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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNScn92kFMO
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsAmlFW7bb
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zJ4nDJwsq
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwwvPxg7KS
"Right on."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxwsUXpXCZ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EPJTYzJaM
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojGqZKqMR3
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigUkpgiNJ5
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFneWeAzri
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu5UvXOAX3
"Huh? Oh, alright."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPxy8GKkGm
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtPcD5BtAq
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshol0FOdKb
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk8p5myCHk
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vGEtvpo2H
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTnWisUdqC
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AghzQqDsz
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrMkggouct
"Luck..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwpSqAYQXo
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo9zcrsp1Y
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdCR5tkU2I
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc7Leeg3Wn
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9mhRbLrJS
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsnlyJtKnb
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlNV79CKMN
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyklQv0x5fX
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkKiecwcQe
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXT5bTs4L1
"You people are strange..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsJimP1Jhy
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGiIuZE0us
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSoJQGVbcp
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJqww7n82R
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA1U7x1MBX
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5oVjY0Ylu
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLVEU6gGW2
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wwnEYBpfR
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCQixuzuIH
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2UfV6YtB1
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnlYhW4tlm
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86CZ8UpKVI
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEAkFc35Fh
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq9BCXDVnh
"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?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6yDCMUoZQ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPObB2mdqu
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBZaqyKKWm
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTGgC8Q833
"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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5ePCwIxJK
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pxLZWXfMr
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pBSPEWBf5
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsQvobvlV0
"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?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb38A3DSMr1
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFpPtVp91Q
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wTDTc6ocA
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32ULljzeCX
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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHqMn0dJww
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYOTj9RTpO
"...Huh?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8DfBF1B2P
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTaaeSLgt6
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM4NNlpfjW
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8rDU0IA5w
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhgOXAqjsE
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RnpjsLqsP
"I can't deny that."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj7rXY4ULz
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO75ZObRPs
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5qqv47YIh
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiUHQNlqOZ
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLcvM6LOPQ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHBQZgSTfa
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmWxcNWUom
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxENOCmVaep
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxYVwMFq9a
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLoqlL62dF
"You're up."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡny8BIKICCc
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WC6SrHusw
"Right on."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCbwIrl8ct
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoEhLZ19ng
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y4ehHuI9I
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBRYNbE24J
"That's... that's incredible."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA2dTb1rj5
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1ZE66K7ca
"Huh?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC0W86jBye
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwNV7GHAnx
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmygwxXaZRr
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDtq51YYCX
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SF9p62Gkf
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPONpnEUMkk
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQDYpic4U3
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTukZ1p7N2
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuGXmLsk0Y
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjGvlR2O0E
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0mktg3wLK
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9z5SLvHbu
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kNwc6MaHA
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhNgIYQub6
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrxx3C7SWY
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EV7fiWoKZ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze4eBd4cQf
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiYYOE0P0Z
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEI7Og9JGv
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl4yon22wv
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1URL1Xcspz
"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?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU26cNgP0i
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyldT0Z4E1U
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSaWXfFdiR
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fC0inptXj
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefVN9TmdHC
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RKg12cX4f
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxr9FQv89sm
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdgrWOg3Yc
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMEp7IP4du
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcp4yJi5iz
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZA1CMzYeD
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRuzk9omZz
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdQOBEGu2m
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlakYNrEUeg
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVmXrGhzeC
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQogBXuZxgu
–
–
–
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFV7lRsZVP
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cCsi7mVp6
"What time is it now?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM47d4VLXhH
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaeC33zQBo
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtTu4Z3O7N
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVnkHzdoms
"Juke?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeR0Yzpu9x
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cxMF03MpR
He looked at me and perked up.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsIepUHDtR
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0Zv5Vz253
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gG1X77Atr
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOFuNEuThL
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuE9sp4qbM
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM7V3JzitZ
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDsPyzHodC
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmULKadHMN
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85Lh8kUx2l
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XfgFMNFgF
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48k9IBEzxr
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI1MR6fFr5
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfuq9WWX6F
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90BGuXUyIy
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpN3DPrchV
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlZ8QVBySt
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYnWfloYgq
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflvbnOtta5
"S-Sorry, sorry."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbxGsH1TJl
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDWyURGkwU
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ug6rMlqQQ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT25xjtyBNy
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEJOoAOpDQ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcwehBcrZj
"Ah, shit, yer right."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRSA2wfXwU
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXvZDwp1Rf
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5KluuyzRM
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBV8LHcnkv
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR2cwIpJUS
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsYAjpQQEk
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jXXpLw0HA
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTDmlANQXk
"Did ya just laugh?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCL2WAzNNU
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6igDq7eYmA
"N-No, why do you ask?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBtPChadKF
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y1cBEzCSn
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtDzvAosdT
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTFoez0kJw
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DgXvSaOqY
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho20wTpH0h
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfU4ESag9m
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBGcaZYoy8
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2kPUrtdje
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPL3GygQi4g
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZP2ceimgb
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAv9H9jzG2
He narrowed his eyes at me.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1LkpF1CfV
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdOWF6imuG
"I'll take yer word for it."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk64dkjfTOo
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xZtEIjjxp
There was a momentary pause. I77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r57tJW6rA
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcZLKAKTby
"So, what have ya been up to?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwktnMUin8v
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyWdyYejsV
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6YHiR7iiI
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLwEqtAsvo
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZMsFPUDzT
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72TI2l9HqV
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG1lHFW9J5
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP0PqPysSR
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax6uJE7MWN
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2RT6gLeJv
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVadk71s6h
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw58rxu7zi8
"The sleeping room?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk2xf8L2qs
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRMgSzd0y1
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpFs3Se9K6
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9FLHbLhpl
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM40yrrgT69
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4YS7hRFTe
He cocked his head.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK1FaMoZxJ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS6TacLMFa
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsYDNqbnc2
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJsp9VEOKu
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyCyj9coyv
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcVxMhlPXG
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunV61CKpO8
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkPfqVdfJz
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9oPlLdalg
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdcoEMauTb
"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..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYccPP22qrD
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3oenUKFbB
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscuH7qZ0kF
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpVaW5w11k
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡincKPLWiUd
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRP745Mhs4
"Loose screws?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4CJIqfq6n
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTkkZtT0xZ
"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?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgN2tLfnQR
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TuwBDbxBT
He huffed from his nose and smirked.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uCP8h8eIx
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJIVI2wxyJ
"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?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKxLamaAeS
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75szCl0Zzv
"Boring tales..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8suxYQ6R96
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9R52cvkqT
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkppNxFBdi0
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5BQX7o2Fg
"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?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y6GqHaKZ4
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw8bVEniuw
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiAaqfZiCX
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSg9k8acC8i
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcltsdDpzB
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFmWwVG3ED
"What, am I too young?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP8mfBCz4i
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmGXJ0yllt
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CaAXL0gsA
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGZYTHd5RZ
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYAIFTGnvT
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43RZ9XMdVm
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mBMWnf5HY
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YzZLbIi3b
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhqSrTizD4
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGbkIDv5pB
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wifOGEinl
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8R4i90we5
I straightened my posture.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt58IY6ITkG
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKA3zDA5nYg
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGrr22GzW3
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiABmMjJzCf
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcuPAK2yMU
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77wQxNDd0u
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeFa4s3hwK
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcGCweWUsl
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG8UECwqF9
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG25yn1fmSm
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMing4oa9Qt
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBJrssYQP9
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGP1kHk2Kn4
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZ8V1pwo1G
He gave me a blank stare.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy3ylPDBqh
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljUzMMGEV3
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXLzcmyjJF
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7o0Eiwhur
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHEBa987tD
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgnTdFWDJQ
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbTwGT5JJo
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3WfiuPMAO
"See? There ain't a difference."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ4xFViYby
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQfMnFN0An
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTpfi4ryzc
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNXUCRwyoH
"Yeah? And what are they?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uKW2MjtJa
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydUwrtavIH
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJObQGtWIrV
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLKFkf8xpJ
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIZftl6nEE
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaChN3Y2Mo
To that question, I simply shrugged.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21XQbkoSTy
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG64ExJEWA2
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAwHSkSZfO
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZQ4EcYlwy
"What a load of semantical garbage."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbv0JU8MCo
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXnBxQU7U6
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD4q8QrRKb
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeA116M4ZAY
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlse6prb69v
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25AHqz7H8F
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS9f18JaPq
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef8hJGYFFh
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YS75XZbQZ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpgW2kOn7L
"..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNExnDtaMg
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAudG1vfWM2
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM2DA5mN2q
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Y8LPbCjao
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCuur0fMas
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFU2bxrM05
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOwtiZ2OfT
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIczJq2iyc
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8YdkRImse
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5ez9XUI99
"I'm starin' at one right now."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rLLOa3oBA
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc5eHoiz3I
"You know what I meant!"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQSQgjoPw9
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXs8TYXThb
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWZ7IeNRZ5
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslgjRFIlwz
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrSLN9DXcK
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiniwA0B3A
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57RxsS2rmc
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXItklcDNW
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cdvUldmGG
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQYstPlqat
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zpVFlUX1a
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7KarUHkkV
"You're definitely being generous."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1jfeghmZm
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrK28YPsHt
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFcecoPGir
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54utc9zzIe
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6ZWyynTbO
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvFRqPMMLC
He nodded his head.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSzCkHVmU5
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG2YcRFQui
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AYKbOfhHm
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgn6MFboJu
"...Oh my goodness."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAORBYX2Gh
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv3H6ZmejI
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h7dxUdFDI
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwF6MKNPMI
"What? It's just mud, kid."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xrxKoBZih
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xFDi7K5ob
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhFEM1ZgLI
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxle3leNAf
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZLn7RBx5S
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlenqqT8axR
"Yes. I hate it."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQk19HU4Sp
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr41zYB8YoX
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtmka01ZQi
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvdRhjc61V
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwExDgd3f3
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLUsGBg8oR
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOT4lTjXQ6
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iJcON22Jv
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe723R7lgn0
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbTTtZKaP5
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr1Iggdhc2
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy78jxAIFxc
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNNGz7SKI1
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTuUGcs0SE
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02h4ps9RET
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv63B3BxFK
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bR68r3bfP
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIdMcwEaJ4
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKto5NtFJlg
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWcqLOLTKZ
"Nah."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMoLULQrz3
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4fNESvYJh
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVsumDdmMp
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKnibcMyOT
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfsPi5cnVv
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsrgmuW93e
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AQgCftPiM
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUk2mJ7Wyu
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZqMmBAtaY
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGRef5H1tm
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxa83MaX25Z
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59L3DHFp6j
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuErpQwgRtJ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mM4lgwh5q
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJo0EMbupu
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zFtbiJWg0
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BAxDZte3P
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGmdI1eH6w
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkNThlXNIK
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXneBxXTSq
"Huh?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76AFd41geO
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP0fjz2sPa
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzZmnK1sNV
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCDf56GKhc
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R6KtaSUxq
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5DUkUCHKh
"So someone told you as well?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIgV9s7LbO
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KcOkeROKT
He nodded with a smirk on his face.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7a24nfqULk
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKQvJG9VHi
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3PyvKDuE4
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenNM1Cey2t
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQoCyq8UBu
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lpkHlorkf
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwdxSuYMwJ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3ZEJpzKff
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiFqpuAaIv
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaI5l06BVx
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMzdoa7JqK
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCZw2v0Aw1
"..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VGxisnPFN
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEo6olYnAR
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IJNjFIypl
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRdSuVWyE9
"Strong?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0AwjhGlO1
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM9X4kSikS
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsxeXNEzs0
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV80bOBCDY
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvdBwgzAlF
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl14TsRp9ZH
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?77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtRZ2q5v1B
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlkJtO0Qnv
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP47CRD94yy
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QnxCTjuYk
"Brat is certainly new..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj65T9keFOK
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQTCLqJnyA
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulZNo9x0vp
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU5akxPrVD
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANWLp3nNQ2
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UsB3VD12p
"Think like what?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cX0XVwQ8d
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy7oxWkNfz
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnGvq0VVN2
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1OnwDKW4q
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpEIf2RhsM
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9EmBN2gLe
"J-Juke...?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnOnOwtg95
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWvcBVsh7F
"Do ya think I'm strong?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3H5V9fSfw
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0yVM0kDVG
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU8MORKzE6
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzml58MGBTy
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jOZR3VZ7h
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbRX1q9FO6
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiSeM0q5ig
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS25mbzPyQ
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGTGM3X2CI
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtHSY4rVcW
"Yer a moron."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimTcjjzjRZ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoriQmW8jh
"H-Huh?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEGmQvU6R4
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0prOojbao
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7tVyHgCGY
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTVQtjWwwk
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZKkVe7PRY
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImLgPZAxz8
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP1jVzqJWb
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUF0JK6GwA
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmGkrp3zsN
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsmRCWvllc
"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–"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW52VaHUPgW
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGNHULKYSw
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaduE6PqKC
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWCuR369Ts
"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?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggCmEuc5Qx
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSzA52825J
"..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb37uxlIgX
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzFSy3T5tN
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4V9PB0t40D
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFD3R6HP3W
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4HtAxopKv
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbm8z0TyS9
And so, I spoke.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBPp8GVHp6
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVMIt5YJ5t
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrB7XvGJm1
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMFeGfgqgz
"...Yer just like that bitch."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX4sVT0kj2
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwWs390n6F
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgZKPI7Big
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KOo09dFoE
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHkEQPA7ez
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEDVEcsGw3
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBEjehMQEa
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXgTewL8a4
"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?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJL6BjQr3A
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMBji4YxOD
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ7QIxHWDJ
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSCAWm7Mfq
"You're missing the point!"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNC3ULQfgs
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWvqODnoK1
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI616FeIGpS
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVDOIgsNTR
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y9xwma7zX
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpb0DdRQkAe
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sgO5j7QFa
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzwdtYnvJK
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2w5ftwxjW
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIu5PB03FB
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSOXVDhwV2
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCdh0loIba
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrFdb2qOot
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTr9kfHcpq
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbAsFmLDiu
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPleZFQely
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpCEYgvrDV
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbp2TEtAle
"..."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPwZXS93mb
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWy0TEzUCh
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.77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnE6fy7Vqx
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jcLlSx8Mv
"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."77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiNLhkDt2r
77Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY6dwqwxYT
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
