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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZGdQACvFp
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIh3oKvlU0
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"Right on."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsUoykc9kv
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YyZwFDrG2
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWrnickgMv
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"Huh? Oh, alright."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xuQsUpqYf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkQIgDLcVo
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcnMxAzdiy
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLSVu9Ngap
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRzhQxZlUc
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1vRF35MJk
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"Luck..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJYNoMzaHg
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHlhKek63B
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlrZLgqXd2
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Sa5ieMSda
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZXyp3iL6A
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwvYoHwCFO
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5tqxbGXvt
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"You people are strange..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK4HeY4ohY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb07gGndNLG
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JpfVvaLkk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i1QqCCr1w
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUYhGCeEFZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh28BmVrOh
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwP9LMAfuM
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvIwnxkeGE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I1gVVpStE
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K5ZVuobuX
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuO44GitBI
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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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXWLYmhlKz
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIGS6mXDrr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49oh9nJwlh
"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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx9q5x6hL6
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgIyaPPYYk
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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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX2TcRIZgq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA41c9XT4XO
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKQp7xVK5A
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQLXoM9bck
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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BoMbcQ1C2
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"...Huh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaeauLaRjO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAaUi2FAROH
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3F4HgS3af
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaSrqBRpV5
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"I can't deny that."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKnej5Ybxf
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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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7cUrC62ne
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90oRdviuGw
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn65ssnhDqp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5nagCN0a8
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy7anYdiSI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApcmSj99iX
"You're up."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr7KjDWLwx
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"Right on."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMrXFZvWYp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsa0ztHvfsj
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1ZATFTIku
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"That's... that's incredible."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKtQApvhuJ
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"Huh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GCMe4VNJP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNW6bvR4kb
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8GVm5te3L
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfa89YTum7
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk7EtW5sJk
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JwTNJuTFJ
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO6chYrL2c
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KXbTP2hLh
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a1AuwYjGD
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZN4sQyg5I
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8LfMl5Cdc
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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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzgPHtNNPV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ofBzkUQ8e
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYUa6YuVqU
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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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEl0oJ5YdIt
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeC8Y0iz9l
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJelUTuXkFn
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtMDNhC4oZ
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GQJkqH251
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHkQG4FRL9
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMgMcTTgiO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrzJGqf9gm
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtWEqTlczz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe8goxh5pU
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVHbkRstzY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliFX7FWeKo
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkPkZQ9J00
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyQ6u3SJWE
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz0KemRXsa
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"What time is it now?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMzD8WPSXJ
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80NomVEQJl
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"Juke?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbOtmU6oDg
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He looked at me and perked up.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESawRhNwx7
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzLJkzdSGD
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvJlBhatiV
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlF32gu39C
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5Cgmy3hPu
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqR3sW9Xza
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzpL0Srtna
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFUYBi4v8H
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvokFFjOUB
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPgcqBpQvZ
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2PQGiw0BT
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDbwCOhmy6
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjAXj1g69A
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrof9hbzHNa
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgRPopTwLI
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"S-Sorry, sorry."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cuceC82sT
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0kPHmiIoX
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdAuRAqDDc
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn2axFxPC1
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa2MmxU1jI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYxRuraTHd
"Ah, shit, yer right."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIRMwAWFWV
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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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF9PyHI04F
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT4OjkDr2t
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkuIEuSM7F
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT5tAehmUC
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJcoJNuL8v
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xvMFMAz76
"Did ya just laugh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKrJIy9qtP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO84MDOHZE2
"N-No, why do you ask?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJtUoEktgd
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc4gB2txTV
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCD0vW4emFM
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqgZlysbcp
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd7p4VUfOa
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdwxw1oxlv
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEMSTFo2cQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ4rpx6joL
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAVhw7VH1Q
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPLSoKXF4I
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaXi4UME93
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He narrowed his eyes at me.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTLrdUEcos
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"I'll take yer word for it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKSKYY1hm3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa5gJ5caEr
There was a momentary pause. I170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRyJ0T93ju
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkykEKgDkuj
"So, what have ya been up to?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnY3FLY18H
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1qyvWkwbh
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFaP09Sl5A
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN9pXfY8UO
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sDUE6DWpb
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0PtwuPbmX
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisVNCzdVyi
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80E6sPzmfZ
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV1cFMicFy
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA836vUnAlz
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbGWjQm7sx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTBnu50HCE
"The sleeping room?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2OuDG8fyP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGgXShfAIj
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYqSotSaG2
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GyMkerYdi
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3ipYbul07
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDYsiv15p3
He cocked his head.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoQ8iSkr7i
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM8wL8cPsV
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnTz7wG1JM
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynAI5LwxDn
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHhU5sZYkC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEsVFYQMux
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABiewapsLU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jY8gXaIHP
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx588YyYUzk
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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..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwCGCGfplj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPz4IYSGM5
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnXdxYUmXU
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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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuliKLAGElt
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"Loose screws?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v3q2FkTF4
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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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjETdzvSfnu
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboFa2xAkp0
He huffed from his nose and smirked.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbgDrOx6lC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB3slU1mpH
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnefEncHKSU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkh37ZlHdN
"Boring tales..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHA4Z1cUNs
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfaPbmeO7e
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAqHZv5R2t
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOEYyQwiKs
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9aY5tRnNz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsK7GUmgYh
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gDd9ZuULj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFLRiVXP5I
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNf4rOnAI7v
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwrN3FhHBL
"What, am I too young?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRauenoYPMS
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhR0YE0jWK
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLwxgr8k6V
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosbcu1Pz7I
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59b9TGn9rp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xefeaHKiU
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPbdLu89Fu
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BJ8UacRLy
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgodI7tb9Sk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyw846dRPyL
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNzng2WvCN
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrxcV1OSkY
I straightened my posture.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT6pOqOZb7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrgnSUQFtm
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW3oBjBOXC
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBZQMk544y
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloItmXUKVU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUiVLDwAw2
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsmxFN4QJk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYQmHV1owI
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JgHSW7R2D
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7AO03qRuD
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEeQ4jtuvx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qpXL5orAt
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEtk1SwtCr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jvbQCEiKj
He gave me a blank stare.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm5O7FAn6M
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdXvJZLjiQ
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdUWxjNAqs
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEzkx8mPMC
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5kWFAy5Ky
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3hd8B5Uls
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRqnJca4lq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCw8oHSXTG
"See? There ain't a difference."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLm7jtyL9Q
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwNbS23NuD
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNTSvS5Twh
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrSm8wNdf3
"Yeah? And what are they?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIBNwiBxSf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7lbM3gumQ
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1wPnrkdxO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX44HVd8B5
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocuL44fHos
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN2mcyLI1b
To that question, I simply shrugged.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yC9j1un3k
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFinrtEm0y
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRofMT7udf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszVSGVSGXC
"What a load of semantical garbage."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OKeDWHaUx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuwGChAm6X
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8uqpTUFHm
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUznaTtL7wA
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdToVmSTbK3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QDbeVOqNf
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA8ziMtPih
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A07pqZkoX
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdDqrGb3f6
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUOxlrsbyJ
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiid51hOhL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz06AyHMzS4
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT1pTqghsY
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiFyhgVu4z
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAyx00Hd2K
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3iCZCUcTA
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvly2jTnthX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QEnXWxJlC
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4WWmRyWTj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8IrJkb1dU
"I'm starin' at one right now."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J7mVDiYxF
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvGrP6KulV
"You know what I meant!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rWLCCCDd1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAkUYuKnUT
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Llc0Xhwm2
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbSzmeCnhy
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGkzHcTExx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkdQ5rFPfa
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59OnM7RgCc
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqNS18S8OK
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbJiaQrsny
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKWWHaTn4k
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswTGdPg8Fm
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbZVJzLbnc
"You're definitely being generous."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLXBYD4sLW
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFL1xm9N2l
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfZhRNn9ac
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcpWbGe3K7
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejf1IW6XHR
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGefb2Upvci
He nodded his head.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAqmU6aqat
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUDgWbgo2E
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y4PaJkE14
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykl2rdW6iH
"...Oh my goodness."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tquOooCYZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RfOhmevpc
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchagjKoAsW
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1lMxG1qUJ
"What? It's just mud, kid."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj2kRTxpWm
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1UxVfa2cO
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm6CU2W5vO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgqujM9jV1
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQEbVBrIOw
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBezCBYKGU
"Yes. I hate it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpHQvoV2Mg
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCdxfUhROK
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ832LIS9yGg
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBp6oSe6Lu
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO6HdO3wU8
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ox60OqhiS
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpbHeUpraU
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPODjm6A9T
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYFmN611Zf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgLc0lnEg3
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxW6acQvm1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjnWKeu66R
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnJKJK1Ckq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOZAqJi4sG
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fT8CB4sDI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrHPFihGfL
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW75clZU4M
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHXe76RZMr
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HBGX91FEo
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45cRiBIuUh
"Nah."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapeltAg2YV
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgEFvejxSM
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgynV1z1fVX
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFd4SSO7BA
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfsiX0dwzB
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMtdcVX1Nb
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3s66GRu7B
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4tcI8LSoH
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5AzByTslJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBWycbwyJL
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AFB4znXxy
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYFQJSC6PR
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguBo2Y2VyL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pfaYGxNvW
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SiKOcXIGM
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkW9L6lBmX
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4BSB9Evw4
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CypmkLFVz
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKhADiewYp
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw0YXR5jF0
"Huh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUtXZAMLeL
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOBtNnsUl1
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgAdkSZh20
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdkjsJr1yl
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAambCABLO
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPmfNd34zT
"So someone told you as well?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAwY7alLTW
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tsBjnzDhV
He nodded with a smirk on his face.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJUqbByrop
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFBsa92DDI
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jdF2XMTXk
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdpw6QtpMk
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrEXinYDXq
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDTDz57fdV
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5QtiI9SCs
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkAGqvvDFa
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYa8MhomUZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF9rL3FoqZ
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxIBqOGcVA
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekatGolxiU
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Bs3a1O4GQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdKScqlnVe
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADT7Tr3nuu
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl158AMJxGn
"Strong?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AhI8WQUDE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2HxC4XIDY
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS97BrJZJB
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHCwV6RlEH
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjbTvMUmc7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznqWtrqaBx
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?170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno796ZdICz
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2ZGBikrld
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RhJaav3TE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xIUtXckqe
"Brat is certainly new..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXWmTf0KP3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn5AeVduDg
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZqfje0bXA
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ256BUedBjN
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUj0LjEhMT
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBr0Qqhxyc
"Think like what?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VaBxprHvK
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzJsSkzdl3
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PkLHmSGPl
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw4hCh4uPQ
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnteUr0bEbr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuqouihV7q
"J-Juke...?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn3YhLFRKn
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlTPY9OK3k
"Do ya think I'm strong?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfk2rGCuQ2
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdzov0fNkN
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVxqN76D4D
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpGHCh5TS0
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYAbelMZOx
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56o5fApXkt
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvcu2LrHLQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa5F3m6PuA
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEncyuP88l
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoTwBU5rvP
"Yer a moron."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM1MVxoumM
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgOIZvAXTR
"H-Huh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEf9C6YivUu
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFGLEuHhW1
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNSlHqBY6n
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCY5i2suTf
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL9frLw1Xi
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWjGJyEaba
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfHoytHnYT
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OzSVKcVx4
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjyxR4REi3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAF9f1BPxY
"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–"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2Jtqitmej
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbChu3TTxr
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAFYhQFK5f
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ8WURUhnv
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7LDdCUq1V
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtZqtPOPcz
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzsfirbUH3
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeohGGC8nid
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDvm0PoDvJ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgDjOtEfHl
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmjoTP5PgZ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pwosr80eD
And so, I spoke.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DPGTmWjDj
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeLQFiucVu
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e1KSgAL1X
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGifJYqBWfU
"...Yer just like that bitch."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWf1I5uQue
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vuY4DU3FG
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SQ3px0fzI
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogvjm0J7jA
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnubOuQMY78
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmA0Bl2yoA
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMYagP8NBr
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENf5D0Is6z
"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?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSzNNu5Nd2
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFari00tgfy
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1BRDape0G
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgDFQNHf5C
"You're missing the point!"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ERkaAdL3k
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ558ICExR
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEid9cwoOiQ
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc7sj3Dner
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgTRtTNk1Y
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKGuFtEkJr
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBx9SNOYu7
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Iv1UibmFB
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaohsbLCZP
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEN0if2LyT
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc5c7wRas1
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UvXEHMl32
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8WFcbn9m5
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuq0C0khMOH
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0qMfxdw0J
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnotj6cCj4
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP4QH0G9ED
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5X1TDEIhS
"..."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79NMtkunAf
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5p0rRYEiy
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.170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujUSatbSJE
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6ZEuKFmlr
"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."170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywTXbAsxAb
170Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9w9eVCuNl
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
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