The fat Nigel and I amassed was substantial for the potion. I didn’t know what to do with the leftovers, but I didn’t dare to throw the fruits of our hard work away. It wasn’t as if another endurance potion wouldn’t be needed.
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“Now all I need to do is to finalize it.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd29rKEtoEY
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6SDK7KqGk
A few minutes of careful mana suspension was the remaining requirement for a job well done. I did so easily, channeling my shaky focus to form it with haste. The liquid turned deep blue, the color of the distant sea, meaning that–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTizvNSub8n
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxpeCDHSoR
“It’s a resounding success. Awesome.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY0MVFxhdI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xoHYSpHl4
I wiped my brow with my forearm and patted my face with my collar. I wasn’t sweaty or anything, but my head felt undeniably hot, likely from all the blood that rushed to fuel my attention. That aside, I now had a finished product to deliver, but as I tasked myself I came at a small crossroads.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4He3C3M48
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Should I go and deliver this now, or make a healing potion, and deliver this later?129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KJW6HkKdU
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“...”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FeDTvFyyD
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It seemed obvious to me what the answer was. Pragmaticism dictated the practice of the former, as the recipients of this potion were operating under borrowed time. But my left mind dictated otherwise; it told me that it would be a slight– no, a flagrant offense if I didn’t brew that medicine.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YjAlBYFNG
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“...That’s new. Where did you come from?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vxUX19nDz
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Thoughts like that– I didn’t recall having them. I was hit from left field by this warping, contorting, sapping feeling in my chest. It didn’t disturb me, however. Rather, I was confused. I was uncomfortable, but I could bear this panging, especially with a distracting duty.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn9qtGqSgS
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“I know better. I don’t have the time for that. No, I don’t.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs6iIEiK3m
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplUsiTbwKo
Indeed, I was creating with urgency. I spent enough excess time finding ingredients as it was, so any further stalling would jeopardize the whole city. I had to get out, and get out now–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFCp9EOj21
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“...”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8Cilf7tim
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But when I jerked my legs to do so, they didn’t. They stood in place, locked to the ground by that warping sensation. I clicked my tongue, because now I realized what was happening, and my irritated frown turned into a worried grimace.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvbBAwvnJn
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Even though I had a duty, to leave Rover to hang with a broken leg longer than she had to, left me with a pit in my stomach. It’s Especially so, because I had the power and the will to relieve her.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxqOUyQ7j0
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Fortunately, I had a compromise. I found that compromise in my bag, slouched against the wall. I sifted through it and found what I needed, then made a quick exit from the booth.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0XjO3omFa
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Knock, knock, knock. The strength of my banging knuckles surprised even me. I stocked hardly half the force in my flicks to produce such noise. But I summed up the cause immediately. I was nervous.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMLBI925QF
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“Yes?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7tbYTen0i
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The door opened quickly, revealing a Lola who was peekingher head through the opening. Her countenance lost its vigilance once she saw me, and it likewise calmed me down.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w3bDlmIZs
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“You’re here what I think you’re for, aren’t you?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFivrAti7uM
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFqvxTjgwt
“Y-Yes, Lola. Here, this is the potion I made.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwtVpBIkrI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblPaio2fOL
I stretchedmy arm out as she widened the door. She grabbed it with her free hand and inspected it on all planes. At some point, she stopped twirling and nudging it and blankly stared at the blue. I noticed now how fluidly the streams swirled.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy01kRfXo4N
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“You made this in eighty minutes?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAsl8WODbz
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“Did I take too long? I’m sorry, I had to grab some ingredients from a lower floor–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1lrVxJwMO
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“No, not at all. I was expecting you to take longer. Thank you, Kenny, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded handsomely.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI4Y5LOWmm
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhgvFkP0QT
I raised my hands bashfully and rapidly waved them at her.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49tneCVL3g
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“No no no, please don’t! You’re helping us enough as is.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiQPeuYjXQ
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“If you insist.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiIpJrMFP6
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She said so with an upscaling cadence, poorly singing the last syllable. I blinked a few times, and my eyes reopened to blaring blurs. Only my mother ever did that.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeQXq1ktzn
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“Kenny?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6dfXwaxDr
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“O-Oh, right. Do you need me for anything else?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hguath3Gf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYjXiWgSZn
“Hmm,” she hummed, clasping her chin, “if we do, I’ll bug you. For now, make yourself at home, and get plenty of rest. You’ll need it for what comes next.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzITRTS69x9
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti91YntUpV
I let out a chuckled sigh and slapped a hand on my chest, muttering a breathy “thank you.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEL0F3x8e0
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“There is something I’d like to ask you, however, just before you go.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqiHASO4ES
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She said so right as I turned to leave. I twisted my head and looked at her, gesturing for her to shoot.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddAUKOD4Xn
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJk3DktULA
“The concoction in your other hand; that bright green tint can only mean one thing, yes? A healing potion.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKczTtKtE8
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I nodded at her assessment. I realized the speed at which this could turn dangerous.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFRegxJkOV
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“I see. I see, I see…”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F1DifnTMD
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“A-Are you going to make me make one for each soldier?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A0XR90NfM
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl6pyRg391
“No, I won’t ask that of an outsider, let alone a child– oh, sorry, you don’t like being called that, do you?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDlj14Bggs
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHNHtgp0vD
“...Don’t worry about it. I appreciate you being considerate, Lola. Is there anything else?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfcuPlKz0a
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BEYTmRbeM
“I-If you don’t mind my prying, could you answer a few questions for me?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29TFPrZiT5
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86fAM0notw
She stepped over the threshold and closed the door, but stopped just short of shutting it. As much as I wanted to chat with her, though, I had somewhere else to be.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRaOySoTFj
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“Please?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBOp5ElH2e
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Though it was difficult to draw a line while she was making such a face.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWg1LywXme
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“F-Fine, but please make them short. I have somewhere I need to be.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AIGD5jzPp
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“Thank you, I will. It’s just two quick questions. First–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4Mc7uQpX8
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She paused right before asking, as if a crucial memory struck her from the woodwork. 129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qMr4zDFya
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8B1E9efJH
“–How long have you been an alchemist?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhGRRYmxAj
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“I’d say… hold on, that question has two answers. Commercially, it’s been about three years(1). Personally, it’s been for… seven?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjefdWewQ10
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“Seven years? That’s over half your life, isn’t it?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DoOelTFbb
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I gave a simple shrug with sandwiched lips.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdgRRVx5q0
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“I started young. That’s all.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDWsq0FNdQ
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“I see. Being trained at such a young age, no wonder why you’re so skilled.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEyJbK5ebY
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPJdhsAjgo
“P-Please, don’t flatter me. I appreciate the remarks, but they just…”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0L8nqhP3I
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFIggTHXO3
They don’t sit right with me, I wanted to say, but Lola gave a predictive, discerning nod, so I stopped speaking.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgpMfp4qQB
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGB1qbp57W
“Only seven years… then, maybe–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVvYaDTW3k
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“Sorry, can you repeat that? I didn’t catch it.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACV0ZOANX0
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She jumped and then waved her hand.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBU2dnlN09
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“Don’t worry, I was just thinking out loud. Anyhow, for my next question…”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjdWueX7dt
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“Right.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgCjRpwbUR
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“...I apologize if this may seem extreme, but I have to ask.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C9q0Rqq5c
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She straightened herself and turned her head left and right, seemingly afraid of anyone hearing in. That assumption was validated by her leaning her head in.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmnVCgH6t2
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“Did you kill anyone in the last operation?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aV0ya8BHS
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“I– Wha!?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbeRTIIRgU
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I couldn’t keep my voice down, much to her dismay. But, goodness, could she blame me? She put a hand on my shoulder and told me to calm down, which I quickly did, but I still had a storm thrashing in my skull.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvia7nSnAQ
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“Who asks something like that to a child!?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZTA2mreEc
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“Shh! I know it’s selfish, but it’s for my own peace of mind! I have to know, please, did you?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDh1RsHUYY
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“Your own… peace of mind?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsONibrBFgY
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When it was twisted that way, suddenly, I wasn’t so apprehensive. I was still bewildered, but answering that question didn’t feel like falling into a trap anymore. And so, reluctantly, my lips spoke the answer.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8qIpmHBqP
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“I didn’t. I hurt some people, but I never landed a killing blow.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYc9IvBMKt
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“I-I see. That’s a relief. Oh my goodness, that’s a relief.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6JNT8O42r
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL2WWLvVAq
She leaned against the door, closed it, and putting her hand on her brow, she closed her eyes and began to… pant? I wondered how she could be so worried. I was beginning to think she might have a screw loose.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWfKW5sBi8
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“Thank you for humoring me. You have no idea how much it calms me, to know there’s no blood on such a young man’s hands. 129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfT7j68G81
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“You… for some reason, I feel like you regard me much more highly than you should.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSltszTQMj0
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She shrugged at my comment.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCwJjqBMm2
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“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. I think I’ll keep you guessing. Now, shoo! You have somewhere to be, don’t you?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA95iQ4u3TY
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Brushing me off with perfect logic before I could respond to her outrageous statement, I clicked my tongue inward and turned on my foot.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KP40z1XYR
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2syXbTUGkt
“Goodbye Lola,” I shouted. She opened the door and slid right through, waving at me right before closing it.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFOfbmBBVb
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–
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As I inched closer to the infirmary, my body had an expected reaction. I coped with it accordingly, though that didn’t make it easy to move.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFVnhCgCy1
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With every progressing movement of my foot came a wave of resistance double the magnitude. I had to dig my soles into the floor to wade through the spasms, closing my eyes and gritting my teeth just to keep my limbs moving.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LmhiD1Zqk
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Of course, I was exaggerating. But goodness, did that swelling weight pound against my chest. My limbs did shake as I reached for the knob, but I managed to grasp it and keep my hand there.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ6JqohKrO
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“...This is ridiculous.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV7Hjz9U30
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I sighed. I looked at the healing potion and gave it a few light shakes, watching the agent crash like small waves against the flask. If push came to shove, I could drop this off by the bed or table and turn the other way. In fact, if I had to convince myself that was all I had to do just to open this damned door, then I would do so. So I kept saying so, a lunatic hustling his mantra.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LYnzgaDif
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“Just go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it– off!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW0GAAstNq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBjPpU7dOr
In the midst of my chanting, I bit the arrow and slammed it open. It looked far removed from how I imagined it.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfxIoordxv
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Instead of a small room with curtain-covered beds lined up with uniform spacing, it was a small room lined with dingy, almost make-shift mattresses. About eight people were in the room, and one was slouched on a chair opposite of me, his head hung and his arms crossed.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNYk0Et9TK
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And seeing how his groggy face raised to meet mine, I realized how noisy my entrance was.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XvKo1PzBW
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“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. I’m just here to deliver something.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbXPnwsMbs
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“...Hmm.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JrNUGqU0Q
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The man stood up and haggardly walked to me. From his gait alone, I could tell he’d been drinking, though I wondered how exactly he got his hands on alcohol. He stopped a few paces before me, took one long look with narrowed eyes, and casually shrugged.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC9ebCjg8U
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“Do whatever.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt6uesPjL2
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“R-Right. Thank you, sir.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dHIQ9cAwS
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He gave me a thumbs-up and plodded back to his chair. I looked around the room, feeling blessed from my lucky break, and eyed all the patients.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9i5py4XZna
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR3lqADq1T
While most were in their mock-up beds, either sleeping, eating, or chatting away, one mattress was empty. By process of elimination, it belonged to the person I was looking for.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTMgJ4eHNN
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“D-Darn it.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3QS6CyiPy
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Gnawing on my fingers, I did one more sweep before releasing a sigh. Rover was nowhere to be seen– not in the beds, not on the window sill, not in the corners, nothing–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyixJi1geoT
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“What are you doing here?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4cwIk4emM
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And then I heard a voice call from me. I jolted, nearly dropping my flask, and turned to face its timbre. Only as I saw its bearer’s face, did its course tone ring a bell in me.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjAMvLjZjI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweCCo1Q2Kd
There was Rover, sitting in the one corner out of my sight, eyeing me with a lion’s eyes.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ504Yt7ObKd
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“...U-Uh.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuEICkbq25
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuo0JnGKny
All my systems shut down at that moment. It was one thing to imagine meeting her, but seeing her face-to-face instead of a mere effigy I controlled the responses of was a completely different beast.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQId31pJY1
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnHaDCdmNg
“Well? Come on, spit it out.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPT8gCD122
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi73iobU0QA
“I… I-I.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGnFStKjE3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYvfHW86Ol
My body didn’t shake. My eyes didn’t blink, my lips didn’t part, and only the functions of my lungs and stiff throat continued normally. I was completely and utterly frozen.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidtfPyh4S5
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0mtUVFLFb
Suddenly, I felt my face fire up. It was a familiar feeling, but I was vulnerable during its assassination. In front of another person, of whom I had their undivided attention, witnessing my pale cheeks light like fireflies.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqREBLnKI8N
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWZvGiOMJZ
That shame was too much to bear. I stuck my hand out, darting my eyes between her and the potion, and even orbiting my other hand around the flask to emphasize it. Despite me putting it on a pedestal, Rover tilted her head with an eyebrow that raised to the ceiling.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIgvjiyhMl
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpJ7NG1oES
“I don’t have time for this, just spit it out!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77fwO9Yk6r
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehkwaaBkf2
“I-I’m here.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp8KawW9Y7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhQyaofw3X
By some miracle, her urging words kicked my chords into action, and I was beginning to form words again. Only, they didn’t have a present pilot.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEngUpKqKxf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ecqJZoNkH
“I’m– I made— I– Rover, I’m here–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGL7x3JpHs
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEanF5oF0fY
As I kept stumbling over myself, Rover rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. She looked at me, tapping her finger on herself as if she was waiting for me to stop.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a6pAm2Rys
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eFtHn8Rfb
“I…”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VQSXMXPca
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKijVnlBz4X
I sighed and pinched my nose, shook my head, and slapped my left cheek. I looked at the corner between the wall and ceiling, whispered something akin to a prayer, and finally looked that woman in the eyes.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtB7c3KPY9
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpklPY65m2u
“Hello, Rover.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNpFYmBQ4V
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv60xIuepeC
“Hey, Kenny.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYozO3gSQx4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRwRtMgX9f
I retracted my stretched arm, then extended it yet again.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMchiB0sUj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimbixgWyUX
“I made you this. It’s something I made, in light of the news I heard. Well, it’s just leftovers, but I did want to make one for you–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2xiEq2L7a
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUqyoWrIyN
“Cut to the chase!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAKPdpB6N3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3JlYmjrdt
“R-Right. It’s a healing potion. I heard that your leg sustained a major injury, and so, I’d like to give this to you. For some relief, and quicker healing.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eh6OncUzf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zoqi0JDfy
Her eyes widened. Her crossed arms slackened, and I took it as a signal to move forward. I took it incorrectly.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFcSweHiy7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWiX976a28
“Hold on, you brought me a potion?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH6aPXDSM4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVVP77C0WN
“Y-Yes.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vIf9NxxUA
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoFEXAeQlk
“Now who told you to do that?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobhqH0D5CI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95rI4qhD5T
“W-Well–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuTZqGacaR
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpqXNuLu1T
Nigel suggested it, but he didn’t tell me. No, mulling over that was wasteful spending. There was only one truth in this situation:129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmZyUOtQll
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qAklh7Puc
“I wanted to do it. I wasn’t told.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQleXUJGMVG
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlklrGBJNTK
“...You? That wimpy Kenny?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7xNrpWFHp
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeaZWS4RYY
I wasn’t mad at her insult. It was all too accurate.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Hp6qncpi7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOAhthO4gf
“Yes, the wimpy Kenny.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuhQdWgT5v
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZNzTxaI3h
“Ha! You’ve surprised me before, but this really blew my expectations out of the water!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgRqpkJpzg
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuBXK86HNi
She rubbed under her nose and hummed to herself with a satisfied tune. As I couldn’t read her mind, I stood in place and didn’t budge.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA4ZSsaPFC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tFehOqtUQ
“I refuse your treatment!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHYntpLAsv
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXIhEQcWir
“H-Huh!?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9TJZSFare
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBYRPhxGsW
In a single moment, all my apprehension had been voided. All anxiety and dread, crumpled into a ball and thrown out a window, replaced by a slate of terrible vexation.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrlfrV5XdD
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLGnRbKJ13
“Why not? Don’t you want to recover faster?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9fl40MA02
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowLu7x4ebS
“Of course I do, but I can’t accept it. Not when you’re looking at me like I’m some kind of monster.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHOvypqqfe
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfcBJ8trcd
“I– Wha?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB8zUUqStS
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf5v9MVfrD
I stopped pointing my finger and used it to feel around my face. There was no mirror, so it was the best I could do. Something was off with it, and if I didn’t figure out what, then I couldn’t give Rover this potion, and I couldn’t confront–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMXl0RkgPL
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhSTi0NkKJ
“No, stupid! It’s the face you’re making! It’s weird!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwmC6kXBN5
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD67Y6HcuV
“Stupid? Weird!?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTHMWjJ3Er
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiklOoC5BX
“Do you need the whole room to hear it!? You’re looking at me like a weirdo!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLLagKTiz5
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPpBXgkW3L
“...”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw483SLPfKY
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJPTBt6iWG
The energy to argue was sapped. I understood what she said, and could do nothing but stare with mouth agape. Rover leaned further against the wall and looked at me with her chin raised.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJmuf4TUxr
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhCbsMJCR6
“Why are you looking at me like that? Hmph.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJjla4oe3k
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYAdEOzb4I
As I had no other mode of operating at this moment, I blurted my immediate response.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZJaURh8AK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkohDyFhuh0
“It’s because I upset you.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoURr3cybn
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyClZGJxQmv
And then I realized that something like this required thoughtful phrasing.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwKMwdhcaB
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DvI4Pzt1j
“I don’t– well, I don’t want to make you any more uncomfortable than you–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuZ7tB0eSJ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEywgUXjxl
“That’s bullshit! Man, forget answering that, I don’t need your whole, your spiel you know!? Come here!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGq1p35PYB
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KwbzbVs8b
“Come, there,” I asked, pointing to myself.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOHyTxAqGh
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1k6TOBzL8
“Yes. Sit by me, I can’t stand looking at your working legs.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20dkfy1yXa
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPahAzRdFNY
“S-Sheesh.” 129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAzcfkGGVv
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uUEY9CWkn
I didn’t even begin thinking of a way to respond to that. I just did as I was asked and walked to her side, sitting against the wall beside her. She snatched the potion right out of my hand and eyed it like an appraiser. Only, if said appraiser was terrible at imitating one.
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMk5QZ97BW
“How do I use this thing?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNjfRQSom1
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvvHAlXazY
“You, uhm, you have to drink it. If you have a needle, you can inject it right into your leg, that’ll make it work faster, but not better.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT0utXuR8g
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTCLLvnMZ4
“Drinking works for me.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIdVjMf8oW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1z0DqiGN9
She popped the cork and chugged it to its last drop. She shook every drop out, set the flask on the ground, and entered a fierce coughing fit.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiOEIsqSEM
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGDA4f4msC
“Cah! What the hell, is in this thing?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx67Z3A33Y
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIheZXcSwbd
“That’s not the problem! You drank it too fast, you dingus!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfaJ6Uu1r3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfPdT4qQLW
She looked at me with sharp eyes but couldn’t do anything in the midst of her coughing. I slapped her back a few times to help it pass her throat, and after a moment, she calmed down.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxsHzIfBrK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiwgsCECqG
“If you drink like that, it’s likely to go down the wrong pipe.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG11IOqbKlz
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL0qbY1McK
“Whatever.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgy9q3wf2ni
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof98LUn5OK
With her dismissive reply, she turned her head to the side with what I could only imagine was a pout. I silently sighed, because for all the gritting teeth and flexing fingers her behavior should’ve invoked, it was within my whetted expectations. I tolerated her usual brashness rather well– in fact, my body was as relaxed as a koala. But I didn’t come here to watch her pout, and I no doubt must’ve warranted that face somehow. 129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQh6YnETqd
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62seNgUQDj
She discarded my earlier words, but they were genuine. I didn’t want to make her stressed. Not any more than a person with such a leg should have.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGzf21y4Mk
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31ekjzbmd0
And so, I got up from my improvised seat and brushed the little bits of dust that landed on my pants. I turned to Rover, who already had her eyes meeting mine. It was with such swiftness, that I almost staggered before my goodbye. Almost, but I fixed myself before it.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvglnYsNki
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kBAVlkICl
But before I could even take anpreludebreath, she spoke, reading my intentions.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVlt2UaiBF
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2VemcV66P
“Leaving already?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeRINMcshQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphgCUbRaze
“I-I am, yes. I think it would be best. It isn’t as if I don’t have–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSEv5RFdV2
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9E7gl6Q1y
“Hold on, not yet. I still have something to say to you.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOfUKzxgF6
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRwpUvtgz0
She didn’t reach a hand. No, not one inch of her body nudged my way. But her crossed arms and crunched eyes enacted a greater force than her limbs ever could, as if a fortress wall materialized on my head. My butt returned to the floor soon after, but what I tried my hardest not to reveal, was that it was self-assisted.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeHX48gk4g
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSk3rnTuLy
“That’s funny. I do too. Do you mind if I start first?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo3kdZphPI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLhQKB59Oa
She shook her head back and forth, keeping that iron countenance but giving me the go-ahead. It made spitting out my words difficult, but I was lucky to have rehearsed them. Only a little, of course.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6Eq3niLu5
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbyE2pNc26
“I wanted to tell you, that I’m sorry for what happened earlier. My conduct, of course. I was just– you remember what I’m talking about, right? Back in our little rented room?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZAF2z18sg
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynniEyObPz
“Yeah, I do. I remembered how much of a wuss you were.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiWBrItp8P
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKRFI1NU9u
I almost chuckled. Blunt as a bat, but it hit a bullseye.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IpXcIQf0B
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiXeqwbJ8x
“I was being conducted by fright. I couldn’t fathom, putting myself out there, and making myself a part of this mess. Risking my life, your life, Juke’s. But, honestly, those reasons took a backseat.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0nLjvoNvQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q5rgYrZlc
I noticed the subtlest rise of her right brow.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEBcKB2d0Z
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRX6htiQnM
“I thought that, the lower the engagement, the better it would be. Screw the job, screw the people. The less involved I was, the better. The less it was up to me, the better. I don’t fully get it– not yet I do –but with the words I have, I can tell you this much: that’s how I felt.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1L9yc1mSbC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleDtDMAPua
She nodded along to my apology. It looked like she was expecting more, but I was finished. So she’d understand, I concluded with–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEuVAuZ5ex
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj3NZbGU0p
“So yeah, I’m sorry for being such a wuss.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3kHVSGPGc
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ417EDYsJ7Q
“...Hmm. Ha, I guess kids really do grow so fast.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX5NJQNxct
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q9VGY8XFE
“H-Huh?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9Xkzf53Cy
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ttc3cWfEw
She rubbed her nose a little and continued talking.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkubTO5MTJ1
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzavp6c3Nf
“Just look at you. You’re nothing like the Kenny I knew.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlTePredrE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq8Uuu3sM7
“I-I, well, I don’t know if I agree–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbyxVRozCx
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt56uDSoZM
“Nah, on second thought, I take that back. But that doesn’t matter anyway. Seriously, just look at you.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvnNzfiUFe
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKz0Y8spSNs
“I’m n-nothing so special.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Tat7uynYs
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg2uQl6XRh
“Sure you ain’t. But here you are, in a room with a bunch of battle casualties. You’re in the same mess I’m in, and you’re finally working to get that letter back!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0sFt6181K
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb0Smg4hY5
“The letter certainly isn’t a priority.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMjkf6ZRRD
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bghNX6WUF
She casually clicked her tongue, tilted her head sideways, and waved her hand downward.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYqG7rAGNG
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP1fjHXonO
“Don’t sweat the details. That’s not the point. The point is that you’re in the same room as me again, and that means you finally grew a pair.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BxRr2YXTB
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyHStJlEEF
Whether it was he boorish phrasing or encouraging insistence, something about her made me sit on those words. I raised a hand to my chin and looked up at nothing, entrenched in thought. 129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaZR4sJdJe
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwYOFgqLsT
It took me only a few 129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡce7Znq0Tkf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmixNPmHuf
“I don’t think so. I don’t think I grew anything.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HrP7HTIDD
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ8l27u39n
“‘Course you did! Stop giving me such crap–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaFADYcdlz
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxQSSDFEqJ
“No, really, Rover.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgmssEEUEe
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlf6IsMjps
I slouched my posture and leaned back, lifting myself with my hands behind me. 129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUxF5dkfPq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsnQHWrGkC
“I think I’m just lucky.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezxeET1h3N
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lHhGLjiDZ
I veered my eyes away from the ceiling, looking into Rover’s, and was taken aback by her utter dejection. Or was it disgust?129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKrtHudEK1
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeV9LLsgxH
“I-I mean, it’s not as if I haven’t been trying, it’s just–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNjZKgVBzQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8Zwo7c1Vz
“Nevermind all that, Kenny. You’re starting to give me a headache.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnynEMF6xYi
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfAA8BTRjM
I stopped my frantic hand-waving and began to scratch my head.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd6t5AHdvF
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEKnYh72Sf
“You’re doing something right. You said it yourself, so you know. But enough about you; I have something to say, and your weird drug is already making me drowsy.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUUi4hMbsA
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkSJdfRW6S
“It isn’t a drug! I wouldn’t stoop to such barbaric substances!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaRqUmXVAt
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZwMwboqjS
“Uh-huh, whatever. Hear me out before you can’t anymore.”
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomjLarvaq2
I rolled my eyes but kept my mouth shut, squishing my cheek by resting it on my face. Though Rover looked ready to speak with her gaze matching mine, she quickly jerked her head the other way and appeared to look off into nowhere. I was confused, but I didn’t voice it. It would be unfair of me to interrupt her as she gathered her words, as I hadn’t been so many times.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48ROvP5lY1
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Eventually, Rover’s face flared and became ruddy. I didn’t think much of it initially, but as I continued to remember that it was Rover who I was talking to, this meant that whatever she said had immense gravity. I perked my ears and sharpened their hearing– as best as I could with the poor funnel my hands formed, anyhow. 129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANcwfoG3yG
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“D-Don’t rush me!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2JdjxK002
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“I’m not rushing you! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you just spat it out, but–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupzjyQayqd
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“Shut up, Kenny! You told me yourself once that I’m too crass with words. Just let me think; you already know I’m bad at this…”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY9mjyqzDm
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I had no recollection of doing such a thing, but as the clearest memory I had of her was of the incident that night, I chose to believe her. She spent the time fiddling with her fingers, biting then nibbling her lips, darting her eyes this way and that with such ferocity her head jiggled with each motion. I could see my reflection on her sweat, and she was so engrossed in thought that air stopped entering her system.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhuspSX29H
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I was exaggerating, but I couldn’t deny that it was making me uncomfortable. I wondered then for a moment, as admonishable as a thought that it was, if this is how people felt around me at times.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHak9mcRWpi
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“Gahh, forget it! You convinced me, I’ll just say it!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB56IxZjsqF
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“I didn’t say anything.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFUyuuPowB
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She straightened her back and puffed out her chest. Her guise of bravery was there to convince herself. The instance her lips would part, she’d cross a fine line, one whose threshold would shut and lock with her passing legs. I knew that gesture all too well. And since I did, I gave her nothing but my most diligent attention.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GV0vuUyig
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“I’m sorry for being such a priss.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pOc8TFffI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAKeiqxlXs
And I was returned an equal blow. Rover stuck her tongue out after saying that, ready to clean off the ‘mawkish verbiage’ she just spewed. That’s what it seemed to me anyway, but she refrained, as she had only her body to convince me of her sincerity.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX0Q2SynqM
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But whether she was or not, mattered not to me.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3stgSVZdi
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“I don’t regret chewing you out, don’t get me wrong. But I shouldn’t have abandoned you two. Not after how we’ve, b-became friends, and not after how you told me all you did.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzSdXzC2Gd
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“Told you all I did? What?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnLSQdn0sV
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She was caught by a wind of fury.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF7xS0GYHD
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“You don’t remember!? Are you kidding me!? I really should–! Gah, you’re making this so much harder than it should be!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8VUTJovST
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1JnAaWQqG
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. She stopped her rage immediately, donning a look of perplexion. 129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFdThXfDqV
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“What’s so funny?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQmzsCTxfX
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLmFrUR9rf
“N-Nothing in particular. I appreciate the apology, I suppose? I don’t think I’m all that deserving of it, though.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW5pTj92Da
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“Hold on, I’m not done yet!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkEctNH1g0
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I nodded in understanding, and so she continued.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaTSFhkD3n
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“As I was saying… I was so mad, but I was never that mad. And I get why now. Because when it comes to anything Hard-Bringer, I get a little crazy.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7jKsBip3I
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“A little crazy?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd4d5N8Mvx
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“Yes, idiot, I just said that. They piss me off like you wouldn’t believe. Screw that, I don’t get a little crazy, I grow mad, mad!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CGKoNYa13
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Her hands balled themselves to compliment her offshoot tangent. Her escalating tone made me concerned, but she relaxed soon after.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ypBXhPwsS
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“So yeah. Sorry for messing up. And, sorry for thinking you were such a wimp. I thought you were totally hopeless, but I was off the mark.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziI0Zjx0WG
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“Well–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRJbswgrZt
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“Shut up! Shut up! Do you know how annoying it is to hear someone undersell themselves all the time?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaI8xwjkFk
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“I–”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMycWTTmsKj
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It was that precise phrasing, that specific selection of words and syntax, and her usual, but energized voice that spelled it out for me, that allowed a candle to ignite in my mind. A quick image flashed in my mind, one of a man of close acquaintanceship, and then my throat spoke on its own.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL22mK15iz
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“Yeah. I do. It sucks.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGn3tBKA1Z
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“See! I– huh? You do?”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvB2aBEJUm
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I slowly nodded along. Rover looked with pleasant surprise. She was more than eager to take my word for it, and in fact looked delighted after I spoke.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrwfxc50Bm
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“Still,” I began, “as grating as it may be for your ears, I really have to stress that I think you’re wrong about me. I’m still a wimp.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2UPWAolse
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“Whatever. Think what you want, but don’t speak it out loud anymore.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlhSdFR4pQ
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“I… haha, sure thing, Rover. I’ll do just that.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnZCMC13zE
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Her candid words were the perfect closer. There was wisdom in that harsh language– a funny thing to call it, as she was only a few years older than me –but wisdom nevertheless. No speech of mine could be a better finale, so I gathered myself and stood up from the floor.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIDFp6yppH
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“Perfect. I was just about to tell you to leave.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cTSSBbmxi
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpT78ufvSe
“I’m starting to think you hate me.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4zfQl1a5v
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Her hands twitched upwards defensively.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ54hfPUV70
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“I-I don’t. I’m just getting sleepy. Any second now, I’ll doze off.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjKGiryjYm
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“Ah, right.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFS7m4R38a
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She mentioned it just a few minutes ago, but it didn’t compute with me until now. Recovery would always be an exhausting thing, especially with assistance from potions. I wondered for a moment if there was a way to mitigate that.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PQymrphE7
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“That one Bringer was invigorated even with a restored limb, after all…”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27DdalBBxw
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“What are you mumbling about, eh? Scram! Scram, I tell you!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtRItTAbce
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“Alright alright, jeez. With how grouchy you’re being, you really do need that rest.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FV9XTNYtA
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She stuck her tongue out at me this time. I took it with a light heart, waltzing to the door and stretching as I made my way. I placed my hand on it but stopped short of opening, taking one last look at Rover. Her eyes were taking turns closing. I could tell she was exerting herself when she waved me off.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwmQUSCTQr
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“Wait, one last thing!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDs3DvGXMK
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Then, she shouted unexpectedly. I looked at her with a blank expression to signify my okay, and she continued shortly.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMfSRDiRiL
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“Tell that old bucket-wearing fart to visit me sometime.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb9nFp9mfq
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“...”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtk3U1Yv6z
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I smiled.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJAmPCOuwu
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“I will.”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoHaeVpQuU
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I returned her wave and exited the room. The moment the door shut behind me, I let out a quick breath and–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvgfv9i3q4
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“Yes!”129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckKl7PACsY
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A jump with jubilation. I had to. I never experienced such success before.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVnKoT1PHr
