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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy59EN6J34
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ebinEe7MV
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"Right on."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLi6lMIZy3
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9P17vZS5U
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WRFnIj6ay
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"Huh? Oh, alright."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7lrnj9hKU
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHuOVNfhzf
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wbOLXHRIn
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD6IHxSbJp
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"Luck..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lL36DPnbv
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH87j5CUkbd
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WATqKRkSX
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hgmgws1ZT
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfGXNuzzBe
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"You people are strange..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAAGLrJqkg
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"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf73xYw0YiY
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfH77sFYI2I
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs3gznaUhy
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnZqOPjDA8
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"Shut up! Speak for yourself."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGhrHSR8WY
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRE4x1BmevB
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VQVOWo0N1
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX02cLjed2D
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZTMJ5nUpU
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TUtpY22yT
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mmby0P97A
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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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi6yhZBWaH
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGpFUItfwk
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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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiMBRVLKps
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"...Huh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHZfaDXKpo
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkopP6IsOOk
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1HcnP2HU8
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"I can't deny that."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGUZAj9VyJ
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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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94WWyWJSiz
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrbHRQTekd
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkdLPOdHG6
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiNCTDCdyC
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"You're up."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk0mVFdPt1
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"Right on."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAh2IbKbtF
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHkRRVJJ2K
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"That's... that's incredible."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFooYtAmazj
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"Huh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0JVMCEw2E
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPrOiNYh0b
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2nTiTmKcJ
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDXRyuLJte
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhixYgSl4Lz
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWxd5d75sj
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaE042FLDU
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIOJFcZBbN
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
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I sighed and clutched my head. The other two started cackling, which only furthered my frustration. I tried not to let this moment spoil the other.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkKNcpuWjs
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"I'm just messing with you. It's flattering that you think that. It makes me feel like I'm doing this for a reason."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoWkZfw8x4
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzh7SUZV0oG
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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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfEx6Dp5p9
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xIdtTFyBP
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mbpCAddwL
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGh1ESCxGF
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"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACGLjxg48X
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxal9wkbLa
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44mXptMTHF
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYvZaPt22s
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBydK7im6yu
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"What time is it now?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTwBNXEUyl
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpb4J4GN6O
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"Juke?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH9A6Zskkp
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He looked at me and perked up.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppXBgaCBhU
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU7sqNrN2X
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPYfDOPQps
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUumJNzjBR3
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"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR7C9mDO6v
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdAIS86MiC
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2AciohAJw
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡModVEaNr4G
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLacKXhkJVM
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYPZIFU7MN
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"S-Sorry, sorry."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxycw85ndWs
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcDr9kCIwG
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmmHO3g29Y
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"Ah, shit, yer right."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF3hJUvBbl
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnlj2h9ePU
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7eoWR4WBS
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cG8163aeN
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"Did ya just laugh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTmt9lguVH
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"N-No, why do you ask?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4Bc4bIhQI
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUykEmxOreh
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ab9hwrZ8k
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There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmmM0yUksw
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H9nAf510g
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQMnAKKcW8
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqQwJWpK6a
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He narrowed his eyes at me.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzJhkaj70i
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"I'll take yer word for it."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxOLsrep0y
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There was a momentary pause. I173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl1fYnqoPY
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"So, what have ya been up to?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1lh2QwV8V
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzQpAIRTna
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzJ81KbUo9
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxEer190Ef
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDdE6hpLhE
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"What, the sleeping room? It ain't anything to write home about. It's just a bunch of beds. They're pretty damn cozy, I'll give 'em that."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK11oDoD59
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY2AfoeRqQ
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"The sleeping room?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEW9X1kr0W
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiYKRH31xm
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6fwUHBqx9
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP422DCWWW
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXNemgyM0R
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He cocked his head.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvPTBdZv94
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0TFvdm9yO
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"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0riRoMvwf
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Maybe not every member of the retaliation squad was noble and principled. Juke shrugged at my request, and another round of silence ensued. Since he had already brought up the topic, I decided to press him on the matter.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5rv3eYm3o
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6bHHzP40Q
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"Nah, there's more than enough beds. The room's gigantic, I tell ya. I ain't a good judge of smell, but I got no issues with it. And, the guys and gals themselves..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXQgUMDIWI
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9yqaKjAvs
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"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsJ8GRXoPN
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"Loose screws?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReUNeUF3Yj
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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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9k6HdKlEb
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91c4y8Iz9W
He huffed from his nose and smirked.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzrRXly1Ut
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscQUFoSvEw
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseFPYuJhoo
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jWkjoZWGt
"Boring tales..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0MFDKAJAP
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC5ean3NGG
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wKZKfafO6
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA2ZmHMUId
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKodC4qjwA
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkAb6a1AIx
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwglNY3pW8c
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb2elLa624
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE3g2iGOXG
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8hI44Ph6q
"What, am I too young?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtt9Rw8I5S
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaF5lbUvGB
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdHK8gX0Ss
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyDByipQKi
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37xcsZGDyf
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHos0RYhxzH
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6O1oz1XOM
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UsLY5IBxn
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtWEqE4w3V
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVV3Y7m23p
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViVti2TgvJ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNxB5ixIca
I straightened my posture.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsLWpyNegS
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXglS2aM5I
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx8uWtHlkm
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnNDHWpNbl
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHDfMhS9ja
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf18myYl1I1
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Uhlxx7VU3
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvToHUraAc
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2msYNgjIEd
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjSZe2iQE9
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w3wAI1oSW
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfVce9DAgY
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUjVZrUr5S
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dmC7CgLht
He gave me a blank stare.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm4VdFTopq
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgSG6ww2Fw
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcV6zCD5W20
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpaPAMveND
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZSQhjJsLW
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL86zfFJHC
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IuhI5pU6v
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxqGou7Gg8
"See? There ain't a difference."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G97QFqAeB
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6c670ADin
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsvKHYXM66
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqimfiOWyZG
"Yeah? And what are they?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9j7Cvg2oX
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm9qUN7Wrj
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8y8mGvf6u
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOvHSojpGH
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU1XZvlj5B
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNO12aWYpg
To that question, I simply shrugged.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IoJU6BFhI
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoUGtD5CyO
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2ya4eo5Eu
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLKS9fGEcK
"What a load of semantical garbage."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv9Tb6eWgj
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOFK0N5Iyw
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nm2y6ySqK
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3LRMYH32m
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygchzO8LxQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNikVqPKyms
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSsohhTl6c
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWV3XHzd0m
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnerDZV1RYj
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEE91k0N2G
"..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieHmFUpxxo
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsEMvM0Nlr
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwvUUA7RNT
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYbZdIiJS5
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVh2qAQIVl
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UizDZMvUV
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFal4WhfGr
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaKPB2u3tq
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXHtfZgxiH
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeTmHmnWX3
"I'm starin' at one right now."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxASNULN7ay
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BOmNLUlXp
"You know what I meant!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoYg6fUvcs
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXJZaMuq72
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYTMWJO4j9
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwZsEn9bej
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MMsP8H6iI
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaDMckzpk3
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR54Zq155Rm
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicihAh5nfg
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcdi6W6Cdy
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KYhntu5ko
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpov1djWeX
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzHS5bfqyk
"You're definitely being generous."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9ruUFIdhg
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmQi82Bj5M
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZREVj81pAD
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkOb1uum5S
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjpgAUMqFl
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs5a9iGQ5r
He nodded his head.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTVwmf8gfJ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjWDolAYZd
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPs9FKdlvI
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP3c4QAcqN
"...Oh my goodness."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxatSZZZXCv
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxrgEUJoNW
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKa2Can8B9
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyvQjfh8iI
"What? It's just mud, kid."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef3jWCMd9H
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXLTtfjgBO
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17uWy1LbTH
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAa7UkKprm
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj9aORLwHU
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAYR9PFBa4
"Yes. I hate it."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwHRvZAYrQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ1U9bRJCi
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSsKw3tDo9
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7Ow5ZTwEm
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5kIWObmqu
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWhOSBmPPZ
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VxzLvn8cT
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOw6HzuDWz
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytPLM97w4n
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wIABvHTdt
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3exXfQ6nhb
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8d1trot8eR
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze2KuSAIgt
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX58Ii0sic6
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8zK58ORdE
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGJSC4HvVd
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUze4LWxRr
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbjxtWPyHf
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiyyjWdyhM
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI8UYKHSu5
"Nah."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyuNVr9L2s
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaz2BXTUTR
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqbPjQuXAd
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpR2YEPnWV
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cy2uu6xHV
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs3vMG46yq
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYiokdVLit
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyebVGv30X
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqexOBG8CWG
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUDvzdPIG7
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lhX8WrqAu
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKJzFfXsKo
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuf4Ws2YPP
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkmxcaBBVO
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TcJEbOiGV
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3TFev9IHA
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqXsAG93T4
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBIfYrnffB
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbImwqdwVSz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAfjVdRHSg
"Huh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LBFL0GMjK
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwGDeIf0OF
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UXpoXZZoU
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrudJMmnseV
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ4TG9qr1L
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpXxDL389y
"So someone told you as well?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmwfc9Akrp
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1ml7ZNrHn
He nodded with a smirk on his face.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquVlus7Fqm
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTkDHyTITQ
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFflFKir6a
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC58jXnvTOZ
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzwCbQZE5w
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy07ss41aDd
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LEcHwScIl
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ti91Ul51Z
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstqHSe9GK5
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutEHWpmsLm
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYnBd5Q9jO
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr30GP0Szx
"..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDpyqHVHGm
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uOHrhB3Oh
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4zsgVjnAH
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvLD99b7gL
"Strong?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6EjkLukAp
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Qful0x9rV
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCNMs2c8k6
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFScodw2cJQ
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYifW9xEHs8
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGElGqu40nI
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?173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp1Tg4BNaz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXjjVMwGFO
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJCtC56Yae
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SGkGW0ng5
"Brat is certainly new..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECHQm6sUgy
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPM0uiQRyd
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJOuLQ1NaU
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEuqw59Na3
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI92zk8Tltz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUPzMMGbxu
"Think like what?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLQQXaFS9W
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsun2fUWrA
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LrH7UbMrY
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBelVXD22n
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacQN1jYtNN
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTS21OYkdi
"J-Juke...?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4KCmg8gbp
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebCJUJl4Kt
"Do ya think I'm strong?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXauK1Pb0NJ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu0EIhydQ9
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKkp8jxXXq
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfuriP65Wy
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsH6DGiXJ2
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjmJ5eza1Z
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf3AFzzMvA
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJW4Wccqb7
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFSO37m1zC
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMX1d5cs7n
"Yer a moron."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkv9vy9erN
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsfyN1pBoD
"H-Huh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSE6mAKVzy
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb8NbJrkgC
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9b5qpCihn
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7QKMo5P15
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxTu9KectX
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCN3ZntbnH
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3ZVlThMVQ
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKDsW728Yk
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6YcGzKxJ3
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbSzZDHRGK
"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–"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKxXmOWm9V
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnYlZqejj5
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6YS24dB3o
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVQSRgWx4y
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwWey0pqNU
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UKVnKRuMk
"..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcYoB2hQot
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc1rJ2na6H
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelqtd7nmuV
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bvtgsZsrb
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XreUwBL5U
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWLCritHko
And so, I spoke.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE1QeaSgIN
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxzt4rH2i4
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP85AVKv9qy
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29wWWlnWJX
"...Yer just like that bitch."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI67xRNH40d
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It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71tIJthzmG
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhCejmSAHD
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW8vecOU7a
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ympfv3KK8
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPE1GOWNiF
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8WJHuXOtH
"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?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Jp4yYXOmz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G9McnwDPw
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRmcdy0Q75
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDlyFTIEqG
"You're missing the point!"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEnjuYIcIz
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dZYRLRxR4
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DawtO9FNy
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RmXq194b6
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQazV4gzYH
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUUzSYzrGo
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVCqURix6B
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgWnqgk48r
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWJbh9ONJN
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFcTyJ1x0Q
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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2wrdBgwoo
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What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl4bsAdI2k
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I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUHn3NK0mu
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"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9KueajNet
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"..."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0QHFtIQaV
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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.173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC6DE3wYUe
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t2tgvQNBB
"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."173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDmJv1DbRm
173Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxTz905mnA
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
