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.
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsR6V3Wy6C
“Now all I need to do is to finalize it.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0s5L1sJDy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66Bqoaz41o
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WSMOkJHyl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraH1wgiz9O
“It’s a resounding success. Awesome.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnvxaIDjUN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhikem5pxZY
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iCRvqCBrW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihVJXNyHio
Should I go and deliver this now, or make a healing potion, and deliver this later?163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzRS4IlOTj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdxxND9Ysz
“...”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJLzeztEtl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu29SidSnD
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBFF1UwFAl
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“...That’s new. Where did you come from?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7WqEkVG6J
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9kYOeLsI8
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT9u508YFg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf52Geal5gn
“I know better. I don’t have the time for that. No, I don’t.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VjcJRNcDm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i1cI9gmnR
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNsfSEvO1L
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“...”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7IICrGPPh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUT1h8KOnn
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPMl1UM6rK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ykoFFOumX
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaw6BIS12Z
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjyFyudxN6
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlPMD3SzJN
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Knock, knock, knock. The strength of my banging knuckles surprised even me. I stocked hardly half the force in my flicks to produce such noise. But I summed up the cause immediately. I was nervous.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsrjhgimW4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak5i5s8wiL
“Yes?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhkOb9EW2E
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBj0kNsUslp
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1YjTOZLdh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaTxnleJyK
“You’re here what I think you’re for, aren’t you?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZEuFpCBAd
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“Y-Yes, Lola. Here, this is the potion I made.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg4RsWz7Mw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTLPyXCt0M
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHYPPwraKJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U0ND257mi
“You made this in eighty minutes?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISoVIwEOuz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zfx2Roksk
“Did I take too long? I’m sorry, I had to grab some ingredients from a lower floor–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxucLVxp4C
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2WUnqfkCZ
“No, not at all. I was expecting you to take longer. Thank you, Kenny, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded handsomely.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSWsY9rR8l
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrC3jorMZ09
I raised my hands bashfully and rapidly waved them at her.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3mHideacX
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“No no no, please don’t! You’re helping us enough as is.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVdjcCUYTR
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“If you insist.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE22rQvSPA
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She said so with an upscaling cadence, poorly singing the last syllable. I blinked a few times, and my eyes reopened to blaring blurs. Only my mother ever did that.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqyvXqBgPS
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“Kenny?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbGRs4gywB
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“O-Oh, right. Do you need me for anything else?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUalToxHKE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpEYRbASv9
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeD9Lx5Bh7J
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UthJclMEb
I let out a chuckled sigh and slapped a hand on my chest, muttering a breathy “thank you.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OISGLaMrJ
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“There is something I’d like to ask you, however, just before you go.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPFwbf8KVg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhZ3DHComA
She said so right as I turned to leave. I twisted my head and looked at her, gesturing for her to shoot.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM40RlVVb3s
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ9vMS57Br
“The concoction in your other hand; that bright green tint can only mean one thing, yes? A healing potion.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyen7NyXook
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6WSWUwyAz
I nodded at her assessment. I realized the speed at which this could turn dangerous.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83tDxCTm6R
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“I see. I see, I see…”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdFfJIceUM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc47FPdbyq
“A-Are you going to make me make one for each soldier?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vxlNUbYLe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2AMxgNAAV
“No, I won’t ask that of an outsider, let alone a child– oh, sorry, you don’t like being called that, do you?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1RKWDK1hD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZute0I5dbZ
“...Don’t worry about it. I appreciate you being considerate, Lola. Is there anything else?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYthw885k9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2T96UzWBg
“I-If you don’t mind my prying, could you answer a few questions for me?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRyrcM4ZQK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfYAHbAHnm
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaVhgjD0VH
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“Please?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYTOXA0QAz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJuiMhgm2f
Though it was difficult to draw a line while she was making such a face.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhabp4jHuGL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyqyFuGCsi
“F-Fine, but please make them short. I have somewhere I need to be.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2dNkxyuWB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe0KV2vzwo
“Thank you, I will. It’s just two quick questions. First–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODGEXQ1FQE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VoOxq0WgD
She paused right before asking, as if a crucial memory struck her from the woodwork. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoN9Ny3EGu
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8MQOT8bEZ
“–How long have you been an alchemist?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFE4MO6N5L
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“I’d say… hold on, that question has two answers. Commercially, it’s been about three years(1). Personally, it’s been for… seven?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HZXyykbFA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAdX70qsIq
“Seven years? That’s over half your life, isn’t it?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSe9sdOM6Y
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I gave a simple shrug with sandwiched lips.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqszXgQ2nZn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oZhQQTLKY
“I started young. That’s all.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBdWyC0ryI
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“I see. Being trained at such a young age, no wonder why you’re so skilled.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROz4FFgmHG
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxroSgmTAK
“P-Please, don’t flatter me. I appreciate the remarks, but they just…”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3yCJ3ZGE4
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They don’t sit right with me, I wanted to say, but Lola gave a predictive, discerning nod, so I stopped speaking.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlB3ZOgS9q
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2toF1Oio2I
“Only seven years… then, maybe–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAyd8996cc
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“Sorry, can you repeat that? I didn’t catch it.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nibww2HTB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiT9Ck2AU5
She jumped and then waved her hand.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucq7ykCbSE
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“Don’t worry, I was just thinking out loud. Anyhow, for my next question…”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r1lfbzHN2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TiXVd5A84
“Right.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0L11wBr9a
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQlGqOrls9
“...I apologize if this may seem extreme, but I have to ask.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt62MUHhPUL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfPRtDiipV
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2lWQxN9CK
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“Did you kill anyone in the last operation?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZxeH1NJW5
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“I– Wha!?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsU6XFT6yL
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKidXNinTHI
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhum2JMTF8b
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XCtHKcP90
“Who asks something like that to a child!?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3a4FBvC32
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytKQqUmnA9
“Shh! I know it’s selfish, but it’s for my own peace of mind! I have to know, please, did you?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oWGpgDhs2
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGy5y6u2ai
“Your own… peace of mind?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN8QUn6Cxu
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When it was twisted that way, suddenly, I wasn’t so apprehensive. I was still bewildered, but answering that question didn’t feel like falling into a trap anymore. And so, reluctantly, my lips spoke the answer.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk780wqKW9J
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“I didn’t. I hurt some people, but I never landed a killing blow.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYHLiJJnrQ
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“I-I see. That’s a relief. Oh my goodness, that’s a relief.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTUDbRAxZX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRumZ9tuyQ
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwc17FSCED
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“Thank you for humoring me. You have no idea how much it calms me, to know there’s no blood on such a young man’s hands. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcB1W94jQg
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“You… for some reason, I feel like you regard me much more highly than you should.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdza1wINRfR
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She shrugged at my comment.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOYHrLdoa2
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“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. I think I’ll keep you guessing. Now, shoo! You have somewhere to be, don’t you?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34vwrvjAVI
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxgATGNPVp
Brushing me off with perfect logic before I could respond to her outrageous statement, I clicked my tongue inward and turned on my foot.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxWLUGv9XF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbreRo70ZZl
“Goodbye Lola,” I shouted. She opened the door and slid right through, waving at me right before closing it.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQ8rSX53ms
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NVCzwshsa
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG6tjN1i2Z
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58bXJsaSUf
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Of course, I was exaggerating. But goodness, did that swelling weight pound against my chest. My limbs did shake as I reached for the knob, but I managed to grasp it and keep my hand there.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Cl7LmIVZL
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“...This is ridiculous.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6SzkYTZxy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lEMicYeHB
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk3yMbbIbw
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“Just go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it– off!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk85feMD2g
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxgVXeee8h
In the midst of my chanting, I bit the arrow and slammed it open. It looked far removed from how I imagined it.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eom13pY5I
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoewOPxXgD
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIjEqw56Ea
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And seeing how his groggy face raised to meet mine, I realized how noisy my entrance was.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FgyLb6vfm
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“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. I’m just here to deliver something.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUgNgXFb0X
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK10Hh3TzkD
“...Hmm.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw7ivPPHkd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv10hJsNYY
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk9FliXmUC
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“Do whatever.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfcNjqID0G
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“R-Right. Thank you, sir.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAD1XvAAP9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbd24TcdCE
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCTthuGxWh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQBNAluEv3
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6rIlDP4E4
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“D-Darn it.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9eXIYROks
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Gnawing on my fingers, I did one more sweep before releasing a sigh. Rover was nowhere to be seen– not in the beds, not on the window sill, not in the corners, nothing–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZmYeX6YtE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LhS6us8O4
“What are you doing here?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgRvnjOZvJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HT3E9yqZF
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRCcwBQ8q1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs91S6T62oW
There was Rover, sitting in the one corner out of my sight, eyeing me with a lion’s eyes.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcsKmCchKS
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“...U-Uh.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNg3TH2w8V
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GKR1ob3An
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwTE1qWLTw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly7NhcJXZX
“Well? Come on, spit it out.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErE61H3WKD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0GV7UGD5C
“I… I-I.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz6AUNqIuV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa00dKbMqkL
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxAPapcCsC
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrcqH0pCwy
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yQ2485ZT1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DaajPU1v8
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTS1srHi9s
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUN5gl6iuds
“I don’t have time for this, just spit it out!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtileRlWxN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO0aZDxuVz
“I-I’m here.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF9nkqxiSj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtALFPtiD6
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNEPMnU6cN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBnM3tNm9c
“I’m– I made— I– Rover, I’m here–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ2wa3yn5o
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B0Dlrhrgx
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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEAg0LynQS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5OJxo8v6f
“I…”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VJCKSGQUs
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWj1ouEoJi
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkRwcwQNRU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTZwTHvZHQ
“Hello, Rover.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZVrYMyXDT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspC3jDFpYR
“Hey, Kenny.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXBKlxy0QJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyohG0MBN7u
I retracted my stretched arm, then extended it yet again.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1mqoXA922
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySKOn3snBF
“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–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb9c7j7b2u
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31lQVifUyr
“Cut to the chase!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh95MjpAcc
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv158VZGH6E
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqOe25MGrH
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6q5w1vzrD
Her eyes widened. Her crossed arms slackened, and I took it as a signal to move forward. I took it incorrectly.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVCGGpIbp5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpLBt694bI
“Hold on, you brought me a potion?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxACHFk3Woi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmriry0Dts
“Y-Yes.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA116WM5ppx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzucgar2wa
“Now who told you to do that?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0FyXmKbsy
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQETAKsR4e
“W-Well–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hkKG3jBN7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf6bvM8ULY
Nigel suggested it, but he didn’t tell me. No, mulling over that was wasteful spending. There was only one truth in this situation:163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKp6ckndQB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanOlouiKzW
“I wanted to do it. I wasn’t told.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugCw741VyO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oYpWYMRbo
“...You? That wimpy Kenny?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gqfanEbwi
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wzqspr9fd
I wasn’t mad at her insult. It was all too accurate.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfFFRIzzQm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQCHelELAZ
“Yes, the wimpy Kenny.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgU0Z0IKBgf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGLJly9BR1
“Ha! You’ve surprised me before, but this really blew my expectations out of the water!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1ESbnz88t
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA8kjq8DgF
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHDYz6iYJn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeS9zjx0qM
“I refuse your treatment!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAfR0mo5kk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CN8HMJEIP
“H-Huh!?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiSeZ8OtWz
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGIrYmsDcP
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRsq7lDmX7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2YcnwWg8F
“Why not? Don’t you want to recover faster?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEXz5gYztc
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F2qVTZhEs
“Of course I do, but I can’t accept it. Not when you’re looking at me like I’m some kind of monster.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQW60PtmQB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bkbW16pa6
“I– Wha?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z5TGZSEMA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ldvskKwa5
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–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV24zdnWCr8
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcVydRDrMX
“No, stupid! It’s the face you’re making! It’s weird!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEleRslhyg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0TKDvmU1T
“Stupid? Weird!?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepfFnVmtLN
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfzrDdJxAx
“Do you need the whole room to hear it!? You’re looking at me like a weirdo!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jBTBv7jgw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDA5ZjN2lJ
“...”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva39JvOzTm
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhExfkaUN4e
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXTKCIZVBb
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh6GGihkPK
“Why are you looking at me like that? Hmph.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0fwqpv6IU
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUoy7DUd6I
As I had no other mode of operating at this moment, I blurted my immediate response.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23yFLhf4vP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMJeT1ZpUO
“It’s because I upset you.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzRm8nv87E
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqGXen1Ytu
And then I realized that something like this required thoughtful phrasing.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbcWGgIHeX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mP12dezTU
“I don’t– well, I don’t want to make you any more uncomfortable than you–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGAwb1Lc5Z
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyBujwuWvn
“That’s bullshit! Man, forget answering that, I don’t need your whole, your spiel you know!? Come here!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIi5ubjF5V
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1BX2Ih3aZ
“Come, there,” I asked, pointing to myself.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8xmCKT0xx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGcMQ6arUw
“Yes. Sit by me, I can’t stand looking at your working legs.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdhqa7IR6y
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqSM75Xnw4
“S-Sheesh.” 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4XJXzgAhB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN64wYisjG
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.
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgd4oT7Xxq
“How do I use this thing?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZPC4HrACQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGj4ojHKZEd
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWjal5obqv
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lukokTSD1
“Drinking works for me.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bdlI27rPB
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOvr2EaTFl
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdRcLDlBQT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLkHmeYD2E
“Cah! What the hell, is in this thing?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyULF2HgUPx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf7DjDcJWt
“That’s not the problem! You drank it too fast, you dingus!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1ENWu7y2u
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWh6bfRgBY
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk5sb2Rrv4
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84Ip8kMZXh
“If you drink like that, it’s likely to go down the wrong pipe.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlQCzYfaB1
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zgi8jqwb9
“Whatever.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfEJ42xh2I
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0qP8moD7T
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. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTjEbDXCTM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJhBJjLC2Q
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0XI4284VA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyVWqJijI1
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1t9F732Jrh
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiylEkDyzEK
But before I could even take anpreludebreath, she spoke, reading my intentions.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1oAMa072N
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZnj6JuEBj
“Leaving already?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnSzJaqs2M
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinID2eqRsF
“I-I am, yes. I think it would be best. It isn’t as if I don’t have–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOchBrWHFZ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQPVSo4Qx2
“Hold on, not yet. I still have something to say to you.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSmd3cWsLQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdyfJiTDmL
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzoMdyvh93
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcMmO2gL0i
“That’s funny. I do too. Do you mind if I start first?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKHrDGTuZg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iCXcKMTbe
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98swtfT9Bk
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGSjZ0Ckes
“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?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlWOxspSSw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKyLVG9WZT
“Yeah, I do. I remembered how much of a wuss you were.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NOMBzi0BF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbOclrXx9V
I almost chuckled. Blunt as a bat, but it hit a bullseye.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRkgLfSR2a
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi95Y1pRaFc
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDIdJvdTvl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFHQbpCkCr
I noticed the subtlest rise of her right brow.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvNMjB8vPf
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZScNJ6f1r
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhQ1iNQUip
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cC7qsCa2s
She nodded along to my apology. It looked like she was expecting more, but I was finished. So she’d understand, I concluded with–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv8SpCnxtW
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2MYbmBeJF
“So yeah, I’m sorry for being such a wuss.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEUoEAOziK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx44jxwPzhK
“...Hmm. Ha, I guess kids really do grow so fast.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhrQbmvAOd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf39YfyRIJC
“H-Huh?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlKAn1jrbv
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ0A7IsMoo
She rubbed her nose a little and continued talking.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE320UBNJXA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXaWeRHcfE
“Just look at you. You’re nothing like the Kenny I knew.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqBr9o904C
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uaIbtSaaQ
“I-I, well, I don’t know if I agree–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBTKiaC4gY
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVqvYJ2LpN
“Nah, on second thought, I take that back. But that doesn’t matter anyway. Seriously, just look at you.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTMZGs9Wfa
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCX46wMHME
“I’m n-nothing so special.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZI8PjPzer
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtPPOk3wAl
“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!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhiaHFOWSt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJCA95UZBA
“The letter certainly isn’t a priority.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYdewto2aR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xpgu7dJdu
She casually clicked her tongue, tilted her head sideways, and waved her hand downward.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIpm3DgF5M
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl52Bq5iTRF
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN8oKi4jje
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtYjVvFXZO
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. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRd9fujGtzA
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHVV7pSB8S
It took me only a few 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtcNsK03Xw
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTPzOz5UkO
“I don’t think so. I don’t think I grew anything.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuqKzQcve5
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqFV07sJnY
“‘Course you did! Stop giving me such crap–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZHQZD2NVF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33pvEoJQzz
“No, really, Rover.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzJJuz4Mrn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I6JpXDYu0
I slouched my posture and leaned back, lifting myself with my hands behind me. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEXQLSNS5G
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEcysPelXo
“I think I’m just lucky.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mZyrFGP5E
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKuvEQ1c8M
I veered my eyes away from the ceiling, looking into Rover’s, and was taken aback by her utter dejection. Or was it disgust?163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUmiw491qR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EA1FFYXTd
“I-I mean, it’s not as if I haven’t been trying, it’s just–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMagS5quls
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb470SL7wE
“Nevermind all that, Kenny. You’re starting to give me a headache.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE8xeEO3sK
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVCy4iCfmV
I stopped my frantic hand-waving and began to scratch my head.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0nqEy3ABs
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmu0iFOCgbl
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9224nS1g0R
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qumVXRoir
“It isn’t a drug! I wouldn’t stoop to such barbaric substances!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfjNVfJPNg
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIFGYmqeD9
“Uh-huh, whatever. Hear me out before you can’t anymore.”
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeaC4D3i8t
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuigS6n1l6p
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Eventually, Rover’s face flared and became ruddy. I didn’t think much of it initially, but as I continued to remember that it was Rover who I was talking to, this meant that whatever she said had immense gravity. I perked my ears and sharpened their hearing– as best as I could with the poor funnel my hands formed, anyhow. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQodTYHQwMQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ50rAiuY2
“D-Don’t rush me!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE2hRLl5aj
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzIc7Vqr7f
“I’m not rushing you! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you just spat it out, but–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwjsXe7vUd
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebWsijJ97T
“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…”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ezMk2a7J6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG1Ih1JtX1
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnSt803AxO
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsdzZVlLGn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTCFOqLP1Z
“Gahh, forget it! You convinced me, I’ll just say it!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MdWISPo4u
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGqTtdr6Wj
“I didn’t say anything.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMtbS4LLjQ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNJ4MwsjjB
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUimyi2H7k
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU65ai7qua
“I’m sorry for being such a priss.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhbqdI4vft
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCT2cRM0Gu
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWrWHP9oWC
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But whether she was or not, mattered not to me.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaawR0zdBO
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjwBYPeJjY
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJXRtv6akJ
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqf8r2LoIkV
“Told you all I did? What?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvJgzyF6th
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X3yXmBrfu
She was caught by a wind of fury.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5GxaGkMab
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtD3G1mdqC
“You don’t remember!? Are you kidding me!? I really should–! Gah, you’re making this so much harder than it should be!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6MQMfAZ7z
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kMj0W45wo
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. She stopped her rage immediately, donning a look of perplexion. 163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kDQhaZdh7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdBHRUtgDo
“What’s so funny?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rlXTB8M2p
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQ6xATKrYt
“N-Nothing in particular. I appreciate the apology, I suppose? I don’t think I’m all that deserving of it, though.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GYqoLxSiR
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuOhOfpwUh
“Hold on, I’m not done yet!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs5cls7B8a
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I nodded in understanding, and so she continued.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OuhRx8R8S
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeVIhgN74s
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNgM2rTKBj
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“A little crazy?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99wNCIMuEy
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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!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWCyBKW4O6
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyI8ry0QI2
Her hands balled themselves to compliment her offshoot tangent. Her escalating tone made me concerned, but she relaxed soon after.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡav28wcYNZF
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylGkQh1bCv
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajSlD6xUqT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmouHNJWO6
“Well–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX4JnWQ078
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx3rF653RO
“Shut up! Shut up! Do you know how annoying it is to hear someone undersell themselves all the time?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipeIHAnuRM
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLaLhi8bQI
“I–”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOtk7OJHJS
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEC70ToYXR
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnltCUolbE
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPGxZYbA0A
“Yeah. I do. It sucks.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhf0TcOQeT
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EqEyoOpYa
“See! I– huh? You do?”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YmPAbY5Ul
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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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JRWCgeQEn
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXifCrDAUN
“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.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyjVWZUdHD
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPg49uTACsf
“Whatever. Think what you want, but don’t speak it out loud anymore.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HR5ioYOiP
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3yOlvfsqJ
“I… haha, sure thing, Rover. I’ll do just that.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtyQ0fq28R
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCrWPr52FG
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGPAwEYIk9
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hyporp8hu
“Perfect. I was just about to tell you to leave.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6nSMS25cV
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLGzHtXOee
“I’m starting to think you hate me.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAQ7C1eupU
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Her hands twitched upwards defensively.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0QN8DbPHg
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“I-I don’t. I’m just getting sleepy. Any second now, I’ll doze off.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngKXZruuPl
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY56CyXHxw
“Ah, right.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGbJD9D4kX
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ldIqANaWK
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMD6cjmbbZh
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“That one Bringer was invigorated even with a restored limb, after all…”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVAtplcpyx
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAP4YlQvgQ
“What are you mumbling about, eh? Scram! Scram, I tell you!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS28QEFgYt
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyZ6mIwrM9
“Alright alright, jeez. With how grouchy you’re being, you really do need that rest.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbb5WaM3Ybe
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhumYQ0mBp
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.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiAy7LDdPn
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“Wait, one last thing!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcfJ1iMMWE
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Then, she shouted unexpectedly. I looked at her with a blank expression to signify my okay, and she continued shortly.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkQhvUNkg7
163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUVusymi4y
“Tell that old bucket-wearing fart to visit me sometime.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCImUMbPd6k
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“...”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s2JJhXUpP
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I smiled.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLafU6HjCmt
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“I will.”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjbfE4Vrti
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I returned her wave and exited the room. The moment the door shut behind me, I let out a quick breath and–163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe44zMwjQQ9
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“Yes!”163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzbohMzWpS
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A jump with jubilation. I had to. I never experienced such success before.163Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtggFyaYk8
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