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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA9cmxacPLcD
254Please respect copyright.PENANAuyqySUfJKU
"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."254Please respect copyright.PENANAiiDyONoSAc
254Please respect copyright.PENANAbILNvHdgfI
"Right on."254Please respect copyright.PENANA0XhPMebcbz
254Please respect copyright.PENANAB1Q9tNmeTx
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAYkJChSo1WR
254Please respect copyright.PENANAm5Jo2DFqcX
"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."254Please respect copyright.PENANAF1aWyRGm1D
254Please respect copyright.PENANAAHmDekqGVV
"Huh? Oh, alright."254Please respect copyright.PENANA15Mvp5ikQH
254Please respect copyright.PENANAoUTxG4kHl8
I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.254Please respect copyright.PENANAmLBWFGlP6G
254Please respect copyright.PENANAkv7JDfOYPP
"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAvDubSotz1h
254Please respect copyright.PENANAtSECKYcBEo
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."254Please respect copyright.PENANAeVKyRI1GrT
254Please respect copyright.PENANAV9M3Pli0SZ
"Luck..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAbK2HHanjrM
254Please respect copyright.PENANAYpq5CC4Nlb
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAWGvd6MiD5j
254Please respect copyright.PENANAqjNWGSITyB
"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."254Please respect copyright.PENANANS1JW3xdHm
254Please respect copyright.PENANAKwcEQVkTIa
"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAzB6xT6bOPE
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFAb5PDJaKg
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.254Please respect copyright.PENANATU99lsS2bL
254Please respect copyright.PENANAo4Ii2bh1cL
"You people are strange..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAsYd7dYJ35S
254Please respect copyright.PENANACi3m2SzbPs
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."254Please respect copyright.PENANAJIveC6YaOp
254Please respect copyright.PENANAOrFQzBiovC
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.254Please respect copyright.PENANApX6o9sYgyy
254Please respect copyright.PENANA7acXL0hv0D
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"254Please respect copyright.PENANARMN3K47DTp
254Please respect copyright.PENANAchxXKzkkZD
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."254Please respect copyright.PENANAiDds6IXYrY
254Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5KvsQHEDT
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."254Please respect copyright.PENANAKBsNqkW0fk
254Please respect copyright.PENANAMN2vHeT6T5
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.254Please respect copyright.PENANAwPUk2x0VCI
254Please respect copyright.PENANA8S9r9Kp4Xy
"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?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA6aF7tbJA1r
254Please respect copyright.PENANArVn4x7KMCK
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAABov1Fzqjt
254Please respect copyright.PENANAS450NwElWV
"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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA0Vpl4iFb5i
254Please respect copyright.PENANASB8XGsZJhw
Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.254Please respect copyright.PENANAPTABtIFGWf
254Please respect copyright.PENANAyf3itPxcih
"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?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAvcMdcdLhxu
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGzkJu5biID
"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."254Please respect copyright.PENANALs09FnpLDt
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZFEGCQoezu
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."254Please respect copyright.PENANA0YWErXYVPq
254Please respect copyright.PENANAaMmG5DMefS
"...Huh?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAT4vaysN8Zt
254Please respect copyright.PENANABjH2OgxQVO
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.254Please respect copyright.PENANATFVZ2AR0Ma
254Please respect copyright.PENANA18TblwvoW7
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."254Please respect copyright.PENANAasnidjDQB1
254Please respect copyright.PENANA7qN9U6TL3a
"I can't deny that."254Please respect copyright.PENANAjUxN5aZZxU
254Please respect copyright.PENANAwJg7m8yXZw
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAVNq2SKQdMj
254Please respect copyright.PENANAYQUFX8wGJX
He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.254Please respect copyright.PENANAsxEBMEUj8Q
254Please respect copyright.PENANAAnBGA35YGB
"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."254Please respect copyright.PENANA8ITaXnHguM
254Please respect copyright.PENANAVuwdnYOTco
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.254Please respect copyright.PENANAw2kT6F2523
254Please respect copyright.PENANA9saP9zCVS6
"You're up."254Please respect copyright.PENANA2UaPPzrGyh
254Please respect copyright.PENANAJsASl0z8Ph
"Right on."254Please respect copyright.PENANAgXOBt8WccA
254Please respect copyright.PENANAzESOxonsAh
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAE8OrFoMUY2
254Please respect copyright.PENANAryWtTbbBNp
"That's... that's incredible."254Please respect copyright.PENANAPtRLt3WJly
254Please respect copyright.PENANADBSmhmIWhB
"Huh?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAjw48wxSgYt
254Please respect copyright.PENANAHaSz6O7WOP
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.254Please respect copyright.PENANAk3IxDsMI7b
254Please respect copyright.PENANAzkXhYVFnkX
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAR24BPwAkEb
254Please respect copyright.PENANAW5TEWAQujM
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA53XGoDbaVv
254Please respect copyright.PENANA9MN8CjG2ZJ
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.254Please respect copyright.PENANAfD7tfgdF6f
254Please respect copyright.PENANATTVcx9jisy
"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAWM4FMCmIou
254Please respect copyright.PENANAmX9pQV2cTc
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."254Please respect copyright.PENANAFydHxhMZMn
254Please respect copyright.PENANAwxOqt75kQ1
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
254Please respect copyright.PENANAom7Za7KwfH
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAnzsZfcj28t
254Please respect copyright.PENANAXcbP4WWlR7
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAv6RGWdYebk
254Please respect copyright.PENANAJ61ahbDz1l
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAxQAxy9rzgn
254Please respect copyright.PENANA51HGBhQGlY
"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?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAtA39uZnQdq
254Please respect copyright.PENANArWk0ad0idg
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAVOoHoeI8nh
254Please respect copyright.PENANA2t8Iova0TE
I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.254Please respect copyright.PENANAkT0zJsL0la
254Please respect copyright.PENANApQHsfTpO8p
"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."254Please respect copyright.PENANAJltBTWSu9f
254Please respect copyright.PENANAyZqRkd6UGP
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."254Please respect copyright.PENANA7JymInKIUl
254Please respect copyright.PENANAsvKTsgG0pr
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."254Please respect copyright.PENANALuAYUCQPYG
254Please respect copyright.PENANAthHPleLgLF
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANALDDvRaKxai
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZ9raGKvCeq
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAj2zToLThUx
254Please respect copyright.PENANA9D4IEatpmp
–
–
–
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAafXJfMUArS
254Please respect copyright.PENANAyKkwlbzQM0
"What time is it now?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAMPHqDaXNAe
254Please respect copyright.PENANAdDKqjvpOtQ
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANACvS7WdioHK
254Please respect copyright.PENANADCZIAtmNVz
"Juke?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAh6gAQvZ3X9
254Please respect copyright.PENANA8lGK3PuRUn
He looked at me and perked up.254Please respect copyright.PENANANz92Pvinzp
254Please respect copyright.PENANAO3k0sIp2FY
"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAtI03vIR4M3
254Please respect copyright.PENANAo6Jc6yLQ2y
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAjMFy1fpOla
254Please respect copyright.PENANA6S2V42PcHZ
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"254Please respect copyright.PENANAODe1fuYosm
254Please respect copyright.PENANAfE5JauEmvz
"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."254Please respect copyright.PENANA0d60fUTZoK
254Please respect copyright.PENANAJbMjm5ww2C
Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.254Please respect copyright.PENANAYGKTQ0Hsox
254Please respect copyright.PENANA6kkg8URZWf
"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."254Please respect copyright.PENANA3ZSGrDiHBF
254Please respect copyright.PENANAjlvafPKj3G
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAf0Vz1633IS
254Please respect copyright.PENANAdc5EEwQMkd
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAGPlGpNVipC
254Please respect copyright.PENANAtS0Spg8inS
"S-Sorry, sorry."254Please respect copyright.PENANAjipkMKS3S7
254Please respect copyright.PENANAtXoBdwlIBM
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAVJ2tilFZAj
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGvF3PYuezy
"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"254Please respect copyright.PENANAUQY3O5jKqj
254Please respect copyright.PENANAXFYWINdqYq
"Ah, shit, yer right."254Please respect copyright.PENANAdARShpl2tt
254Please respect copyright.PENANAtesTcnPbiZ
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAEVRB7g0681
254Please respect copyright.PENANAuK8Vsg8G9t
"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAxup5QQC9R6
254Please respect copyright.PENANA0qE4lLSQVJ
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA4Bv4VNafMv
254Please respect copyright.PENANAiDUXSEOiKw
"Did ya just laugh?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAJIAFS1uszz
254Please respect copyright.PENANAxuPlKtTpqJ
"N-No, why do you ask?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAnEEzpIYhuD
254Please respect copyright.PENANApTEAZjEQso
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA1lkBkMNoeo
254Please respect copyright.PENANAwhqW9Anwli
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.254Please respect copyright.PENANAZlvJtuRdbC
254Please respect copyright.PENANAc8nESWKFnO
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."254Please respect copyright.PENANAxnAGlBZwj0
254Please respect copyright.PENANA9gjPJSrenx
"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAFlQX1ZIQ9o
254Please respect copyright.PENANATrdSqbVNuy
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."254Please respect copyright.PENANAJeQTGJKJGl
254Please respect copyright.PENANAWCmi2cnSvQ
He narrowed his eyes at me.254Please respect copyright.PENANAD6gouRhShN
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFcqUJbFkBR
"I'll take yer word for it."254Please respect copyright.PENANAJF3qSmCiHk
254Please respect copyright.PENANAz69uMrx3sx
There was a momentary pause. I254Please respect copyright.PENANAmdKUoOaNiS
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFX5AqJrMZQ
"So, what have ya been up to?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAp6J6MEnACk
254Please respect copyright.PENANA6pCEMjXHIq
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."254Please respect copyright.PENANAzVAIf7IejP
254Please respect copyright.PENANAmlRRx2nDq9
"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."254Please respect copyright.PENANAoFZD1wF3Pz
254Please respect copyright.PENANATCcsXijz78
"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."254Please respect copyright.PENANAbvFWAqzoVi
254Please respect copyright.PENANAc2KrJXVynk
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAycZIqHY4Pj
254Please respect copyright.PENANASG2MXDzRRv
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.254Please respect copyright.PENANARvfLQrV8nh
254Please respect copyright.PENANAuSlzJ9B3kf
"The sleeping room?"254Please respect copyright.PENANACTfBwSR7YH
254Please respect copyright.PENANA7ZSdSaLwxX
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."254Please respect copyright.PENANAB3vn4lJy63
254Please respect copyright.PENANAmLnoBK9jt2
"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAJbQkZQtTSz
254Please respect copyright.PENANAJM6t0Gole0
He cocked his head.254Please respect copyright.PENANAkKuApmmC6f
254Please respect copyright.PENANA1KusYoUqXC
"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."254Please respect copyright.PENANA98ZzsEjL34
254Please respect copyright.PENANAIrpHftwYp2
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."254Please respect copyright.PENANAMO4y6BfkUM
254Please respect copyright.PENANA2rY450h5Mm
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAmKw9D6LA1Q
254Please respect copyright.PENANASFLKYPyn2x
"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA2DvN5ruG0l
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3i5cd7uoDk
"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..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAP1eALKK9ok
254Please respect copyright.PENANAahUiFksxkO
Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.254Please respect copyright.PENANA3nWWd56DIz
254Please respect copyright.PENANAcMUnW9pGeM
"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."254Please respect copyright.PENANAzc5f0AfALA
254Please respect copyright.PENANANppLVlrOlL
"Loose screws?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAr2IfecRKRv
254Please respect copyright.PENANA0Xq9II75wb
"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?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAdMTI1iyGZz
254Please respect copyright.PENANARYNOQKwA8g
He huffed from his nose and smirked.254Please respect copyright.PENANAJpViPuAO3f
254Please respect copyright.PENANAXY24Fwrw5s
"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?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA22h92RR9Wd
254Please respect copyright.PENANAaucyOxbuG0
"Boring tales..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAAthtSOKQO1
254Please respect copyright.PENANAphWVwTcOQ4
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAJkZSTO2Oin
254Please respect copyright.PENANAVz1t5l0eEY
"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?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAanLddWAjo4
254Please respect copyright.PENANAdSZkq00TNT
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.254Please respect copyright.PENANAFSfeotqmFO
254Please respect copyright.PENANA2CucGBOJlQ
"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."254Please respect copyright.PENANAxrkCVaiSdL
254Please respect copyright.PENANASyWOu8xutM
"What, am I too young?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAAydRWl8PG9
254Please respect copyright.PENANAppwyt8aJsF
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."254Please respect copyright.PENANASUi4mcHaJc
254Please respect copyright.PENANA8nAXeIJBql
I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.254Please respect copyright.PENANAge74r0MBY1
254Please respect copyright.PENANAF4BHiBZv0r
"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAxGnNZRplt2
254Please respect copyright.PENANAOh9g71E9dl
My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.254Please respect copyright.PENANAVV84Lmylza
254Please respect copyright.PENANAgREtFxHzif
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAsFkoNI6DdJ
254Please respect copyright.PENANACZjjzq48qF
I straightened my posture.254Please respect copyright.PENANAeOQP2uA92R
254Please respect copyright.PENANAUOfY01dS4e
"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."254Please respect copyright.PENANAYvQNkR3XYP
254Please respect copyright.PENANAEjt3EWR09R
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAlijAYSvpLL
254Please respect copyright.PENANAeQzM9VeBtG
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."254Please respect copyright.PENANAA0sMO6opYG
254Please respect copyright.PENANAKaVPkWpM1n
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."254Please respect copyright.PENANAwB4p0Vq25k
254Please respect copyright.PENANAkshNub3frM
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."254Please respect copyright.PENANAsCkSD7AkDl
254Please respect copyright.PENANAh9KP8GCacP
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."254Please respect copyright.PENANArOKcxpHRgE
254Please respect copyright.PENANAIV6dSuHCr5
He gave me a blank stare.254Please respect copyright.PENANAcGF9xt4L8H
254Please respect copyright.PENANAhc9L0zH3zk
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA57aWVULCex
254Please respect copyright.PENANAyDSJsG1XvX
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA9POyjLTdcV
254Please respect copyright.PENANArFad5m44OV
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."254Please respect copyright.PENANAq7mse7Q6Vp
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3EdlDbGkCX
"See? There ain't a difference."254Please respect copyright.PENANAIpmJ1XI5HG
254Please respect copyright.PENANAPfHQPAZQpV
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAhJyU1xiQn6
254Please respect copyright.PENANAJppreGfPIb
"Yeah? And what are they?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAGFyRT7RFfJ
254Please respect copyright.PENANAE6kV7SEvwa
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."254Please respect copyright.PENANAxojDLH4NQ1
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFAyTfG2cR6
"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAr9M8Rr7MUk
254Please respect copyright.PENANAanRx23RfQx
To that question, I simply shrugged.254Please respect copyright.PENANAaZ2oqFrU50
254Please respect copyright.PENANA5C87aTkxii
"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."254Please respect copyright.PENANAwSsCoM4Qv7
254Please respect copyright.PENANA3WEwsSIKxS
"What a load of semantical garbage."254Please respect copyright.PENANAJH2GzQj2Hr
254Please respect copyright.PENANAkSucX3HuxB
I sighed at his simpleminded conclusion. It wasn't my job to convince him, though. It wouldn't be worth the hassle anyway.254Please respect copyright.PENANAZjAYMqQgmv
254Please respect copyright.PENANAXNB35D0RwZ
"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"254Please respect copyright.PENANACRcUMotZPf
254Please respect copyright.PENANAzII8u0ZKIt
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."254Please respect copyright.PENANAShe3Z4QC7a
254Please respect copyright.PENANACiXIN97irb
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."254Please respect copyright.PENANA8QBb7Wh1p4
254Please respect copyright.PENANAW9p1CiWVVQ
"..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAldb9lyXGdD
254Please respect copyright.PENANAIlvB4NthBh
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAmXDrOHJtgR
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZOoAXuHfeA
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."254Please respect copyright.PENANA8doijcYzLX
254Please respect copyright.PENANAbm6y1ss27v
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAN59RcJ5Cwq
254Please respect copyright.PENANA4FSk2SN8U8
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAuRUL6x7FI9
254Please respect copyright.PENANA8HtPjYcriM
"I'm starin' at one right now."254Please respect copyright.PENANAAxmYhVzv8F
254Please respect copyright.PENANAf7Ldxa4sIL
"You know what I meant!"254Please respect copyright.PENANAnpH786ovqA
254Please respect copyright.PENANAdvx7lzbRWo
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."254Please respect copyright.PENANATAxlGbSiHg
254Please respect copyright.PENANAzx4cu4Hmr2
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA7S2SuLKskf
254Please respect copyright.PENANAASvJJYPRvK
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."254Please respect copyright.PENANAVuZ5MS8oEb
254Please respect copyright.PENANAhUy6UeTFpO
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.254Please respect copyright.PENANAqxPN4fJ1LI
254Please respect copyright.PENANAHH9kOA0gNC
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."254Please respect copyright.PENANARLUQokoVDo
254Please respect copyright.PENANAfcS5MM5sVx
"You're definitely being generous."254Please respect copyright.PENANAoW7qLAgwTB
254Please respect copyright.PENANADZ5A1fVH9z
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAfQKtKg7cqL
254Please respect copyright.PENANAEfaQVbqllc
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"254Please respect copyright.PENANApBj6ZBNomn
254Please respect copyright.PENANAlhVLRpdMwr
He nodded his head.254Please respect copyright.PENANAmOWxvVPGN8
254Please respect copyright.PENANAtqbrs0KLLI
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAN4n7aiEdLW
254Please respect copyright.PENANA8BBZa4Yp5E
"...Oh my goodness."254Please respect copyright.PENANArmB3Hfv9hb
254Please respect copyright.PENANAbE4R2Pdk5e
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.254Please respect copyright.PENANA78DfI4js5c
254Please respect copyright.PENANAdVqSlQRrsK
"What? It's just mud, kid."254Please respect copyright.PENANAvWqsQJLJMs
254Please respect copyright.PENANAT14DBurtj8
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."254Please respect copyright.PENANABP51ZXWjfP
254Please respect copyright.PENANAuUDSxaJ8Ou
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."254Please respect copyright.PENANA3LdC5t4Pdk
254Please respect copyright.PENANAN0C4ugSdEj
"Yes. I hate it."254Please respect copyright.PENANAzhtIZp2tR0
254Please respect copyright.PENANA1JB5uKmB3l
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAxUGgw1Jb3G
254Please respect copyright.PENANAvSfX69eVK3
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAIDlsa4ZBAj
254Please respect copyright.PENANAPo34K9UCNO
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.254Please respect copyright.PENANAutpZuO6JdF
254Please respect copyright.PENANAKlXvuFRmaK
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANACNjvRzpwnG
254Please respect copyright.PENANAWOAWnFfDtD
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."254Please respect copyright.PENANAgEBPWfHC3w
254Please respect copyright.PENANAWK2lAy28vH
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA7P59avnNCw
254Please respect copyright.PENANAhejRPtdUHT
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.254Please respect copyright.PENANASDeqcQnIJA
254Please respect copyright.PENANAcS56ix86CI
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."254Please respect copyright.PENANA87rVqLiJnA
254Please respect copyright.PENANAeBxsGJTAEF
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAofLh67Cme0
254Please respect copyright.PENANAHV2tE9zZM1
"Nah."254Please respect copyright.PENANA86btVXViv4
254Please respect copyright.PENANA87PvEoiShy
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.254Please respect copyright.PENANA9YojzJFurT
254Please respect copyright.PENANAESGWrgBMs2
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."254Please respect copyright.PENANAgceir5ydqD
254Please respect copyright.PENANAgxVagugo9B
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."254Please respect copyright.PENANALKU3VibAer
254Please respect copyright.PENANAmUmpNz9taF
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."254Please respect copyright.PENANANkXD3Sf9Qb
254Please respect copyright.PENANAOWAmLzzwqL
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.254Please respect copyright.PENANAPHurDHLyXk
254Please respect copyright.PENANAOLt8lyipTy
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAVKqZF3QCVO
254Please respect copyright.PENANAzwVLNeFPi8
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."254Please respect copyright.PENANAMQLSvwRK5e
254Please respect copyright.PENANA7PrEpZTYWH
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."254Please respect copyright.PENANAUaEV5h92f5
254Please respect copyright.PENANA7290K0V7JB
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."254Please respect copyright.PENANAH9AbLg280r
254Please respect copyright.PENANADtFZaF2oIi
"Huh?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAlEsMvpuf5c
254Please respect copyright.PENANA2lFSLKHc4C
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.254Please respect copyright.PENANApQvIh345yW
254Please respect copyright.PENANA1C81ZO8z4O
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."254Please respect copyright.PENANALh4NXqCht8
254Please respect copyright.PENANAMTpqBV8aS5
"So someone told you as well?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAbZ5zLLTLei
254Please respect copyright.PENANAlLExNnXIpk
He nodded with a smirk on his face.254Please respect copyright.PENANAuj3bcGyMgS
254Please respect copyright.PENANA37Yi3aoBq8
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAEURboDnKT9
254Please respect copyright.PENANAevt7tlCB7N
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAuBSFO8oSOm
254Please respect copyright.PENANACVlnpMom1p
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."254Please respect copyright.PENANA2JOHPPpgCD
254Please respect copyright.PENANAyu18Dv0Fw0
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAi8x8k6kYAf
254Please respect copyright.PENANABFfIiOwrCw
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANACFSRN5qzJG
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGhZWF2uPKK
"..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAef5OklXU8H
254Please respect copyright.PENANAqZ7PFQKDvZ
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"254Please respect copyright.PENANA9FruxHF6EL
254Please respect copyright.PENANABwqkqVd6rb
"Strong?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAQcGqSjKNyB
254Please respect copyright.PENANAcWaJpf30vm
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.254Please respect copyright.PENANACJkHuH840A
254Please respect copyright.PENANA0tMmoAqCbL
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."254Please respect copyright.PENANAFrMhtyhzbm
254Please respect copyright.PENANAoc51dC6phr
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?254Please respect copyright.PENANAlBHkQEtIoS
254Please respect copyright.PENANA2xaHkpMW2V
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAli7dJL1nLc
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFsFL8TnTke
"Brat is certainly new..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAlB6tUg5mF7
254Please respect copyright.PENANA66oC1l6v7T
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."254Please respect copyright.PENANAUdp4ELzfz6
254Please respect copyright.PENANAzQbJMpsFK3
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.254Please respect copyright.PENANAd1LtdX0XMg
254Please respect copyright.PENANA09yfPotpvv
"Think like what?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAV5sgkCf7rK
254Please respect copyright.PENANAtihrB683CE
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."254Please respect copyright.PENANA6weIoQmlNc
254Please respect copyright.PENANAgS9uWhLTVj
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.254Please respect copyright.PENANAsp7RMnl0Lu
254Please respect copyright.PENANAUpo5u7rLjG
"J-Juke...?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAdSJNFyXKeo
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGQDgusta3Y
"Do ya think I'm strong?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAlUkNT2W77G
254Please respect copyright.PENANAkGeGxaWXRj
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAt4NSXl2S4b
254Please respect copyright.PENANAs9ntVHqZKs
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.254Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0taxzPpTL
254Please respect copyright.PENANAwCyh0jPV19
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."254Please respect copyright.PENANAP7xocC8Vx3
254Please respect copyright.PENANAOQehPhz5ol
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANA3k5K2fxlTF
254Please respect copyright.PENANAUijNNoTV0d
"Yer a moron."254Please respect copyright.PENANAhxVX1oWS07
254Please respect copyright.PENANAFe2WpHoEfu
"H-Huh?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAo54s1aJ5ZC
254Please respect copyright.PENANAc6uuutcdWe
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAlVllHd2s33
254Please respect copyright.PENANAROSnlG8far
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"254Please respect copyright.PENANAhB5LDFV5YP
254Please respect copyright.PENANAdSw5pyz6hX
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAYIhS0OaV4j
254Please respect copyright.PENANAmVZZtU3Ikt
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.254Please respect copyright.PENANAhaJLExZiaX
254Please respect copyright.PENANArbvdbKRT5P
"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–"254Please respect copyright.PENANAggY3KXm8mN
254Please respect copyright.PENANAoHRjmvmI7y
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANALwOKS3WAVU
254Please respect copyright.PENANAHDCKela7fu
"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?"254Please respect copyright.PENANAjDUPLw71md
254Please respect copyright.PENANAm6UxTkBjjc
"..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAhbcJmYdoul
254Please respect copyright.PENANARcK9NgGFjr
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAqlUQnvd8YL
254Please respect copyright.PENANAHD330tio5h
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAf9uBa2pQgP
254Please respect copyright.PENANAfeOzDCYa4P
And so, I spoke.254Please respect copyright.PENANA2tkWqTLJW4
254Please respect copyright.PENANAB7KyCfIAUn
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAadyFS6cvt2
254Please respect copyright.PENANA0wiYN4oD2K
"...Yer just like that bitch."254Please respect copyright.PENANAhH8Nk5PGsK
254Please respect copyright.PENANAkGQQpB8r43
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.254Please respect copyright.PENANAwDT2IhbakO
254Please respect copyright.PENANAqqwKaHjkzO
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANAS3548RDVik
254Please respect copyright.PENANAVztGkdtRlD
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANACbfjOj5rXy
254Please respect copyright.PENANALzzVKgMqKT
"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?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA8I3o1i8hwF
254Please respect copyright.PENANAC1pxb21NBk
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"254Please respect copyright.PENANADMDPON7fkm
254Please respect copyright.PENANABVDCNGqJfO
"You're missing the point!"254Please respect copyright.PENANAVQLBguaS5F
254Please respect copyright.PENANAZ4L7dDS1HR
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.254Please respect copyright.PENANAlwJX12LVAp
254Please respect copyright.PENANAg2mgLtlFui
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."254Please respect copyright.PENANA1crzkycJhh
254Please respect copyright.PENANAIL8Yef3vzC
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAQZ0gnSmJoE
254Please respect copyright.PENANATbOdyY60oB
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."254Please respect copyright.PENANAIClFyL5OMM
254Please respect copyright.PENANAfY7Ov3pqvJ
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAzF1MgTfDcB
254Please respect copyright.PENANAA1Dpl6PFom
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?254Please respect copyright.PENANAK5XjBGAgWT
254Please respect copyright.PENANAypxL2VA6HJ
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.254Please respect copyright.PENANA1QEnLOSrL9
254Please respect copyright.PENANAgJaO7TQHzq
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"254Please respect copyright.PENANA7qKuQaVHBD
254Please respect copyright.PENANAUwsZ5Y1sst
"..."254Please respect copyright.PENANAhY5VqlbeUq
254Please respect copyright.PENANA03OuKM4f6N
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.254Please respect copyright.PENANAcYgRJE9oAE
254Please respect copyright.PENANAGgxD4okrQ8
"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."254Please respect copyright.PENANArKkUasvtnA
254Please respect copyright.PENANAA9nu3lwYrX
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.