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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc76SsCsb71
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPjgoIoess
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHAoJsS87g
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjQyqsGOzU
"Right on."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0vj4WuDUp
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr02684CtH
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81lEJnjNfB
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HUt7OEBY2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz70MhqQeU
"Huh? Oh, alright."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzimJkvbFT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAMbm0nBPd
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaviCnFyT1Z
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KzTCe3TEc
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2k3dlWjWw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMMfU5GNi6
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkhxsmbfZZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9J7ijqqLq
"Luck..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79iWReiT7p
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCouRyh3Dk
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbURoV6dxZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRfs0eHCeH
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILFrb7qb9V
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LvmwfLQ77
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpkf4bWQJb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XBPcp6U3Y
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nSzkYxoCR
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLVKLUDUsl
"You people are strange..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9pjUssFGi
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrSpOLw1tk
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuko27e24qN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJisT0J5yDQ
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB5SVbkIEZ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaxCv9wJF8
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIwlumP0qg
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eptAmvfFC
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxka96UozyF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpliaXxpzF
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsKRmIAv8G
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvzAsr88iH
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsZN89VOb6
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq5UdsYfZK
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11REYatChE
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf4A64UKwl
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVPkVxdiRW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Uh6PNptgs
"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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSwfyiBPT7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqrj8AQTTC
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSjOdHRRBR
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LAHLQmN3T
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBHOA3K0sd
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2Q3jIhh6S
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDC9Q3VeCfF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GQDM6iQ1s
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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlcBZ2tX7T
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeD30s6Of8
"...Huh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiANv57h8oc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21pE73vD79
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVZFEyL8pP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZmFP8TSDh
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN5N9aImPc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BsUfifUPb
"I can't deny that."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4kDx5uJHx
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81p9bdprIM
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHvvAClvJP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF9VB2acsS
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X948S39bY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dKvXHgFWI
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS2wFDKVjS
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmlKM8MaVL
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE1vWDzPXB
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3yYVhAGHC
"You're up."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZUiqsxHb2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0QHpdot1q
"Right on."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaqADrb65G
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMTVVryWki
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYbOUzUDT7
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"That's... that's incredible."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ4K9Vw8g5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAIb5wIyhO
"Huh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0iagXcKNW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6LRFfxVdy
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdeaxM2ZPV
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8sjZDgVgV
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa7wtv051M
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWUuRZi1mZ
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJu9wlkW2E
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIRd3HFt2K
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH5WTlW07Y
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tZzc26KFP
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoxubggqm9
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczi1Ymsq9q
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7PrizgbGA
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZByIagBEnZ
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwDWf1S7zV
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y0LsDPj7X
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZddDAfcLk
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRJucfC3fe
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQifdMV8dv
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNMpjkGRYm
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz72tmysYt
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtlXxAOeLL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jzE3K9g0e
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHgPD0vsJ1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoIIP9gQ2N
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw40V8C5hl
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12nQnfXaQW
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ec8oKl3wR
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0oOdd33Wk
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzOvvLc2iz
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPhjjJrT9K
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbaOk3yLTB
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcrK7VEyMh
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DagA0cP5F
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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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHZ9fCIilF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dQ36dRzfz
–
–
–
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2iuAgvFh8
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"What time is it now?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7gXPUXlVT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpgZavh6pw
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8duUZSWMEk
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"Juke?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF4kHkZ5gQ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Q2goCkME
He looked at me and perked up.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9Cv8Wu19v
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEztnZuJpn
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHlXzBODXd
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fXtJESFaM
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5n3svDGza
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda4qsjpoI3
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqK9FeZDET
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAJUiV2d3X
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa8vJlcXs2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8kCAhbt3I
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7Fcaz0zPE
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuA0r79QI9
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabgIxxnVAS
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjatDoV0QE3
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZOuM9Qgz1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaI3Jwl9bq
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYbe97IvW6
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ547StZSyw2
"S-Sorry, sorry."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKz2TCrTGp
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAKKEd2BWe
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcRlLyN0Lh
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPjlZJkZBS
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP41ZC4As3z
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoalrJ62nYj
"Ah, shit, yer right."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN663GPHlIm
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4sUxIYai8
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYOuXgtVdk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdtvX1cFIm
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbApMAza4xu
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscdRYtnAgi
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2UFLcJpWr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOcajbQ0Pf
"Did ya just laugh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGwX2jK7Vt
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ALeEVrNvN
"N-No, why do you ask?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87rjcpOMrP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPuzexvKJs
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y1rZnSaCa
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP04moOkEfv
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILiKNPPrHr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqhqTYoCng
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFetzvNSoNu
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKQfWRxUZF
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91EB1tdUdC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBMAD0JMxT
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMQEFb72cj
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSKMSYE02U
He narrowed his eyes at me.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcm9Y4evcG
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"I'll take yer word for it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAcuEpTlBF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnzlMwhigy
There was a momentary pause. I76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrCx8RVn0l
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWkTSvYU1h
"So, what have ya been up to?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdppNKBvc3
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CxS422BVJ
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOSTw3WMQK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTAOhROYF0
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmYQcdSmW3
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpVpxrqgN8
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1juIQfk7L
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPaFWMV23s
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35MnVXBF7y
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWlwVab1UD
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEMvGl2Jcs
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsvIKFAk9Y
"The sleeping room?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwOZBDU02R
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH1P9StOhu
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0DI8YFS37
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf4IVSheXz
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIbEjqR3nd
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ5IXH9NqY
He cocked his head.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5BYWepz7K
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDlQsm3C3w
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNVP72GKyc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg9n5WGsoE
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfxDsqDMmr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLHxnMmSQ2
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTH6Fx4xyT
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5VEjFzSAK
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjz3G4LOP0
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4zKOAGhz3
"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..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrRjcpmRdL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAN6Gi7MWP
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKboe4hI1N
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6YwJjWWwD
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ICZhlxMGk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYBtShf1mL
"Loose screws?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zgzPoEbm5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjeWF1QrFU
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFheUh00mWr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGxj8MtT2C
He huffed from his nose and smirked.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAolnVj9G1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeKrGlZSzb
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VEkf4Jqgk
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OKwkreUkx
"Boring tales..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdPX4mgr4q
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn019aS4fD
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfCEjeQFMw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMV1QN4rOh
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbUZ7akWdp
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vgfbRyAUz
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDWNSirMZE
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxr3bEPaRw
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7A3iSclNm
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aLJuGJnwX
"What, am I too young?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmp62SNkf38
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx34FbZWjJ
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFfQMpocUe
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkox0cDLwsv
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV48OQ9p7Uc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRRZSyCgtf
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6MMwQ7ruU
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuZFUtwmfr
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKUihsSHSK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS8toukWXV
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrhyuZzUQ8
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm31AaYTtzb
I straightened my posture.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDgVP9JajM
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv10rCcjS8
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX9O13OiPf
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQaj0QbQcj
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36HpY5KTxI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfUmF188Oi
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzhZN9NOR2
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXfuOsgWj1
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhZ9eu27e1
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD7mgqSfp8
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRE0SrCLVO
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivY7EqkRPl
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgLWQp3que
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtadx1XEnqG
He gave me a blank stare.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2Ih7tEwXo
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yoKFxam5L
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxDCaiVARb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJEmZqSCfL
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtCKaywUYb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2vE3TuZt9
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07245DadV0
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxmNUonU2F
"See? There ain't a difference."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfph39xKJwm
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZKsbhTYfA
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFaI5Ac87V
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRUh35MW8w
"Yeah? And what are they?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN9Tv1WasN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVoa0uTUta
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xA31G9elr
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlMaLeNkXb
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZWmutm4gO
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQnHStT6S2
To that question, I simply shrugged.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsD4GXHCii
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCm8sCygmf
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMitdT7ZNa7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6zt61dbaF
"What a load of semantical garbage."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM6foa076r
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOAkEx9WqH
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIxCLu8pg3
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2wVr5fKIR
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDvaxs4DgL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpfNDFLE0s
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixVCL8hdRP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwBQapYw8w
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLVIG2aKUD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReHi00lRvC
"..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9m1vtJSVp
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnb6OwXZzd
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5LTUdWhjd
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7dW6vdsrl
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYXYKgGLEC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QnRg7tayZ
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38pR37WklP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kdpAnE20x
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3yXz9wEwD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5MMHwIxqb
"I'm starin' at one right now."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOD4CSa4VX
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwrG4RPoIK
"You know what I meant!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iUSWaACgp
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAzBHmIxzW
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfPOZ1nC0x
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwez6VnV1d
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5iX75fV3S
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UY55gDaut
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7IRz02EL7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHq9IxkV9P
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4MTophxak
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjGIdXBgIs
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ8V4UX5Ct
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUecPMcYLj
"You're definitely being generous."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvegJkkPauC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80XNGr74qa
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MqMSis1sK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MXxh6Z4Fs
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdDWW1b5Ab
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5ehy94hbl
He nodded his head.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFbg0s3Q5F
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvwfAEbVSL
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4ubTPV1KF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5Dt669L5H
"...Oh my goodness."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYaHco2Hup
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1Tv58BQts
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKdmhUbc0S
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCwjELyMcA
"What? It's just mud, kid."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqUNLzEyj8
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWH1PzR4Gq
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuidjORAKVi
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooVV95x4DN
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxEXZ8Dwbt
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNYrBVgy45
"Yes. I hate it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPovarv9Yl
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzS0UD7n6f
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrcnagiOhI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HMlUYxbym
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRB4ZDkzqw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6w2lX9e3l
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG8iFn9P5t
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByG5p5MHWz
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00IzCWkFLd
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWss7TsfPR9
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMmVsc9Wlc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKzDzeC8Sk
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCnuSgNLWY
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNC3LrUVhM
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMABobBmGpP
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvzcHlMu6S
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5My2hdrjG
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OaaFge9vL
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jz1L1mgnh
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjHKxl0IiD
"Nah."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BewmckD9M
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBhIPgprbB
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcq56ORqGQ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ851sjaIUTZ
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8A27cXBFTs
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XwDN3Geem
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7P9yfVwJ6
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaq1UN3aWW
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NqqjKEyK9
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzsoNpune6
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTA5l97ffu
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTnNs4SFCj
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0PGU9aYH3
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK4aQJrjFz
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbEpd3OSYn
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR9BEKiuVe
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QZlLvlCMw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEQthHkmI7
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUJVBXzvaA
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdX6JpTr4L
"Huh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qpULZv5Cz
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwtP45yrGz
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCVsg36Yqc
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimluuptgEX
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSEF4tVgSa
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQopchyXvBw
"So someone told you as well?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAwKOOVZgK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkeX9Vq6I3
He nodded with a smirk on his face.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWMek7bu2o
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb40lfdL3K
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL90zYoa260
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT0hVcauin
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSnC1fpHLe
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E5uxZSrjZ
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlVUSIyz8V
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uifYIokYp
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj7UGH8SxQ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLj22VU96Z
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xBkiV3poF
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB79vUwZhKO
"..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluGk5FoWF9
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOA7A1vsAPY
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aleecrMIN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7agr4f0tKu
"Strong?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn5UfuNNjJ
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqSe7uJlMi
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofLCHrCzxK
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHVg30LxyL
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeltrqaacv
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEs2sMxDpv
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?76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbNearsL5V
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFw6k02T0P
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkLPAgbur9
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmgSLD7h9U
"Brat is certainly new..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYUmVuBanw
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7uimI2ICf
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzy18eDEsz
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWjEXzAAF8
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjm5VqczYKi
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQr7EjUEoh
"Think like what?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE3Tzpn05W
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEL0VOhrLD
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2exqCutrN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVWdCecBtb
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vn9IamNW9
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhucAH0Bz0J
"J-Juke...?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5e10fwP5T
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z4mJqAVWX
"Do ya think I'm strong?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulu2psZETl
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhq2tIotze
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Hp6l5Zy8K
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uPAwENX0D
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQovj0WEPFb
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbHL9vVetB
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MHe9fD43D
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VKPu51JKk
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdij28kFOTI
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0xKfwABni
"Yer a moron."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCceo3ZMAG
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOINDKKPZDT
"H-Huh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoUtTWgfvg
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlKRJIGikw
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnkDOj4IWa
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30IQF9XbfA
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggmLsjyj1l
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PPKUSUTqj
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoSQLBbH67
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVUjB5mrhE
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6exB2Uychv
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoc3EUlYsW
"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–"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQhL9v5s8L
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz66c3HPpY
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMce6XWr507
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl97ZTHQ36C
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNM9ZV01F7
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmUcNRxdim
"..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieNpbE3J01
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04ZUuNtsuW
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlXP4FLS3u
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVoSPimh7D
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEIxSW9LL4
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCA8N5ONvjI
And so, I spoke.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAaq5esO4h
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcew5qWrs81
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8R7efWfpl
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbljVXbfNTh
"...Yer just like that bitch."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx32iw1s2lH
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSJy2qqvOB
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiSSgTVxSX
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV63qq4YFux
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuqsZXbwN5
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpmL30DpzG
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiLEAAEioD
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfB0mCFwME
"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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1SDBCrOfW
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3C9d17vUP
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVdAo58C7i
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRSOY8v1P0
"You're missing the point!"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg46PjrggL
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawKMkebkwS
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqnUuuPYRB
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2adj9D7uE
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZqRKw5BfU
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MEEnlEpb0
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwDPnHv489
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBssyWFx1cn
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY8Tax4HHs
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H3wnFNyFe
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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDq5B6e2hC
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuyz1puWbW
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBcvy0obQW
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I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG3try6w2F
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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?"76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3RFTVttZN
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lzQXzjoOl
"..."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wwPmjArEc
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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.76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5i8Kjvyl3
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDXjYCJxDX
"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."76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TI5UhQ0Fd
76Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH2yakhSMS
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
