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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz56F3DTH0x
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuaGdsw23L
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"Right on."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZVc4JiL46
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed3haUj25K
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhzNQhASz3
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"Huh? Oh, alright."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsWPyGeHr1
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG4V0xsXaX
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2Zmj0Ki9f
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JHAhg4RHf
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzKCzblD9S
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"Luck..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHkwYVdw41
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRQLiMGHXj
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbN3FZqScX
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHS8nboUms
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDEdnKgmlF
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT9hyTAJhC
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"You people are strange..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZFVdVkYPx
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WDa67h94b
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVEHWCFW76
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8oYIPsQjO
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtxubIaqmc
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJnLBqheDU
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UVksiqq5y
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbYW5gvitO
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7TFsCtWmJ
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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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S3sWsNe3g
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yxit7k6ah
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn7ZOy1mwl
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLWAmF1Z0p
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7n1Dk65moH
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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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWprBD3G5tc
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGQu6Jagim
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFxdsdhYfg
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"...Huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ssbdJnG69
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmHMbaNp0T
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpGbvsaGhK
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNub528CKg
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"I can't deny that."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy2ANghXAz
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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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpP9kHdUKN
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVs8U6PAzg
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEbLAnsdhC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8HIvuohiX
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBxgmKnWeH
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqM8KgbiSom
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62VSly9CqT
"You're up."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MIO7X4xjy
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"Right on."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7kB640heu
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWJw9MyTxl
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"That's... that's incredible."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7k5x5nNO9
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"Huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkTwf6XEkc
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHWSAScFQD
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF1dKIEM5y
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxvBhOpU7C
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7nXkITaiD
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwCCXvcQYy
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq08Sp7JS6r
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ9PCXiYcg
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheZhzgrXNE
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zKJClxj3p
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjlrbgbS4H
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5MNKXtWDj
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YRAFSccpQ
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi0EtYEu5M
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNinMMvOva
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypnnixgvp0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCowewvKGKD
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4rqwuYnbF
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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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXentTIrub
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXZTZeUSfY
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡql81lukofZ
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJeeHnzs10
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ECbAkd2mk
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3DHkDgfJp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8edLteey3N
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu2MzvgfPl
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsbdJglE0V
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa5vP6haS0
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlslUukQCaK
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MtX7LLYOf
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqMBqiNfYU
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"What time is it now?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyED9cRkFs
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPQeIALf7V
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"Juke?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP7G8cuwhE
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He looked at me and perked up.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgiR9V7APb
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmX7ga02hL
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qwm9Ki2qJ
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2ZSKOkQlK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGURANKGLC9
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaXlxsmYWi
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpZ4EJc0xp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZAMJmTqXH
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJeOgn5yjw
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuZfeMS8i0
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m0ciPbGMF
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j7f6YpGwS
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffmEDRF8YT
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5C5GiVImt
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"S-Sorry, sorry."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU0ydubNkI
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh72NkX59P
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAviLqurIY
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"Ah, shit, yer right."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nNElZBzwh
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt5jz9YPhb
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmv9x3AJIh
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz52VVn8jd
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceGerg1krZ
"Did ya just laugh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2ubYGhsal
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGAAedvu6L
"N-No, why do you ask?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85KxvX8vbk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWZA7MccjN
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjZcqwA7pC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpEEkj75Nk
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaQMEv9Zra
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmZbxdYf7U
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwwNkRbnd1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrrrvPvb9N
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68pPaBsXqw
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFHBSrAq6l
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14eKQgkubB
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He narrowed his eyes at me.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB57y033Qpe
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"I'll take yer word for it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqR7MdSkD9
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There was a momentary pause. I140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSL4A7UJCA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8A3tOGwlXl
"So, what have ya been up to?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfOCzHjX9J
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInYtVcOfsh
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tGnMeP1mO
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQIEY3lBRR
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVkK8L0OZu
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0LlZvwVPN
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbndHfLv1j
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTIMQeojrV
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGc0tdlBzw
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQ5ZrJF8DU
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq9f8ZPcSy
"The sleeping room?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvPz08LdZx
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDS2PF0sTZ
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt2mcN9IVg
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0EBmHTx5M
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB7GHhb98w
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He cocked his head.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OJ6Gr2tAq
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDag6o7DMzi
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGfPJwbWvn
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32yzOJT2tZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkav33YNmfk
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb8s6HiI15
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegr82ur7t9
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2CgLfyItP
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6I9FWI2n3
"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..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Aq1WXwdfJ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwFuDzomoa
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz0eiaz7Nm
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevDqMjC4c1
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBMI5wj2JD
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"Loose screws?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHK6YDJ1Ya
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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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw72NvMe9Uk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAykcsZLoe
He huffed from his nose and smirked.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiLnRiRMjL
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuRA8wVluc
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkD7SZ3opQ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOPCOY9TVO
"Boring tales..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyV2O9gMJG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzCBQR0bcL
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5s4B0LctN
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWOq2Gxm3c
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k1VeKJh6o
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJPDzvX6do
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFtwnsMmK1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H9M5vE0uN
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3aQaYMFuC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC8YCU9l8P
"What, am I too young?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU31eQ2keu0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6J9ge1FQT
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM6cosimHt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KiBe8jWx8
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m1WCD2bLC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTlfNfUFxY
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsCbSGDTxy
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbosuGq11Zk
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH6ahGKti4
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIM5Jq6jam
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUo4uVzv7I
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX32GDPmRk
I straightened my posture.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLg0aYjAwW
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sSPbCQbUE
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNLFxt0q41
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DunybXdhu
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuypQLbqnaK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwq3YraBqY
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCvn3qBu8C
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VH0r6CxUA
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOwNRhGPqG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4ISpsSv3b
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK84cGgPWBa
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bOLvNxxUm
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXcHFlEoLl
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiXLBZXH41
He gave me a blank stare.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycRFLP6VfW
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Fd4Y6pf9W
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjOShLCcNO
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWCjfz78Uj
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrat9bJtaxw
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx57NuwnRd
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXJ3fO70P1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTvCBPCxAP
"See? There ain't a difference."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xIJhn2inr
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWwhCqkfZ1
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyrHQseZRS
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nO0kNKcjT
"Yeah? And what are they?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡostxWyi4Vp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzsNf8WLTD
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7Gyinr35P
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6eBbcSWln
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55DBpl6bcl
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To that question, I simply shrugged.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQV5vsaeZY
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqTRtsr9bl
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ppBg6UIYl
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcIsRg0Sxm
"What a load of semantical garbage."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiZPBVhRsF
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKBPkwFCLE
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8zMg6JRm0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq6X8cy4pI
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUDczk84R3
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDotTv8ndo
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ641ehzOs6
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8o4vote0lK
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDhRDgVvgM
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64QePr1mpc
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Nu7hvTBXy
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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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJVE9H9IR4
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCxNCzcXyz
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBUKChvEr6
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqVh6jwLq7
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEy8lzLhbO
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRxBh7BGQk
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIgjTpRo5u
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyozAj7e5Lh
"I'm starin' at one right now."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN6OLSWpyR
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oUHNxgUHL
"You know what I meant!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxzESvjElf
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NVDsprAsy
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZVW0p3hNv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALPCcj2jnd
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DcPO8uHMP
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqN5JUm0P4
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhVCXLr7EJ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZiS5sygIQ
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfcAwJWq56
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSrIgxcKQZ
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5wIFCmR6r
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbdZGLqkcW
"You're definitely being generous."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Jk41LHSy8
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEvZUSSX1B
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKB2UYgsZo
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtKDKxVPzP
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8cyFOJQUZ
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2hIEcFH4c
He nodded his head.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuBnqWM3pR
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRDlY5HaQx
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7MnBqwwUz
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFmrCYs7kU
"...Oh my goodness."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6yUTzeob0
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I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeuVzBhDO8
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUYEwlJHwu
"What? It's just mud, kid."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizfwR66bOA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJYhLF59mw
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed7phOYDL2
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YjsJcM2sc
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhykxzoDcA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8PTFNkGIH
"Yes. I hate it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPPDQrQwoj
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZTPxRaOi9
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSaK2AC6Fh
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NCuT0CnYI
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9nBGJU2Gd
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQDUnVNeoK
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CG5K3Z3wu
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qNAOWWfs7
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDARYkbmqVq
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO4UtI6M4q
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtq2R1Idak
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOcmh6qX0u
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ6Qb80xrF
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQowMiStMeb
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaKziqGovX
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4vOtrvEkc
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5IeWArJJx
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXzjdB3Mj2
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf0THaD2Fp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOKnURxWe6
"Nah."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDLW1tayQm
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I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlm0gnvL8w
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWx6eLILvl
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy7x8mTBFN
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGQI7zxKV7
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cnNJ6hR0m
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wJqGntkJu
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqtNzsMAPD
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNaQLSyQmB
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeKfEl61hr
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEvLalIXD4
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbRd7evcp6
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGQ5VD2rqb
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8e8NHbQur
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCYshf3xPr
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh6sQgxsZt
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxRi5LakOC
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4gjlFEkjU
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon0ijWNk7P
"Huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSO9HtBvLc
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjObcmuzO4
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCE737WX86
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfaDujoFMG
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc42JLQLdN
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SJQgsFj6b
"So someone told you as well?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBHRKfvBWR
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AwTQ2M142
He nodded with a smirk on his face.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS70fRhr1C5
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVtxIUAzFJ
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5tbzIfnAc
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4VuZOQhXU
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2a0rs2nu9j
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hdstlZr5J
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85P0lVOvuL
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m0WyW6kz3
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNXminArCP
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxR6uW0O0d
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LpnltzYy1
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVU8bbzboyW
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF66mvmnkfx
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtWwGhCvwI
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPFyK2cFWp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9emTUEkold
"Strong?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRaRtCT4bE
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4ZtEENnPV
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mXuVnY07v
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDNVQn4uaB
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPJsd7QGXD
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIkGm664V1
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?140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHHjK8NaV0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhpRultTyw
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9oIeLRLqc
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvgZQSNeM0
"Brat is certainly new..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnYFQ1HpU7
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn00Asl8rCG
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlQXRZf6xb
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYauMze3asD
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLpeHu4C8R
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBoEQbHSKX
"Think like what?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCPQed7SD7
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9l9nFr3a2
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9JTbGjiji
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OZN0eJBBZ
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBJ8lUmrBG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjHafuoC75
"J-Juke...?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2l27HKIel
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7p5fFdf9r
"Do ya think I'm strong?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjcnb56eNS
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8JyLhfLba
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMDkKEc6qe
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLeNT4MEVg
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQBbMLMMLq
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLIYPkP7bI
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv79oZeg0g
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34epUp2wqm
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo6g5cU4Xp
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2Udzp7obU
"Yer a moron."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SipJv0lyU
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzuiClc8BN
"H-Huh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdAEvzLJho
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENXJzq8wmv
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawJoUhUNUx
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2cFimPece
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXPF6eJdqv
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZSTJ5ndpq
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9IvKCqsYk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2OxqT0X81
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOTfS4NzsB
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYNmHJvnI6
"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–"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTes4t8BtW
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiubFRHsxLE
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf83Pjl7tF
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNvSZgQy1h
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f2EdSvhlI
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5qYvvpGcc
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjt7DjEtVE
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xqqmj3Py4
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQUlVC6OTr
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFrykkjNb3
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh013UaDVP
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RGHGMR69P
And so, I spoke.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dYYYnCcJq
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6lz0Bdlra
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RAujX8x3u
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhd3v5ivi2H
"...Yer just like that bitch."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjpCeLMt3i
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnYT6kkNKE
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LLuXC2H4K
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRn7QzS4J8
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cPMJursJA
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfLxwwtllb
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46qH2lf933
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrEWWuE45V
"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?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQW6ADuEDl
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3RE3AK8Wz
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VjjGDqR1W
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyZHunssPq
"You're missing the point!"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiXndHjXiC
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM34DtLpJDW
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwEcGdoexx
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VK2jZaF9B
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUgdTJ0rM6
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1v2oWtWQiB
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvF16y9YBAG
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlshBStC6LS
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLmhotei2D
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhLDuHPuyd
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOCws8DO3y
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCSwOx7Zs5
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIMtwQUe3g
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymS64CPhpE
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDKwAkpQx3
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwzKoDamNm
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD5osfyGlY
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz9n40R0Op
"..."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5drD6uxr0
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8pDL7EoH0
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.140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHViVtSCDK
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd2OPBf2ZP
"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."140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4G1Wh5OWk
140Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eG7SXH2vJ
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
