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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr7dUiksY8
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunK9xHxYVH
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"Right on."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm3N4xSUgF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr85L1BSbtE
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlCPDqyjoq
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipHk0pCzZ5
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"Huh? Oh, alright."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMp8GQgI3S
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzORQlujmYs
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85EojpKTi7
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW9KOpiuSb
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvGOes4k38
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatXELOSRgS
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsRWunjGOc
"Luck..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P4ezOaKo7
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9TZVKaNkE
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMFVSiDCOv
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ib1uGuIgM
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnwu1AeWlP
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3fcegbwid
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKS7uqex76
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabCFQPi6kd
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKIuH4El0p
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobUvcs46Zc
"You people are strange..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9ZI91gT3T
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡre3Iv3ttC9
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCL14oddXO
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuLe7Iegzo
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusDUI9Vi9L
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oQshwqNkm
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDotGBSHHWe
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRYqajDBxt
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVRKlOPLUs
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dv98YqDFo
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNV0RV9NiM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVGDQHuEnA
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvP02iTXxkF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIZ5ZO4UNs
"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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnte0Rn1mSs
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ147jdxDDb3
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeop3Fjvaa
"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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBzxOaUjJY
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3tz7IfEMd
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxHBQNAz9m
"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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWrSrV7q6P
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTlMyCyBth
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnaU486Cvg
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f4kEnFyyF
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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyorOQdkSP
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nFQI7s6JD
"...Huh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6OXsFpo1d
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIv5Ytmeqz2
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7CeboWjeV
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTCrCT09m7
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3nVsbuVkz
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"I can't deny that."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEMDe5Hk3A
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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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aYi9cNhh0
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxBO5jENie
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyNetvdXNj
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35kETO0B3j
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoEJplQlum
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAXDhtx5Lt
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNeXIHEoLt
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"You're up."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRe0whCVf1
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncCuASJkxU
"Right on."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKDHFOTEsK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVZe3Htsmu
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrf6YoBGc5V
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"That's... that's incredible."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIzvmeiCj2
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"Huh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKwewNPyPA
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvNCeEq8Sa
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh50TZorzT
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNcJDmePlF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilSEAVg6AX
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzS5e6DjXc
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCqKlY6aaK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6qLUgktZP
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jCrcxfIpA
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LWI3mRYwt
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoRlfbbR3V
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZk8IFH1wG
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46wPLZLgdx
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2khMgdRhf
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNoWOuC0X6
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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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyaPh2OQyM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5jqvkfbDc
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6rNin6EG8
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pf0VwAd2I
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NftImIvu9
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj8FBHvsnS
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZczNO7DojF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAmbMe96R3
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvPAoisLY0
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Su31HDc1e
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAqamoxmtN
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlxboHrKh1
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP7Md63IiO
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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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdFPeHKW5U
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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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifRiL6G3ro
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"What time is it now?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡradsKjOgAE
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21ueV0msGV
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4jf4qLqOL
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"Juke?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgYxqJwks9
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He looked at me and perked up.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkYaS3A79T
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJvxtff4Zm
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMwmNdo2tz
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1sqGw51yK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohsA0NCNUT
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3p8kFPzQY
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0yjyE1U4K
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJVJkCRVir
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc9qSjTqKT
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gyuLhNKuu
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAhM4EgQQE
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYr86iUZ7B
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4r7k0QbQbL
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NVMxCIF9M
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuqpKokObB
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOgMMZQ8hc
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdaAx2D0bQ
"S-Sorry, sorry."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpT7m5Qzt8
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCteXCWh6Uz
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulyCGpER8h
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5J46PNcnZ
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1m3yKw0hG
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"Ah, shit, yer right."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pr7qe9ybS
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMG0PWBF73
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUYbGZ8Bjz
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0jrkGPolp
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH65ZnoWuQT
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHNNnToX6l
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDY1HMm4Db
"Did ya just laugh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe3GsEBZMh
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"N-No, why do you ask?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhO1V1Co2n
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgx1aJEchB
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUMb67F3p8
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXEJ3swXXy
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZzvcVAoTI
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPvB2vjmNu
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgqDi9xhBP
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gyEzQadpM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CPPDSI9ui
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlNxytOPLb
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He narrowed his eyes at me.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmjoKqU6lW
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"I'll take yer word for it."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFXmolxBWo
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There was a momentary pause. I118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzoUxPyaFf
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"So, what have ya been up to?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu9mmggpZz
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCuATJJhnT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbl00WV8FA
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIfVhOyJt9
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkC3PnUmSO
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBWDff5F9F
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQlZWThigC
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3EE1oAZba
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfENpsosPA
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzkNu9o8d8
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"The sleeping room?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW6VC5Fin5
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCthA6p1iaD
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuT17lI3uR
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxD7tqbUZn
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aquFA0FLm
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUDDgUGEcv
He cocked his head.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ2AEHfIVS
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ586XFOM4r
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQMStC5y4o
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4BNet6ahl
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQLuFwMedq
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7d5K13ux9
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmJLtTevlZ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9THzmrqqeF
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhw3eD5rX2l
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvExU2WoK8B
"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..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMrhE15JW8
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGNLxnKaH5
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLI10LGDOS
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pLKb3yBHl
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbRy3FSs5Y
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"Loose screws?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgShARM7xp
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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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfpRmgR681
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeBdEC3HBI
He huffed from his nose and smirked.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaFWWS5o38
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyRkklCxtF
"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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQLfvRvwHk
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBstY7NOIBS
"Boring tales..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CNHMhO8RC
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMk0Q4kFr9
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lumusraWm
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctbVYY7vim
"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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccyByc1gBb
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfT9mF8rBc
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iO7yDcvj8
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P7QMUerlI
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSO2OTnt19
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xHWeISmCp
"What, am I too young?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghdCn2oBaf
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpzsV2IkxS
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoH8LGP2au
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbkh9b3jUO
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSaUnpzthV
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1H3V5zqQ0
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JYVDHnKQi
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh0zz6hOSg
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7URicn7E0
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuhRiw2CDH
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ7Mvq3poM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNk6WWh5Mk
I straightened my posture.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mngRP0Aqm
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFHjJRCmEM
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sQyZnhDVs
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcQHOY4o4E
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj5hI2j4Iw
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0IV8dHjPg
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9Jg0kQBHp
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5xABjKmOT
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW6r8e8SLI
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01w5kDMQZB
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSG11fGvyG
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5svu4OyDe
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR07DlEdAwt
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVP2rNScdI
He gave me a blank stare.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxcDWFBfvL
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kT3n6K40U
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YxWd0mHL2
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtEtZuZj9j
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb9ylFGp94
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXiOYGZ0qB
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI0Ce7jS61
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bxCWKVQxQ
"See? There ain't a difference."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZvsigN7he
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIgB9gSA6X
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4w6yaTqr2
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKw6YRAsmb
"Yeah? And what are they?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8aPlgwSBa
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKd8WnBQK5
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhAIkWAvi2
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmuBRvZpAQ
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoECreavA3V
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmkA1dbeWn
To that question, I simply shrugged.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQWFsjjQhb
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGufXx8xg3
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nXXRjYDW6
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nPaBv0FYi
"What a load of semantical garbage."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4HAeQHbbx
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6pfLlTa51
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV09LhuXox
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aVdkNStcM
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWczGAP4YGF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYbZZtkv0a
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6jLe51GUC
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3t0X1X37I
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hCZQn7GVT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjgxb3cVVA
"..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCE91Hvtog
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lk8xxZceH
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikOAIUxiNz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3P7VitZSN
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw6l7kdX50
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfay6OlPjHt
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReBv5MxeCJ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGurawQxQIT
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEqVm9Zmna
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYowqmf8MT
"I'm starin' at one right now."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03h91OuqLT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTGLcplZmU
"You know what I meant!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWi0WfuPBs
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BagjILKnd
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTaIfpHi26
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TyJktX412
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z5K2dM1Ne
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT8LrWDxRM
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOzDp7x2iT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5dObAT0s9
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbt1XZMUew
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkf4dT4uNh
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPUu5xXoft
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPESWfRjyd
"You're definitely being generous."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXGvWpXFqk
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuObzLXBoW
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFjAMUOpwH
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTumglkk7IU
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYasqOEwfZc
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyPqRzwbdr
He nodded his head.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKZtmTQjFV
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB6KGPndYQ
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kVzbby0Dt
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eOGmdNKCv
"...Oh my goodness."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83siMkIIJg
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIoAl1itN8
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9PtiAomtd
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r1Voz5GOu
"What? It's just mud, kid."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdTeAlUZrF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh9jDTiCfw
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZzlbVr9Fb
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIM2Dmssu1
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L8IBYOaVK
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuTPDLbz47
"Yes. I hate it."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWcuNY9umj
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlxYCd4px1
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4Z7UMi7ov
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMYnT5pIHw
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU6duwQ9ts
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0blEi568R
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaHQD9mJjz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGqWajyMmE
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZVB1LzKeH
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTDlxlehHb
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlTXnZosxe
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSMMMu0pqI
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaYCaqzSTC
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3TrAoiL64
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1iTiCOrRN
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl0cm6SWMf
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxostsUsuI
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekqyCVjQav
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWGsxGSH8y
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPX8A1jkD87
"Nah."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiP3KrBzcAE
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRy5qn70tK
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlZoJZVz66
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphCpleF3OH
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ121gUWrobn
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyk94cbtd47
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXrMlxUK3W
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOPBm9lPZI
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKpdOSExTm
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGFEM7AFWq
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ465cXM6yXH
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvKCf39kz0
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eWT3vaZRv
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyVaxobjfD
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1md33zawE
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2rtSzJO7Z
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf9abbDvrp
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSL8RzQRmD
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2irCPmZkLG
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKQGb3b1OA
"Huh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9B4aVqXin
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt70iooK0hu
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7407MHgJXT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXRvU56lOb
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdGPru8SnG
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCAJu69Aq1
"So someone told you as well?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa2QPGqsCR
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiR8AKdrCm
He nodded with a smirk on his face.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s13h6KiHX
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSJ2f6bG0J
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyETPG7k3tE
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PZsjviYTk
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn7jJgzSdr
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhNIh1mqyN
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCRfWp7RkJ
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6eUlpq4pg
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdDp0ShoBB
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLC9cTkMup
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfEsfFOTVT
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdrdio1l3G
"..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeKkKZ47L6
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ijhDql85Q
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7ME0S3P3W
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTjtBG5ll2
"Strong?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRjBqDZtri
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxnIaLRjQr
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs8O71PTC2
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWW7303Q6i1
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BPZSYhl5N
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlPOyvygVa
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?118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFEQ4mz5VE
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF7KVVn5jK
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dmx6YdCIp
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVQ8UEru2g
"Brat is certainly new..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQkQVbfHoG
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTb997K7jE
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfABcnFFX4
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtGxaISXsM
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPklR2vu1d
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmtVfsnh3Z
"Think like what?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBTylKHYFs
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFxO8QUb6B
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTE2DozeUA
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpubyNLZKj
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9fNCw41jP
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SiyIVxPOZ
"J-Juke...?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhwzSIpbhv
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn7bY0R3u7
"Do ya think I'm strong?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfC3XejbCl
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau2xQtvHqf
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKlEaST3iA
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tm9jMipDl
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGNpv6AnFV
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fhQQiWJAo
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8CWFFm4H3
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfnagsnsTK
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBRuDiBO7z
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8YvMIPVh3
"Yer a moron."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb5s7q82VF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOOIap1Qjc
"H-Huh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ492oippxD7
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65Leq26go1
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYg6WuOTXa
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvtLIyOHOF
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcaxhLYFEA
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7F9Ur3zte
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBlSdIVS7l
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z4NSwN9wE
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ43Wo2dq3A
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU6DUgl4y0
"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–"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq4p5V4oCu
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh70kyAuyX
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3plCnjBWLk
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXwUzJcLLD
"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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhklOOS4lQH
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSWBG8COPK
"..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTldPLTGJdo
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGrBKaErkI
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3yNh5iIaj
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyWt4AO0jR
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgh0XzD0qo
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSTYvwQRXf
And so, I spoke.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT4dW8c4qq
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3S02t4b5w
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlaQ9f2L2C
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdO9KZu0fZ
"...Yer just like that bitch."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11XU6Mgwkn
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qGLcrmZux
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfL2UNXyzB
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXBBBOA85d
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk6RJpiWYB
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMalAo0BNma
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuNTPIOXQ9
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEpiMVX26o
"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?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iqkU6OTHF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtSWCQ2xCM
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW44pnKJZkC
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaUqVQ2xBq
"You're missing the point!"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLdz0qhsvz
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxaLwuwM0V
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1bXHE8ibh
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfOfi0ax2i
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI84h3oDMm0
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASeyr9abbp
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rom21Wktr
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoOECrklY4
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu955zNc1Ca
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BowfK0d1v
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKYHHJU0Sm
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2W8kWEUtb
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT40eihwkAf
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FiY3115kH
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfH89Gu2Sn
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9ehc13htz
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDFUNKYSaF
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULqcSwO251
"..."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQUvRl0yHY
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylWsu3YNbJ
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.118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq88PTX8OOO
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ97E54SbB5
"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."118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj3rv6QrFM
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONPgmVbObV
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
