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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqChydMdR0
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fXrunkNKX
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"Right on."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Sq84AiXzM
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Turns shifted and the die rolled. The process repeated a countless number of times and the minutes passed by quickly. At some point, it stopped being that way. At some point, rolling the die and moving a figure a few paces forward became dull. Looking at Nigel and Damon, it was impossible to tell if they felt the same.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ2vjb0YnP
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUobDipspGl
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"Huh? Oh, alright."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6QTNZc3Qf
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4Owkn6icy
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmT9U7lySEL
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbl0z8E7XK
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"Luck..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ2Cju9rhV
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Damon had a point. Maybe the absurd reliance on luck to function was why this game so quickly lost its luster. I moved my figure forward and was sent straight to the beginning. I sighed as my head sank.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07fjQp7QB0
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevOYaQ3ZYe
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VIGeeGqkv
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr3ZC27619
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"You people are strange..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZylXL4MKU
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"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ342eZx4Dx3
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeozNbKO2Ab
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMijp2xslz
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwtJxlHCfE
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"Shut up! Speak for yourself."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiSeVCPeOE
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4GDrAhM8H
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"Especially Damon," Nigel stressed, "It's only natural if you ask me. Our upcoming operation will be the biggest battle we've ever fought. I'm sure the same is for you, Kenny; aren't you nervous?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzwXxzpPP4
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcrfQIfgDv
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"But?"
I pinched my chin and thought: why was it that I had a reservation for his words? I knew better than anyone how parasitically such events nibbled your psyche. But still, I struggled to believe it.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMeCYyHEFG
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzTOGfpet9
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"The whole Retaliation Crowd seemed so enthusiastic during that meeting. I didn't see you specifically, but with how loud the room was, you were cheering and roaring too, weren't you?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XCDA1xPVL
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDIbQD7Z43
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Nigel looked away and placed his chin on top of his fist.
"Well, don't tell anyone, since it's a big secret and all, and I don't want to be beaten for spilling the beans, but we collectively agreed to act that way."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wYEMByTRW
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"...Huh?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTQ19zkgdk
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaKIynoAsF
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqipP56otR
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"I can't deny that."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosBwUEGjOr
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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."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLhyhrasgQ
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRwTStNOdr
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujq0Po2m39
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW9YWx6oc8
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"You're up."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwq8eHcMtBr
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"Right on."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZLV24YvMg
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They kept playing the game as if nothing happened. It gave me ample opportunity to mull over his words. I had a knot in my stomach at first, one that came from confusion, but as I mulled over it, I felt something spark inside of me.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQOc3LjJr6
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"That's... that's incredible."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XhSHUnXzc
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"Huh?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtlPxzQXks
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gzEpYrgq1
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UyqddfTir
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhKQy7o2n0
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YaVMFggwm
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR0IWqsSOA
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"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qM4296lpf
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
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I sighed and clutched my head. The other two started cackling, which only furthered my frustration. I tried not to let this moment spoil the other.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xSMBykrN6
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"I'm just messing with you. It's flattering that you think that. It makes me feel like I'm doing this for a reason."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZtjIpRShK
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzusUooYTm
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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?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RCV6cm9uX
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He didn't voice a response, nor did he make a gesture. He had an eerie glare aimed at Nigel, who looked completely unbothered. As the two continued to play their game, I looked at them. Guards with a duty, poised to fight the very next day, yet here they were, playing a trivial game, and smiling through all the stress.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6dHHFJL95
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6VTwzriIa
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLW3z0iyMH
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"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpDUe0FIme
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZQCvu43oT
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I had no doubts that I'd be seeing them. Or, at the very least, that they would be there. It was a comforting thought. It made me warm. Nigel patted my shoulder with a quick chuckle, and I wasted no time leaving the game room.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9INF0v6uz
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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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEEsRStvcs
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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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv19IGoxTYF
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"What time is it now?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQk0Wng7YF
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And as if someone had heard me, the door to my left opened. I looked to see who it was, and out came a person I was all too familiar with, but with a face I hardly recognized.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLXkuyEoVK
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"Juke?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD4R1RA4eC
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He looked at me and perked up.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgzGkuJ8HH
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ7JJgymO6
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nhfymxoV7
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1sch0kNrs
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"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq9XMP5Gl5
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vUJyYmecn
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtWxPhpEXa
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXZJTFEllU
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0WXYgqcVb
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SrQs7Vqcz
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"S-Sorry, sorry."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlCBe6ZrvV
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I slightly bowed with my apology. Juke walked away and up to a couch, but before he made it anywhere, I stopped him with my words.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YCNxqisjD
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8elniq26S
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"Ah, shit, yer right."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNDHIptDmo
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Thus, he walked to the door and closed it, then he returned to walking towards the couch. But neither I nor my gaze followed him. My eyes were glued to the door he had just shut.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXWOItQyV4
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8b347NHP7
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I looked at Juke. Juke, who was missing his helmet. He let out a big sigh as he sat on the couch. I connected the dots, and all of a sudden, a little snicker escaped from me. Juke turned his head to me. I quickly suppressed my voice and walked up to him, sitting on an adjacent couch.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWMAD1JFjq
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"Did ya just laugh?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUfrzSHDPh
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"N-No, why do you ask?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuzMNhxkvT
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsHOXxvu3z
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjblIx7no7Z
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There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpnO48qvfU
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlwANe0Z9F
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6RrZ8o7xr
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c7ju3IlpW
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He narrowed his eyes at me.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7YBIsJWQw
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"I'll take yer word for it."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jqu6fWjy2
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There was a momentary pause. I75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7KJ3jdOnm
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"So, what have ya been up to?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC37z04j2O
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSAdRExoX3
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxyUFeuvYO
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlChxIKQjE5
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"What, the sleeping room? It ain't anything to write home about. It's just a bunch of beds. They're pretty damn cozy, I'll give 'em that."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOh64E6hOn
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8dTGHFUfe
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"The sleeping room?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YjPCMyoIX
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"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUw5Gnn7BH
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekUClmstGS
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He cocked his head.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef16CHtOqJ
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DChq2ScK1
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"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewhEZhWSHX
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Maybe not every member of the retaliation squad was noble and principled. Juke shrugged at my request, and another round of silence ensued. Since he had already brought up the topic, I decided to press him on the matter.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4E2FpnYinf
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLxFBjXuei
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"Nah, there's more than enough beds. The room's gigantic, I tell ya. I ain't a good judge of smell, but I got no issues with it. And, the guys and gals themselves..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuSd9G5ZED
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCu3KI3w1C
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"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhin6pH6Zf
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEp3Ti2emmb
"Loose screws?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9KItygMAh
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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?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhXfBf3HjK
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yhFXt0Oxq
He huffed from his nose and smirked.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp72m2jydx
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTGa3k9KnW
"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?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1VzDgQ89w
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu1N5Y4rkG
"Boring tales..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlTDe3zNcW
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidTe9LZsUX
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLr0oPJcGl
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1fizG5khW
"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?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw6yHfODiS
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK03I6lXJrR
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0FLAKz1ej
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErYSHBo4uR
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKv4rCIgXr
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtc70AgTvJ
"What, am I too young?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67Y6g0JHN2
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqeUI0vYfS
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeobQWV6v6
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGKKu1TGns
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5JX0lzQBv
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVa5ggpZdr
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5QghBxmvC
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8uTTRslj4
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgLTw9hTIs
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUenGgIn4rA
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc11YJrBAf
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS8wLC7cuh
I straightened my posture.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVqkOf46GA
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO60DKrNR2x
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDS7NcsEpJ
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v4N9p6kMy
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4h8CxyUlO
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkt8hWDjOb
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJlxi2B0FR
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArQosbNqwi
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkpYzM7n4e
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG63nlIvsr
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35hP5AjNVq
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfEjtHuG5J
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QDIVxJvHh
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjj3zT0olo
He gave me a blank stare.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB5Fg0SfqM
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNqiBMdyAY
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD3GYgQdPQ
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf294Laqks
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1E2IjRCvQ
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuNjwi7znd
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXJP0ZKvtW
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLxNiExXTq
"See? There ain't a difference."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEdz5ec806
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMOd3BjiB5
"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."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqlYrDjH7c
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIajd8mSGZ9
"Yeah? And what are they?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6jR2FJu92
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnRMvlAx0H
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp43CbkvoEO
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvys3359Ywx
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJn0SjzCfd
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To that question, I simply shrugged.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaNox7b9Wo
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZD7RN0c7Z
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuvIcxGx16
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIUyWwR8eY
"What a load of semantical garbage."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpVDY5Svmb
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I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohFnZrgtV2
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9btqpL1gUN
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJL0eU4qUe
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgI5VFGXna
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG49XbZtutd
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNquYJUdBHU
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcIR9ltzqS
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefG1ezTyef
"..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gFZ6zMpqq
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQdjeqgCLO
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGDpEKTwq9
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSKGHjnCgg
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qvBGip3P3
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjDqD0mFhP
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRcV8iCsl9
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4Ax9tSx2a
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OEAZQZ9f7
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7E4sPAw3b
"I'm starin' at one right now."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3aEcvuLvJ
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe86FfA1iZ5
"You know what I meant!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhi3XXsqLwv
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvBjNbtrBS
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCGYtPKAE0
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcbB9dkbjB
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBGHwnSwZW
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"Me? Nothin' of the sort."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6ZS2JTVRy
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He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IChZ969wW
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80Z6A60WsT
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtNEtJRK29
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY0HC2XF4j
"You're definitely being generous."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUjcDdAsuX
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1KaRHiZ8R
"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."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkslTwzJ9N
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJrJpLbOcK
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtFxYmSxPI
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYV84kxQLz
He nodded his head.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHd13L4x6W
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZMI2gTxpA
"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."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigkXyHZlu4
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBdH8Thviy
"...Oh my goodness."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGoAfEonY5
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I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bpYrvGaie
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGSb0I7Cfg
"What? It's just mud, kid."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOszmkz6IwJ
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBNiLoSZPc
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjgFLJ2Nc9
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcbuczdKHO
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtlB4gVcJf
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vma5Uag8g
"Yes. I hate it."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHeiKs3tAl
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJj4t4dMPV
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0DiT8bUCa
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIMFhUANUC
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aQElUq49X
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPPSdkRmEN
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m33Y3g6ce
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYgfXavPIk
"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."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeCT88tgqm
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKguaX5Xun
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP70Cl4Fhu
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE6Cfqnswz
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37YWgpzjMb
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1ETYGCRAd
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMlwzI8eQ8
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoMBkAuT1a
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkka1vvuFvs
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtgvwJRwXI
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KfcQiCs15
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjMp0Xe1Mf
"Nah."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM72BzObQag
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I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuVpezucId
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdk30BvrQU
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBRfnE1WfV
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFkbUuZX2P
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1cJhQ5QZ5
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATfCB8zix4
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jXWJOJZXn
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6IFHzEAGB
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFUluO1hGl
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKen41YdWfy
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY5i7wYXrU
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaI3rJK4sd7
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BAklo4mvP
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPSUmVkYC7
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3eg22Azc6
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wnn8Xn8fr
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37xQD94S2L
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKufFBw7ho
"Huh?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee6wfsnvYA
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1UMP5ymrO
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYVEkQ06kY
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXJHFyz5Oh
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmJGljopsm
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWetibFNJj
"So someone told you as well?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarWxGxgSSs
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaTnzBIv2A
He nodded with a smirk on his face.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx000VgY40l
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahYndazYJB
"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."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1llWo8q5bM
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCZUjyc9FV
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45kmAfGkfZ
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj2xUn4Bxh
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHgPMoqsOS
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv87sQ5tFkQ
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuE07XcdEZ
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS8Wyi3VZL
"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."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwqusqf6IP
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BoGHJ1ZOn
"..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh27BiIflD
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT6iGjt7c5
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsl2VVsrPU
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"Strong?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0v8TircVB
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYtQZCqbmU
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGM58dIVZ5
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQggqFX134
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWJPwStAzH
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRZhM5H46Y
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?75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ML6wPKlw5
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v6Vsiyi7S
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMRL31i2F3
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffqvFG51vU
"Brat is certainly new..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlonpf4GyjE
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYygjjuyUs
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzFncSWZK5
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Yo6AphkvA
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JfcfqqBhr
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8tlwluKhm
"Think like what?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY3nCLTAEh
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfcsmwBoN6
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9DzlV98GA
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr4PzlqIHr
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu3S8Waq3h
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXnArezCOe
"J-Juke...?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrNVQhQx45
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHibVOtf9W
"Do ya think I'm strong?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1dbmSNWby
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJv0mUf1Q7
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83YTWveAAR
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0rWNBpJmV
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFO0ckKtWWE
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVIxWO1Mle
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5x6u6zsgH
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFgkwHmcBh
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWfKAenGeT
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7gDMqj3kH
"Yer a moron."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9WjdeXeni
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvhA5CuC0W
"H-Huh?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC1YUYBCGv
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But my resolute answer was shot down. I composed myself quickly, and with a will I didn't know I had, faced his scrutiny head-on.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgVecaJP5h
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"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj61RIqgFpi
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"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."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdwqIYytrO
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He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtjU44v0QZ
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"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–"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERMqeCL9Uu
75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RsJUKzacZ
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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhTe4mKsPg
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"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?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMkA8ZOAkT
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"..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSMVMSzDCg
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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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr1dWOWyty
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However, these feelings were irrelevant. In front of me was someone that I wanted to help, and if I couldn't start now, with nothing to inhibit me but the mood in the air, then I was hopeless.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcSFj548Ln
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And so, I spoke.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYMA6LKTZ7
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"Y-You– You may not be the most capable, but if it weren't for your decisiveness, then that Lionant would've eaten me long ago."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfK2T0eot1
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"...Yer just like that bitch."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxOo4HmMf5
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It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAqJvhptt3
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"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."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGe1WiNyBOw
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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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFc7zeXfvd
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"S-Such traits aren't useless! It wouldn't make any sense for it to be! I-I mean, what good is power if the one who has it is too scared to wield it?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ821DctsjoW
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"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI4rzbRQ3r
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"You're missing the point!"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BrZ7p8X8M
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Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUTDEzbXW4
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"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9E7yh8e5zp
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His comment struck a dissonant chord with me. Time stopped for a moment, and by the time the world around me flowed again, Juke was out of my sight. I heard his voice beside me.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ijbg73JUs
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"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp8gUfAFaC
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And he walked off, towards the room. I couldn't let him do that. I couldn't let this end on such a note. But, I didn't know what to say. A part of me was flustered; another, angry. But all my being knew I had to say something, anything.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvq0muXcv4
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What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1pLU92dp4
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I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDOtJow29A
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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?"75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoPTIyD0cN
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"..."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqWRbN1RrA
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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.75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyERI3cZBo
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"That was just luck, kid. That's all that's keepin' me runnin'. Has been from the start. It's gonna run out one day, ye'll see. And when it does, my ghost will find ya and all the strong folks who say the same shit, and laugh at yer damn face."75Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztmFCEm8kk
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His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
