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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAl2CMT9jadq
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmklKQkZExO
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."26Please respect copyright.PENANA5BBndh8vcj
26Please respect copyright.PENANAH0H4RT3Tq9
"Right on."26Please respect copyright.PENANAOhvG8QbK2R
26Please respect copyright.PENANAxMGcmmb57H
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAZhn2ki5vWr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAQyqa6TGViW
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."26Please respect copyright.PENANA8WLp16OygZ
26Please respect copyright.PENANA8ZeRpl2OUl
"Huh? Oh, alright."26Please respect copyright.PENANA300eD6Y5vM
26Please respect copyright.PENANATJSxIcnd2G
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.26Please respect copyright.PENANAhTT25F3JmS
26Please respect copyright.PENANABCmugCliey
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAZi6xSwRSgB
26Please respect copyright.PENANAe2pHLZFyO7
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."26Please respect copyright.PENANAHs8f3wqd7K
26Please respect copyright.PENANAe5XXzDOVHG
"Luck..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAqOaDIOGscP
26Please respect copyright.PENANAhozWfHRgrT
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAqYA3b6Y8Qs
26Please respect copyright.PENANAvj2IexjWdm
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."26Please respect copyright.PENANANFB3EUhEJR
26Please respect copyright.PENANA4h7uSjX0Iu
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAJEZf5oNpAJ
26Please respect copyright.PENANALrIKwJR7lH
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.26Please respect copyright.PENANA9mxnYObosJ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAimIeQDvUNB
"You people are strange..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAodBnCSMBfV
26Please respect copyright.PENANApLSpULJkcr
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."26Please respect copyright.PENANATjNUpgJa0C
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXWmOAc0ljN
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.26Please respect copyright.PENANA8dwWdTFLt4
26Please respect copyright.PENANAd9uFF02Lgh
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAAyvuQExiK3
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmckbVkSIs7
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."26Please respect copyright.PENANAKVWbOFrqxl
26Please respect copyright.PENANAIR7nJVfAi9
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."26Please respect copyright.PENANAlpO2HKcObr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAlBlHk2ZXKI
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.26Please respect copyright.PENANAbHXC1OZQUw
26Please respect copyright.PENANAsALOpX8Mjl
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAMDB8HTr4SG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAw9B68kVNz0
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAPP1E0pvV0Q
26Please respect copyright.PENANAM8aLxA1ODU
"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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAogut2yVmQM
26Please respect copyright.PENANAi12HyBz7H7
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.26Please respect copyright.PENANAHnaSQe9Bj8
26Please respect copyright.PENANAvKO7MtQJQP
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA0rk0O3xxxY
26Please respect copyright.PENANAVWAT1nwg1e
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJVcxlTfJyS
26Please respect copyright.PENANAZjblq6FU6D
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."26Please respect copyright.PENANACdiOw5kTxd
26Please respect copyright.PENANAc6Vn0DX6Qv
"...Huh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANADB1jXNUxbC
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7ud06BN8tp
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.26Please respect copyright.PENANATqdc6OfWgt
26Please respect copyright.PENANAIa9FledwsW
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJwclZAZugx
26Please respect copyright.PENANALVMhezUXpA
"I can't deny that."26Please respect copyright.PENANAWefbrt4m4s
26Please respect copyright.PENANAR7ZlxNJzpF
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANADc2u9t1dA6
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwaGXpoorwS
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.26Please respect copyright.PENANAGZzwgt56iT
26Please respect copyright.PENANAYObgL23zF1
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."26Please respect copyright.PENANA2r6LU6Z3rs
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPmxAQ8nnky
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.26Please respect copyright.PENANAzPvYKpoWRv
26Please respect copyright.PENANAA8flrcaZOX
"You're up."26Please respect copyright.PENANAewTY6NQbEA
26Please respect copyright.PENANAenhC1EOKne
"Right on."26Please respect copyright.PENANAYxDeQzx73n
26Please respect copyright.PENANAU2DXEDdA3Z
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAgpp7gLoohx
26Please respect copyright.PENANAzdzeFSLjwz
"That's... that's incredible."26Please respect copyright.PENANA0aCRPDAgDy
26Please respect copyright.PENANAQY4uiuuhUb
"Huh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA56C4GV5C2P
26Please respect copyright.PENANAKlVg9WatIP
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.26Please respect copyright.PENANAuNnhrhIGl8
26Please respect copyright.PENANAy2vcnAxHcm
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAagtBLGXToQ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAkvguQAnMM4
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAfdSKrzcZUj
26Please respect copyright.PENANA6ONdLoMIsg
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.26Please respect copyright.PENANA68tPxFNojh
26Please respect copyright.PENANAY3D48z68BJ
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAnMpp2Ewli9
26Please respect copyright.PENANAEfIOpbkLrf
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."26Please respect copyright.PENANAo0ufmZx9xw
26Please respect copyright.PENANAy3W8H1X8DE
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
26Please respect copyright.PENANAah8JPOiXvU
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAdSXOAamuBr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAM1XNbCLIPN
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAYueWPCDd2f
26Please respect copyright.PENANAAKTqrMRYTd
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"26Please respect copyright.PENANASvXWwphaaZ
26Please respect copyright.PENANANhNE1l7a9S
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAraERF5CP84
26Please respect copyright.PENANAIvBDYhslIl
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAozSIT6z1oz
26Please respect copyright.PENANAsOLspzxxd8
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvpPDDXqI5A
26Please respect copyright.PENANA91VvSxgMEe
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."26Please respect copyright.PENANAFRQJ01Fgwm
26Please respect copyright.PENANA46RJwPuhIp
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."26Please respect copyright.PENANAZD2ndOQs1A
26Please respect copyright.PENANAh0Dnqe1eVT
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."26Please respect copyright.PENANAReTMOBYCVG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAlnmzHkdL2b
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAnOPyWHuP0M
26Please respect copyright.PENANADakq90Romf
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANADDkVGxr7VR
26Please respect copyright.PENANAMt3V4gFGmD
–
–
–
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAp6tXpmi2V7
26Please respect copyright.PENANA1O7IeM67xi
"What time is it now?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAtRUXhoSV8r
26Please respect copyright.PENANAM64CUFnpyE
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAaMLM7dKiWr
26Please respect copyright.PENANAK2pUAif3gk
"Juke?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAIDXrGog7PB
26Please respect copyright.PENANArrrNRc9I57
He looked at me and perked up.26Please respect copyright.PENANAk8Y1qtdUo4
26Please respect copyright.PENANA3QRmuuSEqF
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAfGm0fE1cG7
26Please respect copyright.PENANAw1BMIfJf7r
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAtsqmMNBpk4
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmA7Se4n4Jp
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"26Please respect copyright.PENANAIuHgaBOnln
26Please respect copyright.PENANAa0Y6yhmGzg
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."26Please respect copyright.PENANAAgh474nf7o
26Please respect copyright.PENANAAFVPZLNlQB
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.26Please respect copyright.PENANACjJb04VklN
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXnDNttLJ5k
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."26Please respect copyright.PENANAQTCYh8K1CM
26Please respect copyright.PENANAtFg8rMxBAj
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAVCT5Q9Hx9y
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7t6gUbFzTo
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAA3wZJNmsjz
26Please respect copyright.PENANAbDO3HUzcHB
"S-Sorry, sorry."26Please respect copyright.PENANAb0FhJpekE9
26Please respect copyright.PENANA5CE2vUJAVK
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAHl4hNk376z
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7yFdzm2kYB
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAgJa8YcaNTT
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOkopg8Ge4V
"Ah, shit, yer right."26Please respect copyright.PENANA1MpmztfpX0
26Please respect copyright.PENANAtVQ6VL7NBp
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAqErpY9bUMN
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAkAGMQZUX4d
26Please respect copyright.PENANAvvNdnP2XMF
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANApd4up5Km2v
26Please respect copyright.PENANAR9JAXu0ZiL
"Did ya just laugh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAl7EJVAaLLO
26Please respect copyright.PENANADwj39jZtGP
"N-No, why do you ask?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAmxkjGukn13
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXVVWUOpBOg
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAVz2JSRtWI6
26Please respect copyright.PENANA3SCWjHOesI
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.26Please respect copyright.PENANAwlBbDA0DjV
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqa2mZ3PZjy
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."26Please respect copyright.PENANAh4EfJd5mua
26Please respect copyright.PENANAFmhSk1aBsi
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA2CjvlYhbM2
26Please respect copyright.PENANASCsBRHh2BE
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."26Please respect copyright.PENANAosjmgyShZA
26Please respect copyright.PENANAD0CE4th79H
He narrowed his eyes at me.26Please respect copyright.PENANARUPpGvIurg
26Please respect copyright.PENANAsJ2IF7WSuP
"I'll take yer word for it."26Please respect copyright.PENANA2JiMpEskvS
26Please respect copyright.PENANAxJrfH08haH
There was a momentary pause. I26Please respect copyright.PENANAO06OR0hsRL
26Please respect copyright.PENANAsjmgjYKmhj
"So, what have ya been up to?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAxxBkYuJCCl
26Please respect copyright.PENANAT5Mry4hZmT
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."26Please respect copyright.PENANAal7X4CBiNH
26Please respect copyright.PENANAYZnFoECu8V
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0VzUwNtXc
26Please respect copyright.PENANAp73HS3IzWZ
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."26Please respect copyright.PENANA3Zfefblbk0
26Please respect copyright.PENANA2wvgSFhzXI
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAuZrlyueuRe
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOEwXWbA3qo
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.26Please respect copyright.PENANAxZP4qoqgyI
26Please respect copyright.PENANAeiclphB3pr
"The sleeping room?"26Please respect copyright.PENANACg4ab5RpNY
26Please respect copyright.PENANAtfer1C5XkO
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."26Please respect copyright.PENANAuDgaYVG3TC
26Please respect copyright.PENANAaO03IvvDMQ
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAPEfYoou44J
26Please respect copyright.PENANAu1aVPsTMxY
He cocked his head.26Please respect copyright.PENANAubQbTQ2mzD
26Please respect copyright.PENANAlU6GGHfjyM
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."26Please respect copyright.PENANAVl9gCq0qsz
26Please respect copyright.PENANAlvykobJqXC
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."26Please respect copyright.PENANAvYH8RYhZ1B
26Please respect copyright.PENANABUsgQuTZ3z
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAOOTUYpTmld
26Please respect copyright.PENANA0Y98xskJWY
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAGC1ugX5Zik
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXRrIs9HB29
"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..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAdaFUNjwD7U
26Please respect copyright.PENANAZLXtMGugJy
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.26Please respect copyright.PENANA8I6ayyjjFd
26Please respect copyright.PENANAKATPGUjnuJ
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."26Please respect copyright.PENANAanXH1hSd21
26Please respect copyright.PENANAghBXYGomsf
"Loose screws?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAXh1PA2WHTd
26Please respect copyright.PENANA3Sd50jA76B
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAq6Hm8Fblxz
26Please respect copyright.PENANArCIAXsEvkG
He huffed from his nose and smirked.26Please respect copyright.PENANAY0uZ5Ta7wl
26Please respect copyright.PENANAxnsRFRdAkF
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAYEirXEPrHg
26Please respect copyright.PENANAf6k2ykPXnK
"Boring tales..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAjfNCc4aRsf
26Please respect copyright.PENANAaXkUIITsdL
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAuugZmXmxor
26Please respect copyright.PENANAI6H1WQigYn
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANApmsIpGSf4C
26Please respect copyright.PENANANSDkBGmvdQ
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.26Please respect copyright.PENANAIkQh3AQRTv
26Please respect copyright.PENANAb9JeDhjuRM
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."26Please respect copyright.PENANA0BqbVx01Pc
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwAmI8jSslm
"What, am I too young?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAQOhtmwk9nq
26Please respect copyright.PENANATnEauyvrKW
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."26Please respect copyright.PENANAolSSVkVioP
26Please respect copyright.PENANA4CLw6nkHv9
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.26Please respect copyright.PENANAQ10frJjzSk
26Please respect copyright.PENANAitH6BUgEe2
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA6gRXyzb281
26Please respect copyright.PENANAyMOlaXhh7X
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.26Please respect copyright.PENANA70EXeZzHF7
26Please respect copyright.PENANAG5FWoab4jQ
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"26Please respect copyright.PENANATehZAbiYXY
26Please respect copyright.PENANANwSFs1oXdq
I straightened my posture.26Please respect copyright.PENANAiTKIjAq0YK
26Please respect copyright.PENANAkTvJ0H62iK
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."26Please respect copyright.PENANAbvUpSI5IIA
26Please respect copyright.PENANADPn1kshYDF
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANACYekK00IdR
26Please respect copyright.PENANApEn6qy9lT8
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."26Please respect copyright.PENANAjsKsht1ocz
26Please respect copyright.PENANAGKwJtwre8y
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."26Please respect copyright.PENANA8r7y07q6oO
26Please respect copyright.PENANAvczatc9kTU
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."26Please respect copyright.PENANAY1ITCdVYA9
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPWMAhRyTSW
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."26Please respect copyright.PENANAeo0hLpGLqV
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7OjfHCjGvm
He gave me a blank stare.26Please respect copyright.PENANA7S1uoYr3mg
26Please respect copyright.PENANAtbpAOxI4pe
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"26Please respect copyright.PENANApOnSknAUQs
26Please respect copyright.PENANAlj1z3TOL0g
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvRtHXyf1s4
26Please respect copyright.PENANAhrcUHxQB9U
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."26Please respect copyright.PENANAlltE7TsY5Y
26Please respect copyright.PENANA6bvHq4OtI9
"See? There ain't a difference."26Please respect copyright.PENANAygqTKo7Uyp
26Please respect copyright.PENANABqCFpCpSB3
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAucQTZKDSoA
26Please respect copyright.PENANA59fW50vTrm
"Yeah? And what are they?"26Please respect copyright.PENANADjfsYN1vas
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXNE4FUnFe3
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."26Please respect copyright.PENANA3DdP0lB8q8
26Please respect copyright.PENANAMYs8DyBWtR
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAo2ImpAP5g5
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To that question, I simply shrugged.26Please respect copyright.PENANAOOrY760d2P
26Please respect copyright.PENANAkj411Kjojw
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."26Please respect copyright.PENANAIDPCq6DrS4
26Please respect copyright.PENANAIaSIvIdw4z
"What a load of semantical garbage."26Please respect copyright.PENANAxjP99xTRr5
26Please respect copyright.PENANA7jXifpsM40
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.26Please respect copyright.PENANA5nM4ZoXTaZ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAp73FlzfMGB
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAXsUEsO10qi
26Please respect copyright.PENANA3eUbYk36gB
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."26Please respect copyright.PENANAlYQNGVmBZJ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOD1hLuS8Fd
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."26Please respect copyright.PENANAeuvdbiozTP
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOhDm6Xcn5X
"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAA3xFfyR013
26Please respect copyright.PENANALmlaJQJGGq
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANADUBVdaSxBC
26Please respect copyright.PENANATuTmNPY9uY
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."26Please respect copyright.PENANABYv4G8xl7W
26Please respect copyright.PENANA492zYDeTiX
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAYCgIUYp8aF
26Please respect copyright.PENANAJonTuRG5Ks
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAo2ZLvp4BVI
26Please respect copyright.PENANA74MAojnQlR
"I'm starin' at one right now."26Please respect copyright.PENANA0vCkLEhl8n
26Please respect copyright.PENANAw8Dw4yjzEY
"You know what I meant!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAfMzxeNM853
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOHe5lWOkNG
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."26Please respect copyright.PENANA2K4uCoitwj
26Please respect copyright.PENANA9TZX09k0tB
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAgbOrlVWI4W
26Please respect copyright.PENANAJQ1Shg7P0K
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."26Please respect copyright.PENANALHIgiZmBBX
26Please respect copyright.PENANAhgGV0kSyI6
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.26Please respect copyright.PENANAODSB653hJ4
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqmMUDAbRuO
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."26Please respect copyright.PENANAqwZEARk2hP
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwXcH6rDVLh
"You're definitely being generous."26Please respect copyright.PENANAmYs3AYo8JV
26Please respect copyright.PENANAI4AcOrYN3z
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJvJPVQbRGU
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwOCh2GudX6
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAWqCZLuadnv
26Please respect copyright.PENANAZZTzLgI0di
He nodded his head.26Please respect copyright.PENANAmXCHZtfIfH
26Please respect copyright.PENANA0q97PcOHfK
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAmfB3BI4upQ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAwCegmGXo26
"...Oh my goodness."26Please respect copyright.PENANALDFM8dfJ4Z
26Please respect copyright.PENANAIc1auxbfus
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.26Please respect copyright.PENANAeRE3zSIwZN
26Please respect copyright.PENANA9T9yIgYI99
"What? It's just mud, kid."26Please respect copyright.PENANA11tVHD5LIE
26Please respect copyright.PENANAoKnbRiyo3O
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."26Please respect copyright.PENANAMDCOjJWvdR
26Please respect copyright.PENANAQBZVQAnrBP
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."26Please respect copyright.PENANAMXk0uJpFm4
26Please respect copyright.PENANAEpnWrJBBAM
"Yes. I hate it."26Please respect copyright.PENANAV60tO7YGcf
26Please respect copyright.PENANAfb2ZPmMvGo
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAUBEHu6xx5u
26Please respect copyright.PENANAdCw0D9C1MT
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAG2eOCtBTH5
26Please respect copyright.PENANA3HcICAEwyP
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.26Please respect copyright.PENANAbYotZdWBS1
26Please respect copyright.PENANAUxPWVrTmDv
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANA67p4HVBNKn
26Please respect copyright.PENANAgvLQEpnQsI
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."26Please respect copyright.PENANA3tCTHY35Ku
26Please respect copyright.PENANAF0jQAHc0yb
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAH5I2zPMsOb
26Please respect copyright.PENANAkfBry1rCbd
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.26Please respect copyright.PENANAhPZvxR8ts9
26Please respect copyright.PENANAYr7d5b4H3m
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."26Please respect copyright.PENANAHLzwa1LRfB
26Please respect copyright.PENANAvs5GFZhUMH
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAeRRFs73Jrx
26Please respect copyright.PENANA5aN2uX0DXP
"Nah."26Please respect copyright.PENANAycGnhgQ2Ax
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I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.26Please respect copyright.PENANAK0v2TNsTIh
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"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."26Please respect copyright.PENANACXQ9FSNqvD
26Please respect copyright.PENANALBz0dswJjE
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."26Please respect copyright.PENANAm8nGmQwTn5
26Please respect copyright.PENANAie2qqg3Ujs
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."26Please respect copyright.PENANAxwT5jMeXlL
26Please respect copyright.PENANAnr9MV6Uh1h
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.26Please respect copyright.PENANA6bJ9m8ljYb
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmqOEmKlB3i
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAB6ntkmHW36
26Please respect copyright.PENANALAekrLX6TU
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."26Please respect copyright.PENANA1DyoSO30Jp
26Please respect copyright.PENANAkIRG9nXfXh
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."26Please respect copyright.PENANAA8f5ayIDqM
26Please respect copyright.PENANAtu7pMG3vbX
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."26Please respect copyright.PENANAb3PEFdSUKG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAWpFzsZKiIf
"Huh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAYyEsS5R9Bo
26Please respect copyright.PENANAMFpHSDmvt6
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.26Please respect copyright.PENANA58A6by06A8
26Please respect copyright.PENANAyFXzUsHz9N
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."26Please respect copyright.PENANAGHu7wlAkhH
26Please respect copyright.PENANA9siT52Wf7M
"So someone told you as well?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA83O64L4ax6
26Please respect copyright.PENANAgZOkb7jZuM
He nodded with a smirk on his face.26Please respect copyright.PENANAPHjw80MPDi
26Please respect copyright.PENANAlZAy9Ko5uQ
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAQSpTxYpn4H
26Please respect copyright.PENANAEwzDYu6NSF
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANABNpDYzgGL6
26Please respect copyright.PENANAAaxnXPY10P
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."26Please respect copyright.PENANAXZeQ1cZHs3
26Please respect copyright.PENANAK1wdgHUhYV
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA79bqbB2DNL
26Please respect copyright.PENANAXioPAgYFTL
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAkxGjSgxC0O
26Please respect copyright.PENANATmGB7G9jbw
"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAm3XauFfY3U
26Please respect copyright.PENANAruCkLgXH6O
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"26Please respect copyright.PENANARaBRD332sn
26Please respect copyright.PENANAM6XlO96d2r
"Strong?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAIN4MRRGGKI
26Please respect copyright.PENANAJhIrg1t9vX
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.26Please respect copyright.PENANATTMrEhsRz4
26Please respect copyright.PENANATyYI4PCiys
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."26Please respect copyright.PENANAoOZmpAPHcx
26Please respect copyright.PENANApBwjRKCrBJ
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?26Please respect copyright.PENANAwGxtyV8cC0
26Please respect copyright.PENANAn5lRHYVOQ6
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAwcjgRU9PlV
26Please respect copyright.PENANAVz3TkBJ5VO
"Brat is certainly new..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAUAnO5UwvqX
26Please respect copyright.PENANAqRwSjWGRcW
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."26Please respect copyright.PENANAwdq1U4OGIi
26Please respect copyright.PENANA0gp8aLC3ZM
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.26Please respect copyright.PENANAaHnAJJlBFm
26Please respect copyright.PENANAUau2R6E8zK
"Think like what?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAm8S2VlYGIV
26Please respect copyright.PENANAsU2hBUolFe
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."26Please respect copyright.PENANAypGFcd6w3T
26Please respect copyright.PENANAHqU1Am0xbG
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.26Please respect copyright.PENANATNW9mAwJZL
26Please respect copyright.PENANAuEYygulJQV
"J-Juke...?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAeUeizG6Btt
26Please respect copyright.PENANAcImBrTSdEA
"Do ya think I'm strong?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA9hrHPBw5b3
26Please respect copyright.PENANAi96S12i3de
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAQwM4Qa1ChP
26Please respect copyright.PENANAP5hlpZyYoP
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.26Please respect copyright.PENANAzndm8bw41o
26Please respect copyright.PENANAUaJUUeFSHh
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."26Please respect copyright.PENANALLIzXhNYsT
26Please respect copyright.PENANAQn8Ewj8zcL
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANApc2aX4z6hn
26Please respect copyright.PENANAd8ZIfoTwFw
"Yer a moron."26Please respect copyright.PENANAN0RWCvbBDn
26Please respect copyright.PENANAHELdzX47Hx
"H-Huh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANAV3SDHWeG97
26Please respect copyright.PENANA1gCrrpgkV1
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAKcKWib5L0f
26Please respect copyright.PENANAJ3z48unoYs
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"26Please respect copyright.PENANANQnMZ9WRBy
26Please respect copyright.PENANARGEw2gN2xN
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANASCetbEfymf
26Please respect copyright.PENANAYUeyKQcFC2
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.26Please respect copyright.PENANACH6J5IBlWd
26Please respect copyright.PENANAmzz21DaLJs
"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–"26Please respect copyright.PENANA3yHA6ANYAu
26Please respect copyright.PENANA5I9OCp3dP3
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAlHWGqN71HC
26Please respect copyright.PENANAl3bpYBkN3x
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANALK3rSHQUQ9
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPMnbSslrzG
"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANAY4KjXTxPx0
26Please respect copyright.PENANAnpzl1iP6S6
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAlGEGjZfgsT
26Please respect copyright.PENANANn6FgJpOr4
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANASetmsBF7nx
26Please respect copyright.PENANAq0jUfiBcZq
And so, I spoke.26Please respect copyright.PENANAYPtqQxffOG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAiGuJXSQlC5
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAJ1lbYmKjG8
26Please respect copyright.PENANAG88NqwnRvA
"...Yer just like that bitch."26Please respect copyright.PENANAA9Yz5HpNc7
26Please respect copyright.PENANANI4bfLG9pd
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.26Please respect copyright.PENANAbuxINV4Xh5
26Please respect copyright.PENANAtnHk9KxmDJ
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAPtTGNuXhZX
26Please respect copyright.PENANAQN5fA07cdT
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAsGnM8FCKpG
26Please respect copyright.PENANAajyZ78qE1M
"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?"26Please respect copyright.PENANApzPwsBatgT
26Please respect copyright.PENANA4hHf4t0qPJ
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"26Please respect copyright.PENANA8mP37eQxUU
26Please respect copyright.PENANA93HaHstDsD
"You're missing the point!"26Please respect copyright.PENANAErfFXSvJ9n
26Please respect copyright.PENANAOqJzwzs7lB
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.26Please respect copyright.PENANAfim7PGZVz8
26Please respect copyright.PENANAHQS6f70af1
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."26Please respect copyright.PENANAa4JDy7F3A3
26Please respect copyright.PENANA4At8aWONl3
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANA0VdbJUtBoz
26Please respect copyright.PENANAVf40pTZZXs
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."26Please respect copyright.PENANAhJuqtv0bm0
26Please respect copyright.PENANA1QAFLsgTqF
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAooFSjlcZPq
26Please respect copyright.PENANAPx2JYjfxjR
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?26Please respect copyright.PENANATwgHQj2rDW
26Please respect copyright.PENANA2rxN8boWLe
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.26Please respect copyright.PENANAvRg24JmgHw
26Please respect copyright.PENANA182YqqnPa3
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"26Please respect copyright.PENANASwSsSqUFxZ
26Please respect copyright.PENANAN29uFk1LEi
"..."26Please respect copyright.PENANArKt2JwhtN8
26Please respect copyright.PENANACy9P1q2Mke
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.26Please respect copyright.PENANAs202XWxkqp
26Please respect copyright.PENANAM0dzOFNIM2
"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."26Please respect copyright.PENANAysI2Pq3amg
26Please respect copyright.PENANAiCTgcxrdT8
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.