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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEO6oSsr6m
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3wShZlzf0
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"Right on."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zwfNfF8Wv
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyytOGKG1C
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOy1q2wk27
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SRJYGIO4C
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNae6RvUZ3P
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMJAiPDvNZ
"Huh? Oh, alright."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzotI4ThCuh
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1FccADQxE
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENQiXRqefF
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xumkcSwsC
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkV3SKBN0fc
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VSPwHckjW
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6b6DqnpTSQ
"Luck..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUVE4UjjXq
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5amHTBCp7
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3WFbGCWtR
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKWxIL57YZ
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAD5K9j74X
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KdInAYQfC
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG58dvfmsR9
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWanBeROhEZ
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb4B5K3dCz
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarYSZLYi6r
"You people are strange..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uCpEyJvGz
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mshKupftE
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30yIdKj3QF
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliSlrXXll6
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HW8KOp63h
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv1TBNqBsg
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKDP7MYEJc
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCF4v8JYrV
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ75ckkuuja
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LFvGKiVxk
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxVPh1GrMU
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTQd1x4uQY
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0BNTpnml2
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckM1xl4qwM
"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?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaIx6HMZrn
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FQrA3ECpo
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuaWxGWXBo
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbJIPaOgKq
"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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskCm8gf6x3
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQnqHztj2T
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnHQINvPbS
"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?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wmFMNbqwW
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK2DVyl5NL
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SO73dcrol
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0r1Tj3UyV
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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB0ifrW89N
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqbDoVdQaF
"...Huh?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLNIFwUWFz
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVpMPni4af
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBCCkd5Qn1
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ516gBzROAG
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfUBM7DNZx
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWnbCZuxEC
"I can't deny that."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhKu7vWsdU
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv4rvZM31M
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrWa0oywxl
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8rediRwN7
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6gVkvSrJs
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff1PmweBmm
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWwDKZdsjK
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU35d6aq8s
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0g52vrvxc
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"You're up."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCbIIUwy8L
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKZSzBuQEv
"Right on."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UdjDXTAaq
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQJ1HryeQq
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzpc3MGIFm
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"That's... that's incredible."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBOB380kmO
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"Huh?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrDxMYCNlq
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahTBe4MORd
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbOAcyNW3M
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u82uiSfor
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTKcye0bQz
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5Djp9q4Qc
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8PskZhafU
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeN3fCLMImP
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJO3q1ckUd
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUyGGeHuAr
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOMfgUhug0
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK3NjRxQL0
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzTzziaUp1
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHNKKCCjyx
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdemUbzAnOO
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC6K6ZRNq6
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"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5EHbs58iZ
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1ysYGNIAr
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpreOKXDEWJ
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jTXHCzIdQ
"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?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhV9aLQIvx
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIWjeMsyTY
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BGy6F1692
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKnZQd9fVG
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbQzchRgCR
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0LKwfJhDz
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzMR7gaDJh
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9at9DknUN
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEazV8mxmj
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBl1U0jOno
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwfcu9suFh
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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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPKgswf0Yv
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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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfl4zJjwTw
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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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hSDlRUgV1
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"What time is it now?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C8S0VTFLg
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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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQrHotkLPL
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"Juke?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpXDfDqdXp
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He looked at me and perked up.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBxCSm5dGv
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCPP7y7f3b
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd7PSKCaow
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ4I1PsKhS
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRtcAi5w4B
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrLkCnNTpu
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gupgnz0My
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36PMBrqMW7
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLkaCAHamP
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHRR2fzM8R
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpuGGxWR6p
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaTUBA1YEd
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIrvKtlsSh
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvlpzgsPiO
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kzgpaprYM
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQWjfeux7t
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEYuw6gcBp
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"S-Sorry, sorry."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ93FAZzYL
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWi0WtaXPQj
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vZhZOW4bu
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW37Ihd5io
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uBf0akcTs
"Ah, shit, yer right."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyC1hJG6K3
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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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiqywu7L4F
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrww554n0pH
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWnUW3xpXi
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPcGEsAUnW
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBctep6z5N
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"Did ya just laugh?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97bNyKtG00
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBUZ4VVigH
"N-No, why do you ask?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLIvCusITf
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQUrOfXeRs
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBnVpb1oYy
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lwgd6mnAs
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dZEWa5oqS
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDubzhIA5sO
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGsiurD5uz
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIJWae8pn7
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg16lCmTHQc
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaI1wCu1AB
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMlVPlcfmJ
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He narrowed his eyes at me.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjfU6ktE0C
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"I'll take yer word for it."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N03b38aD8
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There was a momentary pause. I135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyUVnUbTNQ
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiOD4f2Si2
"So, what have ya been up to?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdLEucnfEg
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6EkPQ12oN
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM27IGoXjEH
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulCpdGsXZd
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi82BQi0q5q
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlRMqnMI5s
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sIDSAXNn2
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7Q3qIAe0E
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pJpERYPGo
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq2AggKpU7
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqG4He166o
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWU337bVJYr
"The sleeping room?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKaENiY09B
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIUdOiUqOt
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOYdNNH4iA
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4nUv5Xm8H
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuzfwipYlr
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He cocked his head.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kE8SawthQ
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS4driUBox
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"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwlsMKz2RP
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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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4fGJXwX9X
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAELVzm3yp
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfLIqd4kY5
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"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..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODhpe7NGF7
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUza0Jq1et
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCVerMapTR
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcB3b176Fa
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"Loose screws?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmZ2j2US0D
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwn3gnFDqv
"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?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL7tBfnhDX
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6Q3Vmb4tq
He huffed from his nose and smirked.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0gJoNAtmH
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9GQShochq
"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?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NFUDy6vAp
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdQ5KMpXqS
"Boring tales..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcv9rvDPC4
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnStIDVlZK
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUxQS8ztP9
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX83ICkfrD
"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?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tn7Ao5v5a
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF9tsiCc9z
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEiPVWFGpU
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPt5ygV67l
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuwlLe26Xs
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxBtBSrbWv
"What, am I too young?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6RlI4JdK8
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7mk7gXonq
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaUtxTmDRB
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dcHGz6qUh
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QRZ7XWedz
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegCfw4xKnx
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq6Jzhxq7b
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DN8Rwj3Jn
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxkxZArcxt
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIGRt2hXWB
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YcIV2Jvip
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhskCiXinTa
I straightened my posture.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OqRZyYPpn
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhP3CqRGDvg
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv4jiRLUMS
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUWkr6X41y
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjQL6fh68I
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QHUpdSHXk
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi00KcPYAq
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE6hzIWscP
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZna6L0kbE
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR49zZVr0q
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHLnsNtiuy
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezIqEYRadf
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVYyglM2Zy
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpNWSPjI9Z
He gave me a blank stare.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9PvMWWCYa
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLVMnwBDte
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ss56O6a9e
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G9bFGp5bB
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnT58jzZRt
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUMqJhglSO
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHMjDIDPtX
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vtWtzFY1s
"See? There ain't a difference."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq8Kf3iOYC
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN5jYoVl1A
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKB7LC2qHO
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiX0SEAg4r
"Yeah? And what are they?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IlqENNNkq
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5bf34gsfh
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXLfSeE65z
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYktU8Ztl9
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcEYtoccxl
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL9m66OqNm
To that question, I simply shrugged.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaHaxcM9du
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkpYuqDYIr
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ONx4N74L4
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8U0MilOa8Q
"What a load of semantical garbage."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3F89Gf1bQo
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzjA9uN2Ln
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5VH7tPkA0
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlNZERWDC8
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP5pYfMsiJ
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoonRmPMhQ
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxeQ7U0yLA
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aSWurtzM8
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0Px6LEPhi
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyKkjhgCTo
"..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaGOYccbUI
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQQqGpya8B
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQNgJFSqaY
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbpKhMzIoM
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlmnLZauNm
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXNsZMxvwM
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYMNlLUYTF
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fvj3RzskG
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGEGSLzDK5
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXfQS3Glj4
"I'm starin' at one right now."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m7HQnF044
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83Pv4SjJZh
"You know what I meant!"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaV981sam5
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYoGdDyh2f
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1VJMw9yok
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4etWo7LhO
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwzNP4h7tP
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ89lkKZnCV
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57AlaYRmbA
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG4SqFNHmd
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8sF1NB2pE
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZKjgCeXSp
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gRgGulD1s
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMoTRnIdIa
"You're definitely being generous."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiPbBlIJdL
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyllCLHIx47
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN90TJQqt6
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CmSlwZDMm
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfAmoAYy92
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0wvKAzUw6
He nodded his head.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BXeD0JP3C
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPTBwN31Ka
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsCba3ellL
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22g7Qz3cQP
"...Oh my goodness."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AuFEVAOgS
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDntgCFh9H
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5GcSlHTW1
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYS3P3sfIC
"What? It's just mud, kid."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGBwQrCZcL
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6kFl3PIqx
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE2fyO98CK
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbK2hMUlCu
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Oki9MuWn7
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQKO5pxwAz
"Yes. I hate it."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL7tM9aFH3
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHoVizVnCL
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCmhMgBgBK
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UP2Jd8yG9
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNKAYDmJxq
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFj6RCn23x
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzKFPMkgHs
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xm20SAs4x
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjQMkhNSl8
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjRhBQ4mis
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhDmTEeYtn
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYksBHt5Hum
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4K82rFsBu
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePv0FOBSMf
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67dYGP3gGP
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzJz5I2TYk
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaofe5pzlU
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIHkQByRYI
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ194RmEKoWX
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUOKhUlKXp
"Nah."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAnR8tqQDd
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsiIbiVCtk
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbbsFSB6Xj
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXZaW1qOw1
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWUCqUKuil
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r8QfwGB9z
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8e42nXZm6
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9ngoPwG9c
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfjfUAGcvj
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQnaUQgVPZ
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCqSMrQdYb
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlfE2BIyma
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3h1sdq9o1
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB6bsxMubL
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSDrs4ikMQ
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRwUqz2co4
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5YFGDgdJ3
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtjMJ2FMoZ
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFTaHJJRfk
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2PRP1piMw
"Huh?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQCWqNaGLK
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcQsqnggP1
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy1x8Um98C
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHabpGpMe01
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ky32SpuTh
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpiwKh9ZPz
"So someone told you as well?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7wD2aAtCM
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSeQkTYewt
He nodded with a smirk on his face.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93RUQUg9KY
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4sg07QxU5
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPteLZ93p4
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6Dwx9eLDa
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEu0o1HYA0
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHa0TBpSDM
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8QaNeseM1
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ141ESn5WCN
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7zUTnQftj
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO8sjq3IkD
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp110NBV0DV
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE77TTujav
"..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31WpQ7a5z7
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRfC0ldLCB
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1fLZblFb2
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMes59cOKCJ
"Strong?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xLO75Yron
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f8hEga7Qm
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT14lyqILvf
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMF0TqEKWE
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX3yZIvo5q
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttRTAesEKa
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?135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrqqU5LzQJ
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRtnQKk1xG
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawMiJYlPAf
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDb2idpCvx
"Brat is certainly new..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAah3e5nvxI
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpe7yHxBt3
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwRpAax2TL
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0CBVSWd6q
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYVajXbSJG
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTubj9a6Knv
"Think like what?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhftKPLeea
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmd9JJCV1k
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz7GjRc9WU
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZwTcoBYyZ
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRrFU66vmE
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGmooL5A95
"J-Juke...?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UH6gz38cg
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdkYeQK5X8
"Do ya think I'm strong?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIlzxMGM9H
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QNkhpz9l4
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezCoIJVz1w
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTHLyXG7BM
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHUqBcfUO8
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbwJWseuva
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMc9uJgnYW
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEwfx6Iwmo
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVNFGfGssw
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZdknC0476
"Yer a moron."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIO8pUE37j
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX8JkLUrNF
"H-Huh?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7yIHyNbJl
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8Vjrjbe2c
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkK2mteNns
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3URgX7XATY
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSjAC00luS
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOfpjtSCpm
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8qA4Eyzv3
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt3XVBv2cT
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsbt8efmpL
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYVmbhAU95
"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–"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwBYg1u2mg
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvgVCVX46D
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOektwouZFL
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejQK7ezKhN
"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?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2FWid6Yig
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VZVHlcVLw
"..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaUgTMVciu
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXbyWWhesQ
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfGC2JecjV
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmxeckOL6I
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc4teUBiOi
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMVUeWfnH2
And so, I spoke.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTiNt87uKz
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB2FNVVA93
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJKMUhBy1x
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxDo0F45bT
"...Yer just like that bitch."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt384rljF57
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pSmqEs7HF
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT88pAmMWm
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvc2cnbl6t
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuQC1I1A0V
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3DOXhZJpy
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FoCLFAECr
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXndHjYhGPD
"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?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnEJCYAli9
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt2kUEpMLd
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNDF0bV7Ul
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYCCENACw3
"You're missing the point!"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6JkfzK1ql
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYPrjwRsrx
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayXWFXLEuS
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMrG3ciL59
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXz0UuWzHJ
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm5odiabTH
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HPL4oMv0y
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9nE4UAC67
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiew4OMPJi
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7bnJUfw0g
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KTBnXl6Hg
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBowu2Y5VTu
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMWYwuI1W2
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvipD77KaU
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2kMekvoQz
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpEsgxGCPA
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3J9Jevi2PY
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p8cgacQKG
"..."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCajWRsEXX
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8EB79vAxi
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.135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKQadEvXxr
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tO8nUDG0J
"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."135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL8q1tQGkp
135Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hQ7HpIASk
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
