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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliiPVNZQd7
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJynrZQYYSs
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"Right on."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopeND7WAnA
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOJzpT4xFY
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn20Z1Rgyy
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"Huh? Oh, alright."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48K9KudH1P
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr84DQiRMLG
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsrJpmUEkE
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpjebXINSO
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"Luck..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lRVv75Ai2
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJfBoEtuKf
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPmmhGIPYd
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf21ToBkYp
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJavRyOJwx
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"You people are strange..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAiRlGuU2m
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx8Axqpe5x
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn3skIqkcR
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalEiqwwQE0
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iTG6KNk1J
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"Shut up! Speak for yourself."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3Z8P9tTrr
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6deqq3O5lx
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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?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67qAB4DXXL
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgNHInqO2s
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOlTvtD3gm
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjdLNQEWOi
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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?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4sZ9aDc0X
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW9vxoW9bO
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxZh9MFNv4
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"...Huh?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKHyEPvuJi
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5pbMMV0Ur
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqt4ZEM1E8
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"I can't deny that."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoYZBXnWYu
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVYxzHo5ck
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVJlYAzDdQ
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyzKCSek6z
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfNJlh6j5u
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"You're up."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvJIOpvVnQ
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"Right on."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMT5OflAkh
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v5NhKhL1s
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"That's... that's incredible."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4Rg8QgkZZ
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"Huh?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRPXoyNvKW
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBld8HxQbZ7
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOcM8SGqwn
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21ZQi95n5f
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaaZXDgCwL
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTcPFhDDNm
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"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSqVDmqnDY
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnBrDCNbSu
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyEmmgINVE
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qqq9p9pJT
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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?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX186dbhI2M
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7DHW2PMRY
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7m6Iah4k0N
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCqz8LVeYi
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"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHtjjxpFVG
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTxUP7K1d8
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHsXsJJg5n
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKeUdbQfz6
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wFXgKHnDR
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"What time is it now?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuexgcvwJt
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtvKkypw1I
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"Juke?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhJ8uvqlie
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He looked at me and perked up.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91qt6px6cv
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA71AT2t6D
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"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yQPVIAMKj
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bor1IMHdl
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUyIf66Xqn
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYtCPKj9Fa
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rkyieMtGf
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0r7WWPirP
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmVpmptAFJ
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3eu9hphRG
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"S-Sorry, sorry."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGg3jrSBd8
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vcDhFw1tS
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3U1zmC24L
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"Ah, shit, yer right."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuYGwEOf9K
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S0KZ56zcf
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGaDrE2enP
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SM4lYbe8u
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"Did ya just laugh?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOJGnRM2kZ
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"N-No, why do you ask?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx51maYrkFh
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"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FTelLZrKJ
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKNzEg1h4Y
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNk4xCtTzM
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAPzD33FG7
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwXH7sAAQL
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He narrowed his eyes at me.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIgwkMEmYq
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"I'll take yer word for it."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv491FcpGIf
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There was a momentary pause. I103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWDKRCUPy3
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"So, what have ya been up to?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgEV1ijUaK
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQtvSin613
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9jRL1rQl3
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqq5JYVDNEJ
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqeH4C9X6b
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTa6NxrbNp
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"The sleeping room?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPL7mA6bSz
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"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFonQZp2Zy
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltMXeIS4wY
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He cocked his head.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4s2J6WbY1
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI9vAAEdDN
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"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJKwNdG0ht
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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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV6RyFCkwr
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G0ldlqNWG
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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..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoORiVfhUpq
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8fSEEjob5
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTOpAv5F2A
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"Loose screws?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBtvIBb9E4
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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?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiNOy5ho0Y
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X1kgY2Vn0
He huffed from his nose and smirked.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXfmhVaSRe
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtnGSyTGe0
"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?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEHwQM77IN
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b31wF6rEK
"Boring tales..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPWj38v4OB
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe9TJdO3E1
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbbHQEXi8y
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHomVGBNUrb
"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?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkGkuagsOw
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXRIDU42gW
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ISoZDRrMN
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVqksKm9cq
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JpBSko4Mz
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCOwdtnos1
"What, am I too young?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJr1DXxOVFI
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRJ9BKTDgL
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw9D9j0BYv
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWnmli8PnA
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIquaPz4vI
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa6uY8eZK5
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdpn4W4qaM
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f3qjZexOo
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbDTG2C2SX
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck9ptXRLrS
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7eIDVckMU
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdGTVuwtfy
I straightened my posture.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wPblFHb8C
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTc0OHs6HC
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEX5o307TT
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Uh9UNV78y
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmGq5n52O8
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbKo7uDaUm
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0LDiClRT9
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBLGJTr8eh
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6KP6OM5Ra
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCD78JHYje
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9TzzEivcl
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BuOONG7Gk
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTvqxYiN0f
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGOeF4dcp5
He gave me a blank stare.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhpcehtwe8
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBglnNliVEp
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55fU4vQSWE
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTl6zqfClfS
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolklofEQyJ
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8jPtIVE8I
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFkgvPOvel
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvH3DePZfP
"See? There ain't a difference."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BscSlvMIe
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK2b2oT607
"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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQK06o866f
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhEA3mWITW
"Yeah? And what are they?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yz3bTbwM4
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzLPl1UxWD
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmeM2i2HFq
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoWAUWIx1m
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejkuFHrv7a
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxbAIRBYJs
To that question, I simply shrugged.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL8jsUHLAO
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF1TVgacVR
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhh01qC2Ba
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1i2kN2q9k
"What a load of semantical garbage."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkJQQhxvYi
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgrbcPN4ds
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeVyHyLZTa
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsA3YR8xkz
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91XiP98s93
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fjrqS6PsO
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfqRQSODXU
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKa7xRaesY
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c4NStC6hy
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtxlBV2XcK
"..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k3K93PDc4
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXYG2hDYK5
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPyM5L52Xg
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvORVyjae9y
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOyRFGx8i2
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9QLjcuCrV
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWCV9DySqI
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IhUIbpDtP
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvA61TWkOX
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie674IqraX
"I'm starin' at one right now."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4mgVmiQ8j
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLmtw0Cykn
"You know what I meant!"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhOHAEO3AE
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha0Uz6S55R
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1ZMRJ1KWc
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpSs9Spgr1
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzZ4Xe1CFi
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBgcDstzHd
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY9WPbjviV
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2gZxdDCp1
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLJoZguk62
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4W2AtD3nd
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJxWb01CKt
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFptW9Dybt
"You're definitely being generous."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WolznZXi9
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pJXe3Renl
"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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjzdclnT5N
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzGCFxAeTM
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y41gOKs5Y
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTxeWEXVuU
He nodded his head.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsAJllW0Xp
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROB2GaDGDZ
"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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom2saVCpVk
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cEQYcR1lb
"...Oh my goodness."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWek8kQYRfO
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI85IBPb8c9
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOYCGjgEp6
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKmd213fs3
"What? It's just mud, kid."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wZWcwcYUB
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSUgnJ31jb
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUyargGQoT
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuTKCxytt1
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRNyanXHY7
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9igXT1hOj
"Yes. I hate it."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJg4PeSV45
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHpJkTvsSP
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3aQrxodi2
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT6irDFiHt
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxRudQJIdr
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMEIhF6i4D
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNCsSUX3ae
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvJXEYVsHf
"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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDME1Bp8uyb
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYE2P1WVKm
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKawrcwgemp
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeufKHZHsB
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXFT6cvIXV
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxthgvaA1m
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaCAOnbBfj
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQz3L6yOpG
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzrgcmhHj0
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrzzQICxgy
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmHSJ5NEeM
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWu7m835Ab
"Nah."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5Mf6uEZny
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdXWVBgzov
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad4fWwVMN6
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tOmzu81hn
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYMYb41eM0
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTjX6PdaQT
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKABMIkAbdk
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7si1D2zfe
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cdmSKCVMQ
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPyiAefqkb
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p40849XyU
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbiS95I31i
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPlWNPPa4h
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeUtNiBJjI
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcHD7Gxjn0
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbqekSRpqb
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOknsTXUuz
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpmi5mtepg
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc97JwDE49h
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCWaSIWARt
"Huh?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kPXcFT4Yz
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYd3oYya2J
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUISWRhUeq4
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwlxPcwxPp
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHviHJOQBQ
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDK11tN0KI
"So someone told you as well?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVzgcrnNAh
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlBNZPuIGX
He nodded with a smirk on his face.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ff9gmdID7
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCc9Ks0by1
"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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BZ6dnT9Fx
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTUn5sxqcF
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mVthdUWZw
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr2y7Tveze
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGO39myJ6q
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGHwKxQhyx
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4V41hLJ4X
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb08tXi4u2I
"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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8c9JKf4Xc
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8N9Y4cm8k
"..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOz2tUAS7Q
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7CbaQPf6T
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q92GIk1Ld
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c92qRbO2N
"Strong?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA24Ibr700
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRuCY5gfcO
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbY9A66OFb
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfNlEiQEaC
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiobzgZsWj0
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI73ZoAo4Gs
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?103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47kfOA1MSS
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvOJv4fSyF
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RfAdAiUR5
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8k9TpXqVY
"Brat is certainly new..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA6DjLd0Ha
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp27KELlGgz
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGJG1T2xbW
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QyZkE5Cgh
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbPQ5mPVH7
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0THQjpgVz
"Think like what?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRbudQnhkR
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTELpF6DkpZ
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVSlJR4qag
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY7SeMHYsd
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdMOPieIhs
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUYRiCdjS0
"J-Juke...?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tVJwOt6Dd
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPz73irELR
"Do ya think I'm strong?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3IDQ7uFYX
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAC1iP82bo8
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXIqhR9Yzc
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93pvPWZ7vF
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidFiJvy3aX
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqThhpAjgL
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4DMsJtKnC
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZFIFL9Zf1
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh6DV24JD5
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo4d1CoUZY
"Yer a moron."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza1I6SlkAF
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvPjw4FTxw
"H-Huh?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h2Ve9vN6Y
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNN8KucVu2
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fXrKeMCwu
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"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREvI7v67S3
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRiF3jszgI
"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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYieimGmw6
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65WLaH8kJ4
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa2zucfmwM
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7Thct2NEY
"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–"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufcKyPSC9G
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKJfsVZUka
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQBsyGAMX1
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44sjAGZoiS
"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?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmEmNulCI9
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuNwTBtjWE
"..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVMmznA6iN
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZNA50OLrM
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOpdC6Q24q
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMYfaxXKqq
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsynZ7SNjdf
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnR9Zf2IFu
And so, I spoke.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34cqYeNWTL
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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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYediba8XS
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjHfXvPF6V
"...Yer just like that bitch."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyg9zFjJp9a
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk1z1vNfbK
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAq2yezQhg
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VyGSc8OAc
"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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEklxbwUmRo
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxjM6LszOM
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYmFi5FDoI
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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?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy8vFuJFGR
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDT50cB5JE
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5irFIrLFoN
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡephig9VAM3
"You're missing the point!"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oclRCPMZm
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8zAWcmuAK
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMm4n0tHsd
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOQLa4FtSF
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z2EQTnuEs
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDBjGP1jzX
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwXaDZmqxb
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaogwvs8ox
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtXMqqxqnr
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pAUdiMuV8
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQljYOonYB
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5scVw8Gtz
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhcYmApk3c
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr6mBwvNkh
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYEgiLnPj0
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvMBMBZlwT
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OXgUAoOeJ
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXRdrC4UbL
"..."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaiAtVmlPu
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KiMFKpH5g
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.103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF7TJdKseb
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw1luw2SIB
"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."103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxpYw7ollO
103Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEUGwQYjXS
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
