBuy
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnD0HSKH3d
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWnAOSM6UB
I straightened my posture.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0pXyrm2JI
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfZxFwOcHi
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX4IDUfSoS
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMvmT5SEpK
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkssr37g2A
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡii0K7lid68
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkcWb0047a
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDvx81ALVm
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVcGaESqmR
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5GmhbS6jS
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡickswmM4Zd
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcs2KJ36Us
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMPfzFqaCy
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4epASEsRhV
He gave me a blank stare.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJcTjPThAt
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWoFKrcmqT
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI9oexQvgd
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm82SdbsLom
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGO51dArgY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAMBqOdW38
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZO8SAFJyk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfZAAOZwcJ
"See? There ain't a difference."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9odXA52dSD
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e5azgILY8
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikKNUYXoOg
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVFrAPnWvP
"Yeah? And what are they?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUMQgTNGyT
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLOpt0MsA6
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4tO7fYSyb
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL2LciV1rs
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYxDiKCLKO
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhelNa5HCj
To that question, I simply shrugged.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0QEurCgyK
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4QH7ETN8G
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaOLn4kRRz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LXmbNXNbk
"What a load of semantical garbage."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8o4LQk9fQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCokOAc83xq
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiGabmhcBh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYHpzN1qUj
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM31N0xFL4o
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtFaMHXhP0
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AHQvrgJUh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd6Pv9DVAm
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHy2VjgOoZ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3kUtWoXd7
"..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmHYW02f5S
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf1q1bqOGh
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxQQppDoez
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcZbBDYuSL
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwNJ4kOh9d
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw6wDdNU1w
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdNr8Rpe0H
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6gI3UiKrp
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7xY9YfVdI
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWsR71c4O8
"I'm starin' at one right now."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtkIEildcd
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqvP6bo0mR
"You know what I meant!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjUOfu474U
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL7T1QtZJR
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs2De23GJz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq9UY7N00z
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnJuQezvFO
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVSwII4epG
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFNdzHAxUQ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu2LUUsCnX
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4OT6A4kL7
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5R4NsOrzJ
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpMXficEu9
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjisPOGBNBW
"You're definitely being generous."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAIjXWZLex
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVNQgxzwqf
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvuc2AmTsf
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpFinsqUXW
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWapaerzNej
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qkj6wgeo7
He nodded his head.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQqgffZa0B
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx6eTusmJi
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYVbBcumg1
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmFbF3J89I
"...Oh my goodness."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0Nhp5qSG7
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KurmNPhct
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SJA9dkV8b
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EtH8Xvexa
"What? It's just mud, kid."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikowjsS86j
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYHKpwASMT
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlrn3kpHHD
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi9JOn836S
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHQmbk7lcJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nFDecCpKh
"Yes. I hate it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUkQy3j441
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONGIJBcP2W
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasSUqpNAwW
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pcmfJqLti
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFk8NgfqP6
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9bLAJWzrY
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pF87HDMXk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AWwCLVITI
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpoymDbuAX
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdyFc30Smp
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpTx6QxtrO
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOvfQRMHAk
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwNSQY6LZq
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmXmrhHsLM
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdlrt9KX2N
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBp00Nf01G
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUR6YE15wP
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WxBI7R4r6
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiX9Y1tOty
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl2R52noPE
"Nah."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfviIXKfNW
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDIuBn9RRD
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk9CPn7VvB
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQkMYzR061
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrloCahH8o5
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC8Bo8UTGJ
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXVo2LIE3i
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp11QzY7TW
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqPaSIBTKw
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrFs1zIJjB
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D2uP8hZTg
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvIBwblOsx
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAeSuvPzb8
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vd8GaSAaL
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsuXTHxd9o
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMTVuTQDXB
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibSnR5GQuk
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNXyvY7NFq
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEBBwOcn9C
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtp4Kff8l2
"Huh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiiQEAXSOm
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP38GGOqury
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4rESyG3xm
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcIzEfBZQN
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8jidfPIcC
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9vtdpr2ds
"So someone told you as well?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uvVsEaRPR
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoGO1c4sMr
He nodded with a smirk on his face.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHMFTnVx4J
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg1EnBZciu
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxe1yC37AL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWnyjMJONi
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMg7aokTRt
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5BEn4E7nZ
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfyGI9JQ4r
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx1qdTl8vB
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQSzeEf4BL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb9iDpYCNX
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fL8hZztGH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0rolngypk
"..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfuu6Ap4Xj
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1posqFTkeQ
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW2SFTVW3l
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH6WvsKyhN
"Strong?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNay5m5UIE5
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCDS0YSEe8
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrCAAxRcYw
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf6AWRnEgy
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgBK6hsQCH
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwduPFOdsaf
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?136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dsr1hCXEj
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5eSDBckyg
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lDVKuPl6p
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XMYhs0VpC
"Brat is certainly new..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbkyfeffE3
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7G1FvfLUW
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRYgCGFmx5
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD0fMU3IQO
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0YkqL6M0M
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdY5OoPGz1
"Think like what?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBvkn1YOxU
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oQBjzTsC6
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBltS57pEGE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSZpv2WNHH
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWNo0Xa0wP
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejXxdz4Ypp
"J-Juke...?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJWSo5Z3Yz
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIdAs2CTt3
"Do ya think I'm strong?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeX3lVTfZuX
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqW8zuQhfp
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHGdCWS2FE
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaz8YR3U91
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP59ku5h04Q
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunRc589YJO
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDFQBkXvv7
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqMMxGSvol
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbOKxLuvB2
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OzBUPcq3n
"Yer a moron."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzRw88uDTc
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV6yeuLfVp
"H-Huh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhVKdU1f2Y
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqU1P6Ia4GE
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KktA1jM4m
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlwwf0cist
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7rolV7Upv
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UHuvbo8s3
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPj4ROneIh
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iTHu7NZCO
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl9vOGMjQW
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKItFOpNlAM
"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–"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtPQ3t9S0y
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBJwjSen0t
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MrUgbSDRO
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbXb9WOdkj
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR5tYzci1u
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4A6MhpI2f
"..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4WES7c1mi
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jnjdw01Yk
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsaRnZFueL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnPUFI9TRP
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNy37aGTie
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGbXcPc2O4
And so, I spoke.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXVInPw6hY
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20AslwvJhd
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FS0uyMxMG
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGf1jJUtTh
"...Yer just like that bitch."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEiEzv7eY1
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKAPsXxR1z
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2d3qX0HgT
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S2S2MOd9n
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoNHHgO5Hi
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7Tz8Af6qt
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBycYwL9ShA
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcptMIw8u2D
"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?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LDKZw68nV
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49PMWeTbVY
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XhHsJxpwW
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yZCrPAIoM
"You're missing the point!"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlxl2cRPef
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4nfH4XSll
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol4fnFdCAJ
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlihkCBAbL
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8ljpzMOxV
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElM2DlZD2h
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rC65r6DIV
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYUEUYGGdA
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWFxLDl6uL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8KI07C1gY
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqoPFcLasP
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFz7XRy1Qr
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgniGaoJyXP
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBasVlPhLTF
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdDkYMX6Lw
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE58kyitp6z
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hLLRKU2bL
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEaSHnuBvD
"..."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsNlTbdtEn
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKySgeLHkP
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.136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMh3OohoIbx
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv9CJxxjOg
"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."136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFodExQvKy
136Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY5DK7jRJw
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
