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.206Please respect copyright.PENANA2dCsiDeLQv
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."206Please respect copyright.PENANAh4Uvhp81oD
206Please respect copyright.PENANA0LCD5QsOTA
"Right on."206Please respect copyright.PENANAvdRL3LPViC
206Please respect copyright.PENANAMoKozn1XeM
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAlzrCMSfs3S
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."206Please respect copyright.PENANAwexYyvU5YH
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"Huh? Oh, alright."206Please respect copyright.PENANASMGtDy4jGi
206Please respect copyright.PENANA0yclr6N6Is
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.206Please respect copyright.PENANASh2ycBYWdk
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"206Please respect copyright.PENANA48F6zLd89q
206Please respect copyright.PENANArj8HSe3Dip
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."206Please respect copyright.PENANAW0wIJ82ruf
206Please respect copyright.PENANAVQVzWpA4MV
"Luck..."206Please respect copyright.PENANA0OAfMuKUaw
206Please respect copyright.PENANAjhSETtMBuG
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAu4z8stqr31
206Please respect copyright.PENANA1yNMyCjGad
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."206Please respect copyright.PENANATRDIIqteAe
206Please respect copyright.PENANAff2agyWQMk
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"206Please respect copyright.PENANArKUw5uExld
206Please respect copyright.PENANAJBINONHzVJ
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.206Please respect copyright.PENANA8GYIDS1zMa
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"You people are strange..."206Please respect copyright.PENANAxLRBaGk435
206Please respect copyright.PENANACOgCAhZzsK
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."206Please respect copyright.PENANAc8lFylCoT1
206Please respect copyright.PENANARSWC21lI5k
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.206Please respect copyright.PENANAYUfeE38S59
206Please respect copyright.PENANArbGtBqlrub
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAnEgqNiO2uO
206Please respect copyright.PENANAf1JlwsR7Bx
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."206Please respect copyright.PENANApkbI36OACC
206Please respect copyright.PENANAhZLyFU0kKb
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."206Please respect copyright.PENANAAi9l8iMfzH
206Please respect copyright.PENANAidi5wZmtPA
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.206Please respect copyright.PENANAR3dVGndx5m
206Please respect copyright.PENANA7HdFkGazXX
"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?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAvQiCxPBtbU
206Please respect copyright.PENANAXgiViM08LY
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."206Please respect copyright.PENANAv8Cg7yW8D7
206Please respect copyright.PENANAch3THZExhj
"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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAyX7I4QzQD4
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.206Please respect copyright.PENANArZ3gkdiPgw
206Please respect copyright.PENANAyjPLlGXNrS
"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?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAfrMKtD0X8C
206Please respect copyright.PENANAbPXg1LhYD7
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."206Please respect copyright.PENANAKL1SC7O3JL
206Please respect copyright.PENANAQ8DqpWQOij
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."206Please respect copyright.PENANAeeCRypE3So
206Please respect copyright.PENANAHeBMDjBNJ6
"...Huh?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAH4gunApvuK
206Please respect copyright.PENANAWnYlThXMFq
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.206Please respect copyright.PENANAY7BghEtSRR
206Please respect copyright.PENANA3FUDKxQlMA
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."206Please respect copyright.PENANAW5gfYa9zYv
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"I can't deny that."206Please respect copyright.PENANACYmG4eDJWh
206Please respect copyright.PENANAIa6PC5gxq2
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANAj69edGEcPf
206Please respect copyright.PENANArHRkxFVfig
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.206Please respect copyright.PENANAFcPSv5Zvfl
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."206Please respect copyright.PENANAA7gFhKC6as
206Please respect copyright.PENANAp81leap8Xi
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.206Please respect copyright.PENANAjFfSDJc4jh
206Please respect copyright.PENANAaEQ2DYn4H3
"You're up."206Please respect copyright.PENANA9jPnwDuMXt
206Please respect copyright.PENANAxMucgpcxu2
"Right on."206Please respect copyright.PENANA014Oy1jJI6
206Please respect copyright.PENANALFVsTLcrx0
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANApeuaystSJH
206Please respect copyright.PENANACKU7C55fak
"That's... that's incredible."206Please respect copyright.PENANAXMWaaPZP9H
206Please respect copyright.PENANAOBCU1UMiiw
"Huh?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAv1Ygg0M8mq
206Please respect copyright.PENANAGXUWy9vhV8
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.206Please respect copyright.PENANATq4Ci2pQNu
206Please respect copyright.PENANAekgknYhFiZ
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"206Please respect copyright.PENANART8TvgpR6D
206Please respect copyright.PENANAqsdRJSSXo7
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAH3uiNGYvtH
206Please respect copyright.PENANAWKKihR4QUW
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.206Please respect copyright.PENANA6XIqCplqBD
206Please respect copyright.PENANAmeqO7BQgc3
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"206Please respect copyright.PENANASWyTpu91lV
206Please respect copyright.PENANAOOCegGj3Fn
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."206Please respect copyright.PENANAcu4kHTf4nl
206Please respect copyright.PENANA4WvK2cHruH
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
206Please respect copyright.PENANAouAGL7xeMw
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAFEc91V9nFO
206Please respect copyright.PENANAr3vAdkEvJl
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANAwBOh5Gxn9F
206Please respect copyright.PENANA5SnL0q1WAH
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAC9Aq5xQuaP
206Please respect copyright.PENANABunmsxDpsM
"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?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAc1UeizaKtm
206Please respect copyright.PENANABOsp7oNLPP
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAjyKrCHlSV0
206Please respect copyright.PENANAbyK2ey1Gfc
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.206Please respect copyright.PENANAoUVFCWuT00
206Please respect copyright.PENANARWcm8cBhsV
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."206Please respect copyright.PENANAL50JJoFIu4
206Please respect copyright.PENANAzKDJATl517
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."206Please respect copyright.PENANA7IysOl06P5
206Please respect copyright.PENANAJcmLAp1ffX
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."206Please respect copyright.PENANAWtelS5PuKr
206Please respect copyright.PENANA5WttBQfoNm
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAIcA960a8Uk
206Please respect copyright.PENANAeiw4wIDPRv
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANA5mW4xAiYuA
206Please respect copyright.PENANAPD3DZ1vwGN
–
–
–
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANA5DV4Wm8TYD
206Please respect copyright.PENANAlxuBJqu6Mj
"What time is it now?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAKCHcUiMEwy
206Please respect copyright.PENANAPmujdYk9oK
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAR24NhTdoXk
206Please respect copyright.PENANA1bS8wFK9BR
"Juke?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAuIDdrLY7qU
206Please respect copyright.PENANAwkjCV24Zj6
He looked at me and perked up.206Please respect copyright.PENANA0wotrZ2lEi
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAmzMFpqdLEO
206Please respect copyright.PENANABksZj90iqJ
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAgGeW6oKggW
206Please respect copyright.PENANAgOOqOsdPhX
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"206Please respect copyright.PENANA2RgM6C2Csd
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."206Please respect copyright.PENANAvTnJMYtSvP
206Please respect copyright.PENANAHhzmwqe4PJ
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.206Please respect copyright.PENANAc8sdFEmSZQ
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."206Please respect copyright.PENANA5UrbdaWNjw
206Please respect copyright.PENANAgOxDdX8AtA
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAhdH76kf2yO
206Please respect copyright.PENANAQX5HBHGpEt
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAWeIqiFt9A7
206Please respect copyright.PENANAsJoSaSDZQ8
"S-Sorry, sorry."206Please respect copyright.PENANAwgdMLSjngZ
206Please respect copyright.PENANASXKB88sl2n
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAQtdJ1HtyZD
206Please respect copyright.PENANAmW3DSdAz9N
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"206Please respect copyright.PENANAvvmzSuzZbT
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"Ah, shit, yer right."206Please respect copyright.PENANA2iKeedUOz0
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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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAzJTPPaqU8t
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAxAZoDlyVKh
206Please respect copyright.PENANA5QDHa2Rfwd
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAnLbtkstxFP
206Please respect copyright.PENANAegalBBXMQg
"Did ya just laugh?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAyUjjcpU8Ke
206Please respect copyright.PENANAKVVOcqt0fi
"N-No, why do you ask?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAIJJxqdoRVk
206Please respect copyright.PENANAWsSmhlvAGZ
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAcPiAUehvsT
206Please respect copyright.PENANAd0P1OkwiTv
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.206Please respect copyright.PENANAIH8Tbwb8jW
206Please respect copyright.PENANAVJGe7xTufy
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."206Please respect copyright.PENANABYk5QLlkfq
206Please respect copyright.PENANAfmWSXcjeq9
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAGZM3l58ERX
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"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."206Please respect copyright.PENANA1o6O9NkgR7
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He narrowed his eyes at me.206Please respect copyright.PENANAT6xHmS7Cql
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"I'll take yer word for it."206Please respect copyright.PENANAiiqokwJjUn
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There was a momentary pause. I206Please respect copyright.PENANAXG64XC8rMG
206Please respect copyright.PENANAtvCuuji8rq
"So, what have ya been up to?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAAy90JpOKZv
206Please respect copyright.PENANA20FYxdF6Ij
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."206Please respect copyright.PENANAhYN79pYKpv
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."206Please respect copyright.PENANAiZzySQGVPs
206Please respect copyright.PENANA109lIpkENe
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."206Please respect copyright.PENANARCjtAoY18h
206Please respect copyright.PENANAtd6PwR8K2f
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANAVbboPCnlht
206Please respect copyright.PENANA4BfsTQDfaZ
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.206Please respect copyright.PENANAtsVuTfZkhA
206Please respect copyright.PENANAhCO9iSzVJ7
"The sleeping room?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAmQ6iZOtZtX
206Please respect copyright.PENANAn7dNfEapxV
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."206Please respect copyright.PENANA0THGfWBfIW
206Please respect copyright.PENANAda6XBJ953f
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"206Please respect copyright.PENANA5S23jkKRAf
206Please respect copyright.PENANAu6UZM3fHPr
He cocked his head.206Please respect copyright.PENANAprtqSo0H5r
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."206Please respect copyright.PENANAhN5grACiWF
206Please respect copyright.PENANAm6yF3Kobua
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."206Please respect copyright.PENANAoo0D1dj3Il
206Please respect copyright.PENANACFeYKI8vsb
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAvaCNH0gElS
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAMF5jTIgbty
206Please respect copyright.PENANAnsTO57JCRa
"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..."206Please respect copyright.PENANAaWHAha7E75
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.206Please respect copyright.PENANAWm1Dpg8Rfs
206Please respect copyright.PENANAKuOBknshFy
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."206Please respect copyright.PENANAwkgSqGWc42
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"Loose screws?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAmdeOcNj0XT
206Please respect copyright.PENANAPXtQsGLwoU
"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?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAM7o3C3eFVA
206Please respect copyright.PENANA3MR9CRFNA1
He huffed from his nose and smirked.206Please respect copyright.PENANALXQdOcNMVw
206Please respect copyright.PENANAMsKVYe0A9i
"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?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAFni0LxTyLg
206Please respect copyright.PENANA6kBbJ9pEgi
"Boring tales..."206Please respect copyright.PENANAmOOSVcbFrj
206Please respect copyright.PENANAWGhovcSJXS
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAviGvRgBD0o
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"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?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAeiLxVw6GDU
206Please respect copyright.PENANAlkGwxaVQbZ
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.206Please respect copyright.PENANA2JCySEIzsE
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"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."206Please respect copyright.PENANA2CTeXjLNH3
206Please respect copyright.PENANAKAZEwAcf64
"What, am I too young?"206Please respect copyright.PENANA5wbmfkTr3P
206Please respect copyright.PENANAtwcPNZOSak
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."206Please respect copyright.PENANAlyoEDq31mq
206Please respect copyright.PENANALrkzJPBWCj
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.206Please respect copyright.PENANAJUwTR2GZZa
206Please respect copyright.PENANAkAKGL603LE
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"206Please respect copyright.PENANATPbjjL0x94
206Please respect copyright.PENANAAbwzOYgmqh
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.206Please respect copyright.PENANAXRbeX0lyEX
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"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAZ4gqX9dskt
206Please respect copyright.PENANAK02gyxjBSL
I straightened my posture.206Please respect copyright.PENANAcozqcjGGIe
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"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."206Please respect copyright.PENANAvffYrXL12k
206Please respect copyright.PENANAFMh3TInwFz
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANArhdwIqKh7X
206Please respect copyright.PENANAfWz4gHOSJu
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."206Please respect copyright.PENANALeZTefoGsK
206Please respect copyright.PENANA61eO73frcG
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."206Please respect copyright.PENANAyVUhh8bzKX
206Please respect copyright.PENANAW3l9zReA3I
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."206Please respect copyright.PENANAtcZ0CBjCek
206Please respect copyright.PENANAEWA40jdTPV
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."206Please respect copyright.PENANAYKvty7ClZ0
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He gave me a blank stare.206Please respect copyright.PENANAf9GAcdgONM
206Please respect copyright.PENANAjw7C8MX3j4
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAuTOFPc76Tt
206Please respect copyright.PENANAsIHfX9jMKB
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAR0VbPlBqEH
206Please respect copyright.PENANAEy222Q6zWU
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."206Please respect copyright.PENANA61C5REzKoH
206Please respect copyright.PENANAJfbmU7K3nY
"See? There ain't a difference."206Please respect copyright.PENANAgcBNEWis4f
206Please respect copyright.PENANAxzTgsj7GbK
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANAwrTBIQ4qNp
206Please respect copyright.PENANAlX04PRRxlm
"Yeah? And what are they?"206Please respect copyright.PENANA71cwV9RScf
206Please respect copyright.PENANAmeFp1v452c
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."206Please respect copyright.PENANAAEVgQgApPU
206Please respect copyright.PENANAe5jJdt5ibw
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAwzCuJvbBcg
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To that question, I simply shrugged.206Please respect copyright.PENANAkv2pJ7mPcm
206Please respect copyright.PENANAb1aZupP3M9
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."206Please respect copyright.PENANAddnsy6xLnM
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"What a load of semantical garbage."206Please respect copyright.PENANAh5VuY6p2Pw
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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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAw7fO0CEBxn
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"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAKhBsnuHUhR
206Please respect copyright.PENANASSMPX85Ti9
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."206Please respect copyright.PENANAdcvxt7b7XH
206Please respect copyright.PENANA3Nmgm4yJbE
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."206Please respect copyright.PENANA737W5bDtIC
206Please respect copyright.PENANAZhLfdsMObf
"..."206Please respect copyright.PENANAjzfuGDQymB
206Please respect copyright.PENANAH91SsAmEvp
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAEs38p5xCtv
206Please respect copyright.PENANA8Ekgd11C9G
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."206Please respect copyright.PENANAFP60vReStq
206Please respect copyright.PENANAk99u1mdQOZ
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANA9B7Qu3nJ7L
206Please respect copyright.PENANAPAoJod7sY0
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"206Please respect copyright.PENANA8hdHQc2ufo
206Please respect copyright.PENANAiWh82mLriP
"I'm starin' at one right now."206Please respect copyright.PENANAm3vkXLnsHd
206Please respect copyright.PENANAS02trp7dqd
"You know what I meant!"206Please respect copyright.PENANAiRQi6JJdma
206Please respect copyright.PENANAw54q9KdVnr
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."206Please respect copyright.PENANAmNQiYeOSz9
206Please respect copyright.PENANA7oO6C94tcH
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAeHRovfvDi0
206Please respect copyright.PENANA4mPxNpWVCR
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."206Please respect copyright.PENANAiDPmnQFSq5
206Please respect copyright.PENANAmIh3x6wr26
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.206Please respect copyright.PENANA0lKSg10PQW
206Please respect copyright.PENANA3GCo8WDPEU
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."206Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1xkI6jvOM
206Please respect copyright.PENANAjsel2W9bYd
"You're definitely being generous."206Please respect copyright.PENANAXlmpFBYzfq
206Please respect copyright.PENANABwIeCVze6a
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANATZuUvcecqs
206Please respect copyright.PENANACbcghfRbsr
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAnIkHafF7Y9
206Please respect copyright.PENANA0slg6Ybt9a
He nodded his head.206Please respect copyright.PENANAUG6XK2YJYh
206Please respect copyright.PENANA6i5zAJOPeK
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANAS702FCX90u
206Please respect copyright.PENANApMxi6sxcuS
"...Oh my goodness."206Please respect copyright.PENANA6ALTm2jvj9
206Please respect copyright.PENANAOyQDYgyl5p
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.206Please respect copyright.PENANA7ixD81socm
206Please respect copyright.PENANAKK8mfnvqCn
"What? It's just mud, kid."206Please respect copyright.PENANAzxPM97AS3M
206Please respect copyright.PENANAAbVZxvnBFH
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."206Please respect copyright.PENANAvrFUL0mgjL
206Please respect copyright.PENANAF1iKlkiYPu
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."206Please respect copyright.PENANA2cewYYOlUc
206Please respect copyright.PENANA7eZqtUvQDv
"Yes. I hate it."206Please respect copyright.PENANA5sLWU3rxU1
206Please respect copyright.PENANAgmc8q7I3ds
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAdyPgseGaxc
206Please respect copyright.PENANAZDXUkipj2f
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAc2K1serzH3
206Please respect copyright.PENANAxjzeDFhBAK
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.206Please respect copyright.PENANALwrz50AnBB
206Please respect copyright.PENANAJLkjTraBoZ
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANAMlsQXXLaI0
206Please respect copyright.PENANArRbOzKzyd8
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."206Please respect copyright.PENANAHpvVeVTYwq
206Please respect copyright.PENANAaQinZbWo5U
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAsDX9xQKENm
206Please respect copyright.PENANAdhARUZnxxJ
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.206Please respect copyright.PENANAO5fssExuH3
206Please respect copyright.PENANARsmL48ghhy
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."206Please respect copyright.PENANAA1nqJIa6G5
206Please respect copyright.PENANAFMDEDkkEIY
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAdVZsrLCU6l
206Please respect copyright.PENANAciQPg67Vwb
"Nah."206Please respect copyright.PENANACqB85SlxTg
206Please respect copyright.PENANAQWXPUD8fxO
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.206Please respect copyright.PENANAQ96WBJXxnz
206Please respect copyright.PENANA9xb2NHuYoT
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."206Please respect copyright.PENANAIfbjJD9iQY
206Please respect copyright.PENANA4XIheyMndY
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."206Please respect copyright.PENANAMqJm17GqGP
206Please respect copyright.PENANAogaa2LlTYG
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."206Please respect copyright.PENANAgvODcFPOD2
206Please respect copyright.PENANAM1mOExCL8A
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.206Please respect copyright.PENANAXhuyYCTn9O
206Please respect copyright.PENANAsjcA0FpnQP
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAcoNxPoAYUz
206Please respect copyright.PENANACJqGY3JRXu
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."206Please respect copyright.PENANAZ1f690xruj
206Please respect copyright.PENANAiNLEPEdFEm
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."206Please respect copyright.PENANAnjAfG2bzzS
206Please respect copyright.PENANA7HE0xUsfOm
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."206Please respect copyright.PENANAWzmN3j4u6u
206Please respect copyright.PENANASlRU2VbLNO
"Huh?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAYgQIlGVYpx
206Please respect copyright.PENANAOqt0PNisbN
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.206Please respect copyright.PENANAV84WnhTWS8
206Please respect copyright.PENANAgWA9fEqLR8
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."206Please respect copyright.PENANAHTCl4h4xoT
206Please respect copyright.PENANA30Wn3YhyJp
"So someone told you as well?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAdYVera7w5F
206Please respect copyright.PENANApRB2hmDDhW
He nodded with a smirk on his face.206Please respect copyright.PENANAq80rciF1eB
206Please respect copyright.PENANAVxB6FFG74W
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANA9Me3wTRjS3
206Please respect copyright.PENANAT94A1SlwfK
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAq2dxzs5cKq
206Please respect copyright.PENANAmSoUoTMGiA
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."206Please respect copyright.PENANAy20a163ylg
206Please respect copyright.PENANAZeamPMb9vQ
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAq69vnGeXRF
206Please respect copyright.PENANAdYxaagOcCQ
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANAEfK9IVOiXg
206Please respect copyright.PENANAZePu5uiJEr
"..."206Please respect copyright.PENANADyi3tDUFJ2
206Please respect copyright.PENANA6wJ3YH0da7
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"206Please respect copyright.PENANAdYdizbOzoZ
206Please respect copyright.PENANAPBK8ql2q56
"Strong?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAD408QxmSer
206Please respect copyright.PENANALHZ8eFrHFw
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.206Please respect copyright.PENANAWeqwPh8pqi
206Please respect copyright.PENANA4abbg3y72m
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."206Please respect copyright.PENANAhE539uDkLU
206Please respect copyright.PENANAWXa6KYTvbT
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?206Please respect copyright.PENANAF0p23cyEz8
206Please respect copyright.PENANApfSeJnLivi
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAdDSetlBhWE
206Please respect copyright.PENANAMQBvQF4Wnt
"Brat is certainly new..."206Please respect copyright.PENANAySAzTsk1mN
206Please respect copyright.PENANAnJWp0aVG43
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."206Please respect copyright.PENANAP2iufONR3A
206Please respect copyright.PENANAoFSCvk5aTz
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.206Please respect copyright.PENANAs6KIW3SkC9
206Please respect copyright.PENANAoKkj44hPKx
"Think like what?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAW60Q8EX5oS
206Please respect copyright.PENANAI7QzHQ3qNC
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."206Please respect copyright.PENANAgC7ldWx37X
206Please respect copyright.PENANAX5Be5rTp46
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.206Please respect copyright.PENANA4Brl7olfro
206Please respect copyright.PENANAdE0S5uf9Fl
"J-Juke...?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAOCI94s3lJN
206Please respect copyright.PENANAIzNspgjnWV
"Do ya think I'm strong?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAcxc1hkAjjL
206Please respect copyright.PENANAXYzOsSxJ3Y
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAvsy0Pk8VC7
206Please respect copyright.PENANABLsjN2rng5
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.206Please respect copyright.PENANAYJ7MibjO3E
206Please respect copyright.PENANANkXW4ZP5RS
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."206Please respect copyright.PENANACZNmqxlxty
206Please respect copyright.PENANAdYQ0emvAFT
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANARWza9V5dgl
206Please respect copyright.PENANAo0MeXSt2Vl
"Yer a moron."206Please respect copyright.PENANAzVY4DtAMu0
206Please respect copyright.PENANAVVmfpZWwOW
"H-Huh?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAxAN1pfKQ73
206Please respect copyright.PENANA5KexsgvR2b
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANA7q7eBXVnhc
206Please respect copyright.PENANAF9uiaUmkxP
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"206Please respect copyright.PENANArp7ncjLESC
206Please respect copyright.PENANA9BqjpITsNr
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANA5fCrTFPIvX
206Please respect copyright.PENANAgrhhxhwJcI
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.206Please respect copyright.PENANASScKBdZJje
206Please respect copyright.PENANAQscF45T9qk
"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–"206Please respect copyright.PENANAbrBk26ZU8j
206Please respect copyright.PENANAoM4LHXCjt4
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAwzU0ObZZIy
206Please respect copyright.PENANA1am7Jpzh1I
"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?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAvxbd5jtBCH
206Please respect copyright.PENANAn6Gn4o0Pxj
"..."206Please respect copyright.PENANAcBXKBl54as
206Please respect copyright.PENANAqk21lLAGoG
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANACBw6bnhvAv
206Please respect copyright.PENANAq1vGCgy7nj
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANApD2nmtZJZ5
206Please respect copyright.PENANADTgZ6WU7RD
And so, I spoke.206Please respect copyright.PENANA7imZKffpU2
206Please respect copyright.PENANANhnccYFBJ5
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANATMK33tmZlv
206Please respect copyright.PENANAFhtpBUZGjW
"...Yer just like that bitch."206Please respect copyright.PENANADd66iXceXk
206Please respect copyright.PENANAdGb1ne8mLI
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.206Please respect copyright.PENANAHoAiBS6jPC
206Please respect copyright.PENANAjyc8BtSXKQ
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANAcYOqRHAiPL
206Please respect copyright.PENANAcLBQivOnGX
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAc5Nyf2bTC5
206Please respect copyright.PENANA9rHMUEb3Oa
"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?"206Please respect copyright.PENANA8UcV4Gb4cg
206Please respect copyright.PENANAIvxZJu2YQB
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAqyGI7eiPEZ
206Please respect copyright.PENANAH7NuaII7R3
"You're missing the point!"206Please respect copyright.PENANA1eq3CkhEZG
206Please respect copyright.PENANAg0XXG28L37
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.206Please respect copyright.PENANAjnSnw0Pnk5
206Please respect copyright.PENANAVgB2M1z2xH
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."206Please respect copyright.PENANABKLf71Slju
206Please respect copyright.PENANA548xjXQOt0
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANALPau61Mzad
206Please respect copyright.PENANA0IRrudezFY
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."206Please respect copyright.PENANARTaBPybHzn
206Please respect copyright.PENANAyc4Dr2S93h
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAIEuZNuLVz0
206Please respect copyright.PENANAh1rrmiOE2N
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?206Please respect copyright.PENANASnBdLT2qvP
206Please respect copyright.PENANARodpuRJ8cU
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.206Please respect copyright.PENANA4mjYfwCrps
206Please respect copyright.PENANAyXFqyTK1je
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"206Please respect copyright.PENANAOXljZtjNZo
206Please respect copyright.PENANAtM8c4K60nK
"..."206Please respect copyright.PENANAXZ8eM6M8T5
206Please respect copyright.PENANASCLBQvnfRu
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.206Please respect copyright.PENANAmc8kMQqJJO
206Please respect copyright.PENANAr36EZ2kFne
"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."206Please respect copyright.PENANA4XMrSDoNjF
206Please respect copyright.PENANAoXTka58OIa
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.