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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrJOUqejgE
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7oWSs3kjm
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"Right on."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLoIHyEwqX
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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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcb0HM9KLf
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELtoX6r1rU
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4DvxrKtAe
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"Huh? Oh, alright."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVnxZCxeaJ
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAdBEoovxy
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcu6XChqPF
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0YgyK43fn
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWpfyg7xId
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcqUxZ414W
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"Luck..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOiCkc62T9
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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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniEbFSihAF
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9MJfronpA
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhbOVhvjZI
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dhguyibAt
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx77tLB9YFD
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeRs7uJnWg
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsioR185cg
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"You people are strange..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknclSF3wYa
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Utu0zSqzD
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHta9MqVkD
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5no4Dhf1BR
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAykNrvnO2l
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE3mkHoQ4k
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoQ0ffHuBF
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRB1LOM6ROx
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrzOfPqlsm
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4oiB8IFtW
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokF0Lvq9nF
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sM9z9m26k
"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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX6j7JSx5I
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfcjSBdHQI
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvKrq7WdUC
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XutYAgKFW
"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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCJDDvdh18
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwpIV3JVPE
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EIFxmdypV
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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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpu3T0IWks
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57KCpRKgkE
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjQ81eEU9i
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4cndCbbl2
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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dVFcb5YPV
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SkhwSWqBR
"...Huh?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLPhNgrp3C
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYs8FVgonu
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u60fre8Cg
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWrwftkZ9u
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnRBv6A1gw
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAldkKUmuoJ
"I can't deny that."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHSDoEszJO
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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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGoaIDeQ0L
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKFXf2bR3A
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkaymzzuxo
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ2OlWW0Jf
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjYKOPYId8
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxSjHq2oOQ
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"You're up."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij9eggMJXi
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"Right on."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqPLloszCP
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM7y96irFn
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7rDcg01gt
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"That's... that's incredible."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqlNf9MIeV
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFgz4RVtIw
"Huh?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKsclwneiF
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjySdiz2PO
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziO70Qd93m
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyOLPq9Al4
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmP7pEnbVQ
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryjC2D9oX7
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNmjqUk7B9
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n1sJo4hBe
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CPIsaZzna
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3G1liOLwh
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPgEaDS6x5
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2vlNgD8N9
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVARv6wxxo7
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuAp5citM7
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrhMQk7Wwl
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcMIiEZSan
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWjgUec9NV
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZfu0uvW22
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZAB35bmPl
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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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfCYB1z5OV
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4FQ1Q4CYl
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmUzsyunde
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRd1HLhOq2
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1Cacu4JK2
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQvEpf29Ui
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBGEzyEPO4
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOfFaGLZlz
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJFWatvLoF
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22SZyDm3qF
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllWotBHKiA
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgdTY2rKkB
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8fDCPtHt7
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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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS4bqPKbON
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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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7rMmWecPu
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"What time is it now?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPI1Q7m9xnI
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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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4513riE3pR
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"Juke?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUaBK4k6as
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He looked at me and perked up.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A32vxFPGw
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw5IrooQZb
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4m1nCldDx
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFir3AJajHU
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7APJ8EwIi8
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlold1dHPGw
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYS4Llz60o
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLfgkDd1kb
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMupxG1nc8
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80URdpKb1p
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KgT0bW1Qg
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE6A1kMH7Z
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6vrWXp1lj
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtmUsejRa0
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qs9WUAOI2
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"S-Sorry, sorry."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhakbxBeOlp
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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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddHb4LqeKI
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1ENSq940Q
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"Ah, shit, yer right."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoycat92qO
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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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNi31Chji8
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqHCiC85Pz
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkigFcE3fVX
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZeW0tnkzv
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCThVeFYbIw
"Did ya just laugh?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqS1XpkxbI
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"N-No, why do you ask?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAi8bWC00y
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYT5vioxy8
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAut7f7hml
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ70JgWyB3t
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOXsTnLqH5
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNLHsrzEvQ
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMae9LLEcw
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLrLNwzbVR
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjonDtfImx
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufnLaK7uXW
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He narrowed his eyes at me.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxlyBxvLwS
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"I'll take yer word for it."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ7Dw7UOgA
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There was a momentary pause. I225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04lOX0JdDn
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuIBDRKx5T
"So, what have ya been up to?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRYy0loGxY
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaaXd0vtS1
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6qU177ncY
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1dHq3Gowb
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkoS3PdeoG
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcm2OC8iZRi
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09MNlBRHf4
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxEuF4gCW5
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCRLjMXwAp
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZqQmnFuVx
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"The sleeping room?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B69AB1eYl
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxty9oKke1
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZab7yeLIVn
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG51ncWPPPC
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aaj2PSUI5
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWviTLvcgy
He cocked his head.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFGujGgDIh
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07iDxrIs7U
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V6FH2BpDo
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexEfoeSoDB
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYebKk4gpk
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSCW57kFsb
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4Vd70tnZS
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8XTfwclAh
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfMe2xmlnM
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcvpm29jgn
"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..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfxdRaUuys
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12AMtoXaVt
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbzGeQ3R68
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTnGu3Ohbl
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvSr8xwNip
"Loose screws?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00j0gaLyod
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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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH7iSJqGT2
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39xqkpWrdI
He huffed from his nose and smirked.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrUFtfys8v
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBctBFbrDQG
"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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDF8tPStPc
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpk3Qcf1kK
"Boring tales..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUfTz61fa3
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v8vlING70
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PkMDwwIML
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKy6WzfB9L
"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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhA0LBSuNb
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjweZGv1JXK
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6smVJ7L7j4
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ys9pdwj4k
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAVpWSLjPM
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSPxe0QZct
"What, am I too young?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwp1cOvSYow
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6nsW5rgyn
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLvrWsRYgm
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByjmvLKS9f
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24y8NymzHI
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQVSMBgQvZ
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVBWRJvvR1
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8zfBZwy6Q
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvegcpZrya
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpTho3cXjC
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGkSAPh2HU
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJz0zfFB84
I straightened my posture.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IpekXDtef
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSBet561FQ
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN1JviDmzc
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrqnTQt485
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D3Jof8dD9
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJJ3d6tLTc
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTpTDqRYIg
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGdk3S4pJi
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHjqAcCEi9
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7fEoQ5Z9b
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNxMVQ41mT
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMlfiVgTyi
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9jAkobLxw
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnMadgCo47
He gave me a blank stare.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPq2IhBBtT
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DBQI5eLZt
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F19DflMq7
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxVDBjsayH
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcWWkNilGt
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6dHHpQiSv
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKCzTgikyw
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5y9GnpIH1
"See? There ain't a difference."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mZ1eoufKz
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU4PtT2NE9
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2ametULiY
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClvC019MrC
"Yeah? And what are they?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34kt8gwMOh
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3drQC56Ftc
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuH1hFmWdx
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsWEzioqn4
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyZ6fWIPKO
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkkqyVGT2W
To that question, I simply shrugged.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO1wXENApa
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXQ5wlsEpM
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUXB1wrz8A
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ40nGlq0lO
"What a load of semantical garbage."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJn7toV0vN
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4SOdgybWp
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlaKB11fgR
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDqEOKdElo
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FJd5MJs2o
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtnrSfX4La
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuTXoUjTbm
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQlJjktDdz
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JdnlApHyB
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPotIRnI46U
"..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mBNE4xcv0
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lGQIHwbcF
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoQ3GjZSdf
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniMnd8gdAn
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdBE5bT4gl
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKGBCWZHou
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy5knafbTd
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27nP2KzpEA
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHjqILiKw2
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn4TZH1gr7
"I'm starin' at one right now."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIRKovfttc
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z69j4CUyu
"You know what I meant!"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1McQgUc17E
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00M60ERb4G
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrG7KLjgMH
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4uTnUaJRq
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfie7qVwxl
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2We9rreLf7
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PYZTEQnss
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0gZwEIP8i
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0XC3g1Xf0
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqzgppKtTN
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJXnkvSypL
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvrhQ2h9lX
"You're definitely being generous."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m49HghQqX
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjIsDvTvdv
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY8XQ3sLyW
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy6XG4O7kt
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3w9XxvK9y
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSDnhDSQ0a
He nodded his head.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd1DF5JyTc
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeospPb8jm
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41BqcKKjlp
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMvRm3koNw
"...Oh my goodness."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQEicLcDJM
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDlm1HzVT7
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5oYy1n27x
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSLriEYSRx
"What? It's just mud, kid."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5lwKEoB9x
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09e0b6uabo
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp2g6kLa4P
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq6IANtMxv
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrCzisQ5fR
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhvLzXngKz
"Yes. I hate it."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxOD9V2npm
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTLYKl83Vi
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuMIWU0PHW
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sUkANluA1
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJtmExN3Yd
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c443pwJFX
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzslJBhOd0h
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoFvQHe0ym
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogOqBY6Vgt
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jhx88fDaR
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDevgivoeP
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF01q0pmswK
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOcRplvRLF
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66V1e80loL
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLTbGTyKLf
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fdSLmrnRI
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMansEwRrZ
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEG4Pg7Q70
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmYmjw9hSZ
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wIH4A264s
"Nah."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRo8P9IdAE
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUPN2euHcb
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU8rdsxqbE
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLMOeIxMMe
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0SsatLqa3
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHx4F07RR3
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNieaDi1cqJ
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT0HgEWlCP
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8mTNLq8Uw
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUg9DoIxn78
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyVdmAJ6JB
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8UQZ2yCcP
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaDesCSK8W
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUYDVHYx5e
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOv5a8qZPa
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJMzXfVUAX
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OfTruQI4F
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZTL0KuHC7
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJfU4hk0gq
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ3Y1TBGbD
"Huh?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhR4bNROCA
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SDNL1FSpa
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ke2kAveNQ
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4vM2SBeNt
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzqF720U5z
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOMcp9E9vs
"So someone told you as well?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmVfUoxw0y
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa9WpKn6eF
He nodded with a smirk on his face.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5qGxqFzR4
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xg1utWI0b
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X6s9gfT39
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU6cWVyZtk
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V98jVsC5x
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQU1C2cXkhf
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvMygNCNcf
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KJY6TPuZU
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavqdETxaL8
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG4F7XPlxb
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqnCBDqTlm
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnihpArX9F
"..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6hhmdgJC9
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iyJQ8VSlC
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDCuipIMVu
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAJZ14didC
"Strong?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfzXTCXQMv
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB3EVtSdFN
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTdrgC71jc
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7tuNEoU41
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIjyXmCNIj
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97lVaYeH02
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?225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh603Jk5bpi
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgYtBVqNLf
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3djj0zqWjA
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgvEq2WmGs
"Brat is certainly new..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK76oi1xrB
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm80znerMI
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPMjUArpkP
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiiyxUJvwq
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzo9IIPpgx
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D2q2pZBt4
"Think like what?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQSKpWOw1h
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0VoT0INyl
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLuEIWfYsK
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ3MTiLFuH
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O4puAqJRz
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1soj91MhT
"J-Juke...?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98kV6Lbmqk
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0BHJg6Q04
"Do ya think I'm strong?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLtSWZTh8c
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATofunUHn4
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe6XLo9AF9
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5SpJckXo9
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLROPiARPST
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p8mDBUOsC
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYoGbUSrV7
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBVCPNbJGA
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4nQpzeeVR
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ5WAqntNQ
"Yer a moron."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcrpdH7hpB
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvzVicJXIy
"H-Huh?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsQTnBLaBh
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFp42c6tig
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OYcZNx0gT
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdQutk865i
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhQo6qytwW
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcjjf1riQg
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZktQKzv1u
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7i1xh3u1DX
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRY63QF0iu
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjBT9LjP6J
"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–"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcApoVTna70
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg7rg0P5qP
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzQ96beNF6
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j73ZXbrws
"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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6SYoABI8Q
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsaYIWa2aT
"..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHtJ6SQXbT
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86PzYftK6A
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHmnH5Belw
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulY7AbfHg7
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0DYMtFaa8
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvf6yuVN5h
And so, I spoke.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vt8FtvKZ0
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfCeigUyWS
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yjtG7eb2p
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPG2buzZC2
"...Yer just like that bitch."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyelNtiFJZD
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxlDTFsDUI
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HdFSwBRsp
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ1MMrCS3J
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GNy2jJoAY
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZwiMesHjV
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkwsBC7BRM
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18tYhRdXH9
"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?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEHVnGaMK1
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnzotiMpWS
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqaDoWU7Jc
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISUWxLiCNC
"You're missing the point!"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI4nAV13C1
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpMIliExxm
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYl04PdKsW
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZ8pmHzKt1
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYKfXaDVJg
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjGXeM4c2p
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhaMWCXkUU
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9MalB5Si4
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGfQNGFZSq
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdQ6R0fmXc
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB694KCOfNd
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHBmgY6lI6
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxegwGQF2b
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmH7C4XkP6
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGTAdzKj8R
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZutaHfGhP5
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpXbizYyER
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qHKhraCk6
"..."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo9qLwLN6h
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiUTFaNbLe
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.225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnwX3PO6B0
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AuPDEDVEe
"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."225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrn12VoJyr
225Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwnf9D1UQH
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
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