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.23Please respect copyright.PENANADwQ0KnyOZy
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."23Please respect copyright.PENANAvtXBumeohx
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"Right on."23Please respect copyright.PENANAVD58gv9WgW
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAsatf2lKBzB
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."23Please respect copyright.PENANAdWlh7idA1j
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"Huh? Oh, alright."23Please respect copyright.PENANALHVquG2k7K
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.23Please respect copyright.PENANADB85D85vNi
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAM4QWdYFgrh
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."23Please respect copyright.PENANAOEhtEfTLoq
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"Luck..."23Please respect copyright.PENANAROWgVrK6H3
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAhvXk1uUQhT
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."23Please respect copyright.PENANA89lyNaQCGC
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAkJr7XlFRny
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.23Please respect copyright.PENANAMm7bNTZVaC
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"You people are strange..."23Please respect copyright.PENANAlbL0AhOHxs
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAkJL85IL82u
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.23Please respect copyright.PENANAffyuCBZcsk
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAluPuOHYE8Q
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."23Please respect copyright.PENANAnjhunFXIlZ
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"Shut up! Speak for yourself."23Please respect copyright.PENANA4gNbH8k7Vp
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.23Please respect copyright.PENANAINuBhcdFCX
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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?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAsbryIFgAVR
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."23Please respect copyright.PENANADuPUwtrNxF
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANADVMpA70Cte
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.23Please respect copyright.PENANApgLbbgsDYS
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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?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA8b3IBGZrER
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."23Please respect copyright.PENANArMk9jh4OO6
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAiV1yx5B7jf
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"...Huh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAUSZDdRQipJ
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.23Please respect copyright.PENANA9EmeBLduW2
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."23Please respect copyright.PENANAv8QwDhZesK
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"I can't deny that."23Please respect copyright.PENANAMezsBO6PPw
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAKL17W86Pls
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.23Please respect copyright.PENANAS17YrqXRMy
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."23Please respect copyright.PENANARVvqgzigVg
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.23Please respect copyright.PENANAFYLjSAwoEd
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"You're up."23Please respect copyright.PENANACgIMua8VxF
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"Right on."23Please respect copyright.PENANAPKrwROQQTi
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAdprYhfIbtV
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"That's... that's incredible."23Please respect copyright.PENANAGHKbEPEEEC
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"Huh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAgniVurKvDK
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.23Please respect copyright.PENANA2r9l2njZe2
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAR7Ee0uJnDy
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAjdZj8eV3KQ
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.23Please respect copyright.PENANArpZKaoOBV5
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAfQOlAu0cot
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"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."23Please respect copyright.PENANATyjorNQDlB
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
23Please respect copyright.PENANAs6iFY24CEs
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAOMM8gqx3oH
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAG4N9aCme0U
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAyhjHT7RCjm
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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?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAWnbzpJe4oF
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAFcTygroDfx
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.23Please respect copyright.PENANAH78pPgUVNV
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."23Please respect copyright.PENANAqsJufupxiD
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"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."23Please respect copyright.PENANAI8ybqF0evn
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."23Please respect copyright.PENANAErOi64gHkp
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAyCz3za7qMJ
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAGCFXM3TyLE
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA7p06ayLPsA
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"What time is it now?"23Please respect copyright.PENANATf4itAmSSw
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA1ZgZy4fNRH
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"Juke?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAnzCvT3ww8G
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He looked at me and perked up.23Please respect copyright.PENANAY3RQAq8y1z
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAuFq3cxJsKc
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"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA1w73aceh8s
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"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"23Please respect copyright.PENANAWdY3unSqYQ
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."23Please respect copyright.PENANAnWhX8s7EB6
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.23Please respect copyright.PENANApeN9x7vZJU
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."23Please respect copyright.PENANAx1EKcPl4I7
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAKNzR00EEvI
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"23Please respect copyright.PENANANeGGScd2PH
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"S-Sorry, sorry."23Please respect copyright.PENANA4Bf8qxYX2Z
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA13Xkhfr3eI
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAyGfQddyPVB
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"Ah, shit, yer right."23Please respect copyright.PENANAWU3w1TRaNx
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAOTJ6HL7Yht
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA0rmxseMtX5
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAaMcBoChrGC
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"Did ya just laugh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAZwScX2jaN4
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"N-No, why do you ask?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAzETCvPLa4s
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"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAS1a2t10zOS
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAcw8DRQi7Cu
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."23Please respect copyright.PENANAdzwYYYrsgl
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"23Please respect copyright.PENANABw4i0KkkuF
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."23Please respect copyright.PENANA3ILWcxfnAU
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He narrowed his eyes at me.23Please respect copyright.PENANAoWJPSc9jUe
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"I'll take yer word for it."23Please respect copyright.PENANACrbMPvpplQ
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There was a momentary pause. I23Please respect copyright.PENANAyH2Xr8MCmK
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"So, what have ya been up to?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAn94pq2S7uk
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."23Please respect copyright.PENANA6s9JMPUaTc
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."23Please respect copyright.PENANAHAy13kbarg
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."23Please respect copyright.PENANAPRDspDd2k4
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAR5WBwtZuIe
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.23Please respect copyright.PENANAXHAVRkAynb
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"The sleeping room?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAO4yczZyfNw
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"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."23Please respect copyright.PENANAs3rcN5NHNN
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAp4Rc8GGs1i
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He cocked his head.23Please respect copyright.PENANAwiCElHAEt5
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."23Please respect copyright.PENANAedppHoVcdI
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"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."23Please respect copyright.PENANAy3ESK8rlC2
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAR3vYZMg4JX
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAbX7sDcvD3Q
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"Nah, there's more than enough beds. The room's gigantic, I tell ya. I ain't a good judge of smell, but I got no issues with it. And, the guys and gals themselves..."23Please respect copyright.PENANADSIR5RQSNB
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.23Please respect copyright.PENANA40fBe7dyUY
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAtYhqjE2o6s
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"Loose screws?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAbT9gaUxFHC
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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?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAerelxQLLUz
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He huffed from his nose and smirked.23Please respect copyright.PENANAplrzp1rmfR
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"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?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAiQ0pnAuzYy
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"Boring tales..."23Please respect copyright.PENANA3oKhpaOVpW
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAkOZIaweA1y
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"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?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA8a4eLiDJDN
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He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.23Please respect copyright.PENANASDWiyOgx7f
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"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."23Please respect copyright.PENANAoS8e3kRBBc
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"What, am I too young?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAY9qWP0jVmN
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"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."23Please respect copyright.PENANAoqUOLjh44b
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I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.23Please respect copyright.PENANAxjt1AwXy9O
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"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAfGRPa1urzw
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My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.23Please respect copyright.PENANARisRt9dwth
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"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"23Please respect copyright.PENANANtKziHDUW7
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I straightened my posture.23Please respect copyright.PENANABscBza2za2
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"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."23Please respect copyright.PENANAwTdhZPSjqg
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAuWbJicIsri
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"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."23Please respect copyright.PENANAjkiPBMGCwV
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"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."23Please respect copyright.PENANARwk2zg0LbV
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"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."23Please respect copyright.PENANAiFrheBopBv
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"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."23Please respect copyright.PENANAxKm13EwbIO
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He gave me a blank stare.23Please respect copyright.PENANAgdwmFTUjkI
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"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAIwKkpUsN3E
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAUEAtKrCPAf
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"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."23Please respect copyright.PENANAD2M3BORE70
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"See? There ain't a difference."23Please respect copyright.PENANAjiMQ6rgszW
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"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANALRbhbPPcbP
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"Yeah? And what are they?"23Please respect copyright.PENANALJMyIBe6lJ
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"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."23Please respect copyright.PENANA738SShe9pa
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"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAREGEwAEceQ
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To that question, I simply shrugged.23Please respect copyright.PENANAIScEO6ZSRl
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"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."23Please respect copyright.PENANAyF3oHddvmm
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"What a load of semantical garbage."23Please respect copyright.PENANAtj3vSN8cAv
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I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.23Please respect copyright.PENANA2SvBILyvW6
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"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA3nlV4nvKkh
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"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."23Please respect copyright.PENANA20sZy618Xw
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"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."23Please respect copyright.PENANAutr87sd1P6
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"..."23Please respect copyright.PENANAnaqQPL6Bbs
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAVgOTJBNkLi
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"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."23Please respect copyright.PENANAsgFbYUN9lk
23Please respect copyright.PENANARPmxSytIVl
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAkqFNXoT6dL
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"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"23Please respect copyright.PENANADBARiCx1Wb
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"I'm starin' at one right now."23Please respect copyright.PENANASVmC0FykUW
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"You know what I meant!"23Please respect copyright.PENANA0IJWZ4PSgv
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"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."23Please respect copyright.PENANAvtjE0BnMth
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"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"23Please respect copyright.PENANANWhqWBh7y4
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"Me? Nothin' of the sort."23Please respect copyright.PENANAYhASA3lubV
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He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.23Please respect copyright.PENANAJKOqMDenOY
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"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."23Please respect copyright.PENANAFwAbtE1nXC
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"You're definitely being generous."23Please respect copyright.PENANA9pLSRJNpv6
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"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAkeZNxzc3UH
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"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA9hzg3EiBC3
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He nodded his head.23Please respect copyright.PENANArRluw7Uivg
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"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAzDEZeZ7N4w
23Please respect copyright.PENANA7J2JIImT2a
"...Oh my goodness."23Please respect copyright.PENANAgTtHPdQlpL
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I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.23Please respect copyright.PENANAlBtRf0Ehwp
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"What? It's just mud, kid."23Please respect copyright.PENANAeJ3xpQRkbC
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"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."23Please respect copyright.PENANA53TsMRA9dr
23Please respect copyright.PENANAMbOhqbLdOM
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."23Please respect copyright.PENANAN8ndhMmj1W
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"Yes. I hate it."23Please respect copyright.PENANAeON9dJCJai
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAXgshz6RnRl
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"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAtS1u2eT6OP
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It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.23Please respect copyright.PENANAu1KZRuFjah
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"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAaIEHsomIYy
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"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."23Please respect copyright.PENANA3IUqDs5i9O
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"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAThpUnRTU67
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Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.23Please respect copyright.PENANA5xTdW1I2zZ
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"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."23Please respect copyright.PENANAhBAg01s3mr
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"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAFHyUPss9n7
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"Nah."23Please respect copyright.PENANASIK6JtejE1
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I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.23Please respect copyright.PENANAvhi7KR4NYu
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"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."23Please respect copyright.PENANAyVQ11kcFig
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"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."23Please respect copyright.PENANAO5ZfyVW6FK
23Please respect copyright.PENANA7xWnfQHDZp
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."23Please respect copyright.PENANAG7fV4lgJSH
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I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.23Please respect copyright.PENANAHlGZs1a2uP
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"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"23Please respect copyright.PENANANT0C39TGDb
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"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."23Please respect copyright.PENANA4gInUIC3dW
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"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."23Please respect copyright.PENANASm99gw4m26
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"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."23Please respect copyright.PENANA7RwMyfYYfL
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"Huh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAlksp2XUECU
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It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.23Please respect copyright.PENANAaWBfA0w7hg
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"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."23Please respect copyright.PENANAxONB6YZ47S
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"So someone told you as well?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAvZHuiSIU0r
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He nodded with a smirk on his face.23Please respect copyright.PENANAiehL1GN7RQ
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"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANANFqHODr2DD
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAcc8V860cqE
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"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."23Please respect copyright.PENANAuW2gf3qe5M
23Please respect copyright.PENANA58PyV99thf
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAVYeDSpBACf
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"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."23Please respect copyright.PENANA0l70ciSX4x
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"..."23Please respect copyright.PENANAH0JmA32UGd
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"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"23Please respect copyright.PENANAJa15eJ7DJI
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"Strong?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAiA9VbDMLI0
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Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.23Please respect copyright.PENANAylKs0zDBZ3
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"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."23Please respect copyright.PENANA3376C9GE8G
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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?23Please respect copyright.PENANAzZlx7CxYw0
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"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"23Please respect copyright.PENANArpwXB2Y5t1
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"Brat is certainly new..."23Please respect copyright.PENANAMHChjFBrOF
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"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."23Please respect copyright.PENANAKR2jeJyzGh
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Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.23Please respect copyright.PENANAOfxRRIpLMG
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"Think like what?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA3ytmqObcOc
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"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."23Please respect copyright.PENANA8Bu1syzNEC
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Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.23Please respect copyright.PENANAZAzN4Mv2LQ
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"J-Juke...?"23Please respect copyright.PENANA3xtyvRKFHC
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"Do ya think I'm strong?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAkPKA18ptQV
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAPffYMo1Q2j
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So, with nothing else to do, I answered.23Please respect copyright.PENANAfeuJnCYZky
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"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."23Please respect copyright.PENANACvzmBEkAD2
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAsRrN0n31P2
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"Yer a moron."23Please respect copyright.PENANAbHZMszNdWR
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"H-Huh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAUGdxb40XVP
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAIbFHBRKpIs
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"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"23Please respect copyright.PENANAzNuhwOJ2Hv
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAbtj26QGcJ6
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He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.23Please respect copyright.PENANAUAppWJxenW
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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–"23Please respect copyright.PENANARSt5T7XnUT
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAByQD6uGRzG
23Please respect copyright.PENANA2rfEKZaG4t
"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?"23Please respect copyright.PENANADzh1Rl6nVv
23Please respect copyright.PENANAdGJKVR8SLF
"..."23Please respect copyright.PENANA0DFNtnkqmP
23Please respect copyright.PENANAatEeUaYgcM
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAl6iIXVGNov
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANALFTC316x5i
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And so, I spoke.23Please respect copyright.PENANAaZRHHQ4L1j
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANASNVhPIsCIZ
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"...Yer just like that bitch."23Please respect copyright.PENANAfvkxWJzPpz
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It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.23Please respect copyright.PENANAwixlvJ9GUx
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANAq58ORuAFDB
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAGuyvu6Fvfx
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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?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAQl3zK1z0Ra
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"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAzR04jRHlTn
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"You're missing the point!"23Please respect copyright.PENANAzYv0DDKIRt
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAJmz2iaZXgb
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"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."23Please respect copyright.PENANAONAISnCv2P
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA6aM44UnQH3
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"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."23Please respect copyright.PENANA6bPYMxgYfX
23Please respect copyright.PENANAsIrv1gpzIP
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.23Please respect copyright.PENANAnlTSssLvZe
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What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?23Please respect copyright.PENANAsKONDRMSCE
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I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.23Please respect copyright.PENANAtrzQBd2PIa
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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?"23Please respect copyright.PENANAb3bXvEFgPR
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"..."23Please respect copyright.PENANAdAigR3ejkx
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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.23Please respect copyright.PENANA276da2CPeZ
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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."23Please respect copyright.PENANA588O3QkCDa
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His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.