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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnxYKg3Bg2
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnETQvz8Pt
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9JvmmIQ54
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"Right on."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGNwYUE7ue
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRCO78zKZL
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EgQvSmajO
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiY0lHcK1q
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG9BRvcYEF
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"Huh? Oh, alright."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1IMedBwCK
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCAq1GlIcT
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNPJUoBKWI
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0UGzenvju
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONnVQ51dhB
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB4YCj4RDJ
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUrIxHbSow
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKEbIkP9vy
"Luck..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDkSBXYZgy
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHHZuXQxgH
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR0Q9gDdt3
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII5sfUz1ru
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LGxBZLYs0
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW2vEyE6p3
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR2vPjEpH8
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyjowuwUjV
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKK66jvN8j
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrmGFZwUpi
"You people are strange..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDURhziHSni
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgcmMxt4SF
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeweNNzm2I
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRQTXbd9zT
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HeB384d2n
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc22KJc6cf
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw64DE9Fh6c
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VeyXVkH6P
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VidxI49Ap
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm652MWbAJG
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uH6Q3Nc34
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1erFCMD1Em
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2eKWDy4v5
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZwXDQloqe
"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?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP9Kx433r9
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IqaZYd8H4
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiFLJNiTdZ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA6VcUr94z
"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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmieA1owmiy
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSczPyyozB6
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tI1Q4XAet
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlolJOAzzWM
"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?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1XtlWQhqj
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL71sEY94Wh
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAoySKKlP1
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZy2uIqVPw
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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXRAAfDaRs
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHrUdr4sHN
"...Huh?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUbRPCv6NZ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMx0NEtunu
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0ZFO58Gzk
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BM4CoORej
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g5xEy6nwp
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkFdWn3oeK
"I can't deny that."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RVvPUvHi8
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFKgTQVwFh
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZSCFYVMxi
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJljL881fc
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G1stLbPsY
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxw02nH7Wf
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo3m522Mbw
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6NQZTS24N
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxaBYr07WJ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXC5V2mX9F
"You're up."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBzHghTjik
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSa9zvuNjG
"Right on."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cVHMLT99z
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwudVLbvGh
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl68XMGO49b
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"That's... that's incredible."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9bAZgtvGS
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUCFi9WPMk
"Huh?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLeNmVk41p
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSiuqOrWAj
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0IYbMDL6k
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3HVrZ36mb
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaw9vCg49B
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ItPnENXwT
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUS4f7VOH1
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8YD8xG3NA
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCZdg7sh9v
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqFf27ZNYj
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwGtWN94HG
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybtOw0iAZf
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T9jQXuQpc
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe6vATtw2G
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQFL8V7yYS
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZUvGP4ytU
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2payB2y3E
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7thPuunsg
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMtbRAVaEF
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR2Rd8Y2D6
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRoIA0Ekid
"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?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvQqxQbtB6
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV9D2ukYXQ
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NtQzoCOeD
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEu3iifnJZ
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTozUxB4MG
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNnpljxeT4
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIKY4eYvU8
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL7C8O7N1j
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxAGMjGCKr
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniXsyrLfMw
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lDRu6nhhU
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkItgYNHX5
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ022mjXcwGn
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiBpjUwzfs
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSqn2AKqeP
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLi0EKAW2v
–
–
–
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwS8TNA2or
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"What time is it now?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B5kAYVwLp
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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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi7QKy4t5w
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qgNFTKOya
"Juke?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5TJTWacml
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38rgylPyos
He looked at me and perked up.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6xm2xK2X9
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04W21CkE1l
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MWU9SwmgX
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWIZK51SBu
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqBpewCli6
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5mcZVn5zO
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT87eIvaK6f
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CO1ItdfwR
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGKO7ltKqH
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyQrd7BOTp
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ77xpLUc0
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1zKuJNYXw
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBU70sFOd3
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBdaa8Zibd
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGF5jZPLrR
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF933KjiWFq
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdj73b3B6W
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGWChdF5zb
"S-Sorry, sorry."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKPchgXkNn
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fvVDVGFM8
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0okG4z8kS
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetPRgStx3Q
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH9IM7HbGM
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ULF7nnXVo
"Ah, shit, yer right."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SbtI6fhne
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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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R1fAPAEqu
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8qr87RGIZ
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJbqgeFyUP
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox2x7RE8m8
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4l78Pz6Sh9
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5OCT6iV2h
"Did ya just laugh?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuk2xRtMHD
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeVG0Qd1kR
"N-No, why do you ask?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5iQqnnTeh
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNGNkw3pzd
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRtWB8SDKb
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgOrBw16tt
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TTRHPNs19
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6scJfK2kKN
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFBa2TOjVR
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UHZ3gE53J
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcX6ZoqsSs
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5OcgiLC3B
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi0hJZ30p7
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5zADVeCxt
He narrowed his eyes at me.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6dy7SIdiU
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87L1EvcWMH
"I'll take yer word for it."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJvReHMu83
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There was a momentary pause. I404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VsCJwDTnP
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdOo8AclKJ
"So, what have ya been up to?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AP5707b4x
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUY64XzS4X
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNQcbb1bjp
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GZfi7zqtP
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YjzHVYCQd
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkZtwk5CgB
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLo2ODjPmD
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeASyzsGJKi
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyo8Ujcci4
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9pG6kDRRG
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbnPCfu4Sk
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaYigS80IK
"The sleeping room?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77s94U9drG
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPkXE3jZwn
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uixo9nRUK
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1emKpuCHF
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbnvjP4PbD
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXs705QtXIv
He cocked his head.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SuNuxs6CT
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqIDndq5HE
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmBh5twAJe
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvFY9myHrv
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JRNQuC45o
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC0Ecb1Q7q
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxuxpQPXt2
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AUznYNzyO
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR2tJkiI40
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVabvKczh9
"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..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQJIfVOYQu
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ4VhTjEFi
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2heAzEWWE
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxg5Mxm0Ea
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44MeaGeIk2
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSQBDvSx2r
"Loose screws?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8fahq6oWr
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLCvjx8xfE
"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?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡackEpsvFCw
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCug5SNQao1
He huffed from his nose and smirked.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh3UviSpob
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIGiLKXv4D
"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?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo963wOXFI
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaQr0zC8J2
"Boring tales..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuy6zeSRje
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfBvu79bfQ
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzmZnm0coG
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu3TD6YmOH
"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?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLct4qcZkY0
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqOX9zBe9M
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxgtHCZaHC
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71qA0urNKC
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU682I0nFqd
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r3zwQHZ5v
"What, am I too young?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKyL0QrjpD
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvvzqc7vbf
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3XOQ11yRJ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU0Enq6R2p
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGafIQfUIt
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHyYeIcqVI
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYODzYNf7u
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxOnYnsR5F
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc8xCOTYZg
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf80gtlePeF
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWpplyV4HJ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsseHq0JIZB
I straightened my posture.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLN18Ld208
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn7W7Eaccn
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfha2w0Plt
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SaBwtDLzl
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv5DeyZDj2
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpRfDAHOV7
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVPvIuxRni
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZRHOlQh7O
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgklGSBMmXb
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnVyZTYCXv
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EbslYdbt7
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFa7Rr3BKF
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtOsc3ai4h
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe2Iez80uq
He gave me a blank stare.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGSTlaTtKl
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsUE9wRzni
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV8S8GpbFy
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4iBpcoRNN
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKWCa2VYDD
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFTK9oS92U
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXyyRXZCLk
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJmxrL93qZ
"See? There ain't a difference."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnbX65OU7t
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dYLc4Gx5t
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXesUCua2Q
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocOcUeswbu
"Yeah? And what are they?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0ZMP2PFrD
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwBUhMLHfE
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5LpqMFGa1
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9vUUyBBUy
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZn7NhpmEW
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeELSJ8eAug
To that question, I simply shrugged.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkJiqiGWly
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XWTDzEEgf
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhy7rpuTCd
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ85pAa4XV
"What a load of semantical garbage."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThl9VPpJ7w
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQONWqm6Fn
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqrGa3N7zc
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN42eu4BU8
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ao87JKvcz
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eiAA6B1pc
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVG86iw1KMV
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx3VDN93yX
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfJWptJGar
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi9on2uskS
"..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1tkhrri4B
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwbAgv58Bv
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkrRC2X6Ce
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqkqbNSdPt
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe2CcWy6TjE
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1ICcVEGJX
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEzua1P007
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpmWHh0Odu
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bpDdZgXb2
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ6wrQ4uwk
"I'm starin' at one right now."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFP5Jcgus0
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25zgzn5mbi
"You know what I meant!"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrGhudhjp7
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6eeO24z8s
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFW5LWq6HQ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrMMQQlFJ3
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEAImdfPkm
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1PG1c0cqA
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZG8xDMSOo
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L3i12Zr0p
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXz1pnVyQ1
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNZwPpYnA2
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziSEG10rkQ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApfD2GHv4l
"You're definitely being generous."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYkjUARKUm
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluFelQugcx
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9R5AUuqrD
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IyN2jnNy9
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0rtLVDfMl
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb5mM0dSqV
He nodded his head.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoBcgKQNts
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFroQsZZo93
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlVMHKdCM7
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCS50vEwjA
"...Oh my goodness."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYYo91aiFZ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIeMlKtBwv
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzhMJ7jWiQ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYELgfzgtxk
"What? It's just mud, kid."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN6rz1Q9V2
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkz3fq3bQcW
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr55njayxt
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hy2Zqcn2g
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxey6Nm0KGX
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwrW00yArE
"Yes. I hate it."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaPoTBFiks
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6nxUhfB04
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPWS3d3XTz
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHEYXMnUbI
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJQywQQale
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9TagLa7Ow
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwcED0Idql
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5wikvchdL
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRofuOF3lNw
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RfvrqWpNP
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaSt0ZUU0C
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8SEYDUct8
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cFQXqIkAM
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAjqFWIGH5
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6HL8addzb
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSFQVk9C0Q
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYHMfE2DaJ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ktWVqNGzn
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiXDlnQWAd
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm6yX7dGnK
"Nah."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98OG1a9dbb
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXliyA0gyT
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1P1E49Pml
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXoYv4aVcg
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuDBGTnQBw
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81JJ8tHT2d
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x2A0MZ4nl
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZwjJ0nlZC
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYvJMilI0C
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqMOrPmRqm
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPzouVA63V
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqSEbW496f
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98LxtsZUfx
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAZw3UiAvg
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv7Lr6Vwjk
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7D4xEJJ4D
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58jdpppEND
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19On6OGWfI
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMuBPg8tKG
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY68P4LrBE
"Huh?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHpr7mYQME
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiaEsGeXl6
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4G8U9tukw
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1hwppM8KV
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUb9lbqlEcr
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9ItGGHxvl
"So someone told you as well?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM100kED3Fi
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4D8ghSpo76
He nodded with a smirk on his face.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNDsmsYZyd
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C3szv32R6
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GBBHJTtGC
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiJ7S5zTbo
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAW0NetsgkM
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTQRCuijUN
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxySQ8XmAp
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYtDeUR4Yy
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANl218UktO
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2QpsmcESl
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYxWGcFf2l
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8IH4RAXF1
"..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dhfz80kHJ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqdcvHOl7X
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdODkkLAnV
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD3Z1WikaX
"Strong?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWvmYxzENs
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bfA5xfp76
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96ROzxUjWi
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAITVSnsTM
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPHulHPOXT
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ09OpSeEb
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?404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPun9cNoQY
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQY6RzkLVS
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexu34RqQz6
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeeRzA5lyu
"Brat is certainly new..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR84XUJI9Q
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6fQOwMgIV
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cNgB53aqW
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbhdn2T1Wz
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDWJcLDK39
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xGjoqdtmB
"Think like what?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlcVIW11w8
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRSuzSgNFd
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZn0uoYjE5M
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQYvRiBCgC
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZRuTIpENT
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs4MEneGR9
"J-Juke...?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKzAN5qIed
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIk28F9HHF
"Do ya think I'm strong?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnw0VvQ0gWq
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Utvzelw8P
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpSeo0LFgM
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNv5DGysIY
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4mSoRGQwV
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRiIHxu9mu
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJMMDgp2dY
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBIJ21lFdL
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiXSpYlfcZ
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcX7UPBSxU
"Yer a moron."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx2xt1MZar
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZkeWYPA9Z
"H-Huh?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrE6jX3eaY
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgy6gTwKWz
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkgxeHSl8e
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTG2U0xJDw
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcWEdbWbAU
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNIDa78xfm
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOTBDhYG07
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE9cIBmN5p
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMBPdJuhEu
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugMDRpE0mI
"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–"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9NNbQcM1q
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pxWD6qlFT
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNMdP4mQEW
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4pzWkNiqj
"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?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP9NdyReeG
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvrON3RdWe
"..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNy8U1Lxnl
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xxzSTK4Mg
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CFvkUfv2f
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0pihUe6d1
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEzlNWzRFL
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU8CKYRnjA
And so, I spoke.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaTS8rV6M9
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiyrcVD1QC
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q4A9aHsb7
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw89PqtG67
"...Yer just like that bitch."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8sfYOqsJV
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNp8r0yW36
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0xW9N54cA
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNhOeMKUil
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZdUj903tN
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTJQmefi3E
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AXOLnpbC9
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAKAw6upi8
"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?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPPvSi93M7
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnSODNrvJ8
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUivdC3IZxa
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u0szJHFMr
"You're missing the point!"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTto3zEBq8w
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAnucRrzXC
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5lif5imtN
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8QGzbjBSS
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuty9PDLJeo
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvZaP95lMZ
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC67pb4vJdi
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLD8fHLCu1
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyAycWrRn7
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMVBBVmaLY
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphHUNHDHvS
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnBVWuQTH2
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0gXv4F30Y
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAUS1SMaK1
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQkjFoXF1l
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiQJqoR3A2
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz0QnIeVdy
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrKRFiPxXF
"..."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO24iDXuEB
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDbyHQXjY7
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.404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZYISuPtbS
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbCU8D0kCV
"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."404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDS8N73z4Y
404Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X6q8QAdiq
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
and then Add to home screen.