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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxITr0WVd4
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w4uxPSkCv
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vXogeySNV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJze8goV3Wt
"Right on."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXQHf2dbxV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZcz7nWkpH
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6S9A7DS98
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp0YOOnkua
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBv1hjNiBJ
"Huh? Oh, alright."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wSz260OE6
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp9sZ002lt
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdbyuIv1U7
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cmKNKPGES
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOmtEYmRvt
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarc8gr6WhZ
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFeRGqNHnE
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF11QiIlKM
"Luck..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYOLFbEPAo
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk4QAagX2i
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2IApUpm73
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBmHCHYdhw
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg7iMc3eBZ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJFmzPCtY6
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkcW5nFHsN
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJBZfJcK0W
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt5HUywa5y
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLmsO2rq1Z
"You people are strange..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFciZq04smp
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQQijW3Q0L
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm8Z4qF5fR
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PNQB4BIQ9
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKa0N4TjH6
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OK4zEnI8r
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNeuoJB8GT
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD04vu4jx5
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4sZEFxGZV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEjEzWsRNY
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7tS0T75Ja
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02fpofUFAX
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8bAUDsmqM
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0ckaKxAVr
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYt6fDzL3r
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd11tv2PqaV
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSanAK3Vqr
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoiIJve5OI
"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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wwPYtcWpC
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBxardxhHF
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAa2DFD2YX
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYPRV68GqO
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nB4Qrbj3E
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkQByOizEQ
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2kbnEIbtB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVo0NaYfhD
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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6Q5ShjF9o
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"...Huh?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbryJnHM9J6
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtsIZu47Ml
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoCCWnuxDz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNSj71eAFf
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9OF1bymTb
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qG5HT4y0b
"I can't deny that."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY2ToYN7PA
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvtCQ1NrIP
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ofjgmhlq7
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvxjfkbZ9p
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RBHWdN81h
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetXZ1YEAkk
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWohfxQNVP7
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcgVuIuGYa
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzpaFpGy7s
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BpA37cgof
"You're up."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsbhvYFXL9
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK1150m30q
"Right on."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN4dLATJxP
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1gaJ1iuO1
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPe05YCTYB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fwEfoDE82
"That's... that's incredible."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPFj6ynxsm
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIyd0zeBeW
"Huh?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qGtWCLmmp
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsANVOjL2J
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp351t6Nybc
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ES6z8CqHp
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnrcSWm64R
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPPnajLle3
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr5i7NDKNI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkvD2g2ueR
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiISEsUoCF
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡashqRrR7ys
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUzS9AsCxk
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOIOFAHIg5
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwcTJ8eSTx
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpsXd8jcSk
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg49h3RxVns
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkklHr9gkfs
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvqICQ53Tj
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdaGG7VzD7
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdIy4IDR38
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWSBLu7Tdv
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oYWAKbWGz
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtLKQVeq6R
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn6IDJKNA7
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF73g8FzHB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgq6bbDVwX
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuats0m5tWz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQqASt3bb5
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon9GVcB0HR
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm1cDKIHAk
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vHfU2pHLb
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOgDm8uhGm
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiEfkEiaAC
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCiN3r7jxV
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUJlPt3Iby
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNdm3yL7Di
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteSETK2OuH
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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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CPKgt4GUO
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEena5EX0W
"What time is it now?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmknLtW6QQT
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHzuVNEJYG
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxwlVmjSBI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6p5XpE5mZ
"Juke?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiHYtU2YeK
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JRP76ho3Y
He looked at me and perked up.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CMh4yZOqf
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b7DBR06qg
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1j8iVnSjP
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWt2a3xYap
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjHdZ25XuV
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A93nXBlNr
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub5luHvAtA
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RuoNRWZJo
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph3TdQkmVC
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEmmdiKAYi
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXmv7ft98l
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt01PTqQpuY
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3iR3kJEW6
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnqMKsRviH
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImbLF4R6Y0
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6f2xkAhmq
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGypztJ1Oh
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRDFWARXY9
"S-Sorry, sorry."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxoHO5mpyE
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdzl6wAQdt
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uNj1x8ceQ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoKiNSm769
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHEiqcM05F
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JDKSAPgbh
"Ah, shit, yer right."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qIsJAJ7KE
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQPQwm1l2S
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3SbLy6V1u
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9lhogXfys
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE5xtu0p53
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEif4taQToB
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrbyIGHRTE
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LDJmVbQRy
"Did ya just laugh?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2eHEBHkvp
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlNP0SOIwh
"N-No, why do you ask?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbhh6wbqqe
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyVqGkTz7o
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObqEQM62xG
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh0RGOIJQl
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EWM9ASQyy
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98vBbOmGJy
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVnUQr0PJk
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrWaxh8Uw0
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe16N0UziAc
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04vruvpGM4
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe96JSZqedl
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzFrpTdC9V
He narrowed his eyes at me.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJg18kJKjg
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf5Nerreas
"I'll take yer word for it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9vRtbTjyX
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AjnC5ZgYT
There was a momentary pause. I102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5rErsMx2o
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSr1sVCdhx
"So, what have ya been up to?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTJfyT9DR6
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Zntad47O
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdN4lffJgx
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CHF2JJI8F
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sJ0sLedmK
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMSzxzmQGI
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHwkHr1L56
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRYMoiceSx
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELNzsTFvtQ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTRTYGGNuo
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwVGaUJ4KZ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2ukjps8ZB
"The sleeping room?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCK4YAgYmT
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0jVHXPJEj
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5apokVy3m6
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDdlnLjw5P
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC7DiagD54
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY8ttWI6hs
He cocked his head.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdHIojbAFN
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GSj5EpNnC
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlBHY0pwKF
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhQ3QXO8Th
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF11L9eYzi
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmipVbRSpIy
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMzqqXTcLr
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OPoJxVjCL
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUSJm6dJ9i
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqNwELEvW9
"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..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdmS30RguB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3bLpGMdDN
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y4fzCaDNX
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4a3nYu0mW
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhrGl3SoTd
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU9s1kOkl6
"Loose screws?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUoBB0r2mU
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LRPqY0pxC
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB26WCrYyQ2
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UmtEZ01ZN
He huffed from his nose and smirked.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBAdZdPCFD
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKCoXu6Gyo
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuEFbkDFYj
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaVPxajvCj
"Boring tales..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTjRCTbE3I
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorMeHSze18
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8vs8ovxsd
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Zo1SJ9APh
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dLnJaHlMc
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAILSvp45B
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTQvF71daN
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YyLVOydcq
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a0ksHGD8t
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EqsPG3t68
"What, am I too young?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GaOE8miiQ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWea50m18tY
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU1AnjsfDT
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSIw5jDeWZ
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaurVsETnbA
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnM1K6lQgR
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzntrB4Jr68
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2b4nPmNP1
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdItIcEznDf
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5b1BERala
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ715wdEa8cq
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENshR0lqqj
I straightened my posture.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rbBh2zniA
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0S6qzBJtG7
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFvZHNjJYT
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUamUlc98l
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmn7AJ4Xqr
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17ESSWhKgw
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK79IesIdX
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNHvMmxNWI
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVsC7jejgJ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ1hEVC4Qr
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AxtYtZ0hf
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDI9CFvZgV
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eiQbZx0QO
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVogUnUzjl
He gave me a blank stare.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiHLejXaH5
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFztjQGy3T
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXymkB64jcG
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIrzynm51y
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhouxrpIog
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUbHDEtWKs
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrN99JefDB0
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupDv4rUXwu
"See? There ain't a difference."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VQD2VircC
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SZ1R6Dcwb
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAkU7JPe6h
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVFQjif1Uv
"Yeah? And what are they?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NVdDeoihk
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknWnngA9ng
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSma6SWv8wP
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NFxCqdMZ5
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h8Q4mcVrl
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlwZaAf879
To that question, I simply shrugged.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjK0EaVWEp
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmk1TqjLUX
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrntZh6TqOz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlnzrfvtv1
"What a load of semantical garbage."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUs0DkfJ0m
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdaLpWrFOJ
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F5JYRbCQI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWRYBeCyJ2
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PPjqUrj5S
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xqcdGNQ3n
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5YSj9bR8G
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVivKJBCC9y
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DsZXTpzww
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qWJUF4ZEm
"..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4UNXIY7ME
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKtMciyvxS
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW5JapCJxK
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoBnnKYrAz
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S8DEHvHNg
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pHd3lLW5C
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeaKm8fY0G
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRNAYn1QAI
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9KvbMVr7z
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq6Cg2BbE0
"I'm starin' at one right now."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7pXU1HIHB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsd7C5ZcetB
"You know what I meant!"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeQUa3xDaW
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJox4zWwfji
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnRZWDZcdC
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7G8FLdyYJ
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4VOq1ANot
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbsRxnUMfN
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYomh45YmvR
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugtrQcuWJd
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Ew3mBCra
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR6pqD8yki
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYFQRtkieI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu1RnUUCLq
"You're definitely being generous."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbb4TXSSBC
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8kIZPuGcd
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ342wdyQCb
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tCgv5diNN
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71IWJ8fmVb
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqqNV2rx0a
He nodded his head.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi0DDvoGvk
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCIewyupOq
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hz0TOCbHu
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhfvtLn2Kf
"...Oh my goodness."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxeuGP7YHb
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgUW4CA4wd
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8AGPJIx7J
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IQKfGF7FE
"What? It's just mud, kid."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltpTC8rpsi
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6DrLsQOHr
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbVh42nzi7
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT26RAtH5x2
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRoKaI4LrH
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xah2CWfeR
"Yes. I hate it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2RLXE4lOI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4B3PJbPkM
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKazu8d5Df
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb3Va9cH9c
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfztmgXqse
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQWYVaVVSl
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kkPUb4wVT
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxKGLJZZsx
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bKw3IQbhW
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpgmJvr98i
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmb6OLnsekj
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjD8pNojxm
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87aTqimfCo
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCijtETjeot
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WHhEML2iM
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLucTvtfWNr
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7IrwhTCfq
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1UE7HrC4l
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5dFWb9BYo
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhl13u2Gbt
"Nah."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP22ilZxKGr
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmxONRmaaH
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwm5nXvo3V
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaBXVQBiQ4
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomv01Gv4dF
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhm8XyrHXN
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FjJsujHKO
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIndIEbmNZo
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglyW03wKKk
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ52IHNOrY
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyul7joNrmx
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsifPmCsQkE
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMvKjVfMmI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UIW1h8QZj
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zEM2lRGYh
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YqfKy8euD
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjvOFN9BhD
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBhIS7SzyP
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0opgipmlp
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsMfm2PNtr
"Huh?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXggsDOUOO
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVep27M3YD
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBI3DVnYfz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7e4CgF5qs
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ1HFO8oTB
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYko08AYPc
"So someone told you as well?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIeZdgZnAi
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPszRAa8FzC
He nodded with a smirk on his face.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P7NI2XJq4
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmRGrPK0ex
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXTDlxFFia
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ825tKGgqRL
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmYjrLmxRS
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17u469EuTk
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYUgkfsj41
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtkuOzcahO
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4KperZ288
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU79r9J0Aq
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7KOceFdlM
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3C2BAzFgb
"..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ahd7VdfhU
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPanhueQYE
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcA9PjOIAL
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3hUfH29KQ
"Strong?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9Z2W4Icfx
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEEpsd6OWh
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPsH68hS0i
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dnljJSPXT
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbptpDKFlgz
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqZSd97s64
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?102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf6e4u0R0Y
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasep0sqkOR
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal2ZikI0Jy
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gBZcq4WQk
"Brat is certainly new..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu5oHtBJtF
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRhGBiyQgj
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMvSP1Z08R
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjwTUjZrSc
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUzOEOIGFr
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Qt3cp4cjJ
"Think like what?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVAUchIaG0
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0wgHGWiBn
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvC16SgP0w
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TmU9gpQeV
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG5pQH0Soc
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaTJo6scRq
"J-Juke...?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtRntwxmHE
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwcBgIuneM
"Do ya think I'm strong?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvuIVzhMef
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57B6Iu20Nh
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUl771amyu
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQGwIoK7tQ
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XgJhGjYXF
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0irGRqvKk
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTbMpl5R7h
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfJ7lldIkf
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmz69oR6QpD
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzzCgn1poa
"Yer a moron."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwP4uapVJX
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIz158gqyq9
"H-Huh?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKFw0MBEEo
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGrdm2jU0N
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ472dSmaJ09
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aDRFiPfDA
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYYeFpvlxc
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nxnUN6eTx
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwLoxcjBWl
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKa6Uq6ncD
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwSa9Qtx0Q
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M6z6mMsZT
"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–"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuUe80VGRa
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrqpnAVuEy
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL29BUUQRrN
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeWEJSNWSj
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB1JGUij8e
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXCeXUI4bm
"..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwI2HnTAnC9
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kDdq1oVan
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJboe4SgEMF
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWCRrAeavx
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOGm8taXuI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuWIkVgJ4d
And so, I spoke.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTGg9zzuuX
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4ozyMiOaq
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbsuKXJQsI
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzdI5rpcEy
"...Yer just like that bitch."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIMtSWbJui
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3O2ERBrga
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsXU647k88
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeuEl5KjBl
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfPNBEZfIK
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ7IyIAUU2
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo0k16AStt
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGb6FJt1UJS
"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?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBTVjZurKG
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFpo8pH5Jh
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYugKiw5ERd
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSGqigIIDr
"You're missing the point!"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRXGCnfowG
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrLqGUzEuW
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf9uLTSreL
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3Fj138qk1
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAySwKcvn6Q
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtKH2KLN43
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcKUTfpnk7
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ522e444yU3
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXPNeSPXUK
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5g53VB3F0
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2N4YR7IVj
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqgU4oQ4UF
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFuY4kxyrT
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7wR08kEFd
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Zx8F20ZCs
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzjvzduHB4
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOZL4Nd2gG
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI41Xp7LSk
"..."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabhU4PtuYM
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskgoNxc7Dh
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.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeoWtMpcXJ
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUixN69ufe
"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."102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbVhJlfSwE
102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi4D6RxcHc
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
