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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLMPeBt05T
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXopD4dUWS
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOgDdqFclt
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkzYeq0GMl
"Right on."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROH76GB5u4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUbGMThE8E
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9c6CzwSnf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejboHTirsD
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQTMoNvFGh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKr00yQib7
"Huh? Oh, alright."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GMOjHWrja
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJasGqRZ3J
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSbrYpmQ7Z
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbVNYIHN6u
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5mx4Z08pd
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGhVcwRyd0
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFny59ViR5w
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdn6LK9zFX
"Luck..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpsLYB54BR
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4ax855eXg
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujV9bBBw67
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNH9vvaxdJ
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uYZ4lUj46
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0uDLmqeWv
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaJgtsrA8z
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jtbsmHvxW
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3W6igNbYB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1l1d0B4y9j
"You people are strange..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHCNjDzWEr
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl9RzMT9ZX
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmSQJyisZL
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkTx8TkqT1
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJLIZF6siE
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TmOj4I85s
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m08n2Pp6G
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7DdmcKral
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC4xzGmmHG
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSWzCpctvE
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQHGk7WL2L
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7ENehJaXz
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7gLCt3058
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbcLemyGHo
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R3cDQBElg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZS5VooTsF
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQlmzrORGo
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bRFy6n54M
"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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxgjEqr7jQ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr1krdlT9F
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnbLeu6A4c
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGalvoxlhKz
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdAIdKGGed
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqnduQkhBv
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZdE9hkwwq
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhYuvjZzKE
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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnssmOZBCJH
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0xCp25LSY
"...Huh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuE0ZRk3JN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLMoybGOgk
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjoH7ojkx4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oZpfWGtFZ
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX3VROztWQ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa3Us4q9yz
"I can't deny that."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KAqCNdKm5
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TNJgG6ecb
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgVZCMj2qU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqauWDwLJnW
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcwX8XzNp3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5WN5KYO60
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVEs5GHR5w
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomU7RiuASV
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHaxg1ZNcT
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYlSns6m7e
"You're up."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdDMUhBO83
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRwQhvdGi9
"Right on."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31AVkGcaOx
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufFKst8Np6
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ayjoRgn7y
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UiyPgyJgb
"That's... that's incredible."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflQTS9sJVc
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwe9xu5orp
"Huh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLf0OUIHJU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIxpUGsNeu
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOPHYPJSdz
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrGd62i6lD
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsdmUdgr5a
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcsfesHjXC
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n5Zxs8X2i
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnzsM7xWe1
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jo6oJDNeB
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd8TBqZeO0
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiTCKo3xCs
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4GawSJWK1
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzglIH4u6fw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R9N0Oh6jI
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflhDPg6F8v
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8QMuooj2U
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe7bRXZsd2
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6u32F9aYr
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUexJlZh2MP
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOdNtVBMl1
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOj85NqTvj
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnze2pEv4o6
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZntj911N3u
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmmRTnfgIQ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpclXFeGaWh
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHNPOkjiRQ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R6QBZe2CR
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJXxjTCDvm
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpzWKexgiv
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cOP1KWb6I
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwWc213REg
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI1NdT2hXF
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yF47zurc1
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqqTwg81GE
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnKZ2sIp4b
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmFeqqntsP
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOkE2tm0Mz
–
–
–
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mvYV7PxPr
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGY1C1VHmz
"What time is it now?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4gbHqBTRm
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAqyaw1iVj
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlO1TwmfYVh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavUyxR4SHs
"Juke?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVWtkY8BLm
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSOycBADBo
He looked at me and perked up.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj22Lv5fAYN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rRlAY5Sen
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvbgzRetxf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAX5uV5RkT
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt3OqXA7kx
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfcCi58Ojy
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DAoEJCtUo
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iSJXVwPVx
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqianiCwqFp
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSedUGK16EC
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl43psG9p1l
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Hf2CQIffa
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ew7WA7bSo
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c7A7o1dEo
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR50ONhE1Cv
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBsLkYok1w
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs9lpAzN97
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbNhHop27I
"S-Sorry, sorry."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdIxrvzim3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtmoFxCKrY
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7NLKvLGfU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdelOOWFN3
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdaLXI1bEJ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVOtSipCnN
"Ah, shit, yer right."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HHOup5lh5
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBj5qOi8v5
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE151ZasIe
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MTDrfITe6
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClwp0gl4Xg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j8cT2yhdZ
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOiRAhAX8M
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5Z1UqYiVR
"Did ya just laugh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ5tdet4ph
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBNKRJRAvG
"N-No, why do you ask?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKdF6nmigp
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLxa2K7k2n
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ6CjItIFH
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucLbwk4wiI
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vSN1x87Lp
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfHys6ygPX
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XxIOytSxw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTMI0qVZoV
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdGbzDSySu
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6ZPmODwwD
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAFXNW2qck
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwke7buu3D3
He narrowed his eyes at me.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fGDqhMVY4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyNpRKVVY3
"I'll take yer word for it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsLPXgv6V0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPyRkdSQu4
There was a momentary pause. I196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZMOogjt3I
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXapn2LvkF
"So, what have ya been up to?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloF0xlscBV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrUkCtCGbn
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCK3PbAzmc
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS9MrEljjl
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2iCEjVLg2
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ518h06rGOQ
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0aGQr2R55
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6M56Ipd4V
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIDP8nNB6R
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPjYSrvbAy
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KMgHe27Qk
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS6UUPY7fo
"The sleeping room?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZpbFIhDgR
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27PIHRZNGm
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCPxUFHH59
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I2zTjVlHk
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeLdnFYo0R
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Tsb2vSrTY
He cocked his head.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS2oyNQ37M
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Pru9RZEDL
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7F88SZRZH
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgyxRNpfXo
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeEj2i2yZ5
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78VteaQfti
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgxIkiUNgN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTcYWDChhV
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtInCEy9Ygz
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGMyZojBEd
"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..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6SagQMtXJ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcoGw8705n
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFs4JNj76x
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0234xhXrCW
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOp2YF0Fqf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzFHkuQa6v
"Loose screws?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEzrhQQTcw
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTIi8YcR0m
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1cyNhXV5D
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRoum1eIMx
He huffed from his nose and smirked.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7DDW94wSh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxetufx9hwJ
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qW5FPZsfy
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMXPZr1xr0
"Boring tales..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iPsXsW7Hc
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk6OhHFBTn
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNsh4FUsUv
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY0KdQz9D1
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IeoZraO49
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrN9Tduj6w0
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j9t05nuFD
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NVJKMfnOr
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRJtGT3Vv4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRbHhyMmNE
"What, am I too young?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1aFxWOpGY
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgAv9rnLy3
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9fzZv39kd
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF4lMYczIL
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wh5k11wjV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQZffZyeZj
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrap0qyuli
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W98svuuVr
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCfZjtGJqx
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3yj0eYdnM
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFivWvezQm
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmZHYAMIx9
I straightened my posture.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRiQrXmH6i
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgZyuwqExq
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB1GlAa23e
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTnzyOSDfG
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF5EIwVYTR
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0niJSBbH4i
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepYWXrUjqF
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB1Vt3rHr7
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKc5e38geO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBBjUdpRXA
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7iToKqWn0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjou2sGujNx
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhSC2OTWWs
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMGgAzckWV
He gave me a blank stare.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd18YQaoQ8v
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGHUlNJCZ8
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HS5zDdv0D
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRm6iAuaMd
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MhQnhdXh7
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprGYFfgrGl
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwqMJXHkxg
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88CeSbYhYV
"See? There ain't a difference."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2pNdwMhTS
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJDctD4jKW
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEqbceMm4F
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdxjz7yrdP
"Yeah? And what are they?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg4BAC5KR6
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7stz3AvSkO
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj769xG1yht
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGT3N2WDSu
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnpxK19weG
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24snmBzOcL
To that question, I simply shrugged.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqxUoq1jQY
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjTVnBK6Cb
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i5VVQn7x3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC6zmmrL71
"What a load of semantical garbage."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNxteZAXmS
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ODKOg1BlH
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVa2oTpnSS
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOheqdFMPk
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGXJK8nudE
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLHCXqjVVT
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS9NrOJnUO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHSzaYy7nK
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtLZCe5s3c
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0dbRDr4Hs
"..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2k2EdlxVub
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptUenVKyTW
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOj0eoQARm
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pmpGkiAJE
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBQCwXM5z0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aNTJqpGzN
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHhleAkhDj
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrz45IpjNLU
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RPOq8kV1c
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82njOhbdCZ
"I'm starin' at one right now."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dhm9qgEIk
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqkIq3Lotv
"You know what I meant!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKbMUdyLUf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0irlYQ4Ck5
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEIELPlrid
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3cbin2Cv8
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn5Z3BNRdO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQZO5WHr68
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwO7HhmHMA
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZxYPktGlO
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlSa68aWQG
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIEx0iINEt
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg4scFrqu6
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX0pZrlECP
"You're definitely being generous."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvydqO763i1
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3sYt6cAXS
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wJBTmQqiJ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjk9HanZkw
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbrld48nUz
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqko0IEFST
He nodded his head.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wCqDiPT6j
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWA2dzUPMl
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9d1ABImMM
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGqQNanGuc
"...Oh my goodness."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGWu9rkjai
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSnZUNLniK
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLaAG98KVu
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJnRN7LacO
"What? It's just mud, kid."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdyzIPb6zo
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqEUAAHZrA
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVJSi5evwj
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hkJprK4sA
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOTaUKsSdy
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn646iOirm
"Yes. I hate it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSgGZSSgK7
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJXctjfWqK
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie6vAPx3wm
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllJAVCg5dx
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0ao0DZHix
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0zDOR0ib3
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm6jv20U4r
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkuseFXMuM
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExsruBObts
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyPVB3cj07
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOKZt6c0nR
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Zn2GoUhA5
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPjxQIFzVO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuelt93uzS
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIsdAeEzjQ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLRTX8B0Ck
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOzBc5d3oi
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlmDs37QUZ
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6kbJDletH
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2QR1vvjPY
"Nah."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPKcvrWs2b
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHZichnkV0
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRg6kWA1bn
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp4sXcXDti
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7l8utqRGhD
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCyHq6Pqzu
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlsDuxi9sj
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtjQ49Tjpn
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkdN5oig6X
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuK1GmAWeP
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUizvkEU5R
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZfZYyMTo0
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyWkFEqe6T
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAiw24auDz
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ4c8dnbBG
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15mzv7SzvN
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHExymWSBR
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTJwgrlRAk
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifgvzrcJJq
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzgeMmDz0I
"Huh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrvZszSY5Q
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vtSmk86eP
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK4pIe2YGN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0xAFsBWBd
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02oLXpFjBs
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wNn3fXbHn
"So someone told you as well?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fAoefmHFN
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJIMzaktYk
He nodded with a smirk on his face.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9siQHvJL0
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdMvp4KFwo
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgl19pMBOU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9DPpaPYHS
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UsCa7enPJ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkyYLdilsC
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQgaPYoq0X
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG3Grwpcy5
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaNKu1XlRj
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu8T5QyGL6
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQXP3lz1vj
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW35BDODvg2
"..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdMoV99Wpv
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJuMQTW62r
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ3gsWfWLV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtKss0A1Ln
"Strong?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFyxXm4OyM
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYv1LkHced
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NjgMGN4PE
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lWuYqRFZj
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1GJJjKZ7b
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKRJz759gc
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?196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nzl5j7E6S
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxxrSpjOMi
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f8CgXSE3W
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B6rbQtOuW
"Brat is certainly new..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsmYg5sIYz
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMIZgZoubr
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZYo8g3HbW
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatEKS2ynVy
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8In5O6PMEC
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGVYsPM1hf
"Think like what?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQAncuCtg2
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs3ZBfiwlr
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqkKlmQH1D
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc1UaXqgTX
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVH3fW4xc1
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kUJ9yBL6r
"J-Juke...?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMSxa4fCtG
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpNvAs11he
"Do ya think I'm strong?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyqzHR4tBF
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1kS48hrmf
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAke4yY6Xz
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fgf93EJ0y
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHvSchbxji
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkYrzdzDBV
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK4OGRYJlZ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p5G4eRWX7
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3o0BEiDRt
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA0MXYWE34
"Yer a moron."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsoJFrp3dq
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRhm1tLiES
"H-Huh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWEDR0nrai
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD1ribGjL6
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5Ul3hWLpW
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42XPY5pBVo
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD88UchZN4
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZD2Px1JfG
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJvYX8BaZu
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt8x1x4mMl
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJtFQUKlNY
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfufNpbFXjN
"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–"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHqtNcjwMt
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEosEO49ilr
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpKzNEOJF9
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEdudKeN9h
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwciyk0WU3X
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj3Hgtq5VV
"..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWsHImu6At
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgirYVHRAq
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ec2Z52yql
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcHBOPXg3e
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAQHXyjgzl
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy74UOfI0f
And so, I spoke.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr7vhzwVVt
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLXjWtxgyc
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGuaFkkqKf
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMPxQGheow
"...Yer just like that bitch."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSxBdFJpZQ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QSJ1lo545
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtinO4acyNm
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAt8BTsCiZ
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW643yGSE6G
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Np7twV2cn
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtOtda8fTZ
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLOlZH1wDg
"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?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXUENXiei2
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchv2oF3zAS
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotQf2yxTTe
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNgYtWAsDQ
"You're missing the point!"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyr1FbvAPV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIln4fmrkGM
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDex2g7x7X
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPBkh7rFGy
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg8O4ZIrxO
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEPcTqhjgO
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyF4f7Uld3
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmDYcZlEmY
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQkAWKSHsU
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfFbLM4HGD
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMEE3QNoFh
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOETN4LLC2
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHP3AsINGV
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvynUG2vnW
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUsGFt7Ffo
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOI5UVrFpJ
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNj81LeXKF
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtENQfFUdj
"..."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CkVGLAxCR
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT6wDwsEAn
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.196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEHMcJV69J
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4scuEaRT3h
"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."196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0740sxMeO8
196Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQXCRmttsc
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
