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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cmxacPLcD
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyqySUfJKU
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiDyONoSAc
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbILNvHdgfI
"Right on."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XhPMebcbz
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1Q9tNmeTx
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkJChSo1WR
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5Jo2DFqcX
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1aWyRGm1D
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHmDekqGVV
"Huh? Oh, alright."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15Mvp5ikQH
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUTxG4kHl8
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLBWFGlP6G
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv7JDfOYPP
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDubSotz1h
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSECKYcBEo
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVKyRI1GrT
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9M3Pli0SZ
"Luck..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK2HHanjrM
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpq5CC4Nlb
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGvd6MiD5j
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjNWGSITyB
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS1JW3xdHm
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwcEQVkTIa
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB6xT6bOPE
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAb5PDJaKg
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU99lsS2bL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4Ii2bh1cL
"You people are strange..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYd7dYJ35S
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi3m2SzbPs
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIveC6YaOp
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrFQzBiovC
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX6o9sYgyy
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7acXL0hv0D
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMN3K47DTp
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchxXKzkkZD
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDds6IXYrY
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5KvsQHEDT
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBsNqkW0fk
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN2vHeT6T5
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPUk2x0VCI
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S9r9Kp4Xy
"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?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aF7tbJA1r
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVn4x7KMCK
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABov1Fzqjt
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS450NwElWV
"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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vpl4iFb5i
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB8XGsZJhw
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTABtIFGWf
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf3itPxcih
"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?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcMdcdLhxu
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzkJu5biID
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs09FnpLDt
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFEGCQoezu
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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YWErXYVPq
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMmG5DMefS
"...Huh?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4vaysN8Zt
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjH2OgxQVO
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFVZ2AR0Ma
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18TblwvoW7
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasnidjDQB1
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qN9U6TL3a
"I can't deny that."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUxN5aZZxU
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJg7m8yXZw
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNq2SKQdMj
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQUFX8wGJX
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxEBMEUj8Q
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnBGA35YGB
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ITaXnHguM
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuwdnYOTco
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2kT6F2523
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9saP9zCVS6
"You're up."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UaPPzrGyh
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsASl0z8Ph
"Right on."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXOBt8WccA
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzESOxonsAh
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8OrFoMUY2
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryWtTbbBNp
"That's... that's incredible."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtRLt3WJly
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBSmhmIWhB
"Huh?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjw48wxSgYt
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaSz6O7WOP
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3IxDsMI7b
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkXhYVFnkX
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR24BPwAkEb
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5TEWAQujM
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53XGoDbaVv
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MN8CjG2ZJ
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD7tfgdF6f
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTVcx9jisy
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM4FMCmIou
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX9pQV2cTc
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFydHxhMZMn
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxOqt75kQ1
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom7Za7KwfH
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzsZfcj28t
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcbP4WWlR7
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6RGWdYebk
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ61ahbDz1l
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQAxy9rzgn
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51HGBhQGlY
"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?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA39uZnQdq
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWk0ad0idg
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOoHoeI8nh
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2t8Iova0TE
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT0zJsL0la
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQHsfTpO8p
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJltBTWSu9f
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZqRkd6UGP
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JymInKIUl
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvKTsgG0pr
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuAYUCQPYG
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthHPleLgLF
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDDvRaKxai
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9raGKvCeq
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2zToLThUx
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D4IEatpmp
–
–
–
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafXJfMUArS
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKkwlbzQM0
"What time is it now?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPHqDaXNAe
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDKqjvpOtQ
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvS7WdioHK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCZIAtmNVz
"Juke?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6gAQvZ3X9
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lGK3PuRUn
He looked at me and perked up.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz92Pvinzp
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3k0sIp2FY
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI03vIR4M3
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6Jc6yLQ2y
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMFy1fpOla
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S2V42PcHZ
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODe1fuYosm
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE5JauEmvz
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d60fUTZoK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbMjm5ww2C
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGKTQ0Hsox
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kkg8URZWf
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZSGrDiHBF
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlvafPKj3G
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0Vz1633IS
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdc5EEwQMkd
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPlGpNVipC
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS0Spg8inS
"S-Sorry, sorry."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjipkMKS3S7
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXoBdwlIBM
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJ2tilFZAj
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvF3PYuezy
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQY3O5jKqj
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFYWINdqYq
"Ah, shit, yer right."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdARShpl2tt
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtesTcnPbiZ
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVRB7g0681
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK8Vsg8G9t
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxup5QQC9R6
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qE4lLSQVJ
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bv4VNafMv
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDUXSEOiKw
"Did ya just laugh?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIAFS1uszz
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuPlKtTpqJ
"N-No, why do you ask?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEEzpIYhuD
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTEAZjEQso
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lkBkMNoeo
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhqW9Anwli
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlvJtuRdbC
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8nESWKFnO
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnAGlBZwj0
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gjPJSrenx
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlQX1ZIQ9o
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrdSqbVNuy
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeQTGJKJGl
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCmi2cnSvQ
He narrowed his eyes at me.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6gouRhShN
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcqUJbFkBR
"I'll take yer word for it."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF3qSmCiHk
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz69uMrx3sx
There was a momentary pause. I254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdKUoOaNiS
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFX5AqJrMZQ
"So, what have ya been up to?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6J6MEnACk
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pCEMjXHIq
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVAIf7IejP
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlRRx2nDq9
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFZD1wF3Pz
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCcsXijz78
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvFWAqzoVi
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2KrJXVynk
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycZIqHY4Pj
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG2MXDzRRv
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvfLQrV8nh
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSlzJ9B3kf
"The sleeping room?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTfBwSR7YH
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZSdSaLwxX
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3vn4lJy63
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLnoBK9jt2
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbQkZQtTSz
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM6t0Gole0
He cocked his head.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKuApmmC6f
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KusYoUqXC
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98ZzsEjL34
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrpHftwYp2
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO4y6BfkUM
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rY450h5Mm
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKw9D6LA1Q
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFLKYPyn2x
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DvN5ruG0l
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i5cd7uoDk
"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..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1eALKK9ok
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahUiFksxkO
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nWWd56DIz
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMUnW9pGeM
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc5f0AfALA
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNppLVlrOlL
"Loose screws?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2IfecRKRv
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Xq9II75wb
"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?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMTI1iyGZz
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYNOQKwA8g
He huffed from his nose and smirked.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpViPuAO3f
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY24Fwrw5s
"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?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22h92RR9Wd
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaucyOxbuG0
"Boring tales..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAthtSOKQO1
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphWVwTcOQ4
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkZSTO2Oin
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz1t5l0eEY
"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?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanLddWAjo4
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSZkq00TNT
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSfeotqmFO
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CucGBOJlQ
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrkCVaiSdL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyWOu8xutM
"What, am I too young?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAydRWl8PG9
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppwyt8aJsF
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUi4mcHaJc
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nAXeIJBql
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge74r0MBY1
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4BHiBZv0r
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGnNZRplt2
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh9g71E9dl
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV84Lmylza
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgREtFxHzif
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFkoNI6DdJ
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZjjzq48qF
I straightened my posture.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOQP2uA92R
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOfY01dS4e
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvQNkR3XYP
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjt3EWR09R
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlijAYSvpLL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQzM9VeBtG
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0sMO6opYG
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaVPkWpM1n
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB4p0Vq25k
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkshNub3frM
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCkSD7AkDl
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9KP8GCacP
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOKcxpHRgE
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV6dSuHCr5
He gave me a blank stare.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGF9xt4L8H
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhc9L0zH3zk
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57aWVULCex
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDSJsG1XvX
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9POyjLTdcV
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFad5m44OV
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7mse7Q6Vp
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EdlDbGkCX
"See? There ain't a difference."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpmJ1XI5HG
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfHQPAZQpV
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJyU1xiQn6
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJppreGfPIb
"Yeah? And what are they?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFyRT7RFfJ
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6kV7SEvwa
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxojDLH4NQ1
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAyTfG2cR6
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9M8Rr7MUk
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanRx23RfQx
To that question, I simply shrugged.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ2oqFrU50
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C87aTkxii
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSsCoM4Qv7
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WEwsSIKxS
"What a load of semantical garbage."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH2GzQj2Hr
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSucX3HuxB
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjAYMqQgmv
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNB35D0RwZ
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRcUMotZPf
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzII8u0ZKIt
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShe3Z4QC7a
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiXIN97irb
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QBb7Wh1p4
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9p1CiWVVQ
"..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldb9lyXGdD
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlvB4NthBh
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXDrOHJtgR
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOoAXuHfeA
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8doijcYzLX
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm6y1ss27v
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN59RcJ5Cwq
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FSk2SN8U8
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRUL6x7FI9
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HtPjYcriM
"I'm starin' at one right now."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxmYhVzv8F
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7Ldxa4sIL
"You know what I meant!"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpH786ovqA
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvx7lzbRWo
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAxlGbSiHg
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzx4cu4Hmr2
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S2SuLKskf
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASvJJYPRvK
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuZ5MS8oEb
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUy6UeTFpO
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxPN4fJ1LI
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH9kOA0gNC
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLUQokoVDo
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcS5MM5sVx
"You're definitely being generous."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW7qLAgwTB
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ5A1fVH9z
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQKtKg7cqL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfaQVbqllc
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBj6ZBNomn
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhVLRpdMwr
He nodded his head.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOWxvVPGN8
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqbrs0KLLI
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4n7aiEdLW
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BBZa4Yp5E
"...Oh my goodness."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmB3Hfv9hb
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE4R2Pdk5e
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78DfI4js5c
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVqSlQRrsK
"What? It's just mud, kid."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWqsQJLJMs
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT14DBurtj8
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP51ZXWjfP
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUDSxaJ8Ou
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LdC5t4Pdk
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0C4ugSdEj
"Yes. I hate it."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhtIZp2tR0
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JB5uKmB3l
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUGgw1Jb3G
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSfX69eVK3
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDlsa4ZBAj
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPo34K9UCNO
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutpZuO6JdF
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlXvuFRmaK
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNjvRzpwnG
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOAWnFfDtD
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEBPWfHC3w
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK2lAy28vH
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P59avnNCw
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhejRPtdUHT
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDeqcQnIJA
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS56ix86CI
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87rVqLiJnA
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBxsGJTAEF
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofLh67Cme0
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV2tE9zZM1
"Nah."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86btVXViv4
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87PvEoiShy
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YojzJFurT
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESGWrgBMs2
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgceir5ydqD
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxVagugo9B
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKU3VibAer
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUmpNz9taF
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkXD3Sf9Qb
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWAmLzzwqL
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHurDHLyXk
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLt8lyipTy
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKqZF3QCVO
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwVLNeFPi8
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQLSvwRK5e
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PrEpZTYWH
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaEV5h92f5
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7290K0V7JB
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9AbLg280r
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtFZaF2oIi
"Huh?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEsMvpuf5c
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lFSLKHc4C
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQvIh345yW
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1C81ZO8z4O
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh4NXqCht8
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTpqBV8aS5
"So someone told you as well?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ5zLLTLei
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLExNnXIpk
He nodded with a smirk on his face.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj3bcGyMgS
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37Yi3aoBq8
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEURboDnKT9
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevt7tlCB7N
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBSFO8oSOm
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVlnpMom1p
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JOHPPpgCD
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu18Dv0Fw0
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8x8k6kYAf
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFfIiOwrCw
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFSRN5qzJG
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhZWF2uPKK
"..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef5OklXU8H
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ7PFQKDvZ
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FruxHF6EL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwqkqVd6rb
"Strong?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcGqSjKNyB
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWaJpf30vm
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJkHuH840A
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tMmoAqCbL
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrMhtyhzbm
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc51dC6phr
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?254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBHkQEtIoS
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xaHkpMW2V
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli7dJL1nLc
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsFL8TnTke
"Brat is certainly new..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB6tUg5mF7
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66oC1l6v7T
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdp4ELzfz6
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQbJMpsFK3
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1LtdX0XMg
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09yfPotpvv
"Think like what?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5sgkCf7rK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtihrB683CE
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6weIoQmlNc
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS9uWhLTVj
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp7RMnl0Lu
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpo5u7rLjG
"J-Juke...?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSJNFyXKeo
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQDgusta3Y
"Do ya think I'm strong?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUkNT2W77G
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGeGxaWXRj
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4NSXl2S4b
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9ntVHqZKs
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0taxzPpTL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCyh0jPV19
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7xocC8Vx3
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQehPhz5ol
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k5K2fxlTF
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUijNNoTV0d
"Yer a moron."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxVX1oWS07
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe2WpHoEfu
"H-Huh?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo54s1aJ5ZC
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6uuutcdWe
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVllHd2s33
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROSnlG8far
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB5LDFV5YP
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSw5pyz6hX
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIhS0OaV4j
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVZZtU3Ikt
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaJLExZiaX
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbvdbKRT5P
"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–"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggY3KXm8mN
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHRjmvmI7y
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwOKS3WAVU
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDCKela7fu
"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?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDUPLw71md
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6UxTkBjjc
"..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbcJmYdoul
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcK9NgGFjr
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlUQnvd8YL
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD330tio5h
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9uBa2pQgP
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeOzDCYa4P
And so, I spoke.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tkWqTLJW4
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7KyCfIAUn
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadyFS6cvt2
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wiYN4oD2K
"...Yer just like that bitch."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhH8Nk5PGsK
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGQQpB8r43
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDT2IhbakO
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqwKaHjkzO
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3548RDVik
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVztGkdtRlD
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbfjOj5rXy
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzzVKgMqKT
"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?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I3o1i8hwF
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1pxb21NBk
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMDPON7fkm
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVDCNGqJfO
"You're missing the point!"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQLBguaS5F
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4L7dDS1HR
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwJX12LVAp
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2mgLtlFui
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1crzkycJhh
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL8Yef3vzC
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ0gnSmJoE
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbOdyY60oB
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIClFyL5OMM
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY7Ov3pqvJ
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF1MgTfDcB
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1Dpl6PFom
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5XjBGAgWT
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypxL2VA6HJ
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QEnLOSrL9
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJaO7TQHzq
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qKuQaVHBD
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwsZ5Y1sst
"..."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY5VqlbeUq
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03OuKM4f6N
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.254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYgRJE9oAE
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgxD4okrQ8
"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."254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKkUasvtnA
254Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9nu3lwYrX
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
