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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD6iYhsMTs
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCRC7iu5b9
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekXnkifxlI
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu39vLNbxu
"Right on."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzVTRyQs6G
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYmwAoX8hK
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLxzWnTSfo
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHqZBI4ISR
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIrssMaV7I
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZK1F60rbs
"Huh? Oh, alright."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aBBAdxkC7
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGEKQLrAnw
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡev3EXeeG4S
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceZvaMAheo
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1cKCTj9Oi
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4fK8GdcPi
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWxG1nw4kG
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJewRevql7
"Luck..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5a4LJ8Jgm
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKK3bbFaVM
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUWZix4a9G
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuKqmAFyxK
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ4mObOvHG
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYf5GaNKBE
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOplhsNOw06
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDNmcQpzhD
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOL1QfVPDW
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqrme1TXe4
"You people are strange..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t9tHKG877
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwD4U7H0pl
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqDn0Xp6u0
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUVncqNnYA
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2HuRVzU05
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y1FZtGPE4
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ7O0ozuko
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQjZdTLsMT
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2EmPRvBDz
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0OUPp1ten
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU75gKhEu1
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvEllfcpTE
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOLPq4S2WX
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCQ3opuim0
"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?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9ODvMxRO9
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsnD4f3xxy
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnOBTsxtfD
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkeqzRcAjh
"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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0hpIXTLk5
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfCgO7yeFf
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecVDVNyUSg
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLzLDCVK0D
"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?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaMnu8zOtT
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUgHJLicAA
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4mB0cxFph
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbj7BOP0bN
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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJy8VcZf79
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtdjCgL5hy
"...Huh?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaul9JoIl68
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG1DTTqxRK
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmTNyJ8hNK
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1i3vbs6Wm
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91jlz9i18S
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijNXrTtCs0
"I can't deny that."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Rt0YYkudo
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26IaVYwCwb
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxMRDfgSoB
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmniu0vmI0B
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYeDu5GtnU
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VLl5MWUIs
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz8GgrAsIA
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3SjOGmZU6
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwxev2NjYE
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqke1RLKcBs
"You're up."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO2nqy9Sro
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdzQecBylw
"Right on."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MXS59nIAE
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdlUPFKEbu
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdRFwAAM6o
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPbM5IfRbn
"That's... that's incredible."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4lmREspg1
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvK4JNtT6q
"Huh?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4oMkGwSE3
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMMA9yvXJT
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKbmZF8LWI
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRphru06Hg
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG4FCjLBfJ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCNqKO04gc
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiG7wtOtak
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAeTMC1b3R
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEqlaHgFra
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy1nvjik4O
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zERspi2kJ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPqFN8dPbX
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYf5Y0Pp5P
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUpvtNEH5P
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8LIKkJ8Cf
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYPL48DLVB
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dBofFmPOe
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU4TzeDh9f
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwa2hwGFrc
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU07afSKza6
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F9ccaI4RK
"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?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGxPxIvDuD
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QwGJByaXd
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsrnEcXMB1
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCV5pL35bp
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zuVY2jkJk
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGn6xf9M9zc
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG55Lnyj5e9
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZJ3DzJ5FL
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6NPtpKY5d
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumU9ts1MxJ
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Br4Bel2b
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhTVV4eNRK
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejbXzph0w0
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahBDJwJNvE
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwAjNtAPlE
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3GD6Luv6M
–
–
–
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktMCG3WN1i
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6ZAnI0YXh
"What time is it now?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisJgUlqn5A
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJTMoG6W1X
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LJZR4SUhp
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Fa38QeF2o
"Juke?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48tgUyeoM0
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxjfO2r4ao
He looked at me and perked up.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq1e0PLNCn
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPOYtPoqGt
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaC0b64nlj3
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimpuQswCgD
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqlavnjGIO
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDVit9cOx6
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUJ2aXnJFv
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp57kryi5im
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDRnXJ89Mx
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaazbPIoJR
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtjFMBbMnw
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8IHmXX0XH
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAO4609bah
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqmlMaiH7x
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu24RRgT5fL
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT10dRU6dz
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3xbchAIap
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizDn5iWbr8
"S-Sorry, sorry."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeApk0s4cze
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJL0OROuYr
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJmUKOvBLR
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRXKIxdjsn
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw8ARMsbfy
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVcJjYVjCj
"Ah, shit, yer right."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U6EUilZFu
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSnORz6Hqs
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxZZfrfxvb
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBDZBH1qTk
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡainciDhP3c
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRZZEw9ght
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG28x03OPpI
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ3HqTC3a0
"Did ya just laugh?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDlREuIPT1
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcfMbYtbFU
"N-No, why do you ask?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJQPmx3r21
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq9oT1yOJM
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOJnYT7qM6
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhyDzX1hzd
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe8jKgAUbY
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtS1IHcGhQ
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vF8uqBuco
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbDVARENb8
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74zvULYVq5
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbxCclrgO3
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vfSUIdNEG
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuloTd5DrW
He narrowed his eyes at me.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlTKvPcCU0
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kgpWDTpc1
"I'll take yer word for it."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHaZRL3aEz
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYw51Yqx0y
There was a momentary pause. I247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOtPBAna3b
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoRdV52My6
"So, what have ya been up to?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRvsvTE5L5
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5bH1DLBtJ
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA6Ga3xKp0
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuYrSnGhyl
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qnhU8SO4q
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8X6BaHy6F
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYFgz16ORZ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTPMypZhyQ
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RB5pt1s1A
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnNOFbGgTR
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT6xhLCBPg
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9MdyfTpak
"The sleeping room?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu7BWZizCe
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7H9mVtIixc
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxS6irQXEC
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J1GzQF87Q
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9QnmmxHKP
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6SIRIaNQF
He cocked his head.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrZukmz3P0
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72XfTEW7xS
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIW1MTvkSV
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eOEMTS37b
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERjkqgSskK
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhdFYwvRkU
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2O5CPcEzp
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdEsyvLJiP
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gTqmRnslv
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wfBY1L4Nz
"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..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmJYC45DWv
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpwEgJ21cd
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeIV4uzUHN
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQFdlvowNE
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1vbZ5l1hX
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymRqw6P2IT
"Loose screws?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8B9v5a5xr
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3twmTV8YH5
"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?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O71EJWrwu
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEcdZ5TMNN
He huffed from his nose and smirked.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4S8aVcj09
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY0QGUBCvE
"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?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuh8rEYla0
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaPP9jms0G
"Boring tales..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlTfileZSG
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2GCcJM1fx
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlk2yYKNuc
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzgXlyW3XZ
"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?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlcy8woqKn
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZUM6pvURv
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL8amZrKgB
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPYdhyKR4I
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuS4Y60ZJU
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOORm3RARL
"What, am I too young?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs6KjH1hZs
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7mXoIlR9S
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO0o3BvoL5
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFZ9v1J0XO
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7N3pZPSs2
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQogeNb3G7c
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dwqLgdoLi
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48nh51DMWU
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtt9h0LfM4
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdprcAHgBP
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZT413MwBA
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AcUTepKzK
I straightened my posture.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48ZwVhMMGX
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pLx7GVznN
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH3W85lMpM
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncUXLFKAyv
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26xkON8AGc
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy24WsI5EJ
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h9F99e10s
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ti6f4fqRI
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79PVqtzfGl
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldoLTGRoil
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn35XLbDmQc
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50t1tvDQUP
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexEPsUpKsJ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvej7kWnGrx
He gave me a blank stare.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj7gKDKvl6
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpgl8OXjx1
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekxPmwoUUV
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTXWk4UqNK
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX21puVlIbz
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ7zy6CSCB
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aA4zh2sbm
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaemhJ2w2Et
"See? There ain't a difference."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcJpZ8BkH9
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUNGUcDkp4
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXUEwExgC4
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBlSoPKnjx
"Yeah? And what are they?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJX7aqZWfX
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRt8YBHpLY
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz71Kx2dGK
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTDjeGzv9E
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LnhKzXypq
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡameetrsgcb
To that question, I simply shrugged.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuB8fNrZ3J0
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykf5JnyqSy
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZriH4wla24
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nNt2b2nRy
"What a load of semantical garbage."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUasM3jBvVZ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkKvaQQgrZ
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwlFmGVXkq
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG66oaNchJs
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdSDthZOV7
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ287buBjsVx
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViREcL0O6x
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7LWBg43Xn
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgms6G82qLW
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxGF3tmlmN
"..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObOa2YsJEi
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAqfRxV04v
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS9TE8mhz4
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqIL31hYTU
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVJ1KbISSw
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqYLpahZuN
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I7JjGP6EZ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD0uL9Xhdg
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO7MwFqMIk
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeUCZqCRGC
"I'm starin' at one right now."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfB9nQirZkr
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbPU2vyeXD
"You know what I meant!"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIEkr1rnwT
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjg6U72BOp
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM13VgmCa5O
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarRu0v3HuG
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7ArFtfYjl
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2rSZGaNtx
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8VdeAywap
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLscZXxguV2
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrD0fXzk1Zz
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaCOFx39UO
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9g9ZClbCz
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QQ0mQou8w
"You're definitely being generous."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXOcUOjK4U
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIN4qYhwMLr
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6vNsXeWRe
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3mHAWb8nU
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0WpAOMmW2
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBipni4yD8
He nodded his head.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE10N4m4zKJ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4biwxwCRR
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyL5rO2w25
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF2WLKCkkB
"...Oh my goodness."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlxasMD7rQ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI4JKUnrXx
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKAuXCw51F
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkNH2q66WM
"What? It's just mud, kid."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON575MxyVE
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIto0SZjnLm
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWPiJRz2Tq
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6eICEpzK2
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4K65EV7YI
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PRLfU5NJ3
"Yes. I hate it."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0xmQKPb0x
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnhF56OfSO
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UFaSp9o2z
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm0WVdP6py
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlodx92ZAa
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nb2nPir5m
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KqLnBpiJe
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBvHCtYkeG
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8G5gnl45s
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuUPEb61ZO
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ420gPhRXTn
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIo84frSZbp
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRVdMligWf
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx5Yu7iXZ3
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s5uJPQuXU
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoKlbyf88a
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiYNSdnynj
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNTup9Gclj
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh9GebBoKJ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8bE3Eqwhl
"Nah."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pCToH3MWw
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfPawO5MLq
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEikLEYduce
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H3FH9upn7
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbR8e2danL
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn13AdT5xo
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyP5wbABih
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByHams0Zkc
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2IHiOFSeJ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyBjaZLgB1
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTCcIQfUIO
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSQymup7Hn
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTbGOPlFhy
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8f830ssye
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18yIPkytxt
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzl200YlAz
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF776U2It94
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFjvfc2sug
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByYcQkYn2d
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HD2h5rlb5
"Huh?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuxNxZ8tvc
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJPKuTC2iU
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtLBfjaQ5p
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPh4zwuSaq
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ7BuFJOv8
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx4P0jsIqa
"So someone told you as well?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAippO3y1BS
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSeWRQ0RoO
He nodded with a smirk on his face.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblQWPDXYit
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYTotj0poT
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxo4ELhV1T
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR91inAHCs
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca3wbg7KZj
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY8s74qq3K
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WDh116D25
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoOvDmvqwn
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZce5UWPqiY
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lgpwB8wx7
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5qux7TyxR
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tYumOaJ6d
"..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiI5XuWZYr
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWQoU7ZZ1K
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8HbYL1MbJ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaOfLPSKBk
"Strong?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3oQTnZbuT
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BguX4jZwS
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegDkrMtDcN
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OGyKBpz02
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJXte78QnS
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFJZSpMzgn
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?247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS5IxtU9NK
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77xLEHchSW
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66LewPu4zk
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpTgFvhcIk
"Brat is certainly new..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzIKksJJGQ
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYiCke4wvZ
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2v7Ji2GDH
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaDBZf4ZIq
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk43TlFzsOL
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE8iR5r33u
"Think like what?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB3E4S8FRY
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlB3P17Peu
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJP2MtzbfP
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkYEzws3xg
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxjXHiWt9a
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPws8XnrhDL
"J-Juke...?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4aofMaHA6
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PbRvWK1lq
"Do ya think I'm strong?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhf4UznVpE
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3Xux7i8hT
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG45ohbtva
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kQhwxTmyq
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlijcDSOART
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hDavZdcpY
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡme5mK19OlX
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKCnzGxalP
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalmsSP826R
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVtAVhryhd
"Yer a moron."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aEN8McxIt
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4ydmjvJ1M
"H-Huh?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKcL7BQ7Pw
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zsBth6DPN
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIJ4EtkYD4
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XHejWxBVI
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6QikFHijv
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoPp4bCp6H
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeLZSXqeNL
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMtaiT5NIa
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg7usJajzz
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpI4i22X5N
"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–"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpIdbSNWVx
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhknEVpPNSO
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UvfYpAxhi
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfz3nu1mmp
"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?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKq0oWfXbYl
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3hUVBUeQQ
"..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOS1PCenJi
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttDiIHLIGG
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK1lhoC4dS
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIogVVuXgK
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR37AeUbvxg
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvRcFf3xHk
And so, I spoke.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH0J1af5sK
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeVMWDc5JQ
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnCAZlWdgs
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMplsN68yUl
"...Yer just like that bitch."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxx0YSQf1S
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5g7SIK1Dw
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ALPL1HxyG
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzsGn2NXvp
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lENlgpS80
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlSN1wNG0w
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebaCKpiksl
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CHqE19hni
"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?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS70jG3T9EH
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoSfnd0nkH
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCXtxnHJpm
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj5qeFnIpz
"You're missing the point!"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgC4BV7PRX
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduzDaRKEKb
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2Qs8Lc5uI
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQ25NOUBbE
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXVinTD9Lo
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJt98hQqlo
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YQq3oaPqo
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zmVBoB6ys
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8huG8Kl6Sj
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0HlxGpWSp
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12uWMpshih
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQgJL6NyQ1
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpheBTdInMw
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw5wB6UzW6
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU0XnPsBX3
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNA0TCQ5YH
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM23EgIQLU
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7XZZDQQJB
"..."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyKRF1pZLu
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSjRwG9h2Y
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.247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlwbINd7la
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldHxtCvdjz
"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."247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63JyTW2kV5
247Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEQwTyR0yB
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
