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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdD34zdnsM
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GxU3aHU14
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPA0RLLm2k
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHeDCGtx1h
"Right on."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZWi1gwoi0
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y2RnzI7jB
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTAVaOkGyK
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazQu3ZLxlk
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR14zMoMfP
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTWu1RFzXf
"Huh? Oh, alright."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHSSfvBrYO
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4jhLk6tFi
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe3RgrBmm0
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOyTbRG5Gb
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouuPUUPjiG
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqsZ00TjXF
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx43H2mPmi5
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pwbf6P81T
"Luck..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUgTUClPX1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw865My2L5
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwG6TxwryA1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0XbK2iXNf
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfASluceD3H
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLVBuZcDCu
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQeFhZbykt
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9fqmvc8g8
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu4qVOkEx3
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkKkkrT9xo
"You people are strange..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaj9lCPJFv
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeye0UjSMu
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXXlbfEw1Y
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjMg6Z6qGn
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUI13zzcZy
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUetQxelrV0
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHjt13yw4Q
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzmDCz6i7h
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡla787wuWYU
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM15e3j4QJ
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV90zKztOxL
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOF3ynFWjS
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoP6mcKZpO
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7enwUGyteW
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrWdqwbmbC
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjw3cWJ1Tdm
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gX6hUP0CE
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgX8FB2fHf
"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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1X102aT1A
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxjUG47Awa
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBEqk08vbb
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZuboBI092
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBawkX77vKI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DocnDpwOV
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0H5z4QrFS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy7VniOtmA
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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AXcLn4pO8
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6yOi82DWA
"...Huh?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHDch6BBJk
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleRYugO857
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWrTIf1TYf
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1d26VJy4w
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21c3bunXI1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz6bGluaTj
"I can't deny that."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnEgg1p55A
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85fF8aEw3u
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfe5EP5dM0
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS4TartrSw
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzZCjMyyzB
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7SFjPliqZ
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TsMp7STdF
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDbmFhdTRQ
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTYUBCZbxC
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVSTWGnGNb
"You're up."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsckRcw3XTB
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDAqbo1a8I
"Right on."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8hITTJ1PY
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhJuYvMg7t
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nAlzlDApV
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1a7gG5vhP
"That's... that's incredible."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82gi88GS4R
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDviOTRKN3w
"Huh?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON753kBYLW
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbf8Lc7lyd
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYr1oOmofTg
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIadEyZJiq
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqOM8BBEXX
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD471a04IT
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgMIw3J9gF
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPNom8hEf9
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKD6mYQ4AM
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ptUFIqxqn
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNaMivmoDe
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy4YzGvA4I
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufKpjwLmgz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtga8Nj0ro3
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmCYN2GLYN
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWGNPIc0kA
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP5pgyJ1mL
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunf4I1ctta
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGCl6V315M
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt5OQJYjx7
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rav6j8v1e
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKztCUBrcR
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGXLHNhOVo
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzK6TT71Z8
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHMt8D7CYi
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiMUpsrUSF
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZXn95WXBg
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgwJtJPqOZ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtHIRmwDqD
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfWPnyO2TP
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTZi47xxpS
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8IcbpcWIw
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49pdKTrzCc
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2csLRsX3PT
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOHCkZ1jR5
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp3AUQls5P
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAdURBltUS
–
–
–
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhiPBLjYif
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOaSaDzn1u
"What time is it now?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGomKj0RCRd
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgONTAEW7Pc
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZSjPUduSD
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uZVrtqb0d
"Juke?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH52ekUcNsB
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90kz42xQb3
He looked at me and perked up.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacC2hwpCOc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDnhlNhzjS
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIXMv03DHt
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYuZZDK4lZ
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeP7xGDbUI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXdefONS75
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTQE0OM7vD
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0hIqduqg9
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtJZ3bvJVd
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTTxqLwhgs
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VmjDaf2O9
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1F0v1Fc89
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbEG5DTRjW
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlsuNWUFjh
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IqLbSV453
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrub850TlFX
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEImR48sPS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7Yx0TMN79
"S-Sorry, sorry."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ6UTGQkUv
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXPFMFs2Xc
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7uSLXOlt2
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx1ubx54K3
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lmFQtK4c7
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAhKQRCQqK
"Ah, shit, yer right."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLU229SwAe
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzXzLOWM1N
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLdyboCsP0
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbmFJSEsWm
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQV9jVKibq
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit7eOF2CKm
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuqtFupBqz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4JGz68NH8
"Did ya just laugh?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2usr1pBZv
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wdNyeSL0u
"N-No, why do you ask?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoAMqAbIVR
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDim06ALPBQ
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd1b2DJEkq
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2XDUnPHox
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEkXfi5RP7
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb2CipUjCg
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z5L9j4x0v
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfeOX7PrYc
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdZ1aMrXav
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeY6QZp8ho
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgtd3lvkVe
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFKInvGYQ8
He narrowed his eyes at me.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjmMewxe2Z
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vV4Nb3jo3
"I'll take yer word for it."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40IAmolENg
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWjw7SzUdx
There was a momentary pause. I174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBBngtFVsD
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98ffX6gNRg
"So, what have ya been up to?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83gPVhm8Jc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9Rbc6Kze5
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqT6gsalNC
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFbWY46FQb
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbosuEGI1d8
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxaGB4put5
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXM9E4mcGW
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtqJJOzBfH
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5hI1EImQK
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJjJCcaegK
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxx0LWDUbV
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL42JE2smb
"The sleeping room?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpfLLmFhDc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pUZ3PyTWt
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdWwYYl69E
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuxekz9MaJ
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnylmwBVspN
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dkYhGOAGu
He cocked his head.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GoRv9M42T
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfSTXtRNFR
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOupIMYZHm
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8ziZ2ouwU
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtFJdFxndt
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZmzr0sY9j
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOTqUNZbnt
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJotq7j3Wa
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SiNBpb05d
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RBicUUPVq
"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..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMlIlVDHMu
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuHUzZ2ctt
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBpU0LaQlK
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzy5pmfzb4
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGVJVQBZWE
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ950n6Fs4zx
"Loose screws?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1g9Asg0vs
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeeEmhEid0
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSja5oFbYQA
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0IjPCx62j
He huffed from his nose and smirked.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRYdQznYvd
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxJaqyBmMu
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKV66kj01X
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMc1w5hEKy
"Boring tales..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPpvQmvXnC
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WdoJdZpMk
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrx1HZnorq
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFy8UcfuPC
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxOrwy66dE
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKjVegQNEK
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9ZNuZSus4
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOv301n4OSY
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8R8xqkojU
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DojoaBVH3
"What, am I too young?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGzH21SSnv
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabqSlUPZLF
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e25eU9fnB
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXjAynkh83
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXSdXPVNwI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dkT7sWxzH
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tAtFMXbGQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dFU5YldY9
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CAutreIlr
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9difskvlp
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2UVSvc0dP
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq5OwBdUB1
I straightened my posture.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9bcrcQv75
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1lDFA5bzp
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3sWOhLCYB
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmkLX5X92T
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeaxt2GSt4
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAToO8vf0Tg
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaRBWU5rwT
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Izv1UE4dk
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zIuKjyvkY
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tHzFoeyip
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKvrOUWw55
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMzdvBqUAj
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4YsSSnoNm
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfinCmwb7k
He gave me a blank stare.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ921WbeWi8e
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx7h9t2GuJ
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjYqlJNPDL
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIwfRLOsZE
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDusVqxoxu
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwB12UHsH2
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNsWklOZVH
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81vPUK4ooE
"See? There ain't a difference."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKHmOS8qfn
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3DDpK5Hko
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheznoU5ixy
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nq4H5EiU4
"Yeah? And what are they?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciPZULSaYT
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RCoYMVdXt
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatliutAafq
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKIt6gyAOp
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTELaU4VDVg
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhhr4qKdXk
To that question, I simply shrugged.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaK4hHioNS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt5YjTmEIM
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wbyPGv7zR
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfbhaQXFes
"What a load of semantical garbage."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh14gu7jfOa
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKBVvWcc0o
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivgBQFpkVc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJbOa4zoKA
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePWpOz605b
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDT0WkTUEr
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjLKa16DG8
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSON9l03nqY
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0E32rwp6UN
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw8JZY3j8F
"..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRB6pZhpJJ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0u5r34mJR
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ0HSKq91w
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtVJFmu3rM
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD2bcluHbq
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBuuTv6zEZ
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraotdMCz3J
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBQxRhgeyO
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA697fzE8ja
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YP9m3hdIw
"I'm starin' at one right now."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO36c0a8l87
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMlRqXTNjy
"You know what I meant!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAfgITsyq1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpq7KaTwdR
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF9Ogv7Zl1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSfSqWH0p2
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSqSR5w4Lg
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDQgNnxra5
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9YPO0m6Jm
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaL7xb68YW
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZndMZ0JmsA
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKc7sokcDsv
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCMfJnxLpS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1XIiZYE7A
"You're definitely being generous."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq4oaUXSmV
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkDv0nr0gN
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPbAbQCMBh
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOdFbfaeaa
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzjfDoiJ4t
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUudLEJ0lUB
He nodded his head.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIYrbNaDrg
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8au8fdqmxd
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF7FhGynPr
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oiVtlCiEc
"...Oh my goodness."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk7ZUbL2il
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIgJWJTml9
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQj2FcwKL7
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmNUpopXg5
"What? It's just mud, kid."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5uXySQRAA
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvyG4cOTea
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtorZY90jEw
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhtmQ6zc5C
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRo3PdMQJu
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ3yxxpqko
"Yes. I hate it."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUbnSMe2wF
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0IcC2aiVO
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCAv5qRIlI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBxU8F2VTk
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTyd7bE2AM
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jxFMPYqWS
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptj0v2pMMg
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbas7AHv1W
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmdeR4Rv3e
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GeYljnvtS
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEzE7gjk7w
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrKOzjSttg
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XMVKRqV9M
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQClthFgCbR
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu4u0I9IJt
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDBVBKem8D
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozpU63WDl9
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVruGsK0n6
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweiOWpJIrq
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50d4CQhk1l
"Nah."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOAzDMkF6d
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ3ymFqADr
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP2KJjsHKF
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclElc6P8QR
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4FXjd8eqK
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYgRgrU4Vh
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmqmAK58VB
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwcJAr2ga8
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39XZXmm4Tz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QxduYrviB
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBV1PyWWiR
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsFFjk9eZt
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGOyJB8U7Z
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O4NLY0jML
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClXjxvfVgz
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVzW1Xxw8A
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02yW3WiC40
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ6sBz0vPn
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipSC164lxI
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5aFG2ag1Q
"Huh?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegfaeZ0t4Y
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jB9icffcp
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBDPNUw5rc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDEj46N6bE
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSF9pW71Vp
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzbJOfLRhQ
"So someone told you as well?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2A9fNsk9B
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBVlxkB83F
He nodded with a smirk on his face.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7LvSwNu7k
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN4DyyfVFo
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWOeDP4wI3
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5ipYY7Wpn
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSXmKrlifV
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XNkTvsVND
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnxSELRULr
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK84eiiFje
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLjlzYhYS6
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54NhMm51id
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfEDLTNLrK
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGnQfiFbaO
"..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEDox8Dsaq
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpIGFiX3GM
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ377MAG8814
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCsgEn9elg
"Strong?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YYdU6SSBH
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZURur0t2Bq
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKwYzJUIZy
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvFsPpvoi7
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiUTd5KYh1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YGUiXfout
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?174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR07Jlz973I
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEPhQRXBRO
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNoSmAengC
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAScPJchlhp
"Brat is certainly new..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuJZLO3mR2
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWy24STqeoG
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHe7AavPHK
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iia24KVtn
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aCLk2jHqQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQE3pchc0D
"Think like what?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuvcYkIyWH
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4lZEy1fe2
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3auPvB6y1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61aGHzVt2O
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQftDyGPUrF
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ547xJ1aqjj
"J-Juke...?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEocBJhFAHi
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqAMS07bgM
"Do ya think I'm strong?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvD1PPdyPG
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDVablE8TR
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uxZeu2k5i
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1te5WCXmh
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdXM5LyiaP
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDApuLbb0O
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4i71ULtw6
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9wIL6LAeV
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4Cadx5Gpj
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZud8BTGNAL
"Yer a moron."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkfXktXmuS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJ710z6EkF
"H-Huh?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzbzc8Yw7x
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq7Z4HgGRI
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXKiNov12l
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4dj5PvTFK
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Tn1qSz2eC
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYYKytaS8G
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMnG39ybvQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHtl3V35ew
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcCebW9Jqf
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IdOR6t5R5
"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–"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZwJbjYyHW
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvsD7ai8XD
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T49MAw84W
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1sMaoypM3
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMdlZZjmYq
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjVffwWgAh
"..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbZuSPFUUA
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwL8KyU562
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuFMFe4W4F
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a0nWLggAc
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDicENk6YM
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0sR93CKIh
And so, I spoke.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsljz1Mvig1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczDfNYZ7gH
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAeRRZHhh5
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWQgVmQfqN
"...Yer just like that bitch."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu8e4dhhBS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfQKKpeDYA
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrZ7wZiVxs
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaZT4UtLxP
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqcRSpqv9X
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFWMxpDTDQ
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAngfMt06O
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7Ea1PQ9D7
"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?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ILKjCkDk5
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHTeMjVg1s
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jTbmQkrjc
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09W1wc58xL
"You're missing the point!"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07bDSCb9oS
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AxQGF8cPF
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTdBCQsX76
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgnGSXjNME
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AmTP3Qdv2
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNZonUf0dI
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uHPA4IH8W
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN3FWlFsfV
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLeIMqux0W
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFsEhttf1b
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lImdpDaF3
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIikkMUtGDY
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdIxIiwM7n
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklNM4UlRdm
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfHPwCPuC1
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevv8NmLBbt
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoSU5dNdY7
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUabCsWCtz
"..."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk910RKi7rQ
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVQ7DnOIum
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.174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1amvFcHE0D
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaTXdMkHc7
"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."174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Lzhgb30bW
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpjAGsfpA5
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
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