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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZkmuhSdWG
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJXC6tgSKT
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"Right on."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9UOPaefkD
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlkrUgWcRy
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSkq1o8byv
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"Huh? Oh, alright."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKdrunzpQY
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPuQL2vAF5
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vMqWtwsmb
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClxRgUERKC
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"Luck..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunwpsqLfMI
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLRwJTfsby
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn7Uvsqwml
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2SrYWGAev
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG1qqfnzDR
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"You people are strange..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡferNJpUDPp
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"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5S9V75jnP
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVhytmzOin
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmcJglKFSx
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TIdkH8kF9
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"Shut up! Speak for yourself."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0tEl7ZW8i
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORWGnc6bPh
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"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?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAeIGL4w8u
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0W7n4xikW
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"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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3Xe28abQH
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJJr2pRITn
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"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?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dQcQ0eAny
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R0Awl6zXh
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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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaXFCsqpYV
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"...Huh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsWZF6E8of
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D3WvF8yu5
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrTyFXRzxS
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"I can't deny that."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljCOK64Dxp
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCG4VYRVey
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJefanGVsIK
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyk8odRlzH
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3clJIR9C0
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"You're up."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmDFSlFSN5
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"Right on."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXLCVBo19u
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JXfSi8DlA
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"That's... that's incredible."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BTEnb4rlo
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"Huh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1doVUA5PAZ
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3z4fQDHc4
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGWEgKJoSB
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEzZp2JFKO
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIRgyQMBJU
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisXGmb2bGI
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"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0qPWcfd6Y
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J9JonrmXL
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"I'm just messing with you. It's flattering that you think that. It makes me feel like I'm doing this for a reason."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovcFA1vds3
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2jz7eiLmR
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"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?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKLIBeZ17c
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHPjiyD1FL
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vPCEQvf2h
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxavNeAA3o
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"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1Immem07P
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbzqG0DuUH
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I had no doubts that I'd be seeing them. Or, at the very least, that they would be there. It was a comforting thought. It made me warm. Nigel patted my shoulder with a quick chuckle, and I wasted no time leaving the game room.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1BAvUDXEt
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As I approached the door, I looked at my hand. I curled and flexed my fingers. I balled it into a fist. I felt ready in mind and body, and more than ever I had a conviction in my heart.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid99HrjmHa
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBjqKcNCvL
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"What time is it now?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOYbnqgDvS
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UWwRlU0Q0
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"Juke?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PEgFIIvbL
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He looked at me and perked up.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYVt8vkhF3
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHco0pdD3t
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97dtObSF1E
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ8CpGEtfY
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"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t4kqbTZxC
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMxILbvP0q
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWN4DnYLbh
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0go5WbLii
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jokkaxfHr
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK5p1oHyVR
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"S-Sorry, sorry."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWLWMa0EOT
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrWnZWlNWw
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wLw7wK6IN
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"Ah, shit, yer right."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9yG5BE7ii
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Thus, he walked to the door and closed it, then he returned to walking towards the couch. But neither I nor my gaze followed him. My eyes were glued to the door he had just shut.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjJILvEplc
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKElBqaiwI
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUVJhVaGjB
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"Did ya just laugh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k1RJe5GOG
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"N-No, why do you ask?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsV0IYkUHu
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaKIhIewSR
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kc1Xm8e6o
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There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfia1SQEnVU
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R0CTmd5Qf
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EUaUgXtwx
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V0I3C3XFM
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He narrowed his eyes at me.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYdF5p0uvy
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"I'll take yer word for it."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuarV1jCpF
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There was a momentary pause. I119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdBLL0cjgA
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"So, what have ya been up to?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHHvkFVPHe
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UvqBjUCch
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeFub4eLNo
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7uwD8kKy4
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsqsgSd5jV
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOm1u3jDQT
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"The sleeping room?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tWp3hHlTA
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"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CrB2S4hEr
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkHB2dBbks
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He cocked his head.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ782QqYNmQZ
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaqCZaEipn
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"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CVObHkzqR
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Maybe not every member of the retaliation squad was noble and principled. Juke shrugged at my request, and another round of silence ensued. Since he had already brought up the topic, I decided to press him on the matter.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCHJXB1a3N
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlIphHPC3v
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"Nah, there's more than enough beds. The room's gigantic, I tell ya. I ain't a good judge of smell, but I got no issues with it. And, the guys and gals themselves..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvydgt0KgG7
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HkOHZ6YZd
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"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgk4IpcaNR
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"Loose screws?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ304ZjN4eU5
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"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?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFVoXL4jen
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He huffed from his nose and smirked.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZsh8mrTLN
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"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?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyqXwzGjqR
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"Boring tales..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VBxABIgpF
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQDbN34Ro5
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"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?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wd8qR27QO
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbsNbNSnb4
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFyFWZGlNy
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"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8anYRBdAr9
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"What, am I too young?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOdf28g4hm
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzrliqzSdk
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnrj0Sg0AA
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I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELxcvh4zuk
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"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dTemnj2iW
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My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zOvCcHPtZ
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"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7ZPp7hdkc
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I straightened my posture.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhhbG41mZL
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"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiYfeYTd4o
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsulxbtp2z7
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogUDO8Mvtp
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrsxhAlStx
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"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aZPdsJpnc
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuRK2O9ATL
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JGdEveDk7
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04MpKZrRYX
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qNI784NAc
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He gave me a blank stare.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGcJQJE4Xu
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"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod8cTKVrfX
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznSuZ4taDk
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV0wnzAbsg
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07Nn7sNSy2
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"See? There ain't a difference."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKk0rxm9Q2
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7p3hYtfuW
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"Yeah? And what are they?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWkm8AA7hL
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"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlthqIMjEt3
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"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv0u31es0q
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To that question, I simply shrugged.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WENRYHbqz
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"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3sZuwdPlx
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"What a load of semantical garbage."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGx2ZerHaw
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I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoQTgTqZIZ
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZsWBhBAbW
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdCwF5WhRa
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ32Ckju1Qb
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8rxKKakoL
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rfdx9xGkK
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2tQQ3s0oo
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"..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSLW9GfoO3
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRQpP5Y44a
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"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e457Jazl3
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwx8fCQz4Y
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtizY2vlUg
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2L05sK6Nz
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"I'm starin' at one right now."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hmnT4joI2
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"You know what I meant!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfah0iFxyM
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"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIoM89MSod
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJOC61r4qt
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vxwlz6DK8
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"Me? Nothin' of the sort."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlv6pW3FEr
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He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJljAp4W5lE
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"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mhAcxKlz5
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"You're definitely being generous."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBacW2Lfxo
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwz0tUEZxjc
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AJYFk5qen
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJmpAlafT0
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He nodded his head.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfM5Sjd9R3
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteRaZVNaho
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AxsuVLeUj
"...Oh my goodness."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeoT3XTlIl
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I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ9iRoVHhf
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"What? It's just mud, kid."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVlLWhmGo7
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"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvbIEpRDvV
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiH1nT2ThI
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYHn30vaOh
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"Yes. I hate it."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAcFckvkfY
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayN220wIj3
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyGpUQQvEF
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOCS7j5gjn
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It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqizmnEmLO
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGymFf6ouL
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTkFGxzECT
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSC5NPpeb2
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOm8tR1q2X
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRPa3wiobQ
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX7Fb6TFke
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3sdmM0I0G
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"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUXslOpUW4
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoSBYdwOie
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tAolnuGU5
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"Nah."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSbiHASeWa
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I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu50jCPplbF
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4faobAIUHf
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqqihLm5Y6
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FwYlNpAfP
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ4BXsLLWq
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazpQNpLyAk
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvfuSZlfBP
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I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxCpYQQ8J6
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"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbzkY3lcAO
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"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4N9627ahIv
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"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo91EMqmHb
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"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ba36Ep9qU
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"Huh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgn37Ep2ZAt
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It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBotTO4A74M
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"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1CCFPdJXo
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"So someone told you as well?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsMmKZUheU
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He nodded with a smirk on his face.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXJ3KPmGMk
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqQ1wjRZMB
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmUbfd4QBd
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"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeviNhWdrD
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04dWWrkvZo
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu54Hd751Db
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"..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIxWLgbpD9
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"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRM9is4gat
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"Strong?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvdJVliB33
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Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsQtS9GzCS
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"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtiCWNFUD9
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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?119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA7xOkr6yE
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU5j1mnJmU
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOXgpwxypg
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"Brat is certainly new..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBo15kptUp
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"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wo8b4B8MA
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtMUcrTUxQ
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JLdpftIK9
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"Think like what?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeXBBh4LVz
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"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs99sxr4cxE
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Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPkUBe74v7
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gWuw6MfL4
"J-Juke...?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrkSsrAkcX
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"Do ya think I'm strong?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk3FFd08V5
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbol4qtkjYe
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So, with nothing else to do, I answered.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufjYq7Y9zS
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"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4e3RsMymZ
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vgmNbqd55
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"Yer a moron."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDR1C3PvPVW
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"H-Huh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE7utDgnOS
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhasrnXMNG
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"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUQbwUmV0G
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz3qECZmmB
"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1CxyIEub0
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ip47hGFbS
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnkeHT84jC
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLVq1Cojdw
"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–"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0O53u2JN6
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBwAHsEVNJ
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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDWrROZplf
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQazglDpiH
"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?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx82wmLhEpk
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfBx2JKtnZ
"..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8HnJOv8lE
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq6L2gTRDZ
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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJEYQSVkvI
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XGJBwvdZI
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And so, I spoke.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySrgWtpzR2
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ80GdAZhGn
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"...Yer just like that bitch."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bBAFir4vI
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It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpFABH1DaM
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9XGdInrnU
"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSilmXNZ9d
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2ITCpnJuC
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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHNXvj4v0W
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"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?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4ujyjPd0T
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA5FZuJJTX
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ433d5r9hit
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"You're missing the point!"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNE7PCeBt4
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Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnK62uEusr
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfSSABGJyF
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTQxU7K7iD
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS9Rw65zs3
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"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbOyH4T7t8
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bpQlzuLPC
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What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE879vR6vGf
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I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BsZjlur51
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"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yrSxFnZJn
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"..."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzJXHqqe9A
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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.119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3aKeatpNP
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"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."119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6TLdkSTX3
119Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8cBoRPZyK
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
