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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA2fKhK06QY7
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"That's a three. Damon, it's your turn."24Please respect copyright.PENANADzJBtcqw3k
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"Right on."24Please respect copyright.PENANAEhCEyDCG8X
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Turns shifted and the die rolled. The process repeated a countless number of times and the minutes passed by quickly. At some point, it stopped being that way. At some point, rolling the die and moving a figure a few paces forward became dull. Looking at Nigel and Damon, it was impossible to tell if they felt the same.24Please respect copyright.PENANAWtXujp98lW
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"Six. Lucky me. You're up, Kenny."24Please respect copyright.PENANAOt49oBiKeT
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3c4OFCiJyp
"Huh? Oh, alright."24Please respect copyright.PENANAB61qTwSYTI
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I grabbed the die and shook it in my hand before throwing it on the table.24Please respect copyright.PENANARKSWUvSDb8
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"A two. That puts me on a serpent, doesn't it?"24Please respect copyright.PENANABxWpOaMf2d
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWotu6VnYld
"Ha, you've got really bad luck with this game."24Please respect copyright.PENANAm7O4tz63Ik
24Please respect copyright.PENANAkr2LV3vlnM
"Luck..."24Please respect copyright.PENANAtCYIIrJJoi
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Damon had a point. Maybe the absurd reliance on luck to function was why this game so quickly lost its luster. I moved my figure forward and was sent straight to the beginning. I sighed as my head sank.24Please respect copyright.PENANAk52jSjv86y
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"It's alright," Nigel said, "there's not much you can do about that."24Please respect copyright.PENANAiekxYgfFoZ
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"That's what's so frustrating. What's the point of playing a game you have no control over?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAoWL6A5veHC
24Please respect copyright.PENANAVaFpcFtbto
I looked at the two men, who looked at each other and then back at me. They both shrugged.24Please respect copyright.PENANApTaF9clr9W
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"You people are strange..."24Please respect copyright.PENANADkgjViEZtP
24Please respect copyright.PENANATA3h1JDwx1
"Maybe so," Nigel started, "but games like this help to keep the nerves at bay. I'd rather be frustrated than uneasy."24Please respect copyright.PENANAnlpKw88ReK
24Please respect copyright.PENANAph2EKxQwFv
I looked at him, conflicted. His words didn't align with what I knew.24Please respect copyright.PENANAtgfRPv2EM7
24Please respect copyright.PENANAhzlHLa76CF
"Uneasy? Are you feeling uneasy?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAnFSIR2JrWm
24Please respect copyright.PENANAf65Nv0apT7
"Pff, of course I am. We all are, even Damon over here."24Please respect copyright.PENANAKKOJG05Bfx
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYfyAl37463
"Shut up! Speak for yourself."24Please respect copyright.PENANAjTSAe0Hsmb
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0j9H97JgHq
Damon looked away with a grumpy scowl.24Please respect copyright.PENANAVuTZun54LE
24Please respect copyright.PENANAk48DGEp4N7
"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?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAJspEUTxL7q
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3UGshatDJF
"I... well, of course I'm nervous. All you said was true, but..."24Please respect copyright.PENANA4ahsPy2teY
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3i5cpgVWaD
"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.24Please respect copyright.PENANADNsCIaPWxn
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Fortunately, I pinpointed the reason quickly.24Please respect copyright.PENANAdhDAi7l3Pn
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"The whole Retaliation Crowd seemed so enthusiastic during that meeting. I didn't see you specifically, but with how loud the room was, you were cheering and roaring too, weren't you?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAEJu0wUoCmI
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"Mmm, that's what you're talking about."24Please respect copyright.PENANAYxXmKT9T2n
24Please respect copyright.PENANAsT31yZ23hU
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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAWANcfPIFr8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAdnJR25V3QC
"...Huh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA7NCWhqG7wu
24Please respect copyright.PENANAwoHxjjtBxG
He looked back at me with a smile. A plain smile. It surprised me.24Please respect copyright.PENANACZOE6yjO3U
24Please respect copyright.PENANAShmnYMvmzP
"You've seen Lola, haven't you? It isn't just her, our officers are doing terribly, too."24Please respect copyright.PENANAAyNr3fKSnN
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"I can't deny that."24Please respect copyright.PENANAf42H1V1Lab
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"Right. We figured that it would make the situation worse if they thought we were dejected too. Let me tell you, after hearing the news about the Raptors, it wasn't easy. It wasn't easy at all."24Please respect copyright.PENANAhlORAPCRhO
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He grabbed the die and shook it in his hands, releasing it and landing on a five.24Please respect copyright.PENANAY8hmatHAk7
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"I don't know who started the cheer, but I owe them. They saved this whole thing."24Please respect copyright.PENANA05tS2h9aXy
24Please respect copyright.PENANAqRv7jCxw38
He stopped talking and moved his figure. He looked at Damon.24Please respect copyright.PENANA5XgaLhYTEA
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"You're up."24Please respect copyright.PENANAGxFZmNjGEI
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvJHySpJRxf
"Right on."24Please respect copyright.PENANA45wovUTQvS
24Please respect copyright.PENANAfscutJfBeq
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA1OpNpEnyis
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"That's... that's incredible."24Please respect copyright.PENANAUy7KiBrFNg
24Please respect copyright.PENANA8oivoAl6Ma
"Huh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAC4cuaNZmr7
24Please respect copyright.PENANA87SqGfuTMo
Nigel looked at me with his mouth agape.24Please respect copyright.PENANAB3siW7QbAP
24Please respect copyright.PENANAELih6V2VVG
"Incredible? You think that's incredible?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAfFpX1U5kJf
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtUtgIS91Ks
"Y-Yes? What's wrong with that?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAHXW9c3txsx
24Please respect copyright.PENANA7OrpEYYv4d
He pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but then shrugged right after.24Please respect copyright.PENANAKKafsh1DHJ
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"You run into all sorts of crazy people in this job, don't you, Damon?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAwPRtRatcmp
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2sSLMCLDDt
"Are you calling this runt crazy? That just ain't fair."24Please respect copyright.PENANA00S0GxSC37
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYEKx2e0nU9
"I'm still here! Have some tact, for goodness sake!"
24Please respect copyright.PENANAdYpm6A0hPm
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAEDVkrmQkSQ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAv95TkheZbl
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANA4cT2mlkye5
24Please respect copyright.PENANAI8tpIEl19g
"Doing this? You mean fighting, right?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAGEdFMirV4b
24Please respect copyright.PENANAkqDxEvKEz2
"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?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAD95vvMOLUO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAdag0zagehB
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA8tcsxWlKgO
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I used their playing as an excuse to leave. I stood up from the couch and patted my pants.24Please respect copyright.PENANAZLNsQhLtLl
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"Thanks for letting me play with you two. I'll be taking my leave."24Please respect copyright.PENANAyaTsRMcbea
24Please respect copyright.PENANA8KGqcF24Z4
"Take care," Nigel responded, "We'll see you on the battlefield."24Please respect copyright.PENANA89DUHzHsct
24Please respect copyright.PENANAWbBYKnO1co
"...Yes. Hopefully not for long."24Please respect copyright.PENANAhBevRm9lun
24Please respect copyright.PENANAL3rOWPQVO6
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAeQHDB4agF7
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As I approached the door, I looked at my hand. I curled and flexed my fingers. I balled it into a fist. I felt ready in mind and body, and more than ever I had a conviction in my heart.24Please respect copyright.PENANARdLM8REz2N
24Please respect copyright.PENANAzTHQelDiLv
–
–
–
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAwJL73fkGnH
24Please respect copyright.PENANAf7DY0WMKSb
"What time is it now?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAg7ooLcDCUS
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And as if someone had heard me, the door to my left opened. I looked to see who it was, and out came a person I was all too familiar with, but with a face I hardly recognized.24Please respect copyright.PENANA0qHMLuwD2U
24Please respect copyright.PENANAyPx0ZlS6k7
"Juke?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA6zH63lyoXJ
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He looked at me and perked up.24Please respect copyright.PENANAGWjfmpNAE1
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"Ah, hey kid. Fancy seein' ya here. What's with that face?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAVLSn2hd21V
24Please respect copyright.PENANAnFtmgHqXgH
"What's with your face? I mean, why is it out?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAMEaia5RRmY
24Please respect copyright.PENANAixGT9KO3CD
"I can't wear that helmet all day. Starts hurtin' my neck and everythin'"24Please respect copyright.PENANAJ9df9xsPLe
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"Ah... that makes a lot of sense."24Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5r3MrQ62O
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Juke began to massage the back of his neck, and as he did, he muttered something under his breath.24Please respect copyright.PENANAre74iOjjB1
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"Kid, I swear, ya kill me sometimes."24Please respect copyright.PENANAvmhvyA5Urr
24Please respect copyright.PENANA5wR1HYPC2H
"Kill you...? Do you mean to make you laugh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAr0LaBYCsbb
24Please respect copyright.PENANAs2KPww05uS
"Does it look like I'm smilin, eh!?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAwJSo9uQrSs
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"S-Sorry, sorry."24Please respect copyright.PENANA1O35Bur4mX
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxuMEORvISg
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANApEpW1jAtDT
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"Hey, you forgot to close the door!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA4wGHVRjcAH
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"Ah, shit, yer right."24Please respect copyright.PENANASItptbLIHW
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANATCvEEgqVCl
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"This is... the changing room, isn't it?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAhbJYY6jhXk
24Please respect copyright.PENANAcTseQxGYPi
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAS6owMQMaK2
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjXOAp8GzM6
"Did ya just laugh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA4KSObuL3dg
24Please respect copyright.PENANA1FJwjCupLO
"N-No, why do you ask?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAiDfAAxKojJ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAV6zrh695ms
"...I think that's the first time I heard ya laugh. What finally did ya in?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAFqDF7VjXaD
24Please respect copyright.PENANAbKEY2ui0yH
There was no point in hiding it anymore, but if I explained it to him, the situation would lose its humor.24Please respect copyright.PENANAKfpn44y5Uj
24Please respect copyright.PENANA1Vb8oWVHdK
"I'm just laughing at the circumstances, that's all."24Please respect copyright.PENANApqdSv0lNac
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"Now yer just confusing me. It ain't cuz of my face, is it?"24Please respect copyright.PENANANPBTgoPKv1
24Please respect copyright.PENANApge3Mk19Uu
"No, not at all! Not directly, at least."24Please respect copyright.PENANAnN9zSOj1DK
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He narrowed his eyes at me.24Please respect copyright.PENANAfLddWWaFMW
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"I'll take yer word for it."24Please respect copyright.PENANA9hSTGnimH8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgvrPus6zST
There was a momentary pause. I24Please respect copyright.PENANAiDy09Npr9v
24Please respect copyright.PENANAKPnDVDuBqE
"So, what have ya been up to?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAX190agCMpb
24Please respect copyright.PENANAqoBpRFitdz
"I'm exploring the area, that's all. I'm shocked by the size of the basement."24Please respect copyright.PENANAwmp5yzM8n4
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"Yeah, tell me 'bout it. It keeps branchin' to more and more rooms."24Please respect copyright.PENANAjrIMYdjFoI
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"How was the room you were in just now? That's the last place I haven't checked."24Please respect copyright.PENANAtNLQjJZFsJ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAucz7aZDd16
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAPQEbIWsfnb
24Please respect copyright.PENANAdCYaE4ERww
Something about what he said made me do a double-take.24Please respect copyright.PENANA6c55D0cdaB
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvGzcpfdoBj
"The sleeping room?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA4LeV3kHNYB
24Please respect copyright.PENANACwrniCIKQ3
"Yeah, or a bedroom if ya wanna get all smart."24Please respect copyright.PENANAHXUsbv9LTz
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"No, that's not it, but... it isn't a changing room?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAvEAq2ZwJWn
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxGTxJYDcbW
He cocked his head.24Please respect copyright.PENANACqZ9FF9BH2
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"What are ya talkin' about? There ain't no changing room. If ya wanna shower, that's upstairs."24Please respect copyright.PENANA2Cpu7b6ygu
24Please respect copyright.PENANAC0b6lve2YC
"Nevermind. Ignore what I said."24Please respect copyright.PENANAId8btPEeXg
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Maybe not every member of the retaliation squad was noble and principled. Juke shrugged at my request, and another round of silence ensued. Since he had already brought up the topic, I decided to press him on the matter.24Please respect copyright.PENANADK0BOiI5e7
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"How are they? Does the room smell bad? I won't have to share a bed with anyone, right?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAI1THgczuwX
24Please respect copyright.PENANAy2MJjYXoQG
"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..."24Please respect copyright.PENANABBZHlLuQPC
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Juke cut off his sentence. It made me apprehensive.24Please respect copyright.PENANAFgTfwfZz45
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"...They ain't so bad. Some of them got a few loose screws, but it ain't anything I haven't handled before."24Please respect copyright.PENANAzEBEyyuwdR
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"Loose screws?"24Please respect copyright.PENANASZFlmjl9Mr
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZUS71q7uK6
"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?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAlXnuoYUZvq
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He huffed from his nose and smirked.24Please respect copyright.PENANA0wA0kdhCNy
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"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?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAmkXt7VCtaK
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtXJz2NUAcs
"Boring tales..."24Please respect copyright.PENANAWNX8KB5WNp
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA0QrjqfJFWj
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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?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAtEpAoLWfRB
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZK7g80stvb
He raised a hand to his chin. He rubbed it for a few seconds while staring into the distance.24Please respect copyright.PENANA3F7QD7g4m9
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"Nah. Ya ain't the right audience."24Please respect copyright.PENANAX7mnwSbbz2
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0m6MwIENvo
"What, am I too young?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAEz4bbO2U8g
24Please respect copyright.PENANAkQPcHSEd6L
"That's just it. Yer too young. Kids yer age shouldn't be hearin' any of it."24Please respect copyright.PENANAaPZbB84lox
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I rolled my eyes and sank into the couch.24Please respect copyright.PENANAelG2N2Tuoh
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"Kids my age this, kids my age that. Kids my age shouldn't even be here, don't you think?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAYcVZTt5ekO
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My statement hatched a hearty chuckle out of him. I wasn't trying to be funny, but Juke probably knew that.24Please respect copyright.PENANAPP4xT9rvxR
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgHmxPzDQNl
"Ya really got your work cut out for ya, kid. Ain't this yer second mission?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAKDCNYu8jwk
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I straightened my posture.24Please respect copyright.PENANAFrfcJqZfiC
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"No, but it's my first really big one. I can barely remember why I took it, though."24Please respect copyright.PENANAW1Qz1OO32U
24Please respect copyright.PENANAlmfs4XkDjH
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANARBbKdyjViv
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3fgELJoaF9
"It was someone on behalf of the royalty. Don't ya remember? There was this wizard guy who ya were buddy-buddy with."24Please respect copyright.PENANAsTKEYrJv6q
24Please respect copyright.PENANAnLuDtkEs8O
"Wizard... you mean Roy? Roy isn't a wizard."24Please respect copyright.PENANAGAWeO8OHbE
24Please respect copyright.PENANAFM1dSSmN83
"Is there a difference? If yer good at magic, yer all wizards to me."24Please respect copyright.PENANAHBgx7R1S6Q
24Please respect copyright.PENANAiaTmkYNaca
"That's frankly offensive! Not to me, mind you, but to actual wizards."24Please respect copyright.PENANAQin4RXd7ux
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He gave me a blank stare.24Please respect copyright.PENANAbmHTsUMWPQ
24Please respect copyright.PENANANiQHeif2qF
"Seriously, kid, what the hell is the difference?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAESuE0IQIrG
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2RMm4SKAE3
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAn62MTFjOdh
24Please respect copyright.PENANADegITEkOP2
"...I guess it's a matter of status. Maybe Roy is a wizard."24Please respect copyright.PENANA5SGfAuCAAr
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"See? There ain't a difference."24Please respect copyright.PENANAw3lojcb2OK
24Please respect copyright.PENANATpXk1ZB0wd
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAi4qrKYAibw
24Please respect copyright.PENANA7Pp7II52Zn
"Yeah? And what are they?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAdgfBX7KCk5
24Please respect copyright.PENANAV8JG3ovi2B
"For me, a mage is simply a magic user."24Please respect copyright.PENANAFkajgOQWTg
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"And what about a spellcaster, eh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAysiKJithp7
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To that question, I simply shrugged.24Please respect copyright.PENANAIiv21WfSw9
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"Nobody uses that term. If you meet someone who does, it's in your best interest to avoid them."24Please respect copyright.PENANAHMghPCNJ2z
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"What a load of semantical garbage."24Please respect copyright.PENANAxapQ6dgF2E
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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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA73OCgfnrt8
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"Since ya got such an upright definition, tell me, did ya ever meet a wizard?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAxnEy6Dods9
24Please respect copyright.PENANAtU8vHPSJk0
"Well, not technically, no. Again, it's a matter of status. I think it's a title that needs to be bestowed upon you."24Please respect copyright.PENANAe6EgsSrvTv
24Please respect copyright.PENANAkGqOMNsySv
"Eh? And by– nah, nevermind, I don't care. I want ya to tell me if ya ever met someone like that."24Please respect copyright.PENANAH0828Dpe85
24Please respect copyright.PENANANvZ3GDPhOz
"..."24Please respect copyright.PENANAJOxGRKNvH4
24Please respect copyright.PENANA1nwdIUhgbg
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAKTwmlv1v6o
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvVGZhgSslz
"I don't think I have. Maybe Skylark, but he doesn't use magic. I don't think he can even perform mana manipulation."24Please respect copyright.PENANAZycbmLiw4l
24Please respect copyright.PENANA93tqS4HgAQ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA6sb5AJ1t9r
24Please respect copyright.PENANA0XCTu5ikfC
"What about you? Have you met any wizards?"24Please respect copyright.PENANABqhayo0Wg5
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgGgKKA6yTe
"I'm starin' at one right now."24Please respect copyright.PENANAHtgEBROjCN
24Please respect copyright.PENANARbpEc1Xhq9
"You know what I meant!"24Please respect copyright.PENANAayq6xFVdzg
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjKyjDdNVyu
"Alright alright, I'll answer. Goin' by what ya said, I definitely met a few wizards before."24Please respect copyright.PENANABXojwkUijV
24Please respect copyright.PENANA02y29v1Oer
"A few? Really? Are you sure you aren't being generous?"24Please respect copyright.PENANADrDGJ3kSU2
24Please respect copyright.PENANAI96JKGpsE6
"Me? Nothin' of the sort."24Please respect copyright.PENANAiE7IXb9PNj
24Please respect copyright.PENANAspOfUFGhST
He said that with such conviction, but with how he has described me before, I took his words with a pinch of salt.24Please respect copyright.PENANAV8vpuMLwZV
24Please respect copyright.PENANA4ILEjVFnAk
"There's one of these wizards right 'ere in the buildin'."24Please respect copyright.PENANASvnlYn4x22
24Please respect copyright.PENANADZPldu9ikp
"You're definitely being generous."24Please respect copyright.PENANA60FIiPZaa0
24Please respect copyright.PENANAEREAHIm4fv
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAyHf50zorUR
24Please respect copyright.PENANAAGo3VJrhq2
"The mud wizard...? Does he make mud with magic?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAXmvtLVaumc
24Please respect copyright.PENANALGi4ko8q5u
He nodded his head.24Please respect copyright.PENANAQkloSlLVTn
24Please respect copyright.PENANA6fy8jcuE8r
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAhKIWGuvyJv
24Please respect copyright.PENANApS8v6DuV6f
"...Oh my goodness."24Please respect copyright.PENANASe0ZRczwHV
24Please respect copyright.PENANAQz2p6REAP9
I buried my face into my palms, embarrassed.24Please respect copyright.PENANAmDZ77afQEc
24Please respect copyright.PENANAuAIR4Rxyob
"What? It's just mud, kid."24Please respect copyright.PENANAsND3bKSJJu
24Please respect copyright.PENANACoe2IU81qU
"No, that's not why, exactly. It's just, it's so simple, and I didn't realize it until you explained it."24Please respect copyright.PENANAesUMgjEiVC
24Please respect copyright.PENANAmxVg07kzMf
"Ah, I get what ya mean. I hate that feelin'."24Please respect copyright.PENANACmqxA6MnLN
24Please respect copyright.PENANAybQRMGSfG5
"Yes. I hate it."24Please respect copyright.PENANAKMUyHukp6o
24Please respect copyright.PENANA33mOL7r85k
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAvCR4lc1llc
24Please respect copyright.PENANAzG5MwJk5Q8
"How's the group, kid? Are they keepin' yer head on tight?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAsarA53VZg8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAIt36ahNej7
It was an easy question to answer, as loaded as it sounded.24Please respect copyright.PENANAWpUT4XH2pE
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvjZHZS9FVy
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANALqJtmvvTYJ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAF5oioc9M95
"Are ya serious? They just seem like normal strong folk to me."24Please respect copyright.PENANAB0pN1Tu4LD
24Please respect copyright.PENANAsfpsVPMQA2
"Don't you think you're reducing them a little?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAkTfAMI4DD3
24Please respect copyright.PENANAcKp6IxNBHO
Juke diverted his gaze as if he was about to put all his muses into my question. He looked back in two seconds.24Please respect copyright.PENANAOkLkWTPJXX
24Please respect copyright.PENANAPDa10LwPMk
"Nah. The only thing that makes 'em different is that they ain't doing it for money."24Please respect copyright.PENANATlqb4kXhFL
24Please respect copyright.PENANARB3T6SgGqD
"...Considering why we're here, isn't that a significant difference?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAQ9w7F2U3ir
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYi0Qo6Vnqc
"Nah."24Please respect copyright.PENANAJc0qnYfVqk
24Please respect copyright.PENANAMR0IwQ0FWs
I sighed and abandoned this topic before it got out of hand.24Please respect copyright.PENANASE17ujbeKh
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxVB5pr4FZl
"Well, I don't think they're 'standard strong folk', though I suppose I haven't been a combatant as long as you have."24Please respect copyright.PENANA0GqHsdv8MD
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3UYMB46KAN
"Damn right ya haven't. Ya don't have the sense that I do, kid. Ain't nothin' special about 'em."24Please respect copyright.PENANAVyUScU2bl3
24Please respect copyright.PENANALHRKjB56kn
"...Well, maybe not to you, but at least let me testify."24Please respect copyright.PENANAP2SEHcRN5W
24Please respect copyright.PENANAF7nKDmNE2s
I fixed my posture before explaining. Juke leaned his cheek on his fist.24Please respect copyright.PENANAWff4wSj6Ee
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2gdht2YBH0
"Do you remember that cheer back in the room? The attitude of the Retaliation Crowd had a whole back there?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAjwL7J4Kftm
24Please respect copyright.PENANAp2qLoHjUGR
"'Course I remember. I called 'em crazy for it."24Please respect copyright.PENANAayY8KrOIlt
24Please respect copyright.PENANAj7EEh305Ev
"Right, I remember that too. But, that aside, they aren't the foolhardy people that attitude would lead you to believe."24Please respect copyright.PENANAqcvEHN6XrT
24Please respect copyright.PENANAxqL6LfeFiy
"Ah, if yer gonna tell me what I think ya will, then I already know."24Please respect copyright.PENANANMmlt2vGPz
24Please respect copyright.PENANAA8ir1UYK22
"Huh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA27E4w6icoC
24Please respect copyright.PENANAOTaG5vVbem
It came as a shock to me at first, but as I thought about it, it only made sense.24Please respect copyright.PENANA2ILlvMnILe
24Please respect copyright.PENANAH2dSUWBzlM
"Something about doing it for Lola, right? I'll give it to 'em, that was pretty dandy."24Please respect copyright.PENANAp0z3UOQ6Ht
24Please respect copyright.PENANAOQhK5LRDiL
"So someone told you as well?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAPG108fZXmo
24Please respect copyright.PENANAttLs8t4ov4
He nodded with a smirk on his face.24Please respect copyright.PENANADCeRz8z2Ap
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvoO4KCIMXb
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAS2ZgiwBjVL
24Please respect copyright.PENANAVmbwRkwAma
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAYtI1aQ6clc
24Please respect copyright.PENANAW7h5lsjI6R
"Well, show-offs or not, I think it's admirable. Something else makes me hold them in such high regard, though."24Please respect copyright.PENANAOI9MkfghXZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAbh3YFBCN6a
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAL7jy6oiP4X
24Please respect copyright.PENANAj8tuXkavMo
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAB9DYsfBDYD
24Please respect copyright.PENANA3zKW00o5fz
"..."24Please respect copyright.PENANA9RMWzmG0qM
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvH25ho9u5P
"I think it's admirable. It's something worth striving for. To be that brave, that decisive, that sure of oneself, that–"24Please respect copyright.PENANA8uEfAhHB0O
24Please respect copyright.PENANAlaDB9hWC7n
"Strong?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA5pBXt4I7cO
24Please respect copyright.PENANAMDmX9ihnX3
Juke suddenly intercepted, putting a word in my sentence that fit better than what I was going to say.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxRa9SE7RGY
24Please respect copyright.PENANAItqJh9p57U
"Yes, strong. That's precisely it."24Please respect copyright.PENANA7saIaOG8N2
24Please respect copyright.PENANAGLbExEmfW0
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?24Please respect copyright.PENANAVQCyDeRFJj
24Please respect copyright.PENANAorlLg3wse2
"So that's where yer coming from, eh, brat?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA8mY6BULvu3
24Please respect copyright.PENANAil7ZXxqqiR
"Brat is certainly new..."24Please respect copyright.PENANAgUMyPNfRWp
24Please respect copyright.PENANABIFpmHoklG
"My bad, kid. It's just that I hate seein' strong folk like yerself think that way."24Please respect copyright.PENANA2ysdJKbcC4
24Please respect copyright.PENANAKzgaNEZked
Juke uttered something unexpected and curious.24Please respect copyright.PENANArECTgTHlDF
24Please respect copyright.PENANAdnugCQRr9J
"Think like what?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAYuBkgkIwCe
24Please respect copyright.PENANAn1PMiL7pgM
"Lemme ask ya a question, kid."24Please respect copyright.PENANA0CeiHbYefA
24Please respect copyright.PENANArrYCk8COIl
Juke stood up from his couch, standing with his arms wide and posture tall.24Please respect copyright.PENANAoopVCj8JTS
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvcPfNZMtHS
"J-Juke...?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAyBKNaXeYZG
24Please respect copyright.PENANAq3uLIRDsI2
"Do ya think I'm strong?"24Please respect copyright.PENANASbChHIcsXQ
24Please respect copyright.PENANA2UhUcHrNns
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAXBtkUoHkJ3
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYbem9S0XGc
So, with nothing else to do, I answered.24Please respect copyright.PENANAwCDxZbbXxa
24Please respect copyright.PENANAHQ9Zki6mUZ
"Yes. I do think you're strong. Admirably so."24Please respect copyright.PENANANOAwD7j1RU
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYHP8dwbVjl
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAmQl1swctdZ
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgltZNeS4ur
"Yer a moron."24Please respect copyright.PENANANpwCvJpJUW
24Please respect copyright.PENANAMfVwrxMs9D
"H-Huh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAf4sJG0MBMJ
24Please respect copyright.PENANA8f9rX3ZCeF
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAroIk1Kd7IY
24Please respect copyright.PENANAgUsP4fI1KR
"H-How? I understand that you may not be the most capable, but if it wasn't for–"24Please respect copyright.PENANATie3o0bAM3
24Please respect copyright.PENANAqHGZCe0Dxt
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANASYG2PrGjZi
24Please respect copyright.PENANA8fgx38NVZh
He put a hand on his chest, and his other on the hilt of his blade.24Please respect copyright.PENANAfpobWFcBsm
24Please respect copyright.PENANAeUM0FcTwEk
"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–"24Please respect copyright.PENANAs4TtXLfXSa
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZt2QgkYBE0
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAEZpk8kYuBe
24Please respect copyright.PENANAJcA51hNIkl
"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?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAx2lWQCS46p
24Please respect copyright.PENANAYGlnff2D4B
"..."24Please respect copyright.PENANAP7x28qtrUx
24Please respect copyright.PENANAjBu2oo1ZBl
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAZLzKPH284D
24Please respect copyright.PENANA6zr0d4rQzZ
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANA9p724vwA9W
24Please respect copyright.PENANACxJQGww7GI
And so, I spoke.24Please respect copyright.PENANA59WBdJoKsU
24Please respect copyright.PENANADpyEXoh0NQ
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAaDzzFJu50t
24Please respect copyright.PENANAcRJFzRTLb9
"...Yer just like that bitch."24Please respect copyright.PENANAhBPEHhe6gS
24Please respect copyright.PENANAwlXQ9srBHD
It was a response whose content stunned me. Too still to make a reply, Juke continued to speak.24Please respect copyright.PENANAS9gbGvZOVn
24Please respect copyright.PENANAmKinnVj2md
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAy09px6WavB
24Please respect copyright.PENANAaTHwWC1Q4L
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAmBKY8aimB8
24Please respect copyright.PENANAVTS6nCi04t
"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?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA2fDyiZPnbc
24Please respect copyright.PENANAKyXFWva6sd
"And what good is bein' brave when yer a dumbass whose only got their arms and legs, eh?"24Please respect copyright.PENANA9Zmyi2HW85
24Please respect copyright.PENANAvpbihJJkDE
"You're missing the point!"24Please respect copyright.PENANA5cw7nyWSq6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAontAo0OYaN
Juke clicked his tongue and ruffled his hair. He looked calmer after doing so. I noticed that I raised my voice.24Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3V7Tt9xFj
24Please respect copyright.PENANATdXBsxdp7K
"At least with power, ya have what it takes to keep people alive. Yerself or someone else."24Please respect copyright.PENANAgXUDKXygvN
24Please respect copyright.PENANAPQtust21e6
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAyDTXwlp2SV
24Please respect copyright.PENANAZiO7Ta6C1g
"Who am I kiddin', I'm arguin' with a kid 'ere. Sorry for giving ya a hard time, Kenny."24Please respect copyright.PENANArnTmlNXqII
24Please respect copyright.PENANAnfDC75kWjn
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAHMjJPyOB7u
24Please respect copyright.PENANADAwy8C7HCz
What was happening today, where I wound up in such situations?24Please respect copyright.PENANAvRyBF2DpCD
24Please respect copyright.PENANAI7WiHh4Pi9
I discarded the question for now. It was just a distraction.24Please respect copyright.PENANAxm5SrgwmsI
24Please respect copyright.PENANAoDA3agOaPv
"You're so adamant on calling yourself weak, but you've saved my life before. That doesn't line up, don't you think?"24Please respect copyright.PENANAIHOvT6Pds6
24Please respect copyright.PENANAIrHHmHgrJW
"..."24Please respect copyright.PENANApghLocLDmB
24Please respect copyright.PENANAlrKEL9dUFB
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.24Please respect copyright.PENANAW1z4GZ4RQ0
24Please respect copyright.PENANAumSG3pYQuH
"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."24Please respect copyright.PENANAm3q1FyAjoM
24Please respect copyright.PENANANN0gFHd9VB
His walking advanced. A wooden door creaked with an echo, and what followed, a soft but poignant thud.