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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxRIZMzTuv
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUknTENQ5zz
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"Right on."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUDdmNyuxr
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw13TGsNHEY
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kdUwwFLj3
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"Huh? Oh, alright."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUftm65sqUS
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBVj6azX3C
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1orRK4luPL
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IHHne6r7m
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"Luck..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrUB5hkXmP
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwx6IWMeD1
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc265FrTJa
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYJbDMe1tZ
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw72F1UcgP9
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"You people are strange..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkmMxPSIzE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyJVcnomQA
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxvhtHm2hL
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8W7VW5Llgh
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vX5dseWPT
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc0QvBY3Kt
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKdjGigu7b
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7stwBHz7Da
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavsOaZw5F1
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"Especially Damon," Nigel stressed, "It's only natural if you ask me. Our upcoming operation will be the biggest battle we've ever fought. I'm sure the same is for you, Kenny; aren't you nervous?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw4ATGQGNY
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJLwQhOBBI
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLnVsz1ie7
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZS4RMnxSh
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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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xyJ8huakP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcq58Jgjpj
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRvtlqSV9x
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsTOEv53Ib
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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvilDKYiTPX
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"...Huh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bPchSrOuy
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5r9e8V8lN
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB036Nablrc
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M2SzXhHkQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkclqaLaWoz
"I can't deny that."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOO6uE25Dh
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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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8Hmkel78M
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDlYfGpCQc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80TKNNCQkm
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVRpFzrCfR
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9I16CiJhv
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"You're up."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5UoiDctR0
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"Right on."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WI7HnNxVQ
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyLm7nwJ2e
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"That's... that's incredible."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEgbCJfolA
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"Huh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7UxsMmt6x
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq46xi8Bd22
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0UasNaZOD
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25h8T4S9uQ
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiEyhMUhm4
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn302rJlIiR
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3v7myvFPb
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"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTD8WnRXSN
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvrymEgeSv
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfdnCmEilI
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEUHVBHh53
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehfpUD3dXX
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43aOjvccGF
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU39Oa8q8N
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7viSYeagMK
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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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AzAqRRjzV
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut2ZJJW2e2
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VsZkSlAfw
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBo9H6CvMZ
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs43XkNOiBb
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlSYxT4mVg
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTGRhUC713
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2oeEE07JM
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp3ERcuDUE
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINLelMiBoB
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwMjDtTgCm
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNXocjV2r9
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"What time is it now?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGDLp3tNWn
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C6wBKFuMz
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"Juke?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqSYBQvqJx
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He looked at me and perked up.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hKw7N1MWE
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0kegqrn67
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTTDAHADsV
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JqHnFDmTC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzjLGF2wCZ
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dPdRuuFX0
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim6BaWzYAE
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFiNxHNXOQ
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98Eyu2SteR
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRHaVwRZyb
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiULZ3MLi0
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQftolWfHf
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"S-Sorry, sorry."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRLWJfYT9g
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisLamuGAZX
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV48ur1c0JH
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzTjCFlSFr
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"Ah, shit, yer right."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsrdjrSL8P
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yqBLYnW5w
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddFlHPE8gj
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4CUxJClz9
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZUmUZgBg9
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"Did ya just laugh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyvpYujDxS
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"N-No, why do you ask?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1f9vN2WBg
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfvUkMEIVU
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDiYQJ1rVH
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcdVZuhTT4
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLXh6tW50W
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPvFmDFzO3
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kqQKsF3O2
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He narrowed his eyes at me.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQRBKoGvtw
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"I'll take yer word for it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk4cgbY0nI
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There was a momentary pause. I218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JcJZTq0g1
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"So, what have ya been up to?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8to2uh98cI
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPS7RoWRr8X
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXBq46EQva
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2DpuSKUmw
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0iR1ntLhW
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGkoZVObaQ
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Something about what he said made me do a double-take.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCxqw3VKZh
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"The sleeping room?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmowXCLGILO
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"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPEZNkoax0
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3t1h5vbgI
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He cocked his head.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH58foVbc8q
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApBBpnTsu2
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKP59Yrmc9
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mzELstXgg
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DreLuCVHQ
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylf2XkVUdA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckrbk2HvKr
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFiAvSL6Y0
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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..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJf31wMZtI
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi97dg0fjf
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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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjR07tBQlu
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"Loose screws?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1rkfcUduW
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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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUPM8Ib8Gu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxMpUl7UF1
He huffed from his nose and smirked.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdKardB8c1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyl3xDjUDV
"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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVf2J6VIp5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr6j8tPdgs
"Boring tales..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN1eb4o5Q9
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEgmAGj686
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyHHEssxNU
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0ke8XyGNN
"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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cJJ9meMGa
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4y1vhwhAY
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2V7nBLICz
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbELTp11TaK
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbKuJcknuO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R9wNSbiZI
"What, am I too young?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6UsD9iOax
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8bgMBjpwz
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YCft5jElE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexZmpAxyOQ
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNADWVd66MD
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7YsSedkBl
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfmiAw85aA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuelsrpVzs
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4npVmg1tgf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOwz4JEiML
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FTEfvW7c2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHpsH3E9BS
I straightened my posture.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jk7rWPgJO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79KukWDHg6
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmLJIcBiNF
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy7QFJyBfV
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqsXPvtvJt
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkqDMts0Dz
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOdNDYgcsu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENw7VReQRo
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bCY5kIzTc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogBd855F4B
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OCJfa6ysQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkRDfmYwhE
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwXeyBxsGO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIpVpWFh13
He gave me a blank stare.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pRfDyeBCB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGJuYFDGMR
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87GzFgHSUB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCPqVOnQq0
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS84isSG7e
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwJfEAdNnP
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtkUBHOPuf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UpkXToCrM
"See? There ain't a difference."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fdr9UfyS1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcgm6AIzry
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡny7xEuRtUX
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseHLKgk8Tx
"Yeah? And what are they?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp5Q82rrqd
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppDAuKNEZQ
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuGMIIoESA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtYiih5FNA
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl2TpQJTN5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKAGVEbeD1
To that question, I simply shrugged.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwZJ3lzaQK
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLrEutdbGf
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwi90zKd2q
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQlIQn278u
"What a load of semantical garbage."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYtMC7YJwG
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFabn9ZKoW
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTb4RJJZ5U
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEbtgUcxV4
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUQJqkmoVR
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzY6dux6pa
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91LEACS9Xy
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWfAMefAEM
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DJMmhRTIr
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqOJkH0Wpx
"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3kFUkXZSh
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI613vt2Ci
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4HsESarSy
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIv8aSvie4
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nrYyfPAdv
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8buR2P2NJ5
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh9FiwlAif
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaJygR9r6G
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJaarOZBKP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSqNm5jXF9
"I'm starin' at one right now."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2L7FgEt2Z
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmYqWOi8MZ
"You know what I meant!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFvuZwLKNN
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5xT18ewiO
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3DQB3tVHI
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGY8yIxUhY
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsxDc2ApzR
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZVEQDJuFe
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS00w300CE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCX4Pm1TWU
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5p9KB2Lbm
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjakYivNSZV
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75YM4sM3fg
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTt28BD0tGJ
"You're definitely being generous."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwjFW77X8i
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OyvGRC8FT
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHUkEzMCIY
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EwFGGcJwE
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnqKU6LCFP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTQniaL5Ex
He nodded his head.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjEOucPnHm
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8OenhMqhu
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbTZsiWsW2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXeK1AKiGi
"...Oh my goodness."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4OB3gLLJf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsljHU1yqP
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu9eFHhWW2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9anCkfkz4o
"What? It's just mud, kid."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaleE7XspfX
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolcURV0uBa
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzhEFONWbE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0wB5zvDGQ
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNHwQ5AzqR
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNWicPzNo3
"Yes. I hate it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jRVITB929
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkcs2LlUly
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG7jkkPtQv
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1B1DXh6jn
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OygXYHSFg
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKD9PMYBU0
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqDACdwC5j
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIxHInLoFk
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iDOZ2lqJw
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIbp6um4VD
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0uR9YKML4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3C0EHC2I9
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H9N0C246d
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHqOafnBpc
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtUAOWQhRK
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg4DW38DOm
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOSuAGgiSY
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4S5ek3f84
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCngrWmLQBG
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL8mmJHuFT
"Nah."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEftSEiESus
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQu3Qvacro
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJZImb49Q1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtymEHn0coa
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeywL6eplEZ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofCzaHt2Dg
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoeMPnAMBM
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsilLlHyDoN
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzR54wWcPu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKGvDlbcBr
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFp9ctdv2p4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6RZYxFOBC
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNY6amhdPY
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKfnzkF8wo
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5Pxi6QtgM
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5Q26UO98F
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSclx4bWtA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4UN5EyqX4
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8za9EOuWWW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ27P8zGXX
"Huh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDe4PcsqIv
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7Vkzrxvie
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbrMYwIr66
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN5Axy40Lp
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBr6It06Oa
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MfzLXDGgr
"So someone told you as well?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT1YGVvpIo
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzYdC9YAew
He nodded with a smirk on his face.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXKE4JKeNw
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyG5Lp644K
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbCrVt3CIf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuakHHtSfq
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeyTHbNowk
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuvFAEYwUV
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTcnoQLpxv
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYMVV6RL1T
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoLh1ZDHX2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeEfDLyQaa
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeHo0ntWoW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAnXH8Bg6I
"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahNxSOR6d6
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeULucY50fW
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0j87xoFLt
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86ihTPdSRS
"Strong?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk1qze0QcP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH546WaXUGw
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJdFEZftfM
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1cvrVRHWa
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjPRgLMteR
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fuXf4533H
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?218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5V0mIhGy64
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfe8Qlof6O
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sxyCEaKRP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4kpqx8bCM
"Brat is certainly new..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JaW8hgFof
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXJkwPCIMJ
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEfdKhWeIf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbAnkqS52S
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2N4LX6puR
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfed3iJ8Hk
"Think like what?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZiyqrM1zv
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOgYkXuX7F
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemDYbePdLH
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHceZHfF0O
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGp5m1zFUg
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7JTDj64pA
"J-Juke...?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VA0A4oV64
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhcPmGVyfo
"Do ya think I'm strong?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0OlFqtFZa
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3zEhiMUYj
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnltgdDb8Cc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1kRmwheiJ
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C4ZpEKp92
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRcNHXQd8n
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPTAJazxUx
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo8lkhAKF5
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPocuwGig8
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ9Va7zYxR
"Yer a moron."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyMInvTy0L
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGDldQosWf
"H-Huh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihDqafSBz1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr97AU6OdIS
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYUle3E8TQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsam5KNsOs
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8aCBrhqeo
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzU7lL5nkId
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfoUtrBBpl
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkoqDPst3T
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUUnaUh3Ib
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznaTzGy949
"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–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5On5Y4QNO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91rBvLj49a
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9Kfcl0LO9
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvTIqgyPlr
"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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1aj4Q5kh8
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucyim0jRKR
"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6crCJ3VQ1p
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoayd4NBdO
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaNT7AwIzl
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLdrOBEO0s
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lYN8tpPYK
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq18lT8E0U
And so, I spoke.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatOoGvrltX
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvVN3j44VB
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8rsM2c0cM
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0h9CVeUaQ
"...Yer just like that bitch."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFErXssiWK
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP76eBM3ItA
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHefI7eNnQ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5tm19mQCv
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmPbBkNT5I
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdfsLdYNdY
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kvDD6HwDC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR44zk6PXq
"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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9McGmfuFwy
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcErA37sJY
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmDrFRy5QC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAmZa6OD6z
"You're missing the point!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79uVEvWfXm
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtA5IQGcMO
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZLJ4KDE5l
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTo6oditVSN
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tQMSxGdtl
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkCUZMYwnG
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscdZQaFbUU
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyHMjjW2Ac
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxKAOVrGO7
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmOdboja0E
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbybfBgLhxp
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Q4rZBSZQd
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsp2tHlgzAN
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbtcjl275n
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ghomwgpmj
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSY7qCFEVF
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLZuogELJ2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu8YQZuBH2
"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVU8vzzDiL
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxxPEBtjOG
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhAJ4K2MUf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHn4CERduE
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0EqPx7wrA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvk99BND4S
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
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