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.
257Please respect copyright.PENANAIvHYOHCkbj
“Now all I need to do is to finalize it.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA6vMUf7tRul
257Please respect copyright.PENANA0bIwdoqAhI
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–257Please respect copyright.PENANAkAjCiJiwwx
257Please respect copyright.PENANACozOt2Ewbd
“It’s a resounding success. Awesome.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAYIAnnPybp5
257Please respect copyright.PENANAijujb87hkO
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAMWa4YOYWEo
257Please respect copyright.PENANArCXrgJtfUD
Should I go and deliver this now, or make a healing potion, and deliver this later?257Please respect copyright.PENANA9WbcDih4EX
257Please respect copyright.PENANAIWRKSHBHjL
“...”257Please respect copyright.PENANAs94teDUYwl
257Please respect copyright.PENANAkeKpywUWF8
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANApqE00Pqssg
257Please respect copyright.PENANAVENoAVSD0A
“...That’s new. Where did you come from?”257Please respect copyright.PENANANwvw6eBI3t
257Please respect copyright.PENANAyACuj8iG38
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANASIpKICIQHn
257Please respect copyright.PENANAkqbtoAw7Oh
“I know better. I don’t have the time for that. No, I don’t.”257Please respect copyright.PENANACLoR5LnP0M
257Please respect copyright.PENANAOkaUTtc3ju
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–257Please respect copyright.PENANAMsiTJsNrg3
257Please respect copyright.PENANAEclIy6DYbM
“...”257Please respect copyright.PENANAkxvE4B3Lr3
257Please respect copyright.PENANANkMx5c9tht
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANA36ENpiy8sn
257Please respect copyright.PENANAmCj28FbPs6
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANA3pETDtqw8P
257Please respect copyright.PENANAuoKKr4uBBH
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAxNVCeB23fu
257Please respect copyright.PENANAP2UqUsgsOJ
–
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–
257Please respect copyright.PENANAsEWPbR9CPW
–
257Please respect copyright.PENANAOvCRoehikf
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANA6MPZj3Agxx
257Please respect copyright.PENANAfzcUe5W110
“Yes?”257Please respect copyright.PENANA1sqgkWTrc6
257Please respect copyright.PENANA2v4YlfCRS9
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAvXJkgoZYUJ
257Please respect copyright.PENANAYBa6MRCQpB
“You’re here what I think you’re for, aren’t you?”257Please respect copyright.PENANA9g2vTOKMI2
257Please respect copyright.PENANASCsH2gsD1f
“Y-Yes, Lola. Here, this is the potion I made.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAXynOXIwBjk
257Please respect copyright.PENANAnlQpT18Eia
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAa9jdjtmz2t
257Please respect copyright.PENANAW0I6ch5Y0b
“You made this in eighty minutes?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAYsR6aFouA6
257Please respect copyright.PENANAt629TqiuBT
“Did I take too long? I’m sorry, I had to grab some ingredients from a lower floor–”257Please respect copyright.PENANAsO1cmGkz0n
257Please respect copyright.PENANA2g8e7oYS7R
“No, not at all. I was expecting you to take longer. Thank you, Kenny, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded handsomely.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAxsP0uRtoQ2
257Please respect copyright.PENANABs8WIkAWQ2
I raised my hands bashfully and rapidly waved them at her.257Please respect copyright.PENANANfzDXdgZCo
257Please respect copyright.PENANATu1nPXYaq9
“No no no, please don’t! You’re helping us enough as is.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAE5UuWnf5zm
257Please respect copyright.PENANABtXdSQ2FIU
“If you insist.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAollqm1IIB6
257Please respect copyright.PENANAcDbbP5JwIc
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAZpWTLt0OiN
257Please respect copyright.PENANAZ12HYbxzqp
“Kenny?”257Please respect copyright.PENANA27aO8W35fp
257Please respect copyright.PENANAWG3W3pgSUk
“O-Oh, right. Do you need me for anything else?”257Please respect copyright.PENANA8t9I0zS2P0
257Please respect copyright.PENANAMZfBcbso2S
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAJT3Q04hns5
257Please respect copyright.PENANARI78iOeExp
I let out a chuckled sigh and slapped a hand on my chest, muttering a breathy “thank you.”257Please respect copyright.PENANALFRD2m3ERv
257Please respect copyright.PENANACgTFsRdMnG
“There is something I’d like to ask you, however, just before you go.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAxilj3jB96k
257Please respect copyright.PENANABc5EOYWvPJ
She said so right as I turned to leave. I twisted my head and looked at her, gesturing for her to shoot.257Please respect copyright.PENANAUeJOc0nHZD
257Please respect copyright.PENANAE27yLY1UIg
“The concoction in your other hand; that bright green tint can only mean one thing, yes? A healing potion.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA3UHZxiIlnh
257Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2MXVDU7km
I nodded at her assessment. I realized the speed at which this could turn dangerous.257Please respect copyright.PENANAGgTYua6MXd
257Please respect copyright.PENANAsfXe9EprgM
“I see. I see, I see…”257Please respect copyright.PENANAqCduZG1Qlc
257Please respect copyright.PENANAsjGUaVJ2lo
“A-Are you going to make me make one for each soldier?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAcSTDsMfpUL
257Please respect copyright.PENANA25kadrVtvo
“No, I won’t ask that of an outsider, let alone a child– oh, sorry, you don’t like being called that, do you?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAWnUM9CvD9s
257Please respect copyright.PENANAtXOQSg2F5j
“...Don’t worry about it. I appreciate you being considerate, Lola. Is there anything else?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAzup3caxtGq
257Please respect copyright.PENANAOZsZuCBALV
“I-If you don’t mind my prying, could you answer a few questions for me?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAxxJLFRH4by
257Please respect copyright.PENANAw6FVpLR1Kt
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAzsDlSothr9
257Please respect copyright.PENANAp7dF0VmZ9k
“Please?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAYh8rlbUN1j
257Please respect copyright.PENANA5axNe7N8OG
Though it was difficult to draw a line while she was making such a face.257Please respect copyright.PENANAfULrmdV9P5
257Please respect copyright.PENANAs09L3VsUgp
“F-Fine, but please make them short. I have somewhere I need to be.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAZ67vH8bDoB
257Please respect copyright.PENANALnBMY4KCBR
“Thank you, I will. It’s just two quick questions. First–”257Please respect copyright.PENANALIagJxN8OD
257Please respect copyright.PENANAUEbYviv1Vg
She paused right before asking, as if a crucial memory struck her from the woodwork. 257Please respect copyright.PENANA9B9iEj0vmS
257Please respect copyright.PENANAzENHF6do5k
“–How long have you been an alchemist?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAKSAjJoKVck
257Please respect copyright.PENANAKjDhg1kBXu
“I’d say… hold on, that question has two answers. Commercially, it’s been about three years(1). Personally, it’s been for… seven?”257Please respect copyright.PENANARQ6JoFN4rN
257Please respect copyright.PENANAey59KW4nzE
“Seven years? That’s over half your life, isn’t it?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAIXA6q7j7Nc
257Please respect copyright.PENANAEvIE3SEdHF
I gave a simple shrug with sandwiched lips.257Please respect copyright.PENANAmzNEbivKCk
257Please respect copyright.PENANAUGDCJ3uFdO
“I started young. That’s all.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAOra8057o35
257Please respect copyright.PENANAXDtKtdy9mi
“I see. Being trained at such a young age, no wonder why you’re so skilled.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAIPI64IcmX4
257Please respect copyright.PENANAWqoTVzgbJY
“P-Please, don’t flatter me. I appreciate the remarks, but they just…”257Please respect copyright.PENANAcAywHpRVeW
257Please respect copyright.PENANANiW4UPmZDw
They don’t sit right with me, I wanted to say, but Lola gave a predictive, discerning nod, so I stopped speaking.257Please respect copyright.PENANAjohI9PMvsK
257Please respect copyright.PENANALoNIKIve1w
“Only seven years… then, maybe–”257Please respect copyright.PENANACPIOrw5KFP
257Please respect copyright.PENANAeh0FLFCm55
“Sorry, can you repeat that? I didn’t catch it.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAznTyvH9CUi
257Please respect copyright.PENANAKjYvESt6AX
She jumped and then waved her hand.257Please respect copyright.PENANAtDkNXaxWQP
257Please respect copyright.PENANASwG21kcjwW
“Don’t worry, I was just thinking out loud. Anyhow, for my next question…”257Please respect copyright.PENANACqFMiS1ArY
257Please respect copyright.PENANAg32jdDOevN
“Right.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAwgzrFnredr
257Please respect copyright.PENANAMjBJAuLmuO
“...I apologize if this may seem extreme, but I have to ask.”257Please respect copyright.PENANASkuH9XSFQd
257Please respect copyright.PENANAoHbsDaQkwa
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAiIcqxOpXss
257Please respect copyright.PENANAq0svsZpcmz
“Did you kill anyone in the last operation?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAXcMQktrPai
257Please respect copyright.PENANADiSz7HZFAE
“I– Wha!?”257Please respect copyright.PENANA5etHmQReE7
257Please respect copyright.PENANAtXVSDXhogj
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAo3cgHR0DFh
257Please respect copyright.PENANAvlOl9NdVbH
“Who asks something like that to a child!?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAQR5nrUBn8h
257Please respect copyright.PENANAW9YflMMzIJ
“Shh! I know it’s selfish, but it’s for my own peace of mind! I have to know, please, did you?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAZFgA9YgC1v
257Please respect copyright.PENANAzS8kN1luK7
“Your own… peace of mind?”257Please respect copyright.PENANA5mpesvvdaS
257Please respect copyright.PENANAEktJowqAqO
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANArXRaeXmVtQ
257Please respect copyright.PENANARjhOPleroB
“I didn’t. I hurt some people, but I never landed a killing blow.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAVdY9NmYqnd
257Please respect copyright.PENANAU6rWhIAdIu
“I-I see. That’s a relief. Oh my goodness, that’s a relief.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA6lWxuPBVJh
257Please respect copyright.PENANAv9IE0jtyio
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAbtal0MXkvw
257Please respect copyright.PENANAPWFAyrCswO
“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. 257Please respect copyright.PENANATvd1DhYP9y
257Please respect copyright.PENANAqrKJNOu2cO
“You… for some reason, I feel like you regard me much more highly than you should.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAirsfaCzyEu
257Please respect copyright.PENANApZGudkiK95
She shrugged at my comment.257Please respect copyright.PENANAdqp8QWb3HJ
257Please respect copyright.PENANAwstjMwBdy1
“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. I think I’ll keep you guessing. Now, shoo! You have somewhere to be, don’t you?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAx7DBTb4CFk
257Please respect copyright.PENANAx9ivJVoYr9
Brushing me off with perfect logic before I could respond to her outrageous statement, I clicked my tongue inward and turned on my foot.257Please respect copyright.PENANA1RuCtbNVe2
257Please respect copyright.PENANAYUEsAHqlW1
“Goodbye Lola,” I shouted. She opened the door and slid right through, waving at me right before closing it.257Please respect copyright.PENANAbc5dOtJut5
257Please respect copyright.PENANAh2gOHBGwRh
–
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–
257Please respect copyright.PENANAqwMcDP9vCT
–
257Please respect copyright.PENANAQEvNCaNJOS
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAm1gnsD1AHf
257Please respect copyright.PENANA65mhucRazp
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAsKP9zpM8xk
257Please respect copyright.PENANAXXMzKCXdVy
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAKqOC6T4tAd
257Please respect copyright.PENANAfHAYJlkhbZ
“...This is ridiculous.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAe7LfrNmYSO
257Please respect copyright.PENANAJyHuAabbzy
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAxzsvqjS5Ws
257Please respect copyright.PENANA0Agw2FBDww
“Just go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it– off!”257Please respect copyright.PENANA4OvEPuYcRQ
257Please respect copyright.PENANARtUQrSKPqf
In the midst of my chanting, I bit the arrow and slammed it open. It looked far removed from how I imagined it.257Please respect copyright.PENANAlI8saTeFWV
257Please respect copyright.PENANApaYysGGOtM
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAxOhGldgAZG
257Please respect copyright.PENANAnMGOwywgbT
And seeing how his groggy face raised to meet mine, I realized how noisy my entrance was.257Please respect copyright.PENANAdSu1dvZANM
257Please respect copyright.PENANASY4DjInL1X
“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. I’m just here to deliver something.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAHp4uyC9ZGB
257Please respect copyright.PENANA9WE9jIuODj
“...Hmm.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAFMz5himARD
257Please respect copyright.PENANAK4l0POmpSf
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAvpRUhskMxl
257Please respect copyright.PENANAft9YqEDYPM
“Do whatever.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAoes7VzC0IE
257Please respect copyright.PENANACOLVUfK8Tg
“R-Right. Thank you, sir.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAof13T1eJLz
257Please respect copyright.PENANAPLFEPWZbBa
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAAgZF3PSsEq
257Please respect copyright.PENANAJGg2FZ3C0o
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANA30f5EEJohR
257Please respect copyright.PENANAm8j3p6uVi4
“D-Darn it.”257Please respect copyright.PENANASMKMT0Ueme
257Please respect copyright.PENANAeRob2kmMkV
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–257Please respect copyright.PENANA95QxDoVgpK
257Please respect copyright.PENANAl4meWtBTtk
“What are you doing here?”257Please respect copyright.PENANALcMz9RcrLg
257Please respect copyright.PENANAgZcmRFUFkf
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANA73Qu1QjlFI
257Please respect copyright.PENANAeXgshwDG9P
There was Rover, sitting in the one corner out of my sight, eyeing me with a lion’s eyes.257Please respect copyright.PENANAEtkMmeiscG
257Please respect copyright.PENANAWfEJxETn8n
“...U-Uh.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAU1MynUL4mK
257Please respect copyright.PENANAMbC1kwFyjm
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAZTqvRCkdqX
257Please respect copyright.PENANABmOJEWPX34
“Well? Come on, spit it out.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAHfidYv6HS3
257Please respect copyright.PENANAgglqp254Y6
“I… I-I.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA5DGrN5Ovaj
257Please respect copyright.PENANA5phzECdCmh
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANASy5OTNcG4F
257Please respect copyright.PENANA6EIQtEy6Bg
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAGGs3chjGD1
257Please respect copyright.PENANA66d3BAMf1v
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANA4rSGKS8SM4
257Please respect copyright.PENANAlGsGy8IvFP
“I don’t have time for this, just spit it out!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAmxRRVXIOOA
257Please respect copyright.PENANACS8wGBJVH4
“I-I’m here.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAIBP4MAnNIH
257Please respect copyright.PENANAKRmEtisnja
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAdpvPCy4DIm
257Please respect copyright.PENANAxnqEunmoIc
“I’m– I made— I– Rover, I’m here–”257Please respect copyright.PENANASgINpL2vqh
257Please respect copyright.PENANAEkTW6YuOm4
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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAFdWTEooaAC
257Please respect copyright.PENANAgN7XJW839S
“I…”257Please respect copyright.PENANAQZDLuGoZGS
257Please respect copyright.PENANAvL97sh96VY
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANARAjLLEdZOV
257Please respect copyright.PENANAZBh19aaS7U
“Hello, Rover.”257Please respect copyright.PENANANkn7FBZSrb
257Please respect copyright.PENANAZlo1SWONre
“Hey, Kenny.”257Please respect copyright.PENANATGzZJ9aAxR
257Please respect copyright.PENANAcbFChyldLu
I retracted my stretched arm, then extended it yet again.257Please respect copyright.PENANAqfiZJj7F0R
257Please respect copyright.PENANAjrBtuwnanB
“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–”257Please respect copyright.PENANAH9a4ylIYUz
257Please respect copyright.PENANACeAAlmvHiu
“Cut to the chase!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAmBSPEPr137
257Please respect copyright.PENANA0w0xzHg7AV
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAmO9XIP5O4m
257Please respect copyright.PENANAJsfmUeWzkx
Her eyes widened. Her crossed arms slackened, and I took it as a signal to move forward. I took it incorrectly.257Please respect copyright.PENANArzIoHbQbjE
257Please respect copyright.PENANAhqrAbVm6c6
“Hold on, you brought me a potion?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAudst6OqoFr
257Please respect copyright.PENANAGBczZtoD3w
“Y-Yes.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAGe0vfaROC4
257Please respect copyright.PENANAhT0OsLrtLA
“Now who told you to do that?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAi3TGdAosT8
257Please respect copyright.PENANAKRDx4YRGgL
“W-Well–”257Please respect copyright.PENANAThEyW7Ql1P
257Please respect copyright.PENANA8zhNrm43qM
Nigel suggested it, but he didn’t tell me. No, mulling over that was wasteful spending. There was only one truth in this situation:257Please respect copyright.PENANA4mLq6nVFEl
257Please respect copyright.PENANASiQAMHw7EN
“I wanted to do it. I wasn’t told.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA8gRf71WYYP
257Please respect copyright.PENANAjxFy8opiKg
“...You? That wimpy Kenny?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAvN1MBjdo00
257Please respect copyright.PENANAM1oF7hbTDo
I wasn’t mad at her insult. It was all too accurate.257Please respect copyright.PENANA3A53Sknvq1
257Please respect copyright.PENANAUzYJ3xtLZf
“Yes, the wimpy Kenny.”257Please respect copyright.PENANARDhRzMJExR
257Please respect copyright.PENANA19ynm6jlA5
“Ha! You’ve surprised me before, but this really blew my expectations out of the water!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAKKqYZ96gkh
257Please respect copyright.PENANA5JD08LeQJn
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAn5X681dbTd
257Please respect copyright.PENANA8ctVkANERs
“I refuse your treatment!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAH21eE8hCBk
257Please respect copyright.PENANAIWDbIDsE48
“H-Huh!?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAZfT8LO9mE7
257Please respect copyright.PENANALmh4EHwwao
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAYGne333wfj
257Please respect copyright.PENANABsZpX490Eu
“Why not? Don’t you want to recover faster?”257Please respect copyright.PENANASqjA1mWaeE
257Please respect copyright.PENANAY0qVW5ShT1
“Of course I do, but I can’t accept it. Not when you’re looking at me like I’m some kind of monster.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAuBh2Tu7oo8
257Please respect copyright.PENANAM2hKDVhdap
“I– Wha?”257Please respect copyright.PENANA9nBQRWbqvP
257Please respect copyright.PENANAD9upL93km7
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–257Please respect copyright.PENANAzTvGn9ChsN
257Please respect copyright.PENANAp8rF2aftMJ
“No, stupid! It’s the face you’re making! It’s weird!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAfl9nfO8k6n
257Please respect copyright.PENANASw7uKkwvdj
“Stupid? Weird!?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAmRAhbcOcd3
257Please respect copyright.PENANAY670kxCCO6
“Do you need the whole room to hear it!? You’re looking at me like a weirdo!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAPJ7KdZ4HPW
257Please respect copyright.PENANAMkHjM5VgoF
“...”257Please respect copyright.PENANA13dT6zM2gi
257Please respect copyright.PENANA7rtbt7i8ww
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAjFF1mCeh2q
257Please respect copyright.PENANAFC0sviBVnG
“Why are you looking at me like that? Hmph.”257Please respect copyright.PENANADlaZw2GPbu
257Please respect copyright.PENANAgwrj8kBQAF
As I had no other mode of operating at this moment, I blurted my immediate response.257Please respect copyright.PENANAkgcVZqcDLS
257Please respect copyright.PENANAy84VthwTK8
“It’s because I upset you.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAxg5LtqFfbB
257Please respect copyright.PENANAEXz45hJ1fY
And then I realized that something like this required thoughtful phrasing.257Please respect copyright.PENANAYwACDxGK8z
257Please respect copyright.PENANA08OMG9SBad
“I don’t– well, I don’t want to make you any more uncomfortable than you–”257Please respect copyright.PENANAh6bm5TMjn9
257Please respect copyright.PENANAIpumB2LEpF
“That’s bullshit! Man, forget answering that, I don’t need your whole, your spiel you know!? Come here!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAqBXpFIX1a2
257Please respect copyright.PENANAXZceMCPBdS
“Come, there,” I asked, pointing to myself.257Please respect copyright.PENANAfg3Vy6xBe0
257Please respect copyright.PENANAvxxPRZrBnD
“Yes. Sit by me, I can’t stand looking at your working legs.”257Please respect copyright.PENANApjvKK3tG6H
257Please respect copyright.PENANA7pFQyJqCCq
“S-Sheesh.” 257Please respect copyright.PENANAqRjSWiA4El
257Please respect copyright.PENANAfMh3MAf131
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.
257Please respect copyright.PENANACYrgfTK5Jz
“How do I use this thing?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAhwFJa2wDdd
257Please respect copyright.PENANApbG3PXPXyj
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAfAd4kH9XCn
257Please respect copyright.PENANAGfow5KLtLd
“Drinking works for me.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA92GwqzDsYq
257Please respect copyright.PENANAVvsQUU8mEU
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAv93uJzSmVe
257Please respect copyright.PENANAEDPFJHZGOk
“Cah! What the hell, is in this thing?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAX6o8oo4otW
257Please respect copyright.PENANAU3KyMMu1k9
“That’s not the problem! You drank it too fast, you dingus!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAcktHddyAqz
257Please respect copyright.PENANAtqiEZGONn1
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAZJOHmtNXLA
257Please respect copyright.PENANA5Zvp7EtmtT
“If you drink like that, it’s likely to go down the wrong pipe.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA1QaBOJSKih
257Please respect copyright.PENANAdYLuYrP376
“Whatever.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAuDkh4WyyvL
257Please respect copyright.PENANAdzX3dvygOd
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. 257Please respect copyright.PENANABpqEFpLvBJ
257Please respect copyright.PENANAAsP5OPquDE
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAIjfqQ72XkC
257Please respect copyright.PENANAoialcUKa1b
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAKwQiHaE0NW
257Please respect copyright.PENANAH8sd8eEDCW
But before I could even take anpreludebreath, she spoke, reading my intentions.257Please respect copyright.PENANAsLjOWM4lrW
257Please respect copyright.PENANAjHDoh287Wt
“Leaving already?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAeI3PGyQtFS
257Please respect copyright.PENANAxVPBiaqeg3
“I-I am, yes. I think it would be best. It isn’t as if I don’t have–”257Please respect copyright.PENANAJUkO9sAA6k
257Please respect copyright.PENANA19kXd5UdIX
“Hold on, not yet. I still have something to say to you.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAavYoIwS4HZ
257Please respect copyright.PENANAfVjaOuMiVq
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAXiWJq72b4g
257Please respect copyright.PENANADrO2efQurU
“That’s funny. I do too. Do you mind if I start first?”257Please respect copyright.PENANADIyd2s5sY3
257Please respect copyright.PENANAoFqBuWGpoP
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAEY1uUmP5Q5
257Please respect copyright.PENANAeEV9Vxa513
“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?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAbFkU16SRYq
257Please respect copyright.PENANA6XnJJ1xkO7
“Yeah, I do. I remembered how much of a wuss you were.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAcIXWfx2Mqf
257Please respect copyright.PENANASl15ZrkPjI
I almost chuckled. Blunt as a bat, but it hit a bullseye.257Please respect copyright.PENANA9E0a0HWDC3
257Please respect copyright.PENANAPibH5ODxMO
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAMO2U6qlJRs
257Please respect copyright.PENANAJskJOj7Hr4
I noticed the subtlest rise of her right brow.257Please respect copyright.PENANA1DFMamfjZc
257Please respect copyright.PENANA151EAHxbpf
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANATNhdIXl6aH
257Please respect copyright.PENANAcS4waaIGze
She nodded along to my apology. It looked like she was expecting more, but I was finished. So she’d understand, I concluded with–257Please respect copyright.PENANAlaOsnAAhPv
257Please respect copyright.PENANAsM3aYASfSw
“So yeah, I’m sorry for being such a wuss.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAuCpSlvWJJ9
257Please respect copyright.PENANA1qWGKsqyY8
“...Hmm. Ha, I guess kids really do grow so fast.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAoDqEIuYxba
257Please respect copyright.PENANAuGO4FbrSHw
“H-Huh?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAz6Gm7WdHUp
257Please respect copyright.PENANACBCJutxYBz
She rubbed her nose a little and continued talking.257Please respect copyright.PENANAto6FKEUeLm
257Please respect copyright.PENANAan5lxyvQOi
“Just look at you. You’re nothing like the Kenny I knew.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAJ1cXVfKL4A
257Please respect copyright.PENANA9i614zBbHU
“I-I, well, I don’t know if I agree–”257Please respect copyright.PENANADvpSMh4jEX
257Please respect copyright.PENANAhRI4n6Od4l
“Nah, on second thought, I take that back. But that doesn’t matter anyway. Seriously, just look at you.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA2mRwPP8AAP
257Please respect copyright.PENANA8BDyQJBs9G
“I’m n-nothing so special.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAcJE3bp8JE7
257Please respect copyright.PENANAE3qUwm1j3T
“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!”257Please respect copyright.PENANA8DmSpwbbMX
257Please respect copyright.PENANAGIKBxtwjSL
“The letter certainly isn’t a priority.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAKqQzEelyx8
257Please respect copyright.PENANArcnrVoYkpz
She casually clicked her tongue, tilted her head sideways, and waved her hand downward.257Please respect copyright.PENANAJCj5KjjTOv
257Please respect copyright.PENANAT42uN7fAVM
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAiuVkeMiSqN
257Please respect copyright.PENANAEfpsXC6lRW
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. 257Please respect copyright.PENANAp9Nue4ryXV
257Please respect copyright.PENANADmMEQI94R0
It took me only a few 257Please respect copyright.PENANAMH1daY4xi9
257Please respect copyright.PENANAbTH8tUPgch
“I don’t think so. I don’t think I grew anything.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAv6tz312HGz
257Please respect copyright.PENANA6Br8fVjki8
“‘Course you did! Stop giving me such crap–”257Please respect copyright.PENANADCOAHuCivz
257Please respect copyright.PENANAxgCTObfuEQ
“No, really, Rover.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAe7fGwOzYNt
257Please respect copyright.PENANAMF3MdMmvum
I slouched my posture and leaned back, lifting myself with my hands behind me. 257Please respect copyright.PENANAjxIDce84ls
257Please respect copyright.PENANAc1krziEuNS
“I think I’m just lucky.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA8s2CJRHCvc
257Please respect copyright.PENANA1LF6IMowXU
I veered my eyes away from the ceiling, looking into Rover’s, and was taken aback by her utter dejection. Or was it disgust?257Please respect copyright.PENANAOUhwOAFxKK
257Please respect copyright.PENANAiBY3tj8Wv5
“I-I mean, it’s not as if I haven’t been trying, it’s just–”257Please respect copyright.PENANAwH7Sok9Qz1
257Please respect copyright.PENANArtH0J1u5Gf
“Nevermind all that, Kenny. You’re starting to give me a headache.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAncHBRT7Gxn
257Please respect copyright.PENANAirW4RbLbZF
I stopped my frantic hand-waving and began to scratch my head.257Please respect copyright.PENANAOtj1qCHmjB
257Please respect copyright.PENANA4mPeKsKPdY
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAeuiBPMBSPJ
257Please respect copyright.PENANAP8Z97KJkBT
“It isn’t a drug! I wouldn’t stoop to such barbaric substances!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAH6fxD05bx9
257Please respect copyright.PENANAolXStSNIZ6
“Uh-huh, whatever. Hear me out before you can’t anymore.”
257Please respect copyright.PENANA3lO0JqVzdD
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANArlWADZ9bmV
257Please respect copyright.PENANAPwwLee85IS
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. 257Please respect copyright.PENANACxrh475sAt
257Please respect copyright.PENANAudhFGsqapP
“D-Don’t rush me!”257Please respect copyright.PENANA98wxTIwYSu
257Please respect copyright.PENANA69iT1eOFOQ
“I’m not rushing you! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you just spat it out, but–”257Please respect copyright.PENANA32HNrKPaN5
257Please respect copyright.PENANAWlnT9cnPCY
“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…”257Please respect copyright.PENANAHNyXCb5Fzm
257Please respect copyright.PENANAfJAw4fhLye
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAPFqPwIuhqA
257Please respect copyright.PENANA1Ls6jiQ4RL
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAjn63gA27Fd
257Please respect copyright.PENANAxMyNJxkDD2
“Gahh, forget it! You convinced me, I’ll just say it!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAzO9WAQlES2
257Please respect copyright.PENANAcYJIDePLt1
“I didn’t say anything.”257Please respect copyright.PENANACIIguRFqwm
257Please respect copyright.PENANA9KtRHRvG2M
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAGzH2d6y5uo
257Please respect copyright.PENANAusAvZqM9dx
“I’m sorry for being such a priss.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA9lVyNPzgIl
257Please respect copyright.PENANAlmOE82sxLz
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAGO1orS5bXK
257Please respect copyright.PENANAOGYKi876lJ
But whether she was or not, mattered not to me.257Please respect copyright.PENANA26uzpo02dM
257Please respect copyright.PENANAzwkakhCScM
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA67pUBsmVW4
257Please respect copyright.PENANAoRScTfxIAW
“Told you all I did? What?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAIokFQOo0iH
257Please respect copyright.PENANAu0XYS8fMU4
She was caught by a wind of fury.257Please respect copyright.PENANA2X0QxUXRk5
257Please respect copyright.PENANAOHZ1qXzjFX
“You don’t remember!? Are you kidding me!? I really should–! Gah, you’re making this so much harder than it should be!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAp5XwuDIm6F
257Please respect copyright.PENANAsGPopNOjtm
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. She stopped her rage immediately, donning a look of perplexion. 257Please respect copyright.PENANADbubmoF24d
257Please respect copyright.PENANA7Eq6Lex8VH
“What’s so funny?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAJg3pW6ncty
257Please respect copyright.PENANAxBeWrtYGS7
“N-Nothing in particular. I appreciate the apology, I suppose? I don’t think I’m all that deserving of it, though.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAhxr7yvHhXE
257Please respect copyright.PENANAbHXvBZ9q0i
“Hold on, I’m not done yet!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAATkL3A1hit
257Please respect copyright.PENANA4RLvoxo6uc
I nodded in understanding, and so she continued.257Please respect copyright.PENANATi8rghmPrS
257Please respect copyright.PENANAudgAZLkJPB
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAl9KfTAjKQ3
257Please respect copyright.PENANAbOY8BGhMnN
“A little crazy?”257Please respect copyright.PENANA11zqyc7TNX
257Please respect copyright.PENANAnhtv1s1TWi
“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!”257Please respect copyright.PENANA1fb9h1DxrP
257Please respect copyright.PENANAREBauvDREb
Her hands balled themselves to compliment her offshoot tangent. Her escalating tone made me concerned, but she relaxed soon after.257Please respect copyright.PENANAzxUHlsZN8w
257Please respect copyright.PENANAsSxzpz0oBQ
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAmTjKBzoE4s
257Please respect copyright.PENANAqLwohtL5K5
“Well–”257Please respect copyright.PENANA4gYlXVIVCM
257Please respect copyright.PENANAcKxt69aoVP
“Shut up! Shut up! Do you know how annoying it is to hear someone undersell themselves all the time?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAelt9JAkmqN
257Please respect copyright.PENANABnUpNbNR7a
“I–”257Please respect copyright.PENANATXynsaiTPm
257Please respect copyright.PENANAjt8JGXeAyQ
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAZvuMgkDVWq
257Please respect copyright.PENANAlMKzRigQOf
“Yeah. I do. It sucks.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAsODBXJ4HwI
257Please respect copyright.PENANAe3uAkZ9SHe
“See! I– huh? You do?”257Please respect copyright.PENANAhiwAcf8LGp
257Please respect copyright.PENANAhOGnBANXVz
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAtoMp6Ux9Qf
257Please respect copyright.PENANAS75V1rT7j3
“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.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA8TrzZ1JDAa
257Please respect copyright.PENANAYFhZAIvOOJ
“Whatever. Think what you want, but don’t speak it out loud anymore.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAGJWx1LhE07
257Please respect copyright.PENANASmnoRaQ046
“I… haha, sure thing, Rover. I’ll do just that.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAqnhYtTKvlF
257Please respect copyright.PENANAjlxrK5hvCb
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAxv2PPPTrJS
257Please respect copyright.PENANAvrNSXvOnrn
“Perfect. I was just about to tell you to leave.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAGpfUccTscf
257Please respect copyright.PENANAZfYfidzJJA
“I’m starting to think you hate me.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAq7zBoPokfD
257Please respect copyright.PENANATKZBUnFJha
Her hands twitched upwards defensively.257Please respect copyright.PENANAftpWfmeHhd
257Please respect copyright.PENANAUDfTXkeN6b
“I-I don’t. I’m just getting sleepy. Any second now, I’ll doze off.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAaVqLf9QFMC
257Please respect copyright.PENANADEgfy97C6G
“Ah, right.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAk5sH3qxiWi
257Please respect copyright.PENANA79T0ai4Ahs
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAl4YQ3NyCAk
257Please respect copyright.PENANAUhIjWYHnvA
“That one Bringer was invigorated even with a restored limb, after all…”257Please respect copyright.PENANA3z9lx5Q2yf
257Please respect copyright.PENANAX55ZpXWAmx
“What are you mumbling about, eh? Scram! Scram, I tell you!”257Please respect copyright.PENANASiW4NpJo6s
257Please respect copyright.PENANAVUoVoBKtvT
“Alright alright, jeez. With how grouchy you’re being, you really do need that rest.”257Please respect copyright.PENANATIiCED12uF
257Please respect copyright.PENANALnXWWb3nXm
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.257Please respect copyright.PENANAyaiBWC37A9
257Please respect copyright.PENANAvtjTizATSA
“Wait, one last thing!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAjgo1akPkG5
257Please respect copyright.PENANAvL6xCrtczr
Then, she shouted unexpectedly. I looked at her with a blank expression to signify my okay, and she continued shortly.257Please respect copyright.PENANAHKZICodoDy
257Please respect copyright.PENANA2HmqAJYdeU
“Tell that old bucket-wearing fart to visit me sometime.”257Please respect copyright.PENANA1fgMnmZKYv
257Please respect copyright.PENANAizDOdJdKuF
“...”257Please respect copyright.PENANARW8OjjmAmQ
257Please respect copyright.PENANAKIZQqPSqxC
I smiled.257Please respect copyright.PENANAkpindnPCw8
257Please respect copyright.PENANAgZmOikq3jC
“I will.”257Please respect copyright.PENANAo1XrpUssBZ
257Please respect copyright.PENANA6nCwgvDrCs
I returned her wave and exited the room. The moment the door shut behind me, I let out a quick breath and–257Please respect copyright.PENANAFGWlKeUPef
257Please respect copyright.PENANAOWdCNPHUgl
“Yes!”257Please respect copyright.PENANAWHNAomIqLk
257Please respect copyright.PENANAaoaHMT1dxZ
A jump with jubilation. I had to. I never experienced such success before.257Please respect copyright.PENANAICHd6ubp8R