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.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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–
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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.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
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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.257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn63gA27Fd
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“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
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But whether she was or not, mattered not to me.257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26uzpo02dM
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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.”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
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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
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“A little crazy?”257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11zqyc7TNX
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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!”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
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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.257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvuMgkDVWq
257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMKzRigQOf
“Yeah. I do. It sucks.”257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsODBXJ4HwI
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“See! I– huh? You do?”257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiwAcf8LGp
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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.257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoMp6Ux9Qf
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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.”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
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“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
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“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
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“...”257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRW8OjjmAmQ
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I smiled.257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpindnPCw8
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“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
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A jump with jubilation. I had to. I never experienced such success before.257Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICHd6ubp8R
