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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoEiYAt6r4
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsowTyRizkk
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"Right on."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOwfasL78D
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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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT9gYG0tl6
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77ZDLceMZP
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBus0oNSXPX
"Huh? Oh, alright."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazpwB8zPAj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdqelGlMFq
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxgncG419q
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBMPArviBC
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc2OmKJP4K
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg5nHjjoUi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcoiFcE3bd
"Luck..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wb1gOyc5n
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIJjiYkMaR
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSfN6cmtLc
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0n95Mw3i4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIneNAgUnC
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q2CnO7FM7
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFA4wwNPs8
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZeXOvnruP
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"You people are strange..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhOWnqyLar
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmwH6dHN06
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg53fEunL2h
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDs6Tx6aYu
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9NiWzSbv9
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRAyPi0qVX
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssFZpx1JzN
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNZ1DSdeM2
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8k0HddTwC
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBeOH49qru
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyPXKpabgh
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoxCoGFran
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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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOAtID02lg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAzcYdeFDM
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv9vAeNnU4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr709onx4Y
"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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTMrMfBvGg
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLpZpkCWMR
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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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriUEBaWbf0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7l5GRYCao
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg4ttuKqW1
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz906cXvCQx
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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOooXYunfL
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zjRR71t1O
"...Huh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInKo2vSFRv
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7POKNTIQEZ
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPEhU3E0lh
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsRs9b88pt
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBEcPd4XrI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfKkrkmbtS
"I can't deny that."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr6FHdXnSn
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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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXjuQXNc2i
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMCyMvGKou
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYlSrq6FDn
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AR4TfyLGC
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEn8AHv1Us
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYubApuXU5
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0urV23u6E
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"You're up."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoBopNmMoW
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"Right on."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmHM0ugpCT
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVymlXQWt1Q
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiIO0xiysj
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"That's... that's incredible."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmPnCEMqNn
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"Huh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96FLbj3WIA
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhj4TrotIg
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3wFhFNidn
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7wPD3YdLY
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dReXoY7ln
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZNoCSvHDw
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5orlKXjCq
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsES0mVSY72
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk5x6nmB19
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7mq9fLJM4
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6xKOdxhTd
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIlJGHlYGu
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RPCZABAeP
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfY6OZGyUm
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzT16rY9oT
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4HIKwRC8h
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNMK8qpNMT
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzF3eh7jSR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlAD3jTPon
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEQ6Fhf3DY
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd6twgAJw8
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OrjXDZZ1v
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdZlJpmYCu
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHdWh1B3qm
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj321wRLnd
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcddk1alflr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN89lFWH9y
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2CafkJAp3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfmZc91KGr
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWV6mPS8jt
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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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeCzzmQCOq
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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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2nb3DMAGr
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"What time is it now?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4FllibXKm
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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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZaw6J6Udp
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"Juke?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdVYw7a6Oe
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He looked at me and perked up.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2VppGIVLY
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDedF17EMk1
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7J5mST074
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO09U7fypj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aOINWObfL
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYlBSfpvNN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIurVxwHDGD
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPemrWO4Cf
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSWHvDZQOU
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0fWSoyaxi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv45GwSDlgH
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjk9TKGCWI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SihJvaIZP
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulGMsDRLC5
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a203AuCm1
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKra7Hm3OHx
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"S-Sorry, sorry."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFvuYm4bK0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0exQz3RSU
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPjR8UGavp
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyA4VLNVCb
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDV5YfpSYK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9za876CdT
"Ah, shit, yer right."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzrcwansz4
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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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYQODLghxd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoIAukjktl
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzWX6sqy7a
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZK1ICWyixi
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFFLLpgh5K
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwH3bwCk8K
"Did ya just laugh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWjA6qVbLN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeGxOJ7s8s
"N-No, why do you ask?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGakQZZoIW4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVkZgvHskf
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkDHz8Si2Q
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhx3Bxds00
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZS7fA6VSMa
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vGiTWSQhz
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wk3Zv85uR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV8JnjzJaQ
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13OQ1reL5q
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbq2CCszQT
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1eq3d1Q5Y
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He narrowed his eyes at me.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiataDNNhqx
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"I'll take yer word for it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOhw5TcMas
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There was a momentary pause. I193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBBoqHsM7j
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"So, what have ya been up to?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQYTrq7nhw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjWItVsyuU
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUmmnEsCrL
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVvcdaBVER
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwPltavkra
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLpmutCJhr
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ7iENN1QI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTneC2ho96R
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H3c2Elz18
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4pia0Et7u
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKHZGfOcgk
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtAdRuFrFB
"The sleeping room?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YDtfjxbTp
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwqeYx20Ta
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk6RehLbQ0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJC3FX3iDs
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk81PUT3G1S
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He cocked his head.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pFvLsHym8
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CL9rkqEyW
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcx5NE2Dk1
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINXLOHWAIx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdPvR9lBqV
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7pNgf3Vq8
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWe6jpqR5L
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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..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mnaxRsiP9
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Eu7dqjXBv
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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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35xRWQU8s4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG2HW2HuY3
"Loose screws?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi9Cbbganv
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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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn1ySNiJXg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3sS7T0vhs
He huffed from his nose and smirked.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV4FT7TMsJ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxr5vUvjey
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE0ujgp5G9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgUamr855Z
"Boring tales..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFBoDeuUrD
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M3E4Zklxt
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimiLuUICD0
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuF4ZGbAEd
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmW6BGtIqE
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMuGNC8o5u
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixhxZlGqmx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEDOdKBfN7
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdqEaJf6l7
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIxjjn2jsS
"What, am I too young?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7J7L79gqd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq66cDBF5d4
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBgQF509ai
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7sYN4xrYk
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFAv1IaVhx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3TZW8ImMW
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAnp799zjc
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjkeqq0DEa
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj76h8CXYrZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8gwR0PKXy
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPngg9CQuwg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7lPjgsD0j
I straightened my posture.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQKUzhHX8y
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3l7U0NXR6
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLn8eROGbV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGx8X8mb3d
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RLDfzKpBs
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddF0msmxk5
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE5dSzmPzq
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMyYPYUBqq
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGN2UT6wsb
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlONqHLYOV
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF4AD0Q3z9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQroVUoth1i
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUiLRp2XK4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y2aYGYO2V
He gave me a blank stare.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j9li3ScCd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvLUX8oUQz
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEVyYbPXrg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1v6czm533
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhub3v1dkQw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlsLaueEt8
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcde7Gug8l
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURMS2ISY5W
"See? There ain't a difference."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQhgDEoQIt
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9WXABhU1z
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p12PupOn7
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxqq13EyAi
"Yeah? And what are they?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCtrOS6WzH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooIy8dmRSA
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eHVoZuACH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MiYN1Eugm
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92G70C98Rz
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ310czCn56I
To that question, I simply shrugged.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5iQd9Zevo
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9zSH8YBmJ
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJytAMQgI8R
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa1IzUME8e
"What a load of semantical garbage."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfcUbBdoCN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDhes3iEAo
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFADL1lzLzl
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5bWtXIRvy
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCOqjSr8Wx
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeYtdlmZsz
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3vvzPDNFV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCYh0rpEjZ
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5DGHzdJAr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfHxEFRENV
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPBaFCUQ6b
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLctrlSE7YZ
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhoIg2VCdH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsNoEi5hFa
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor48t6WFCU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtd7vEF09Ub
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg3PWsWKpD
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPqEFmTszM
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWvEVLKY9P
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviWBB8rumo
"I'm starin' at one right now."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqRep2BTeC
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1pNVMsDCC
"You know what I meant!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlpLRfhRdB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kQGelnewN
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFLtQfjt3j
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPqtdRCOXd
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYEYvwYRtS
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHB2GeVMzn
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlhvlWT34F
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8xfqfou3H
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDAzALyKmr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNikSAFPnJ
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZiezUtLPH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6cK20VXqa
"You're definitely being generous."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRQpU75a2e
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JzlI9RT3R
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLN7UWKWtR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOJDPduuKl
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0kOJmRvM5
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9luPjJA4bG
He nodded his head.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qte1EZ2Pf
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AbksXYXJv
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa38CIGiFQ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z72aYTaIt
"...Oh my goodness."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGVLysXRMK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJm40VuztX
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFjxW75e8W
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZe0ydhVPy
"What? It's just mud, kid."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI00vYAi1qR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iJFdghLQz
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb59vZ6xUOa
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT3S5PFxib
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYTrSF1EvM
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTOl87U1Ra
"Yes. I hate it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo9QkLKAfu
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaaq0dosrT
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqpK80KWXB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5u2EOwEiy
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8OLJPeSPN
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5Vzj33gEF
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcmiUJqseT
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dTJ9wMGwH
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLKxfIQfew
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8wwHxHZxs
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsjwIRX7o3
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBTBcJcA3s
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oeZe20lgd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRVxr5rjaJ
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYxp7ugLjK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYTLcYzo08
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygO0ayrFUR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUs6Xia0xa
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tSwXfQlSY
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJBZ8OqtoT
"Nah."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwXjEkE4gc
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIFzK1c6jV
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty5IVixhLi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaZpEKQdCq
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu1FyiqQ3g
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGA5rIzkdh
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBvql2jNxK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh3g2QWhaA
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS662VrEhAr
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1BQt64dNv
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JriRn8R3E
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjTb6SpoKr
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgNJe9Itcu
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbWrd8Nezr
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaw0XT7H3f
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4CYEZXnmw
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PlaZx6COd
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN5J6oUWMt
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnAIc9xrMw
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeBxVnuASt
"Huh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQFgMNy1Pj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsWGTDtkYC
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtyLCY7llM
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpmeGffu1O
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ag83sA8ao
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvfVVWTsy1
"So someone told you as well?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ow8Kd9RMm
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJTffmCXX3
He nodded with a smirk on his face.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57czb6FuyA
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZev3cffnHI
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig9LZlz783
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhYc8NDgLI
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGf1MmgRBO
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVMMFFa4qm
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5DpcRHaTg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXqIWKt1c1
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchAdGiEaD6
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjQE3ecf2z
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpi6h8MKSm
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hzjQJuC76
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUbuW0vz0u
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNodY6BtlW
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYWNHM2W9k
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP64af0Q9o
"Strong?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCIVHBJRMk
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eo1VmHZDr
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRN2UtGY6aY
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1UbZXFq31
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVC4PNG1JR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyhRTSsUwF
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?193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9gVTfC6Ov
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhffDvpvel
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XmJDKrx17
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ76V4UQ8Uh
"Brat is certainly new..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIzbWtQr1V
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvwgqBln6k
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL1PzpASSt
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPUylnhsCJ
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTF7yNjMmdR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj43ARD8vm
"Think like what?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dl1kaSgT1
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrvQdM5aAd
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyZOjpnzVi
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQPoP38nK8
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq0C9TYoc5
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMHYxQVA0l
"J-Juke...?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IAN2epaNS
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoDBrRKP4U
"Do ya think I'm strong?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTE0LKX0Mg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3hZwXWfI1
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ze4BDxfWR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oXbxLexkQ
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwldlyXOzRl
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ975NoTtg2m
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkehz1JvWp
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOILQAoMpNs
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR94RUecKV
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyiTm4QND6
"Yer a moron."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaEXsGFiEZ
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsCjXeYPfP
"H-Huh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP4zNots69
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDsQSbiTFQ
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0dDWWJFfM
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjvyVJEsrP
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn889m4RoRf
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaNB4N6fSW
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX3YI3S1Zy
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy1ysfTIw4
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnomwRvmz5x
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfFMu2aBhX
"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–"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjNos6hs7V
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVuSoOaxBD
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYDDIaKaoI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLPuNpblBB
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmq5uUEtPB
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR85464LKc
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWa7j4MEV9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuH5AExRMp
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9vluHEdyK
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0l0adcuYj
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdOsv9I6dW
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgjRUOVDMT
And so, I spoke.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8SgjHEZJj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7cuWOwuhi
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuFaazKl2o
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHhJAVg2S5
"...Yer just like that bitch."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaxLqxUKwv
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fPnQeLoBT
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjQE9HEHoH
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ991zNRgdx2
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02C0ZmmAo9
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8hXCOCJiq
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVHFdeEZyb
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSeT0vXVmp
"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?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhknnC6DYgU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxc1N2zyT2
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtmlszsZc4
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSZFYRc8Oy
"You're missing the point!"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8nZnxAEmg
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TlYMvr5xE
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uaIUjIBpj
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUL4qqp5Ph
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOvCYmom2O
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlhjhZDkaw
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUWN5mszGU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIGzkuyiRW
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu9F0KvcvM
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtOXy9crcu
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDc2Mkxrini
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxhfuxIp7d
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVnZjdZwaR
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimnvLvQExy
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8AYqhvidU
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gfNHwRWJU
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhpH5EqxZD
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99SVT06wjp
"..."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWPSinq917
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVvCUSFCeV
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.193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM9BbS68tI
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bsTxA5R6C
"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."193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4KDLbWTal
193Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYaMH5DDmB
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
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