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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnizyutYE8
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfL4Umzols
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRchS2PKdG
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKNrwiv3xB
"Right on."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcTzEbP5Me
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWD948RubP
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZB7qTFcZD
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29Fq23EYLz
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyqFdYgVrU
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbNNbmXmkV
"Huh? Oh, alright."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeJbDMnhOU
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0M2GoDCb9
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2TpNLDk39
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkWj78ihJC
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmsSBpfDXy
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpMWEBofGu
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvHmxvFx5n
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKtjaQomZD
"Luck..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvSRRYOnVf
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZrz1D6NZl
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41cxt6d64T
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtapq6hr4X
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb7XRRlPNM
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUQXMYNKyA
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkuD3NJRyi
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcg51XGbzW
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscOSbP0X00
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJF1ZaO09m
"You people are strange..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66dzmQHuDF
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgWEzSSveI
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfTus2BeTP
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf439mbQQw
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd77ufzlUTn
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xZaN1GHwn
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslq5PHubpl
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa52ELO1iJy
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpcwO5OOxO
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutsdRf8f1h
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhWytN0xNa
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeh7litqCW
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rdUFIqt61
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSfSrXuT2V
"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?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZB9rFBcmh
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCkOif4RVq
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpenvaJ5HWr
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ThF9oRxrh
"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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa97e4GuJ3
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCl4cSOCkfA
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnfp6ZzYyJ
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh9tGqo38z
"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?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxfplw67UY
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj5GXQxJsi
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ99tfsDub
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7RtgOs3hY
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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYijZQr3ds
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFYyr630X6
"...Huh?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Adq95uZda
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaJ4rVZjCC
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugE0lJk5ea
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UCtQT1saf
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3ii2kkoqd
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGhvDCG2F2
"I can't deny that."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHaT3rEvIC
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIFvH9BFGb
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQwl7qPp6H
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVS6Eeyawx
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCfEj4WCdn
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn07q6Wxfc
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCPqVi6Jj6
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D6vNc6XAH
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcrGBmiIUC
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg73LCun69T
"You're up."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUGBPkshk2
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlM5id7oslB
"Right on."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPhTffwIGj
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7A0QiB9wB
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPUrzd7uxo
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZHruoiAuQ
"That's... that's incredible."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQOPHvmgsY
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL9GCCRH9n
"Huh?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmNbuMiJgB
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLuQWWKIUP
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYZd6oX2Mk
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDBnr3qrpS
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8O0Dr3F7S
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpBOHbzolv
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVkc8OC7nG
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEwMJK1oSl
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zWnSv8KXK
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyHZedagmO
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwo0LPuvsby
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx4P9fOncX
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzCL1bf7Bc
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcx6kmZDCd
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJm9uqBUwL
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2BtGDJF8y
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXd7j7W1vV
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCRmrLbdNA
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ18vsr6P1H
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnnIQYWXiU
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyiSws2G95
"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?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaRnHSTRv7
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2PfOQKly8
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZOawYbsIF
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY1wkFXjzf
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IUOqJCdQT
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cthE4ocqg
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8cYh7wwyQ
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQQo1CSb27
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeueIWcCP0r
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwpPDcaRTq
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufVSCpC89W
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3afN8ORr1P
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9ZLK3ximN
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB7y3ApBoh
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj0JOcxckU
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0CckOaPho
–
–
–
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9UA3h5ALr
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uwbdCKPzq
"What time is it now?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGyz8ttbWo
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxE7loMl8H
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHJyjL5AeT
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3CcBIdn9T
"Juke?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkdnTkV8FT
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4Pd4EHCL5
He looked at me and perked up.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbtQjdIlsu
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4r79TLmJl
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlhNAE32Dl
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw84ZWpawp
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hz7DKmw9z
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o7KwwoiHn
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQlxC8HMck
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWIsIplLDz
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU2Krffez2
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i5mLXGyJA
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAYaDkzZK1
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu4rKSC9Mi
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCGR3jBqHf
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefKyX6YMxC
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jzMe0315U
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTck4oghLKZ
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtL09XEHxJ
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ76pO0P4yZ
"S-Sorry, sorry."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumS8CThAxq
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSI99FtgLe
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK2rxSDacp
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXSo8eitBg
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULi3GYQZcO
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzT9j6yZIT
"Ah, shit, yer right."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuC7hDbdC5
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziBsMwHsRw
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FDfdFTMFd
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ198usR6Fex
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbELWcVtAJu
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1F8FUAo2f
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIoM4c7Nqs
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV9NaFEDCI
"Did ya just laugh?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF3Y91mGhC
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHC3pCQGZF
"N-No, why do you ask?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdaYfm8e3u
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUzbOih1bV
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HoHFj3qVd
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezYhG7Ry43
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wnbjtBWIU
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvotHbRaEL
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhU9eix6nY
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9FQxvVXy1
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmseuCETOix
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Bc91E0zY6
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GnUrW42v5
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG3Au1SF62
He narrowed his eyes at me.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRRFtKI7g2
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3GpQH7xo4
"I'll take yer word for it."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMo4g7kivu
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNEAqeYvkR
There was a momentary pause. I481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtXc4CS92j
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJgXqG1FcF
"So, what have ya been up to?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtDiXqiPuC
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL58yLX4NT
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUmP6NgRxH
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5W3P1PcCm
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cZ4maEx0E
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xhctf8iCf
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQtXUFyMfD
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCDdGFxNsC
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpuVXgaJai
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzCCtXniSI
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfIEs6Nte4
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoD3HfYdWw
"The sleeping room?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPpoMChuvX
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZAw9ISOdu
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OKAdRARA7
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPWPCLLXAC
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWw4pNiD46
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nQdkZ9hIS
He cocked his head.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwafPQ1Mdm
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Aht3aBsqJ
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXXfBB8tav
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfpGUJZvR6
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jsQwNMYou
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLVteU9Uk3
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztsdtmihzg
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGQWAZ2sYb
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNEJWSr8bg
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaseO9Nfw3w
"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..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPWGMFSC1i
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBOipFjFpW
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0qhGqxxKV
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3MgUVNYF9
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLByDI9CLep
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3D9sOSMgn
"Loose screws?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw4yO876U6
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXafw5Ql0N
"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?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwo5YZtQ9B
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhuJ5l3Eg1
He huffed from his nose and smirked.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDLVEj3zzs
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeMVdCBBHZ
"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?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKunOB8tRB
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t3LWxQ336
"Boring tales..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o8IMBFHnx
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGdfqQCitZ
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uyWfw6G3l
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakUf7wnatx
"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?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE334FML7zb
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySvY8W2tFo
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmOn3daevO
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgONG53U4uw
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBm5xtXObS
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwIr9Eyti5
"What, am I too young?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjRskyODKE
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjUVBjIH69
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTwlslW7gM
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtppPmXrXeL
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJeOFr6sWx
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJD6rkQimD
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmAdE6O7CZ
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WDkMUq0CE
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AKxeGb0ps
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXXJc9KP8D
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuelGr2XEg
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVJZjDQHyS
I straightened my posture.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciwVPuKCdc
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNmObY0va4
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtyfs7bWhU
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoSolwvt8O
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF3ongUiTJ
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0n1ZYgcmN
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiMtSWYXOP
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTclnglwZH
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO5nnSKUKk
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXnd0pPrWj
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPNUXYf2rW
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrE6vWxSix
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBZnu540iR
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG43Q6chFh
He gave me a blank stare.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHgPUYF646
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw7ppKyH0T
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVhFty19FH
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI5YEHtfrZ
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKURIAoruZF
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdjTUn8qQZ
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxDX9UDNTr
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G4I8Om5k2
"See? There ain't a difference."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95QU1lAe9T
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xN4mISIt4
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRFc8iqC5G
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQKj1hwFjL
"Yeah? And what are they?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESYE1Z3shQ
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70c3fH9iZt
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHdx5TyyTR
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UEgxdT1sB
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMno1qxPYWU
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89sFhQezq6
To that question, I simply shrugged.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkreJMIcdx
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEO7QK9xA0
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXSPVlT3Fh
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigivTvIGcG
"What a load of semantical garbage."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigXO8UdaBW
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8xX4veZ0s
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOVHUfMpEs
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVThSQQBR9
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhkcFZkLZe
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd339tYMLb
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LMsALb5vG
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpWI9hbYlM
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf01xXwe50g
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpP4vFjsEw
"..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkGTMJZkjx
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3hLH2lYz1
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bDpQ99osg
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzXhV8zisW
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrAsF0D9WS
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4T7zGqkUh
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDytcxuCJq
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7yzaGuNY7
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezCYfVKleF
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaogPlVZyw
"I'm starin' at one right now."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOcEo8H82m
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewovYJYTuM
"You know what I meant!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCIHpC6x9u
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9Op6MCG18
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmELIvU6uUq
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qaDzjs0oN
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQlnaekCXa
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMUv7Fr7hC
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YxFn5aXIe
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxsKKvXcs3
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZS3ELQQwK
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M3knoeAvl
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVDoxvHpqJ
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlFxyRO4na
"You're definitely being generous."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4r8B7lgsI
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC6lSCmtj7
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32QKeXx4Qb
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIMd4akoTZ
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHxqCGCco7
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3ozmDmFOG
He nodded his head.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhUKvE8Wc3
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpE0GcASLf
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibt6F0dMZE
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfZ762qvKf
"...Oh my goodness."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzQhbSjD7n
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9fMbKvo27
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1rfMdZAF7
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1eEAgvQvn
"What? It's just mud, kid."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMFKzFbmdH
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VTbDtoW6q
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEa0xXVIcbt
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRDO0W1mNY
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f1VzU98HC
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcow4rUPfP
"Yes. I hate it."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjgZ461AVU
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqsdMf4DZq
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSN1RGi8bi
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SOqdn0axj
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ8Fwl17oy
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGxXvXZn7S
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazBcsxNIb1
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxDvbvY4Wg
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi2bx17bgg
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL29kIAJ9VL
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzIwQRCi2g
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUmNs0pJ5k
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8me5NedXt
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjEmURbPlF
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjPrs8XzjT
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYAG2G56tO
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4NAyw8DnA
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqiBcmWSxk
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ7kbFWSp9
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbmcvcSAvq
"Nah."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoHJVSVHes
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP4qpuym4p
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5A4qljA1X
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCUgyssHQm
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IiJd6sR6K
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcPWIYasDW
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu2ItV0gZ7
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXas1u8Ugzo
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUCtr6v7me
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE4si1appc
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ghyJB9OBm
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnEHXlvcZl
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKGnKznFZr
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ54zFxHU9
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71jDLZNJOX
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ka3nZWkfr
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3IaNHM3NR
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48F5zI9rQJ
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WYVw5Iw2B
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpJVB53SQA
"Huh?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpzkLb9iIb
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m5hKbhqNC
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXZ0lLYfyX
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRK2wp9bDW
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j1JvADtuq
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DRpMXiWwo
"So someone told you as well?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTCwmNiEru
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0ELgt1XVq
He nodded with a smirk on his face.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWrWQLJltf
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G5nAC12NG
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY42S1dTqbU
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfLTRsiqMg
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJdYB9lg5K
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYXmFDMDsx
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jtFI8tGro
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaaTAnzCEC
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4xm1oIlvu
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonFweOEWyr
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY64zAsJXn
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXF3nXoU3A
"..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquNBMqpfVe
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuBTffRkwT
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiIx536n2i
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixlf8kVMqW
"Strong?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSf6duzyGC
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85nrdcQncc
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbKOv3Skme
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjT25BoClC
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQFum8j6H2
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanZFJqsUSG
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?481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2xSTurz4k
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXGTzG05jQ
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwCKpGS4rt
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24ySKXQZak
"Brat is certainly new..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCFKfAlKZ7
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgiSVfhvoJ
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpceukfH3ce
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUx6NqBf3B
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHSP35AlVh
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqK1kC4RjT
"Think like what?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYGpufw3VM
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbiI1VDjGB
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fMsYZK7hi
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GoSHyabNg
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q29A72wbT
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCEe7O6I6g
"J-Juke...?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1O6bYNGvH
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXpYgS0bWH
"Do ya think I'm strong?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoZah0MyGI
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44TUVDdKHE
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKSje4dBgF
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3T1bHIIX0
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOD1dTVMdq
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgYsZ0eBqb
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1T8sS5OJ8
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U9bcYtgVD
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH9xzZWOnr
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDVjOb5U78
"Yer a moron."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCghCGLgAN
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD459pwiHJh
"H-Huh?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWCw0laNc0
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtdAL29faQ
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULrpPA71jw
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7FnnarYN5
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscGe7cJQPK
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrN0fBGobm
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzwdI35ZIT
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFwbUmm2o8
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo2ZkBoyy2
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K0DBTBzjZ
"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–"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuFRgV9E3p
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiiaSA6ce3
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7IzmuoUdj
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNZZegzesU
"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?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQo4uxhjkf
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCrgZTQC5n
"..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr1KqbIDAu
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6bwvCvsxQ
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYECwRPw5dF
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aIw9ecxbf
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUGSfv16Fw
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL18Uom0Vf
And so, I spoke.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchXKnthkvM
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO8cKjLRUr
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIJ9mkZTTN
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdylRowaAU
"...Yer just like that bitch."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFovEZM9f9G
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSCK9Iwbgw
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwk4KDHa0q
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1prSOdRaM
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2glVPAB3P
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzDtun43mH
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3FAY9wAki
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTiyN71vAX
"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?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLR2EqXyjKI
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxgNqDBUY8
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTcX7NxlGL
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC692keett
"You're missing the point!"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6P4rEjSMw
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgODlWA5FkG
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiH5ZXSSKK
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdLq1MUgW9
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzZcXk3RV7
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3w7lcW5Ey
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO01WgAUTA
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOBHdhy3EJ
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkkD68Umws
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSY9afqWaC
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhsFMQ6pZv
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfSACqbMTP
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qnVwc2EMN
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5n0FIU5IJ
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxBMxAfpc9
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrairaRyD2
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxLwfz0jrX
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvgydL0Th1
"..."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6QEEIHnVD
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqjZQAyLxv
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiHhfa3shJ
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9Otq0QOyJ
"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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bXmNh67cK
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ453nHxk29e
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
and then Add to home screen.