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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUhT71bSnQ
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCejR9pc4xk
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"Right on."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9o7lQc0dk
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGtdfqtnEI
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZubmpebkY
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHaP3jU95s
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"Huh? Oh, alright."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jfuGT3ihF
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKPBkvrCo4
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTNNb2g4vJ
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡellrubPWoA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17vHWPwPBS
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4WW7b2CcX
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"Luck..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNCoh6Y0RH
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg3SAZTT8U
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAFLqZVfh9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6CB7aCIKk
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT1RDgHfmt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnMo8ruord
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CMISGNKu2
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F6Typ7Slp
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"You people are strange..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKpb3Gxev9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYMxMz7s7T
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2gXsjgFVg
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W6ZujuqkU
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcqwqFd6N0
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdaMIbIisT
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbNteHwxwm
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjmp1qVZwz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFPUvBpriQ
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa9xLHQqmT
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrXI2iAkPZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73UyFbOtPC
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaHLkDKLGm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMH1567MqK
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhjC2E9i4H
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfASLhZ0uY
"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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSKL6KTa1a
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7GIqZMaKn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvOj2okr28
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1N9FV0HB0M
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5srIrQ3Zq
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pLQQJvzMm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRZ0ZMCn51
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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YtUbsHyWZ
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"...Huh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91j2NYXcvJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDNQMWT6g9
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4axBDoVlwR
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxG1kPCID7
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69RGPxWvkI
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"I can't deny that."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8XiZGvRYy
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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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8398ZcCew
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ppsrtqlkN
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XCKuJ926p
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YENB6AmG3
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpNxSsziyI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKUEWiLcTw
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTs3RxxhMr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtM5d3csWA
"You're up."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjohF8leg8S
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"Right on."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBT3y8Emqf
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuU9QB93qa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oAsjpl692
"That's... that's incredible."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QmWWlC5Kh
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"Huh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhLX5W2NLC
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv91cHtA54o
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYRcvwUaVK
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPRlJY3Z1L
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX5VXLDtz7
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkoxcZo77P
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xPBef45zo
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5YPDnxLpi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb9woQbY4C
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcyEfCn0az
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOpQL2yg9J
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CeDNjgLak
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKk1aH0r10
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA0KrdSCbM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBHC5ICiYK
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjeEwPsutc
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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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdmFW4SzDF
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSAMeaH8TZ
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT2zQrXaeg
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa14eyrlAP
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iyGiYMkHG
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"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrKx6wAshk
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgUzr7XHNl
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFyul6xWqR
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNSkgapJO2
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrigZoPre0
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VdVyA14uP
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"What time is it now?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE8HnluePh
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxzzKnSD4n
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"Juke?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy5HY6lw3P
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He looked at me and perked up.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinUodPqHOB
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpCrQKZMb7
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaZ2PEhoJf
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoNiYwQUZy
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"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPQoergCRN
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LzczfWk9W
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ758oozIpQr
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XTUZh8mmM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCRzps4vob
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPUdZGDfIl
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcZBAvpjmm
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyJKzSOQ9E
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BKKnOkHM9
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdZQRrpV8m
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"S-Sorry, sorry."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKzFiMhx4J
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopZWrLCWiF
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFwvD34QZg
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32JF7TntPU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLGAmm2r5w
"Ah, shit, yer right."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdXCuH7yeZ
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4M3iUR38P
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsw4yzZRYC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnfxucjfWq
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56H6KFJVTe
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkO31hvw6D
"Did ya just laugh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrOSQEe33d
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDNY9WmUTb
"N-No, why do you ask?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa7mKYFi5j
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnLMXOmFJA
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4y9ZxcloE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2YrakJtQq
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumTFl0pS99
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2UJ470Vft
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCN73pZg9jY
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLCiGT7398
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCBDhaO4ww
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN2NwBR7jq
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He narrowed his eyes at me.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BPCQeJONR
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"I'll take yer word for it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamlSyoYbN8
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There was a momentary pause. I233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9Z3VO3WVX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHH51rEYTg
"So, what have ya been up to?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmOagAN6AM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4XY2YkjJK
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoCc2NudZA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAH6PFcTCt
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZANkt49wVx
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbvJNAowr5
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW604M1jirR
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb22ceW1yGZ
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJd2UkcsVt
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"The sleeping room?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2TxJBEwcW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e1Nq3pQX6
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ21xxKWDwe
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzQlxcqq6C
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg9rlYGBeP
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He cocked his head.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs2AtAoNNp
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xFo3nUGoN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxbwr2cCDM
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPqRNzELmt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnEDXxshjX
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZtWjxUBrK
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV1nDLUbsm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLXFmwbVoK
"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..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0iiuzvIOn
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDntkdqKbp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkAU1y9Arg
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuKKtYve9v
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIplVUp8rp
"Loose screws?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9J4bsEevZ
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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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1SRFkrEMy
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WXkiXv2SD
He huffed from his nose and smirked.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnVcy5dzwZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFp0rztoJS
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIAmi03McR
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYLC7UH1TX
"Boring tales..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW9kAz8KXI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXVaK3vqs6
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONuuQhVZrP
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d6n1nfrlL
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnhJlbvqld
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnU5UyK4LI
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGifJbbNbEj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6otUMW0cIo
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIBV6NxFa9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK51Jmn7Fn
"What, am I too young?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFSsr4EVMo
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm98AtWisc
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSIX8kDpiD
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQVZr7bf3w
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5CVRbb6LU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45sC9BDSCx
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytW3H6KdOp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGeSdfzxeF
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNbeEWkik5
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj91Wx55xSc
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll6KjqClMX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkUdoRBCme
I straightened my posture.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidBwcEqzfA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdMIkIXmkK
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldmjfiWgDd
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhYiJS0AVa
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr0SrXvI4u
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N52sTIdBu
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYJDiDXZ2B
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98FGu19ekZ
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc5cc0sIg8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50lujppiVy
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjff7foASM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03RyVbo4WP
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1JhbKqtuK
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5fUlmXSCC
He gave me a blank stare.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ52zQIaNLE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXdLxtZQ7E
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekOAZOWlVm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2daW1GmGR
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt83iXGtvu
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGJEzH4567
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdPBEPVe4s
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5gPACKhOq
"See? There ain't a difference."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciOJxyLEcP
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlWudRKsCO
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZLpdSzriJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGJdy9kdXl
"Yeah? And what are they?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55mkNeJtob
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRxaBvFbmX
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMDIItjpMQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ3ohFahv7
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwEHA0NjxL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8El2RlOgXP
To that question, I simply shrugged.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndkwUarxIE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkrRI6HbUa
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguVKdqRDBS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2Ec549j8p
"What a load of semantical garbage."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxfOFmjLRk
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTA80lWOmz
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKG4pd0xTv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX1vhu39iR
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnZeN6jl3d
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfkizvjPEU
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT8k1D6l4y
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjS5TI57nK
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfwv6VEvcz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lhdyz6xxX
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtwLeX8xzy
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptweJjLrHw
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAuVkNEmgn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo540Tzfwwb
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkRkPQLzI1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1pPYpQ0ck
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M9Gyb0g2C
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxObNgDHzjc
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h8fO3Lrpw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNYUoRIsjf
"I'm starin' at one right now."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzjOSzC6ia
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6AezHxCYF
"You know what I meant!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9fsMSYlwP
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqR9XemdxQr
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqYOK7aToL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqvhV9jc2j
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXTAvZaHjk
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJVVM8O7OC
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzipb9LWKyC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKfDNF2A75
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJLDUjoqGM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjMTOgSPcw
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNUH91MVbw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3y7L9IJpb
"You're definitely being generous."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVudWSqo92c
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOmFTHr93B
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPruyRkjaB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3t8m8AJO8
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXv0in6KAA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSm6GQID55j
He nodded his head.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC2oFjiqft
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXGrTpR9ML
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL96sL3EvNj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprDto169Sn
"...Oh my goodness."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxNuw7pENK
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyjXrEsKU2
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PrdPIPYgB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4p1MLUikS
"What? It's just mud, kid."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2j5SDK2l9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZVxHGOm3f
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL68OBFRiUH
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsro0snUuU
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jwo0rZWjr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8IO7xgDuQ
"Yes. I hate it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WunBqRwMU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE0NI1BPok
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETqaKAXYuM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzNR06a8FQ
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvgXxuLN22
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zlEyBAfGR
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx6kbLczUP
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d5pqnAWBD
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik6wNavoU1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcTBoiJsal
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavEY1U810l
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGgwmHgyyH
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKK5E3SC2m
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SstQ44cMi
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4EV3b4JMh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujo6BQykRh
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhc56vV9O2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G0vTEA0PG
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKRtiSoKWW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnkbUFHJyq
"Nah."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAhBTJdlnQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9qX48gWca
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTZLePolPz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XoCj3XZh8
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQJ39iXUs6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxwLa6tsqA
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy8UXReTG3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nu0eS6dAu
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSubvEMz2s
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIPAKpTdbu
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ430U6NqVKj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeBsfj6eA7
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrRiACxqVC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevE8LxNaHM
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz6bDaHAsK
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrGUfxPk7v
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv0M96n0fc
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvwQ1TTWkX
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbRStRu9Hl
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRHxJuKB8X
"Huh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2hP5gEBDx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKsxebCI7o
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxtdnyMH0F
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3c4PlMJAR
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zasi8nhQX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf8qHFLgFf
"So someone told you as well?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBmMa2CqFv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN21z28rhU
He nodded with a smirk on his face.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DmQo8ziYw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5uKzu1PiP
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E9pehb9IC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH7USxoG4C
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnNwS5iFYA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceeTTsDgah
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpypZ6RHg9j
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGB75Pvj4I
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiXBb989Bi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP11EnyFDtJ
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaqdX9kPQw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTMPcllsKE
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pZuhe94dp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRWujDLHnM
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nIxKqWl4a
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wn2wlHjh9
"Strong?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GIYsiL350
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34yOz9FulR
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KbDqXCuLy
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCr7NLSMVK
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnT23RVGxfc
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAK7m6uGdu
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?233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJomKMbStMZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE2Ufu10Uh
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SzT4wTu8B
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBUVqDPyPh
"Brat is certainly new..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X7K1L9PUL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYErLPO7Qt
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxvDeo5lg8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlgDzqrzZv
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8whMVj4M3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVE99HTiiD
"Think like what?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC7WCUyyXl
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOUWppoIuk
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOYR1vgRrT
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pT0WQh3i3
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxe9bbyCgr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKQ2BEQXWf
"J-Juke...?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuaigD536O
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01NFtnhHeX
"Do ya think I'm strong?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3XxTQRtIh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTdrMvpELm
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4vFTFT0ly
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OXfz9NueB
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi4cpiGsZf
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM1t5K97av
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X4FjwZozh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgj0EVGTJ2
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4f5L3jx2Lr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPFe8eeoY6
"Yer a moron."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknnDpQboWU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡua7vw8N15e
"H-Huh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGQBdj64zQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyH0JRpRb0
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlK9lHAptc
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUJSJARcUk
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIx8IZIkLR
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiP7YGcJ6y
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dnly2edIx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrut8STdixF
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiMYn1O4Gm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGpyOnefbs
"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–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdaL35w4WS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r5jgFzMXG
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFARpQuBlLo
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrwJvLnCvB
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK377PcYff0
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtOF4EvPER
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHYKQTRgei
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKOg79phbQ
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXh1FoLWn4
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ezsGGIsAI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNinRjdJ9S
And so, I spoke.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHjImH69AO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy713hVrdWM
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRCqcc1NlE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw1sGFcB9x
"...Yer just like that bitch."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFiNLYBdGQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqFGBt0ToJ
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ5gAzQoi8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnAdzlb1iy
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJQLKIBcUW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LiZmoWLK8
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPevbbGbk1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmThilVp7Z
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmawCr9ji6A
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Xi0xcdM3v
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9Zi6jAc9y
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA77JbQ6D7
"You're missing the point!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqSbwMPG09
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45RxhmzQw9
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2NA4mgKFz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oiRWo5hPa
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfszzDmbV6m
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0THR9cqhU
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLbFecB6l8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28hUdWZrPA
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuJ1JwXe7C
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnPPVog6Hj
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHV2Fxnixy
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9SP71f0Ax
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarXLXrOapq
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I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gSgfwnf98
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXoaL6cwUx
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQlwITgpKS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FTGVAlZJw
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3xTddspUk
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaCDhSgBFi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8cKWysDvb
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt6n7AsFQe
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvxKKbi1F1
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
