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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKRAEmtpDP
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCu2SjiDYX
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"Right on."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMj68vIiMo
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Turns shifted and the die rolled. The process repeated a countless number of times and the minutes passed by quickly. At some point, it stopped being that way. At some point, rolling the die and moving a figure a few paces forward became dull. Looking at Nigel and Damon, it was impossible to tell if they felt the same.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAWuEr7iF8
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReXac5acbr
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"Huh? Oh, alright."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6oblT0Xur
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHu1RUZZwAR
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXIVeazFAf
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"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k45On8wsN
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"Luck..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeKrc5WZE8
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZFMqAZOG4
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEu5Wy8rfw
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbk8TEqdyB
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I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gMks7pSej
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"You people are strange..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFAfnd9wOg
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsXXIfbk4N
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChhSf7ck7P
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I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLViAhx259f
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"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocAiA9LVSl
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"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwHagyFCKJ
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"Shut up! Speak for yourself."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5o2lJQ90H
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Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkJfCpr87V
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"Especially Damon," Nigel stressed, "It's only natural if you ask me. Our upcoming operation will be the biggest battle we've ever fought. I'm sure the same is for you, Kenny; aren't you nervous?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMx4xuyO1d
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"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgW9DmIa1ml
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"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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyIgbkW8I5
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYinxw7ZjSv
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"The whole Retaliation Crowd seemed so enthusiastic during that meeting. I didn't see you specifically, but with how loud the room was, you were cheering and roaring too, weren't you?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOuFWRMbsl
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgucFyK7FY
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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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtqUSiHMB8
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"...Huh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmAgegZQqt
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He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroVzoz1vke
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"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjwPAoXztJ
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"I can't deny that."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSTpTO08iA
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"Right. We figured that it would make the situation worse if they thought we were dejected too. Let me tell you, after hearing the news about the Raptors, it wasn't easy. It wasn't easy at all."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWgfOLnCZX
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6arpFRAPd1
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxftJYVEdgE
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He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF4AbpCgKY
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"You're up."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyn4HFbs4y5
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"Right on."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx2HocRhVn
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERDbvxdR8A
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"That's... that's incredible."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW43coszQh4
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"Huh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SKO3EhZtp
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Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1y86tDJHz
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"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREj9Ay8hOm
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"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAWGKQspVv
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He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDyv7vbdE3
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYzJZM5Lth
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"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9LxHgx2VH
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"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc3FrOUJT8
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwktai0RZy
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"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlftWhouqUa
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"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeQA3wUgGX
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"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?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCVQiPK5fe
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaZ7qJ6Dh5
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6Ko424lqU
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGZaFcgVjl
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIh4Q8FFwX
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAC0PRE7sPj
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZLeEFvqgV
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"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt8SyTpLZV
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhdfHaxw59
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As I approached the door, I looked at my hand. I curled and flexed my fingers. I balled it into a fist. I felt ready in mind and body, and more than ever I had a conviction in my heart.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7nav6dvfB
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzBEueR1UC
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"What time is it now?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJqUSH2urO
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And as if someone had heard me, the door to my left opened. I looked to see who it was, and out came a person I was all too familiar with, but with a face I hardly recognized.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr0ObNKLFM
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"Juke?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvzVRpn5N7
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He looked at me and perked up.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXfSYzk0SV
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iC59U4OLc
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERLXFrrppi
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90DW6uCiNK
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej1dkNRzwV
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4llWuf9P4
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr0FG80i3h
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJaU1dBdRF
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oTnbhXOgP
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"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcuvf9OUb4
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"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJPdhF4ca1
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"S-Sorry, sorry."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgug9cHElt
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwrVADTG86
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnc5nZtNwk
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"Ah, shit, yer right."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS4QmdHXjy
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Thus, he walked to the door and closed it, then he returned to walking towards the couch. But neither I nor my gaze followed him. My eyes were glued to the door he had just shut.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciMtFYafEs
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz54eHDbxOY
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLHTwUjP81
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"Did ya just laugh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHD2XSmXcK
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"N-No, why do you ask?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GCkYUOtbl
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"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyO6aGf0IT
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There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqChO5jnpwB
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"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAK1LMzF6WT
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4hcQKeUHW
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbdakYnvzi
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He narrowed his eyes at me.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqZqjPEhm7
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"I'll take yer word for it."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2l1Gzj16i
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There was a momentary pause. I143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJin8ulDs8
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"So, what have ya been up to?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jQMpTx8W7
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"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXEUwkgZU0
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpL9MLSyc2
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpxyT2ESBz
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Ti1G8AfP
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk85IoMvsA8
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p11mSMVc0
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghlFcd5M2N
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"The sleeping room?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ebs3PlEfx
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"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DeHd9mfG2
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tBA23OjiH
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He cocked his head.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DTWL7jPG1
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gmOWo2mjg
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"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgD6gyE4DV
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWl9d1gTQL
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEsG16YXnq
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"Nah, there's more than enough beds. The room's gigantic, I tell ya. I ain't a good judge of smell, but I got no issues with it. And, the guys and gals themselves..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ757yoapX3R
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36n59r6hfR
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"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt6m57RLrt
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"Loose screws?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF8RgQTPfn
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"They're a story-telling bunch, almost every one of 'em. And they got these crazy stories, kid. I can't tell if they're tellin' the truth half the time. Even if they ain't, they're crazy for telling 'em."
"Well, are they at least exciting?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMkYwfLGxe
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywC7bOrA3H
He huffed from his nose and smirked.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86UR2gWH2E
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhfa877qUp
"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?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LqPgzvCKt
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSRmMPPqcP
"Boring tales..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGE1sxg6f5
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvW9Yl9j8a
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX9XDm3P15
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakQLX2hTXD
"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?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCjt89UdkW
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXv6s4USqv
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk0EOqdVLm
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"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvznK2osdX
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE5zDUvvNh
"What, am I too young?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRiP7KVu8i
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJMCSnEO2a
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZbHCC60O5
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcexmqZTWV7
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWYvh87U36
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcuLzTzj4b
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7UUx68EwB
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9B0wH8ker
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53AYVWc1QE
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd78gTSJhwO
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4wK4wCn9g
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I straightened my posture.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNYZpSkICb
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"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2maX3bw8a
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IwbG6Wng0
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYx03AoaG9
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaJ1FQd4JD
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZPymmuokn
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFVlMY0zH3
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmbYbq5C9n
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmuBuXsUPw
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSKncVyFK2
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvLTsMmu2w
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCJMCYkFt5
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He gave me a blank stare.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2qVp6lT2g
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"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkM4TbMTYC
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ljrLLffUl
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndX9scgelT
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUmCvjg80Q
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthrvFNm014
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"See? There ain't a difference."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouDq6eZKAa
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcknRz5x17s
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGBq0z4CeG
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu5C2yW46T
"Yeah? And what are they?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEkTA59iWE
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"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyi4NThUSD
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"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0l5kbFS0R
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To that question, I simply shrugged.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMe26OCgDS
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"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrDXpsVzZC
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ8vAPOx3H
"What a load of semantical garbage."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKdnO2QEan
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I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89ANTjC2Fp
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5kkJmUxqY
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43MhiKWq6O
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQQCunAAbA
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw0US77LWQ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42fRr4W0ZG
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6Va2qlrN3
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUpuEAqZuE
"..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYivVkXTuG
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPyROO73Rm
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGKh61igNo
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7G0WG9Zip
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVnW4vqmhP
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OBMfU5p9Z
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOxeNLoSS9
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiggP3Y78J9
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVYkc1oF7k
"I'm starin' at one right now."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo3J3cGOeF
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"You know what I meant!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELsOUD2J8r
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnfzsRYiwF
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7rVoL53lF
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlClTl2RZNK
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwzjL8ZxO1
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"Me? Nothin' of the sort."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBzRbF2pc5
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He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIey09aPRJH
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSeWNyQekU
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2JFlHRG28
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"You're definitely being generous."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6M2IgGDsO
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDrxzTTwKf
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLcIrfLBWa
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrCHmpTje9
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LXlWNnz4Q
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He nodded his head.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVllKA3l3bF
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSWxq2RrBq
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUs5nNpIuQ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUGl4knZdk
"...Oh my goodness."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAd4eB1EDv
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I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBraZhqQJE
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs645VTemY7
"What? It's just mud, kid."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofzSdArv0u
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VYTJ654wQ
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yZi81t8f0
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8THiLLc2Wk
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuVtGPxayh
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"Yes. I hate it."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XQYZkjdpS
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NuC4i5LPB
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAnIdKRhvn
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUtwa8bzF5
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxOvklRskD
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUx3nBBcWz
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7FOo2t0G3
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"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNRIJzrCH6
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3OA2pEHgI
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmor0nSDbJR
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTSybOgfJo
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmfjcznnFr
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPsFSFsogV
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJhQNR8uFh
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"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc11rWR3prL
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnc5gNpRj5
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGUNl8vOvz
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"Nah."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpQ6u7pAG0
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I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyU54Ifhgm
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuSx6hyNPh
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcTKgymvR1
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhniPZJo2ys
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfolvGyw0j
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nqXC4tNFM
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qlNkSYbdW
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I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtvjXnDZlz
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWvfnhqoEn
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpueWkkXzM8
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoMLPtBLPE
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvsmNPJTRu
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"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBz6QCe3nL
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb9M3MhUhx
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrLtJXUXIq
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"Huh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOjBIWR8Kw
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N9JeBIPhS
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXSxG49hlJ
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmOX1iBzmd
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGwgwuLQIi
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekHDlTnnok
"So someone told you as well?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILJZwsprQM
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He nodded with a smirk on his face.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B6T7abzy2
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"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g3PndsrMH
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1w4aAN06J
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"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sK7x6FIyT
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1Xoxo9WHu
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYpYtmVLIx
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"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoXrBfbdFN
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D9IlN1QGb
"..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeV1CEXRbQm
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFwMb2IgOe
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmKpknihwD
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"Strong?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwCiZhIzMg
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Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PZzi4kO2P
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"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv32K9PLcBr
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAOdmpA6bn
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?143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j37AY5GMr
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDJRnB4eHZ
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKmMv3m0dC
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"Brat is certainly new..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVby5SaQYVN
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7zTR9NpQy
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeT7X1TAMn
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwWawunEyY
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpccrDpPEc
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcz4pjFcAu
"Think like what?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcY0pO9rg0
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBNaFSNiIw
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1itXr4qiSO
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOsAuMksJm
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM3rm0mjjv
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBkac0Kd6o
"J-Juke...?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3fk62m0fI
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumJg140sOX
"Do ya think I'm strong?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UETGv02L6
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08K8oayn4j
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI1751WVIk
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So, with nothing else to do, I answered.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKt9lh7PT6
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"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXkznrAmdi
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0gQkF86LX
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eyyXRpvy5
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFqkyYu7tO
"Yer a moron."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVlIfqQEXX
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3MDcuT2Pa
"H-Huh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz9X4B1vMp
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr6ix7fd9k
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJEQy9mBUO
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9OumFOfZa
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UUjGQ2yCm
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKluYS6KAJ8
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJp8GlDH5E
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPLmSKTn7U
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQtV4qSWxl
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBjzVxh8bd
"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–"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3JOstnAqB
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKToBNtatN
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLJAnDE74q
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQWEft8QSC
"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?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpfAlDBa9I
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrSIweqiA1
"..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bI3Hcf58Y
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfvBzVtTJ1
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHKoorJ4K3
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LNU5UG0oL
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAxVvIPBgX
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0744XAy2bF
And so, I spoke.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfOvck5cpK
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWa69zgUlK
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8s09lnJW3
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"...Yer just like that bitch."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwPwwL6SLo
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It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY3lLuJvx1
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGylawLbBZr
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXR3iBODIW
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ElemRBDkV
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QrTKPpQlD
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"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?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25TthkinBO
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ673ZAyeuGP
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguCjyyOCBp
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsDV8qgHOE
"You're missing the point!"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gcE1pg87T
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nqf1YGStO
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vKB1Yl1Ml
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyLCB7hYrI
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwASn4iueG
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjrn5U22bv
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMODwM6DbS
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEikZqD2LJh
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSh8DrzpiXl
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqVZ8UhJgB
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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ekwpC40JU
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71zMy6tG9q
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNGWnsrsN2
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I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfUKjv2uwH
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"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2lGTMqjdB
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"..."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFExDIaHSOB
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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.143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf5O7NZmqe
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaC2W67QWF
"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."143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzxPm8DO80
143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlzHwEWvz8
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.
