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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSibUTb28c
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZNNaeRbqO
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF44AN9PqMR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIXKLrOlGH
"Right on."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rGM5cvCKZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbISLFijOix
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVZWEj3vpW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS95ETe58Mh
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRFXkGBfYZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh6pe9Bp1P
"Huh? Oh, alright."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPUec0Dzsh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRGX4KE5r2
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSiB9Gdjew
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDDYPLpQqs
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEbbd73L98
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMQpQwvCIK
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjFXi72wAv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6nC6vGOTV
"Luck..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QeeI1dWfb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCLaRb6zmw
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0AoUTnQsb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyuRM7XPXI
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCdUe45W79
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbdZ3ijjdn
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzSgoiWyDd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtY0J1Tx11
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f4rmoVlha
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgXqi25IWs
"You people are strange..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK01RsSDxy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmwuqtFEs7
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhdJsYk00T
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nnSI1X49A
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGNDRXZRyg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKBiVWhPvr
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiulIs99sua
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B1q9GpZ8F
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyT8s9jzib
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtpNSruKA9
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUmvbn0L9O
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ810Sib8lef
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjHw1DNtsC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fDjd0P5xs
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgApMv7rjM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGnLbU3heQ
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5REd221MNa
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEGcO1KEbf
"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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoQtRJeUgj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDx81qKasX
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6I9gt4IpM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xjk9LGSxL
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Tmc27MuDJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI1Sb2vmIP
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4egKDMSjBM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzDWrhc3MV
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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMEwm5oKZb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYUvo2IzCU
"...Huh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5VWPvpDsT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbK1fL4Bya
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q49nSWUqW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhG4cpgIw9
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkdVxKvoS1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67m2F70Re2
"I can't deny that."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEQ3CezjgW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVGZYTMJko
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqlUHKPE1q
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDUIWxl93A
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry05z1CMU0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4D1KzSsSy
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAFgy5SY0N
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofzTlEb0cE
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSSpL95faM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOuBMy7gFl
"You're up."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDzqMsWLRS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOP0hxWB8G
"Right on."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2muXIotVCv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVwgIi8arp
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aQ4q5lI2R
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"That's... that's incredible."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxiRfm3eOA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNwxBFaD5K
"Huh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvkLUV0rwP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmDn66E6cm
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQVNO5cb4x
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUS0Hmto7e
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Coq9VM7mF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo26WFIVgS8
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioQu8AzmUG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL0Qhf5hls
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hcm6QU2RQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHFOTlVywD
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2jsPYObgb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHKVSurrW1
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa6CTCwjVp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aXgc3gtSY
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlPYkUo6nJ
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQJa3zjS88
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyAVxqrQOg
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKAOzN5Voy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOc1D31jVm
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygIJGAC30w
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XkBe0MBV7
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo9wkpQOUA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS1Zjpuj07
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OpMtBWRnx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAU52UZS1l
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjGRQDqvp6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6dGp00lzy
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BI3RLWEsy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaYaKHgDuW
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3ligH8fEt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOREIJhstR
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7DEoExFu9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrwAxVTyFx
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYvdAIQzwe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuuO3xHxKk
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmAuoEz2W6
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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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2H4sFuDmQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAffVDTjvic
"What time is it now?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpgUha98sA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1BqUPn7A4
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6njIQR7oO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9070NqLvrN
"Juke?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlBsdEEsh7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwPpXzImR3
He looked at me and perked up.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisPCzAl2x8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45zso6AzYY
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYe6854Xnu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE3gyY6NwK
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUfycTSMi2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYgoefv5mo
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUesacRVBJE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8iEhSymep
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt85X8sF2Fn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyD6a8ueQK
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74ai55WARz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsCI8nSXiT
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe5V2xV63O
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKePA28aIF4
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWlmNVG5jx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJYwV1g2Re
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dLLRTFxmJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P8THttnCp
"S-Sorry, sorry."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoibUKH3gTI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWJFWgTLv1
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2JzAU3RLB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPHfZSeaLN
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv5GpSrJig
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt6FnJ2fdP
"Ah, shit, yer right."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsObt4rOWwg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wCyOMP7iC
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqINsDrLp0B
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54J2qgwU4J
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1wiYjIr15
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiskNK5Ot2
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidLxyEI7nU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VGcj62K6c
"Did ya just laugh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZdW0oqFcV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVxd5HXPU3
"N-No, why do you ask?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49lPCR8E7j
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kLmhSVcWO
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTGpDBncRL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG715ycFzH
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mhhNOeTPw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOt5AuizGw
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs94cyRg3Wh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtftWjmLU3F
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBejSGYKtg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sjSHprcdO
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHVaBj0KRj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SfPOmLQEG
He narrowed his eyes at me.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIZqSIZF5E
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1RMgFBudy
"I'll take yer word for it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAy0fOoqS1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QXFNGgJXh
There was a momentary pause. I172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUADJm4A0Re
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0athCoSE5
"So, what have ya been up to?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRAY2IcRoL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaoODLIEHP
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXMwYYaepr
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HfdHYw0sV
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfCZzyRDrh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzsjNNqsVQ
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBxsYZWyY0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5D9eBHBsS
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43Kwu3X0hO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7tYD4iymg
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKoLjZXuYW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTb7gMUvUpR
"The sleeping room?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTDvhC6p6c
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b6z7DFB9f
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUVPrdIdf5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRnQAs1RlL
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQi0gIJBUL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxamLL7Wvfn
He cocked his head.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwz0G8TCsR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8J1Hn7m7Ww
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKdHq65crK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoYQIvRM0s
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NeQIPjgqC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDticDqpj4
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJIv4dIvAb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl23NH0UyZ6
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp0f6nShr5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie8nFlx7QJ
"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..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujHkgeejfg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUPhGLzFL6
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuH6QADium
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LfTFOSeTa
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7MBYKLzRA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB4bFaJulK
"Loose screws?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPEdjOwgD4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ6MWK2UEl
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhdB5ElCmZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbB9Lr34xS
He huffed from his nose and smirked.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT2KWVCItI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCMPnftcPT
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDIPfxyhou
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuZSubSeOk
"Boring tales..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sZDiZCuyj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPZbV58065
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIu11lQN35
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntfSoqvhXa
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhPl3BaIbi
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTK65neoIT
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf5PENnVXd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vHtTXJ4u8
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbC4Cc2b23
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpmJgPXNat
"What, am I too young?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9Kh9zvg9z
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVZ4iaoRtg
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Vg4ifsXzK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLwiosyADQ
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hT4eLO1YO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziKMwJk0gN
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeJoiWdecB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGefuCgKKni
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LognOpunp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTEH7HpK5D
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWag5oRY2z
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jkXjAmsyI
I straightened my posture.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuWj6AojpW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfNQKQRZzC
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnPJPxekBf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASeWxOw00c
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCrcBGIJZD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTt311A6kM
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc3qbV3Cnm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9KsuuUTEi
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCpO0A6BPM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LMxx9peJv
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uWFEEBoaa
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8lDXoYJgp
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzhpsuna4m
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsOQ3JfAdb
He gave me a blank stare.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKAA30VHqC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDiHowOx1h
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe6qjv6loC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJVatMFhT5
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHJhUX73TF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7DqSPyy4E
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTlI6gxL2O
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvPiNsStW4
"See? There ain't a difference."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPYJ0tdCfP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx7gmJeCj3
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpORwz5RAcs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8uMMMVQko
"Yeah? And what are they?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM7N69DWAC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVLN6GPUG6
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeJc5PZBi1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XEwaKNVoh
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdLBt6IJHw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho3So1GQvc
To that question, I simply shrugged.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO7kbn5e4F
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gWVZLSuCv
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01UEnuhdxx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvviyUoz4Oj
"What a load of semantical garbage."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MpPuBREgZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt78NM8vDd
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcwaXv6q44
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eAJJ95Aqk
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklgtDYKqHJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tu0cqa9Rn
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAV2Oq74he
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugtg65EEcC
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsZmTXFckx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3XAUKHLcl
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFgguAsc7G
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XAtXmberw
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaqa4PkwHA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBkkSipzZZ
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJGtzQ9Nz9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4vvOftZse
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb2g2A13MZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgn0owcOjI
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITl4hAYroi
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5wNnAHIjO
"I'm starin' at one right now."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJDkyYpG0S
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdghuICjbCl
"You know what I meant!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2spe2hujJi
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9fOI847Sg
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcrIRw0TEI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2ykXgEUU9
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ntTC6SQS9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwZNLPBls3
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMz4ZzYCI8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrtkVjax8K
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADCU2BKNiN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUiNjmQPFW
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5a9No5CGJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYI1Dlt03g
"You're definitely being generous."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7FSC7Fo0V
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgFrytqDnB
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShKfrXrcuT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPfqaPLsPY
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED4eX88J4g
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaUf0KoDYC
He nodded his head.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YVpvWWRHX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h49JqM9lW
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjAuzKxHJm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfyZihcIpT
"...Oh my goodness."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkBA638MSf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcA7BXcfbU
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvQMDaD4xs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gNd7soj8M
"What? It's just mud, kid."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL7NRwZRAM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9gToLtYdH
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkxObZlRCT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj55EWxwfxR
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnibjh0Pq5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHyUKC6RnA
"Yes. I hate it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklScCqRfAh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNb9ZpjU4UM
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibvRhDkfhv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovNTFlA1nM
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4knevDhtq
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRD2xtYdo9
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh5rLcQy6Y
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRW3eoKoub
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBBWNCTpix
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7oPgC6e59
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNofyal002S
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RSxhx911n
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww84d9U8WC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWBUpu3iO2
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkip5TKkJ2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfUg2QSPYd
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcP9prnfZE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ztOcy22Bb
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lcarPNoTE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jazIEotmL
"Nah."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0r8k9D9Bw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsrQq0FjxP
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42KXCCMdwO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N4xv2BpMI
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNupeB3Mmh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJfj0KuJ8L
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWaS63xQrR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88j7D25vH3
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXpv1SS8Qt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBljPKrphqR
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSk5fl4Q2r
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVINVNycM4V
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XzIRNFoPF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IA1oQmnio
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyA9xuusAwv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf3vv3BQaL
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfftuUY55S
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG8DeqObdL
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNVo5g8aIW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWEky9X2Sz
"Huh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfLPB4dtQG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOPFZJvtv1
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfluWjhnOY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1llq8RNcCN
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OGLoq7WrG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPl5GfdQuU
"So someone told you as well?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwghRdLlXsK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWRvUc39Hq
He nodded with a smirk on his face.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2Xk67I7sP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SnFCt6hZI
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0k79j71mw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaEXykmUbj
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb8jQqK9qW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hWSbxNWEp
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbut8YeKPK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9MmTVZ23N
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECJuZJEths
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x1Bnj7xyK
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKbjF33ts8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEzTQuk4WU
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3DSzspi4G
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWyV8XhtgF
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRf03o2omx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KXeDv7vyf
"Strong?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjn2ZyA46V
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzo7CgupNK
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJ0ZCdmRuu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg9oICXWgk
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjv8lvXkEmi
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslAQyVb4vf
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?172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnOHsQCMY9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXCH2PKRxZ
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwAd2knWl2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHgBUMUGh9
"Brat is certainly new..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy85BeXXMSa
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkUVEvJpuv
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipDlTwOZuF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qIUyKxSow
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWH7OzTKuw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gGdQY6tU8
"Think like what?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwvlyXheBe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlJFpQ6U0m
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMLfm3LMRN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2bEIbGwxD
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPGuxdIoXl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUUQjhCpOS
"J-Juke...?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPbVLUeDGV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht3gq1hjYm
"Do ya think I'm strong?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3AQVOGCu1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiE1APqbCj
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oaetGg0cp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCMriO25Sg
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5IcdNud4p
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzk7UUntNu
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs6PQGLstb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3aevh0RSp
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xzjt9vmWm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySWFZ5cW6K
"Yer a moron."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FoseDnXVw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWosBL1jlc
"H-Huh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgfc7Wc36j
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2Klgnv9o3
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaJEZipBpI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQJdBZrAfT
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmyCpkJjYr
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxGS01Pnwa
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TWXkkDF3g
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS4o7DXCzY
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpjWdTmLAP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o74QAl4yI
"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–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzDPighDmS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcnzl2DrjS
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7gsrKTRtB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMsdHx1upo
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tr8nMCGki
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6zFGpb4OG
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ681ecOUsGL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIuU0RLqpe
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbcUCf7nO0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcretfs1AHl
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuKnK5uXkM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtxOzQH2ig
And so, I spoke.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgTvzwiRaF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxNgCDAzQ6
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G7vctxEFU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYVKsBiG6L
"...Yer just like that bitch."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslPQbJVaiK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUcyEGg2mz
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CZeKlS07Q
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIT9FTyBga
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0JwPsoSDt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcemY9ueHhE
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqjpy8I5mS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJlwttBh1R
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf7UJ5uiC7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcKLzXVgkC
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQASPXyVXv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgi1sXFzqq
"You're missing the point!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFp42L6dTG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dWl044zHR
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblblv0Hpdk
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0v04t7xEE
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO6R5y2ACs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7C9EM42X3
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1OdJOmbYe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsfQJyj16L
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAMsv4hRSg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnhDk8rI6q
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RS0M7NB9u
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7pDWJpfIQ
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZjb1OesuQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4XBdPfWHA
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U6HU0WyTW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrG6Jcqxbkk
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzelo7bKud
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NweviRcLs
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcx590BWyK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYZTV9qgQT
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVWqf053YN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHbiykDJVl
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwHdZlDYfC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4b8RugYAO
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
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