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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEknQRWSIP
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0IyNYpVt7
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"Right on."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfo1oPd3gJ
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFtcCRgcQu
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YrmsD2wkJ
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"Huh? Oh, alright."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1l4gjEEyW
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRYOA4cziH
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2dc9jMtMW
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNumHIhHU9
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"Luck..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1vuwOeEK1
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjQGHEilFL
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCPaVWOf32
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA11P2LWR6E
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzYgg2UciJ
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"You people are strange..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE5AsurXrb
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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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZokiiNAUN
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqpWpRr3Td
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFwLykxixQ
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuYnh4jjBM
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"Shut up! Speak for yourself."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ979y2pVVsl
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7fvIJHGga
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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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6KaihXft6
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOvHJb5hZQ
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthPERpyG3M
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMWkDQtPNY
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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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNawiizdWmH
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuWH0gKx0Q
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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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn2GdtjLaJ
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"...Huh?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPmIW9li6Y
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFrY7e8CCh
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOFkEP0vw7
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"I can't deny that."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY7X6ggrtU
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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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHtIuoJLNG
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1djXUmiZDc
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwYeTHwKCZ
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdFDLE9Lub
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"You're up."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3snRi5x5F
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"Right on."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICOCbxpC0j
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3wmxVqBcx
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"That's... that's incredible."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML9KoJ9gCD
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"Huh?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1DBy1MXyw
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKXF7Lqe47
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhVkqUaGAv
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnI0SVGB4Q
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIm5rfK96f
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjH9gwsbY3
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLly6IEubcg
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb1lDo7ZNo
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqNCsLSbld
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc54Q6Ojtaj
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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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rx0m4IsGj
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9wykJ2al6
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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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U4y83kZR8
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgvkfrakbb
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjTLj3VfX4
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR07ioqZmH
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"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul8toigdPx
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSG4cPjZNF
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgiCb3ba0d
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhWT4ZRhu9
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjzEN6vOQI
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"What time is it now?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpveXqEX1vy
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4LGliJNL9
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"Juke?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rK6ORTGto
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He looked at me and perked up.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTnoL4A9zZ
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZSraApv08
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"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZzGgFvN9P
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"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MsCvKvieN
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdeJY7KH6v
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbmb8HC7v1
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2Bmv8yGz0
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK85Apdfpfs
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9YuWBoWCX
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"S-Sorry, sorry."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACHpJliAk7
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O6DJam4xp
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8f5Y4Z9Uh
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"Ah, shit, yer right."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofz9ySCazL
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1SCfcsecm
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDA2ZGI3pO
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcILZhJJO3
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"Did ya just laugh?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFXd8HHUfT
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"N-No, why do you ask?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6zk9PVe2s
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ372bLvv4xM
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8icE281M48
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeJRPb0zfr
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECe5RhDlQz
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPoAD7Owvk
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56cepzMl11
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pBqAL4Q41
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He narrowed his eyes at me.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeODWgDf6l
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"I'll take yer word for it."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qiGEZDZ8n
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There was a momentary pause. I221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTTGs0lZ4E
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"So, what have ya been up to?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS72x25MRE
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnE2WmJW1H
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3pALPlfhO
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVIXud2TxH
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTPYC46V4h
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek67H5bHou
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtGXAPHD6X
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"The sleeping room?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpZMDB6EIu
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"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbURYNBZ7O
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS97RDoZXO
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He cocked his head.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk5x9K7bKQ
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDITsHPxWH
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58hLTMQt9N
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mE671Pamv
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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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uBIdlDsEx
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk20N9Vw64
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTEEjOUizx
"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..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhxpioGd5T
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlkHmIeipY
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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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ6zvNsbuk
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"Loose screws?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8dBuJEsZB
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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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc5rKPwcIe
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzlWDPakoP
He huffed from his nose and smirked.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6bzuefFxB
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcjPjU9JQ6
"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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRHOl88hvK
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKxp5a6HDH
"Boring tales..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYxjcI0dQF
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGdgR2uKmX
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBdYLG8Rih
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOrLuIElkk
"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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoJoSPPgn8
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ns9XptVIw
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfBr0dCC5S
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPVQzj4nll
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjOJTlsaes
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBasp7c1WDU
"What, am I too young?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6vxugHRen
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtsWDCjuhw
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB2x1TOuIl
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5DrTZetMV
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvHtMPI2VU
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzwiuqkrzj
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIctTmoxYeZ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EahPvKD9Y
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rVZPxje0O
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYWbRVADNE
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzl8pxWYv0
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDRThIoWUf
I straightened my posture.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3AqnonfJq
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbeCwrHW1O
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhgFRN9kq3
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4E8iTMOO9
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24V4liK6ZX
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt9qZf46YQ
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zb1zsqxDy
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4knnT43FX
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLFuAwEBmJ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMiD5FqyD1
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFSEmNFjK3
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOYp5EV84S
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4axnwHTzO
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhmX9ERn6Q
He gave me a blank stare.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AJGpzx6qa
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTZPQUBzw7
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQ0DHp2fYs
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGCkItEWAO
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriOIYoeOnp
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszIZzvMX0E
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ1yrXDAIV
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl95Eva2o8M
"See? There ain't a difference."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5GQakF7ID
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYSZh7JMNC
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡog37wT3KGB
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ59zoQlOu
"Yeah? And what are they?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaZo9jI6w2
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRW1PgPO0l
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69xv4URe8R
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pUC5JTtAl
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvhbGJaYNR
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ghTpcqjOF
To that question, I simply shrugged.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw2XD2ZBUf
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyX7XyFLIh
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnr1sRO8iig
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2anj41HIS
"What a load of semantical garbage."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp72TRjGEB0
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCr0aqQMKJ
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uCamHAHgF
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaYdRDGp8M
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIqOJec32O
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC9Mq1rNAc
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXe6UoDhoi
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UWPjcr9ih
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQ85IMNJML
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVeZb2cZzq
"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsIOeD89Jj
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVui4nyQaE
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKGrMS0NTJ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa81fW4gNgI
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBbzCM1Hc5
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghfwjTXpMt
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwIfairDH6
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N4qSOhWJV
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd2YfqmzTg
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqkPxLyNI4
"I'm starin' at one right now."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCK2OlGwex
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFRBcWYcEV
"You know what I meant!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcet3kFZi3W
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRA4ZNLYbu
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9ukv7q59R
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdiT5peGH3
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2q0oivB6j
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9RzVnoiR9
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kKINGbiUh
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG8XZ3ush6
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUEsD5KGHF
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MiGfCgZbc
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlRo3eees3
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqprEWdwNw
"You're definitely being generous."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91eEh7qOH4
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHIGEKIXax
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ4Fi2oTNO
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rvZXdqv5f
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t6Ywex3Cd
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu0KqBtXJM
He nodded his head.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YAN9f9hZh
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aF3n0z3sr
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivb5nRApme
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52CX6OSEfH
"...Oh my goodness."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovXTCHaanc
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqeOU88oEQ
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpclBcqqSxj
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3srjOaKtK
"What? It's just mud, kid."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCsjLiNTgz
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhjvwfDd1J
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETYzxZ1SPY
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKQO67DpjH
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZHHHCbvIq
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAyrKaFllb
"Yes. I hate it."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Sv2ZpPKcT
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95mGvp5em1
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ciJDPagkc
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWVSp6ag7F
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj5oPEC6Fq
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4mATlBBRW
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpynDbWGbc
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3QRcMrDgg
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyq4OjVyyQ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5l6yiwJ4H
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzFobh91d3
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUADOFACGu
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0oqf8n7cp
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau3665bCEs
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSkKQyyCIQ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwKxn7xRS7
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD70gqTPVS6
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rn0Zfviks
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNaJP2ToLi
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbZ2qWVNfT
"Nah."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIeexbcNnr
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIiE19sY8k
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPT8eUvKVl
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlKPHVYAEZ
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u5SZogEjI
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2PtBz9pVX
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ddiQnWFZ5
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTvc0iuLZN
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCih7sJG33
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG84fHShEdS
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvp27gQaxy
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j3p2DRCo1
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XBzWeNNjR
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWO944QiLF
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBeqsUooQ5
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiqBJx9Rbt
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7EGVqjLYO
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1zwOU93YW
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmyLe7e2jd
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1pky7sp2q
"Huh?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWOcJtYCqj
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfU1we7mNk
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36KOOp8ptQ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HVx4YE5os
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO5pMd8uNP
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYof4BsTPyg
"So someone told you as well?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsXl1KSUcq
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdODSsVeNGl
He nodded with a smirk on his face.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShvoua58Ei
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulEfk8Jb1P
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft61spg3tf
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTraGCDXM2r
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajs9tZ67PP
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQWfG0fcSS
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUKqE55HaU
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oo7EfyvM2
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ndgkpuRe3
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBTftSGSoB
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IGgrLER4J
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiCp5Fhu7Y
"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjk1mUVS9Y
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrqknmkFux
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KZ91xyTHn
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AnjAr7lLI
"Strong?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzy2HYZxoh
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5ICOFqvLy
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzMGNPg7Yv
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ncIVZ4Lv1
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ9Gwi1tXW
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOjSEj80Dv
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?221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzan0vlblx7
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVkIx48nD6
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7pD21mOy5
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfCsabxVLH
"Brat is certainly new..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ76HIQus13
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpijUQMNKr
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCJhN2nqEw
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aw1MYfcw2
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy07rOOOmT
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVApM5rCjY4
"Think like what?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU6BTiIyh0
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhDwb8REz5
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDqZrV6DZh
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndbUPoym75
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuzLtqyHKr
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WB5s08Z8z
"J-Juke...?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcmpwORS1R
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHapV7sVop
"Do ya think I'm strong?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8UcRgOI7u
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRFaU4CGHS
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtXRwO6Lt2
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UPjQe24lM
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtR7EbPKlN
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡao3L6xlKt3
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLY3o7D1fy5
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxZD39wJyR
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrmdCbBljn
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI59XhlZ9Sx
"Yer a moron."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHWvLNBOmx
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVAy1VDOgG
"H-Huh?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpZ5mgfxnQ
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUZv3ByMZd
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8PuB4SXgD
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lM5HV3WH6
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs51hTdKeJz
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye0kb0APZm
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAXq161lzl
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgkRtYtxfI
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4VVN0jre5
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPzYB83LoP
"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–"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf66r8irJCb
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pS1xLCCcp
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwtd1526WA
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVoB8DV9Ff
"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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaqHzOhgJY
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfs72a1UGG
"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYff4Tca8D
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Lb7ez6rg9
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUU6D6IEYg
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxffKmZJuRv
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL51NrHUvNg
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQVEThUITg
And so, I spoke.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi7GBqYRo9
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3sDUC4fHB
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmP1F0Aprd
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uMvzZu4hL
"...Yer just like that bitch."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT7ZuoxsT7
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvTCipwMzy
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGOnj5GCxy
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMneuFRpSqO
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMBuUdfKpR
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkMPAC56mt
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKzWTyT5eH
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnfqtxa3to
"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?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEJLwTlIaV
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYGH8x5yds
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQJE7OoeEy
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ051Apa2zvy
"You're missing the point!"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ErpL2j0Nb
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A1iHf9uIB
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEhtTYkgSx
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvVlW5qRnm
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9ESSBuFZp
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx11vgibL7
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxkCNqoMqp
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoCnp5BdMh
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcht4Yjkzm2
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk4424dlHl
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOPusW94MI
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDcrFqqH4x
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLsqBBiqEB
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBDgcoUtzH
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4EoMUVvON
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE90FUoGUTa
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhDaXVO4Gn
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uoniFA5rm
"..."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdZRkBf6oC
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4OxVgS393
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.221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q3yKORt30
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrEzSQ8kMA
"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."221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTN2a8Guso
221Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZxjgZvIoa
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
