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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGGcFd4JmR
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVc28AbBOM
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"Right on."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HqsKML9Tw
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Turns shifted and the die rolled. The process repeated a countless number of times and the minutes passed by quickly. At some point, it stopped being that way. At some point, rolling the die and moving a figure a few paces forward became dull. Looking at Nigel and Damon, it was impossible to tell if they felt the same.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwwgqpZdZK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpRGI9lYKE
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4Ha6IZpIf
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"Huh? Oh, alright."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lNlAn0dR0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRYByCTP5r
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12axDFDtDv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKIZxqIw82
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jW2bHW5l8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnwqvvS76f
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkASfSRj8G
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTRSoc66d4
"Luck..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70kMtEzAE3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3TLnFT9Zx
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4c5eHvcNg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDR3DRgSeo
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bfme5ESWp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQJnAqy7g6
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8yOZ2PRON
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqJPUqGXaw
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXne7xSsKK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYxyOA89ts
"You people are strange..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg2OLlWrYu
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR2DKNmlbo
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNcOzwYJ5K
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD85iAi8F4l
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcHEQw0BpF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50gWXKDjQn
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxN0kQKWFK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlpDKA5HwL
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnitquRDiAl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2IeSuPvdc
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDAXnigM54
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGziyiv9XE
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ahdPtQJ4c
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7bEKlsEeN
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQHTMSpsYd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKWVlU0Rhi
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizf5k0MQ6q
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuzNXLcx0q
"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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP6M3XHUmr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SjokAAdfg
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBGQ6U234P
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFa09pCRmv
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKY9vaZgF8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRbDme0OSA
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SnqulI8Dg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1n2qMEhK4j
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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRbD8G2dUO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLYijQSbV9
"...Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDRuTGOcRX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRLLo5sUaG
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkIiFywCpD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwK1t8S9te
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNhoPxICcg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqOCcIeb4T
"I can't deny that."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8gAWllsu6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPLkxO9L8u
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcsrJAxec3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7aIdqbthE
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7orALo4IWN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50IbmGiuJP
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVQJETom8Q
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSffUyyanen
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPiQbiNvcx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxiRiJUWXk
"You're up."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQisyAbHe2
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"Right on."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibUjbmSj9L
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Qlfnmr0tT
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshfVyHjWKb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3s99zPCTC
"That's... that's incredible."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmADD9QVcB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaq1wkALzN
"Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jXJy7HJWJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0b93rwugw
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDr1A3wTZ8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKO6tM4dyT
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fWotsaTay
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINmWHQSq6n
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLSd2xWNPF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmLoyMqwLL
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefLeULBt9B
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccBj9L3lqX
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnfVvb69em
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UkfaRsS1G
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2gvy1hGwY
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiQL8UTL66
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBOmRnKTcb
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriPO2o92D9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz5LKJPkh9
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLQvUDyyil
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHejcYDD1r
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmroufjGD8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F9fmypHDW
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4zJA2kHBO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q1ejXSffk
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzBpIAoDsj
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukgreb21R4
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTT0lyO2pdM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rHwUsLxj4
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qo4v7gdy8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLts5aSxik
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUlNiyUuUo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gDtLRkTEH
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoeLc7HVWH
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQJrdEpQxM
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCO5lP3QBy
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GjksBoJst
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX30SIusQvp
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEznctA6J2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt1YtcrVzT
"What time is it now?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMtZl6PtwG
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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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYClGvzdUGQ
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"Juke?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYKb09v5kf
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He looked at me and perked up.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUEpLI2TGJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRvgGIsCEb
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvnQU3kDFd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF50ohyCNHU
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdk9efyvvwM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VHgURKnso
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzybImldxn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1Ra3vfqlM
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgokNqIoC44
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl375BP0vuJ
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s5w4KStQQ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk0XNLVEj8
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXqmKa8kob
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXepkek0MQ
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ2Oot1ZE5
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxKLKhKecz
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQPBafkk7X
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLpnz1tt3f
"S-Sorry, sorry."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNpdiMJ2Nw
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fmsYN5jdS
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOXA23Oliq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NXSNjvUk7
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCw7OAn03u
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"Ah, shit, yer right."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEauI5gP3gn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwLyLIuF5B
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ8O5V5CNL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eM8t32yXd
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKdTImnHoo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p07n9NNgI
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlEXnKVXqi
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPj5nAKpKV
"Did ya just laugh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8lN6OelQx
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjJhYPkHpu
"N-No, why do you ask?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MrhY0ZR7I
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4hVcnu6fX
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnox4nLI5d
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTayOE42b6B
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TYoSrw0uM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeT4UT7MDE
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyUWJbdmSU
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjATSusjfLm
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRntHX4xL9o
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRbsOMoUXA
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nkGzpFyNT
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn22yCGscMx
He narrowed his eyes at me.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYCyx5A68f
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UtzgLJV6G
"I'll take yer word for it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9zEhyOcOm
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There was a momentary pause. I235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7ZIO8potT
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxMKuork2o
"So, what have ya been up to?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmieQSBNRR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns3DCbCoED
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2mPl8Q9s1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB2WQ9iBZL
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5IzNGK8Xg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6nzkZFUCd
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhWeEs4H4A
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz71dv8JR7
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvgld80Y61
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho9pqxWlix
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiMoGIgnfz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEUQVKxoVx
"The sleeping room?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHzgGX8TAP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46MOTX28IU
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtZulXg9YP
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EQA1uQ5Ia
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc85MA5Rpl4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgPb1hvCew
He cocked his head.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EOd8WlG8T
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWhvYC2PSo
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR0maqDM5W
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqTzdhTRgK
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kITF6ebPG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg4kGrTee7
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtfCHRSNqo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF7VokBog9
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkflvfIjh4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP8dCa32FC
"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..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE0MC7GFqG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ9PTD0dkh
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz8u4lZJA0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWnHzXWGsY
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMK4ZleVFPD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gpl9KoTqn
"Loose screws?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaa1hmup5e
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztvJUgL9f4
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9GVwRmVfV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpc37GnvJK
He huffed from his nose and smirked.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRYp0lzyD2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTTEEBHeAL
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNeormTddv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCWOpep5WL
"Boring tales..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv61RIj8qyr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBClspzwGG
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4ehlh25oT
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWMn5iFLAo
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiKvQY63yn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF3q1Fvwuo
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4B20wmK7n
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvZegfSjwt
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QoLCUMZ4W
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aU3dAtmnR
"What, am I too young?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfReCNRNVpd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXX10fDT9L
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjjDa8Hf8M
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtixC1n37gK
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qFWyjz3lb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HcMwdXKhw
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXvlYF3bqD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwJY4bkbyB
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5subj7Y1G
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKOTKbHP4Q
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoMTu35bZq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tByTbGW6Z
I straightened my posture.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh97l5gHlK9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWmAQqJMmt
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jujg4GRGr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREntXi3dwC
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFGtisuxvZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxJYE0XxAp
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow6JhAR2K2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIwsWWnlAh
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQtRBfLKi0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnYTHbJOql
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWJNF1bprG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKb5sG1qgGS
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbhcif3aRO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsq7Tv5Fza
He gave me a blank stare.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Op59F7OEv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuPzrXzPkV
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6sZlYEDrb
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kvWkmLmBk
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ISgEE1sJ8
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eY33FjKDU
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzljxzf0QpI
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdXkQ7EBCA
"See? There ain't a difference."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxa4wq0IYn
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBaNhR7byb
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxkwcL5wsA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOVtD6Ep5Y
"Yeah? And what are they?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnmBZFC3J1
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1603lencjO
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyVYFUbpN3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0YCWOLqt1
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3xh2V2IeR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kU5mx71mV
To that question, I simply shrugged.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSUPox5Xx9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvmx0UcXHh
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A6Mj4GK1Q
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslIIgYNcgR
"What a load of semantical garbage."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGMGy7waYD
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kgLDB9AiR
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzru7Bm7dCM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTcLxrL9Wp
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG0cVGOmai
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPVmTo90jF
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRn67A5jkF
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRA62VCz1Y
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5fPkDi2BL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqiw7vidC8
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ITC15hifd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5ovMVAZgM
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4tbyWyp6D
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJindWCK7K
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI50Se7ZqA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI61O4ONuz
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWGGnjkSxg
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4Yuk60676
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL2U391OsS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5wkxc2XUc
"I'm starin' at one right now."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8pU8AujKH
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiob7iIdBuh
"You know what I meant!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dDEvHX1B2
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahjaEV6aCS
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARoRPyoOkR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ2jGMq8Ei
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbscIMa8a71
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdZRLjzxsw
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TjVsbGEoM
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJSqI4PzMQ
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AUddV9Jyd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04nFXvZ8dZ
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZtwglSbIo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAd0ojKxg5
"You're definitely being generous."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc39Cy1P0yN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCELijOwAgR
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB3bNG0p56
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sqUJB80Lu
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDox6d9meU4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ppOucE03H
He nodded his head.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTClfBz1rwL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH7y3sij8E
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv7ae1I25n
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag3k5Y7hOb
"...Oh my goodness."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uFBLgl6SZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3pGdGOdoz
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qrVGItmBH
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TDIaETKk3
"What? It's just mud, kid."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aYvnEU7bK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uG0oJK8XR
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyLVjoshSK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDKwhM60Qf
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HzhLBo9T7
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59T6DG4EB3
"Yes. I hate it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3zjsqCm6v
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMQ17VbQeT
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7qeRD67LR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrsvIcJSJm
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPqmAjE4fm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmACCCz0LAA
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPaahBezRJ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡje7OQIvcyw
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEa6jTSU3G
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4E7i8mZer6
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6JD83Art9
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKGDk3yiDz
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXhro2uh5h
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdTqUcUlpA
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCGD08zDaq
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwEZalUk3W
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbkgnBco1z
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehQZHSyF62
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLxFu3HBSK
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1uhg8D6rN
"Nah."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cgcxHja8x
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXSJlKNwsB
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzg1iujnhs
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45BzeIAiy0
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Px4bq7k6J
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoRFJid3OV
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpgJm9rF5I
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgCC4LAuCa
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YiOJurFmB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbbBuAz7LQ
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ309Ybuoz4x
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMTiyzActd
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rxi3UG9J4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclbVnGvVnO
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNScyi8fPG
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWD0MU6fq0
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7Uu2D778q
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiiNMLRdgj
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONydIDjR4s
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6VztNecW4
"Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7fSqDzIQZ
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8k52MntY3
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK757QvrWr
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25dbz36zDP
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l1QHX3fQO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTkvc9RoXG
"So someone told you as well?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U6jde74Yt
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSScSC1IsRp
He nodded with a smirk on his face.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbag8djW49
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucyGGiSPu4
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdkfNKG1hV
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CkMEUI1jY
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMy2A4PP0h
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIwGFnGqvY
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoYRjkGBrN
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdXX5FhAaK
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM2WNBpN7Z
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhycVkSBNKV
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwmqUfoON3
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wcwm4fm2A
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKkI00PeaX
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgZXVkwgu4
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZrQGR2vIm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ61qeEMM9
"Strong?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjUniqjiFE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWMqGEM6Pq
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObwBRXZoaf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ870PfmOA1b
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0FkBh1ddo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclxuHijTW8
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?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu75tgBcXR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlagLGJp28C
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwKdxnUK0B
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmofqPUj82
"Brat is certainly new..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICJSsLeBsl
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEusmXuKVC
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ8w3NRYOW
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiOLHaUmbP
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi6jVTc82W
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgvrM2wTYA
"Think like what?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cIyz79yYS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNer6U2fq0
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5rT8vT6QS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJh5e5o8Y0
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcgJfI5mnd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncaw5qwx0s
"J-Juke...?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPAHViNMxa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhM0X2wdCy
"Do ya think I'm strong?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0SZdOe9aw
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0aG9tYnze
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqPFMhjVtS
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvU7W2OGjn
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy37bkKSunv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kv2lIPzcA
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWxmvMpv4e
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73uQybM1z1
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjb35V17R4
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyL2yx8wWS
"Yer a moron."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTZoJ0zGa6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V80g7SEwg
"H-Huh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Q9Mtas8Ml
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4ppPqDo2U
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiEIFHH9da
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uPPphgJIb
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5TCP2l63Q
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1aBigRKEv
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VUSrW5OWc
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXijkJvLFOg
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeL7s4bfdA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazIwobTKfB
"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–"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqVFbU5LzA
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4irHHD7lw
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZA74zQMkf
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6vnPK8Rzf
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMb8okZLgO
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQQIhspz0j
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJxdFST86X
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy08laZd0K
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppP8lMmsax
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58TbqQe8n7
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM2mGYHTGm
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeepcG7phHI
And so, I spoke.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g0SxKh6It
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFZXd9L6Ha
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyClJzjKA41
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q5J0AiNLy
"...Yer just like that bitch."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzrpiqUfuz
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPexnN70suK
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufRYXTjuAE
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIwKTF42Hf
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHUJtGjiFd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKqjgBXDR7
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxumoYJQMa
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuuRfKIXl4
"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?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQA0xAMELo
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyNOvsg3zG
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11WSJJ7R8P
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCijCN8nVQ
"You're missing the point!"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFsSF1XGJp
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y7UeQUjcS
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo71bEDZ6WL
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6ASVJCu6V
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0dfH1Rivv
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8U6kUiuPF
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09nf55b9r6
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxtNRiDIAV
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr4jgGGe4V
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBt1Shxxnd
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrK3RzyqU0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52YgGjpOiM
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfh1IGWcAR
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlnDmUiz9V
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ08Ply7DOd
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxieUnjucn4
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6p0RK8g83
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO7vk09Icl
"..."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcQEl4TXmB
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmZAZJGC7W
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.235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrQb45iRRC
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbgWDYV5KB
"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."235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhu8liklh0
235Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxKCFrlEkY
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
