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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqHqfDAVpj
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsSGHI18az
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"Right on."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wX1mQk9BC
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQkY9nuenv
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId98DTT3Ul
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"Huh? Oh, alright."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6dKr9FexM
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDpQf3jcXQ
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPZvhhqt00
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmUkcbbJfP
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"Luck..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0R4BHp2OQ
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OisB5QDOJ
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhao8nKdCMY
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4auLKb7Mv
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBbPIRT0Nl
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"You people are strange..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYGlrHLtrB
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5WuotS3OZ
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM5I0DF8Qo
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKkzZqd6AS
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZftcZHtYef
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"Shut up! Speak for yourself."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjugKopSwW0
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnT45LC2zv
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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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iT5OCzXHV
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufcQDJmlQ6
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk49DBjtdv
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtfedHnv1w
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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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrYxlj08iO
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6stacx1HCo
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiySKRFuPr
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"...Huh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAtcAzcIDT
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhftHx2jwC
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEfpSZ1niL
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"I can't deny that."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXk7m5hYaU
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtkxO5Y43V
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvqksTi9A7
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNpsH3Ik8E
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWg3E2KQbi
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"You're up."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetKqDEJIxU
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"Right on."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cEtaWDeOa
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqyN9dcumM
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"That's... that's incredible."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2pANZjm1S
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"Huh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwAfkkGNFp
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN4WcgCpIR
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZO7aTUyAyG
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaPqAPZEPv
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkP7YpnjKSf
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQc7J4W27U
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"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpdp19i5NP
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CfMvT4lwu
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3r7PH0RMA
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG7VuzAYPI
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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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51IXslNmea
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4VsMhLybC
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSuQ4nsNc0
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM2fFhK9DL
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"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAw6L98wHF
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wPkglDtbK
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbJnSP2Yzd
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZYTXwdX43
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhg6jjb7PT
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"What time is it now?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpQdldTp3o
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZX2M4CkH0
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"Juke?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuZf8S8YXn
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He looked at me and perked up.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7d8ltIgOK
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtQSd7abB4
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"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoQuYqdZnd
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"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSuv3ft7aR
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt2ZvPIdmC
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK98zCCjCRY
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNLvxI1J6q
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadGfMyDUT2
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9dCDo7ycS
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"S-Sorry, sorry."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM4yXzCeWA
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvfLzVHvly
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa2UKVlvYa
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"Ah, shit, yer right."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjUvxmVNSv
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEjAoFEtm3
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2LC1r7Nkh
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWqI2scy2o
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"Did ya just laugh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCjhDkn3cb
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"N-No, why do you ask?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzdwmG321P
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"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwShyevfEP
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOeE3fs7CE
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSer2C2gfeL
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUOaSo3BpW
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws6znF7G1R
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He narrowed his eyes at me.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kssO44kdQ
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"I'll take yer word for it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv6qTZHmUD
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There was a momentary pause. I215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHrzoZ2d7g
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"So, what have ya been up to?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJi5SiFp5j
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozXoie8RS8
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyIK5gcQgn
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXpS0y2m8o
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEeB1ooFyH
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNwFHpuWy8
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"The sleeping room?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32Q2iMaJ5S
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"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5kiJPTcIH
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1oegdvkvf
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He cocked his head.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IsvCZPwtq
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFi5le23yr
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"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsSV9x20xL
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctirN2xLA2
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBgjbMOyk2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ197gri5eR3
"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..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWd06XZ7oV
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLnTvzBrVz
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hKLyQjfNX
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"Loose screws?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncemfyZO1I
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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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sIx9iLvdR
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRD4kbgDy8D
He huffed from his nose and smirked.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaEtP2jm91
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12eU21cE8r
"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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfsQdN0sYk
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3eX5aknM1
"Boring tales..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FdX06J3DO
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj21a4x3wjg
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsedXGbivgU
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJj4aA1t9RW
"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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecrjluIqBg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLvdVYABkK
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrRWq7deAP
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWqQpybfVi
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS7qeEVAQN
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo3HZ02ei3
"What, am I too young?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAM6LkQYKQ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk847lnC3y
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeT15C2m4B
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuWJkPoDV4
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MLlZtZppR
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxKud7bR9m
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv3yIr8pum
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQaPq9VPAj
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yumx2ynAE
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kPCJtXiNt
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7LqfhzGMn
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaDUjdL88G
I straightened my posture.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINcE1C3BZG
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAzklRpxzf
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NimGeHt79
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWErLwiujm
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzClVbhtErj
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHl3afsOlM
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34hxKvAxYQ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TbGihudbT
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoHALVFxs4
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7fhA7nDkS
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJGI8XCRTu
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6Nc4E5eGl
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EYCwpyAYw
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He gave me a blank stare.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLatRffhpQp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNaokDupib
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMys1o0ze2D
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC0aHTZm5s
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW5Wmf6tUW
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbsawWF9C5
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlrSP7TCWA
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw0a7RIbBX
"See? There ain't a difference."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xD41jvCfi
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmb8nUelKZ
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mfvkJFvNA
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncwMK1vSgu
"Yeah? And what are they?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG9xAKF4uf
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdz4iP4BtP
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRxY87T2ja
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3fIQb9OEU
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf75606Byfi
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To that question, I simply shrugged.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfvsPKrEPz
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39CVPDA5kM
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgH2pEDyTLt
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJws8oZvUY
"What a load of semantical garbage."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbWoXPYXsm
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1CDXraSuK
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQQr4odIg5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHFIDsCISM
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoDXDOkHwo
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYwf0ejqTj
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ7ZEZAdAa
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PUbY5ehgL
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjltTfrcBAN
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdL3umhSez
"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS5Ar9nQFs
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTPBfW5AkK
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33fSIlRTHM
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHo8awgFPf
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK1tVLlejx
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nWLmvh8aZ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKgmZjnKwu
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0iVr3qKap
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlA3xZ21VS
"I'm starin' at one right now."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgWtDSsYIY
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq6H3QDmb0
"You know what I meant!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpyGNJ08wh
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA9N0dW74r
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitIUc1QkCd
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2pCZEsBbm
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxekgobo6Y9
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7icSGAxAi
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDhKDTdjnw
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFZFIQq6NL
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs1v0l5TTp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvGVAxiZrC
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59T9cM114l
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRppdLqDui
"You're definitely being generous."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWqNX4UGSf
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hX0Ruc2Bg
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMQbyF2CQI
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBpBMAsOeS
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwEPVi6Gay
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5FDJRwdpJ
He nodded his head.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfNTN3lONo
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq7ZIYeAgn
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnW8hrSc81
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x0vczQXSr
"...Oh my goodness."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8mcjKPIog
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdEyYl5y5y
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ribk7ABBj
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2C8kX2nWW
"What? It's just mud, kid."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtMrCozEqM
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBF1g4Y28B
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi33dGvHPC5
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fsy8J0X2Q
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1a3onuMFl
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVHRCwTPzD
"Yes. I hate it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EORp2T2AJ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0nRvTO7v8
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVuw7mSe3R
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB6Q2u3a4Q
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1KrA9IWjD
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXX0z5mYuy
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwMQP6aHcX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbdiRdf7xR
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ebWmw24ye
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnugFgws3g
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2O9vJKZxvu
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2NfLjMwnv
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpEARmSgmt
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKz5ctqO6g
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslvADuGfW2
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycLisyNeuX
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0RqktAIrR
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAncAmmVb5u
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCdAdlDBEg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUOIWNKeBH
"Nah."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0rJGhQ6ha
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I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCwNVV1ewn
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsvdXhPNKR
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucdcyKUT6c
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaGC4mZsjv
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyKRaLfROK
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuaUQY0CbM
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpqnIYbalK
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUyp3a1wOu
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGpZ7F6KS8
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNIML3Jv4V
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxvgR6sLdp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPn3zFoOrD
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKKqBANrum
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWeeQC4DFS
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yOGy8ZpUL
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBfUEAkoqz
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8QAO5ZCqp
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFk3lgQsb8
"Huh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPZRpLSLzi
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTK6YhikkZ
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WYDaMUyE4
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEZpg51OnS
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LUyBgZoMJ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKd180MzwQ
"So someone told you as well?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTpoVtxucq
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC85dga7QFU
He nodded with a smirk on his face.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd2MZJqazZ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9lqMyro5X
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgQgAFKrC8
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqcju9jv3X
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW47vjnRC3
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcEPlot2TO
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojzqvLuSl9
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OKc2Ch12N
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BArNB0zAM
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh4cNZQHp5
"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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemysWsJhCT
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBl4Y7zuvx
"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP5EUotcbr
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4XP8Ufgpi
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6SPRGgDIC
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmQsBPF07I
"Strong?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9MuBvZIsB
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdDZOnDAFG
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eQHcvKx6T
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasolyhfrvl
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUpIpfWtx1
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS8rbx3HTo
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?215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjSHxDKpqe
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubEQpbaX2g
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KDhv2uZQ0
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEWvvQIIbI
"Brat is certainly new..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr1fMPDMfX
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai2pOZEc0c
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrQqaMKgxH
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e1a0HRCRg
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaGelXLRbJ
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1WyegwK17
"Think like what?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDE9rdnIoS
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wX0x70bUh
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO3dJz3LSr
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDlk5dAQ2g
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuO8hFNg1K
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPgSejltSl
"J-Juke...?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwKcHo2Mw7
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXG64RXr5l
"Do ya think I'm strong?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpooZnqNfU
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6U1BZTpsT
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wKidVqGQz
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So, with nothing else to do, I answered.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg9yWkS5tm
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJmLwl73el
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY4ROtfZdE
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryS2oqn4fe
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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdLmxlWnsa
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWWIC96Fey
"Yer a moron."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5cRlZ4aHg
215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbp1RSTSvSV
"H-Huh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0igjV66SW2
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj1pVoNSar
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"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1mHXUQyTE
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K6ywsgNEg
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He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiKcwjOHKS
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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–"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8FmfwSf73
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfsnMXiqx9
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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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpYnfXKBjW
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"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx1kN9L9dG
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8Z7tTnR4t
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrjUszXXAw
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And so, I spoke.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaFrGl99rS
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrbMiFHR65
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"...Yer just like that bitch."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0z1xN36jN
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It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HFxo2QDxv
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡen5y2XwHk0
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgaFPqSO0o
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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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp2RLrOhO1
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"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMOvJTdC38
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"You're missing the point!"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv6ghflko5
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS8p9rxUMe
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"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1WULrzbde
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19M8R4jAmY
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"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSGyLe0NO2
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZuARwBoWo
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What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxj4VXN2Rx
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I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMPxIKPXgK
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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?"215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9zS8Hpooc
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"..."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GP8JTFAUS
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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.215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XPLka55mP
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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."215Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldzXP0py1B
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His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
