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.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4srlE8bfo
“Now all I need to do is to finalize it.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlheJr48sAi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLwuxZ2y3q
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–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIyQOH0o6M
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4udOAVMPTg
“It’s a resounding success. Awesome.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIBPHVALdN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbWYHSMbmE
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDdCkTcWjE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbtq5vNxq6
Should I go and deliver this now, or make a healing potion, and deliver this later?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EE3rCxAjj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzFhKbiPgL
“...”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ3keYCHBM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tb8YkbXWt
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBITYqUcr2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYkmGAMl5p
“...That’s new. Where did you come from?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3Uwzmr7E1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcHFiIVnnq
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8ien5wXlV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGD99PTXDJr
“I know better. I don’t have the time for that. No, I don’t.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZrGiyTjFT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeap1w7PRf9
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–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHNoCl28SY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNkeGZZcui
“...”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN13QO1I8ph
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2hPc31uCP
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzppPKyWbuz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuvjjf9awF
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8nCE6Ecmp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡole5ZnbSfs
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8jrH5sZoD
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–
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNdVOYXxjy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7W8Orqwm0
“Yes?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3w8O7FfjB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH9rCbc5RY
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVfQRbJnty
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLdhXsicad
“You’re here what I think you’re for, aren’t you?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdqOjkYAae
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78InZywt0d
“Y-Yes, Lola. Here, this is the potion I made.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsKQWTsSpZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPFY2CwSAf
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEctnmQt0i
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMnCN3mG8a
“You made this in eighty minutes?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eRmNseX1S
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU99Ik6R4Fi
“Did I take too long? I’m sorry, I had to grab some ingredients from a lower floor–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTg40tWPQO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOctdi7fbiW
“No, not at all. I was expecting you to take longer. Thank you, Kenny, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded handsomely.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTg2Iie3tP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkfywVuJwv
I raised my hands bashfully and rapidly waved them at her.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYFCtkRawh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3c9D29QrJt
“No no no, please don’t! You’re helping us enough as is.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0VOtMfN3b
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKCRPQ2bua
“If you insist.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfg5oNBVyOO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH3nWNraIM
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnvXoqM7EM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnwlrUMbZK
“Kenny?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfVCB7faDc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMmMSNNuGa
“O-Oh, right. Do you need me for anything else?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnwExl7K92
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSDF4VS321
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OUrFxDn7V
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHVluOfI4o
I let out a chuckled sigh and slapped a hand on my chest, muttering a breathy “thank you.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3hQTJSlRu
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMomEtjQODK
“There is something I’d like to ask you, however, just before you go.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWBKWYININ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDG1ESOGgG
She said so right as I turned to leave. I twisted my head and looked at her, gesturing for her to shoot.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpDDwneaF5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72mLtJGy4x
“The concoction in your other hand; that bright green tint can only mean one thing, yes? A healing potion.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HmgOaereF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTKClmb7Ky
I nodded at her assessment. I realized the speed at which this could turn dangerous.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXXRC10cPZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriZa9AoR4V
“I see. I see, I see…”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ4xknXHD8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvoXVcaJiW
“A-Are you going to make me make one for each soldier?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrysErHc7n
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbrlkdeTgq
“No, I won’t ask that of an outsider, let alone a child– oh, sorry, you don’t like being called that, do you?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y3Hso4EAY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYTTr79rmP
“...Don’t worry about it. I appreciate you being considerate, Lola. Is there anything else?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsC0tJ25hy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvC86aATuw
“I-If you don’t mind my prying, could you answer a few questions for me?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcazLWOEt25
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeOJD2Rpx5
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1zw1gmXWo
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UybbaDAfs
“Please?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Syotvnly
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IkYoYtbvw
Though it was difficult to draw a line while she was making such a face.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVJnnucRMC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1FRJ6cf6j
“F-Fine, but please make them short. I have somewhere I need to be.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JqClD8YjM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDD3OAhLJN
“Thank you, I will. It’s just two quick questions. First–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgqmMyPSR5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsodH82Rvkm
She paused right before asking, as if a crucial memory struck her from the woodwork. 180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUt9CkMDlsc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0kuF0Bpkl
“–How long have you been an alchemist?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxXkPrRKAr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNXGCuZSSo
“I’d say… hold on, that question has two answers. Commercially, it’s been about three years(1). Personally, it’s been for… seven?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQK6xzVG1b
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMNRQ2xuNM
“Seven years? That’s over half your life, isn’t it?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqbNVmKDR3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6j82n7AI2
I gave a simple shrug with sandwiched lips.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBritFlxi0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr82H3quU6O
“I started young. That’s all.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIzoeTvJXO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50gjqzBMqC
“I see. Being trained at such a young age, no wonder why you’re so skilled.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE7p2W5ws2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e2WXlqhnb
“P-Please, don’t flatter me. I appreciate the remarks, but they just…”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f2un22ENw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvRP1GtdoS
They don’t sit right with me, I wanted to say, but Lola gave a predictive, discerning nod, so I stopped speaking.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpOmtVKLRB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXt1v6rv6Md
“Only seven years… then, maybe–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r12bc00uv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZkwf0bZ7H
“Sorry, can you repeat that? I didn’t catch it.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EEhI1JtvT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDUiqAgXPQ
She jumped and then waved her hand.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9UOWnORgp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi0qP8aoHv
“Don’t worry, I was just thinking out loud. Anyhow, for my next question…”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4jJPw8nhE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PVkY2HO5z
“Right.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoLJOkLwA7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho5V9pkTIm
“...I apologize if this may seem extreme, but I have to ask.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0ra7fSFWY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo1T5JdNMB
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQY78PqLf5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM55p6G1Ke3
“Did you kill anyone in the last operation?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyJpBic75w
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZoPG0vebw
“I– Wha!?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMQMp8pjyU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzlKQJ8pku
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGMaxsMH1w
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekoI6Tj3X4
“Who asks something like that to a child!?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqkztE7Qa5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1po2I4G6P
“Shh! I know it’s selfish, but it’s for my own peace of mind! I have to know, please, did you?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfIZ60awlS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFfdjgu7i7
“Your own… peace of mind?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8NeQyvylpF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggiY1JW1GK
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEILpbBKpQ9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5hjcIyydG
“I didn’t. I hurt some people, but I never landed a killing blow.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8eIT0NqSM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmq6SOEcAW
“I-I see. That’s a relief. Oh my goodness, that’s a relief.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2SjAFlHUq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW25y7IKUoB
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmF6kFiRF5D
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7wo8S3iOG
“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. 180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiT7izB48L
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U7H74eytV
“You… for some reason, I feel like you regard me much more highly than you should.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0ZZhbIxSf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pUQGTnalT
She shrugged at my comment.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5rTt9XHJz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nQpRYfyIU
“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. I think I’ll keep you guessing. Now, shoo! You have somewhere to be, don’t you?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoVPos1BWW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2ydx8sv1T
Brushing me off with perfect logic before I could respond to her outrageous statement, I clicked my tongue inward and turned on my foot.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb2aAs4ct5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6DlJ0rTjE
“Goodbye Lola,” I shouted. She opened the door and slid right through, waving at me right before closing it.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynyNlff9pq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rpZgY8zqP
–
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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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2lBhcOYXV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2qluJX1CA
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMflDdNnt7C
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqtAz0f8Ft
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqhU4aAOc6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswga9otrFZ
“...This is ridiculous.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbAHSMzQ1H
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pQquYHAiK
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFiPnwlUC9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡst9PqKpoLq
“Just go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it– off!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccl7STWPpS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxstgtrshk
In the midst of my chanting, I bit the arrow and slammed it open. It looked far removed from how I imagined it.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZbst7ICnj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsEWyp4drX
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniceNc2qQ9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0EB3rRSrJ
And seeing how his groggy face raised to meet mine, I realized how noisy my entrance was.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBVXbfgvtA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvVLfuNGE4
“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. I’m just here to deliver something.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEu4B2Q7WG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q4XHjnKiJ
“...Hmm.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWENX4dIkbB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVNszc1wq9
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D3HreMuyS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0Rd1XioXl
“Do whatever.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT615lTRWT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Pjt0PuwmV
“R-Right. Thank you, sir.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqN92pHkFM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgF9PjI4ZA
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegF6MQeEuG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHFrvw5ICn
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISEDB9QSM8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgS91agztu
“D-Darn it.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMH2SbEVuA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOsL5hu9HM
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–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26EASL3A4c
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewq9FzxVE0
“What are you doing here?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY0wei7Epa
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJv0sRzWbb
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr72GvYco9F
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYkHT1ysB1
There was Rover, sitting in the one corner out of my sight, eyeing me with a lion’s eyes.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TN87cpz74
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW2lUTKBs4
“...U-Uh.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMZ7ivLAKT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYtjmDHfSx
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5SuN55jpX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFFnJvBS2t
“Well? Come on, spit it out.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjdfLCxsHT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi6qGTQk0o
“I… I-I.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OxBJOjTWX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uTt0r2Ioj
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n1H8CFrfE
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYgl85r9UR
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrFglWAKfp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYlN8YVkpY
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAggtJ5hr1S
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T69G1vhvV
“I don’t have time for this, just spit it out!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiyHxD15GD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTTNkxj2L2
“I-I’m here.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hTvGvqMpW
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPNZoCEZHt
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdcRHdselq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKNZrqrNco
“I’m– I made— I– Rover, I’m here–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTxdOOEuV0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEfYVvIrUM
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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ0vuuOgSg
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQunAZnhi3
“I…”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTHqsUr9UO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh0YffFgJJ
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hjJV1XL6q
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagViuQ3jVS
“Hello, Rover.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEIGOiAUb3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEGDcVpjPw
“Hey, Kenny.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhzMsI3MSP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfg0awCGFT
I retracted my stretched arm, then extended it yet again.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlDFlbPdNn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vCJNo1vlH
“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–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWfOBJoo9r
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYe8EP6auh
“Cut to the chase!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4E5qOBZvH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnXOFBngtZ
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaPw8Ymt3L
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mCPAp89uG
Her eyes widened. Her crossed arms slackened, and I took it as a signal to move forward. I took it incorrectly.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR14TC3T73J
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDaBxwPyh9
“Hold on, you brought me a potion?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsRaiIMAMI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNRMNBX1gS
“Y-Yes.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNT9YkIYSu
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10yG6PJnvQ
“Now who told you to do that?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMaGZY61De
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZTdPYCl3I
“W-Well–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqopVrUiZl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1grG64ztC
Nigel suggested it, but he didn’t tell me. No, mulling over that was wasteful spending. There was only one truth in this situation:180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TclsFbfOP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXervcKCa1
“I wanted to do it. I wasn’t told.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6EoJHnCeG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2NK6bZaJn
“...You? That wimpy Kenny?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x2LDxm1Ak
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaTCozrFzD
I wasn’t mad at her insult. It was all too accurate.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz19v5CaHEU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlvnHJxTKO
“Yes, the wimpy Kenny.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjV5VjhHdr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDOCI8LnK7
“Ha! You’ve surprised me before, but this really blew my expectations out of the water!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavEqSE1W8f
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHZ6UAOQvk
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoYKHsWXa6
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdzbYqzdOI
“I refuse your treatment!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45vpufZBc4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb28AkahEK
“H-Huh!?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPYfikn001
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTBIDHJ9Qf
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgU5QCRkiD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfn54hXHtI
“Why not? Don’t you want to recover faster?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJraxxjms7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8GBOHSKJ7
“Of course I do, but I can’t accept it. Not when you’re looking at me like I’m some kind of monster.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm5I1PE5uC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqfaWugPCz
“I– Wha?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq1NZ6Zp7N
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnxo1y42jF
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–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcwDz5mBM5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbHq6ryUT4
“No, stupid! It’s the face you’re making! It’s weird!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45FkrASdG3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSNVR9FpkM
“Stupid? Weird!?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG5d0P2mfd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB2EYnMkAz
“Do you need the whole room to hear it!? You’re looking at me like a weirdo!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKlvJrmS8v
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeML5C5V88a
“...”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn3navIZy8
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzTNk7aeFF
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujJui1q8sn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LMdtzNDqO
“Why are you looking at me like that? Hmph.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDK9xF0vcT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowajR7j25g
As I had no other mode of operating at this moment, I blurted my immediate response.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKExb9D6o6p
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtogjVByl3X
“It’s because I upset you.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5twiqVCGWk
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJVK3lGyPg
And then I realized that something like this required thoughtful phrasing.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAkiqwt8jJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5a5GZhxtI
“I don’t– well, I don’t want to make you any more uncomfortable than you–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bh7JPez4q
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHgWVPKqvr
“That’s bullshit! Man, forget answering that, I don’t need your whole, your spiel you know!? Come here!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kawKKvd5k
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo75pqf8C0
“Come, there,” I asked, pointing to myself.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5f71qaH5b
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4n6CVfBpO
“Yes. Sit by me, I can’t stand looking at your working legs.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9ROjJtfYP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKIriEVY3p
“S-Sheesh.” 180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnuVpBdTQH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK2DCzanmB
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.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiRy3TA3SA
“How do I use this thing?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHpsfKJYHm
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv5AY8DO10
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHt3ujfek1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtZvtnIMay
“Drinking works for me.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4pV4tFsQA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVIokZVgnc
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih4mH8EwKL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKg6amXBb0R
“Cah! What the hell, is in this thing?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZbQfmsSFz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5tlW0kblf
“That’s not the problem! You drank it too fast, you dingus!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3suN08ccC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPTzNddTmb
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb1Pn2MapZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGiWHtn0Nt
“If you drink like that, it’s likely to go down the wrong pipe.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kMtTEfQIq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSvs7ABkEa
“Whatever.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9jKeR2GGM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzk0qXrwEE
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. 180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMk5S5Fsn4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF2dJ5XZFs
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfisg5LTIzv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE2ZaIUKfN
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9DKc3DKE4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl5Ef57Hhi
But before I could even take anpreludebreath, she spoke, reading my intentions.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F1V2dFJN7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCyyxfB4RG
“Leaving already?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB30WolpQNm
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCzBe687P6
“I-I am, yes. I think it would be best. It isn’t as if I don’t have–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuqmrDh1tr
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkteTfq6gz
“Hold on, not yet. I still have something to say to you.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W2EFElJ3j
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPIqgejccI
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnblst4OSA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNmzUPh90p
“That’s funny. I do too. Do you mind if I start first?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzkTTmPrzp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iAAtrt4KT
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Yg2BzMkKN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHl6A1bleoY
“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?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd6ZLvC3ZU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapFfqw04jt
“Yeah, I do. I remembered how much of a wuss you were.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJnXdFN7wI
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9vuXrpFnI
I almost chuckled. Blunt as a bat, but it hit a bullseye.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt61fF44KNY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtZeeOQz7b
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5aX7oRI0O
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fbYpeOR6b
I noticed the subtlest rise of her right brow.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9VuUA36nS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJacGohg5cR
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfInjRPWhBx
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLLcji8sdk
She nodded along to my apology. It looked like she was expecting more, but I was finished. So she’d understand, I concluded with–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtDCWAH7TC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLas3lb4H0D
“So yeah, I’m sorry for being such a wuss.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYix3aKUIw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLgEq9rQWa
“...Hmm. Ha, I guess kids really do grow so fast.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHznCwLOCeV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWnklsIKRM
“H-Huh?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkewfXKhBnd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3CowV73Bh
She rubbed her nose a little and continued talking.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDECYU0IOh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6ujeGsEuD
“Just look at you. You’re nothing like the Kenny I knew.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60IXWG8scl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FzxeV9kWK
“I-I, well, I don’t know if I agree–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmd699ouav
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2XLT0xEXM
“Nah, on second thought, I take that back. But that doesn’t matter anyway. Seriously, just look at you.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhONz01CmZK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSDJpDxY4D
“I’m n-nothing so special.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2ad5zzKEj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPLhshIhU9
“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!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkQBtMOIN0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ecj0PNqQL
“The letter certainly isn’t a priority.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz64oqhMXWP
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3HzakYE31
She casually clicked her tongue, tilted her head sideways, and waved her hand downward.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJozvmIEGAc
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNyg0sGbFW
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZmm9Xh0YN
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXOoWiODP1
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. 180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbn235f2cdV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKjsLDqTSN
It took me only a few 180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcSrtEBdpg
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdPxV8OmBo
“I don’t think so. I don’t think I grew anything.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBShQr8TQ3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVbsi1N2wG
“‘Course you did! Stop giving me such crap–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkhgAW98vC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG6c81hQ5Q
“No, really, Rover.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMigJdqR97r
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBrnDfNDKr
I slouched my posture and leaned back, lifting myself with my hands behind me. 180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKacfVkCsag
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6d23IUqfA
“I think I’m just lucky.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUHs5v8Oew
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHSQM5eKnM
I veered my eyes away from the ceiling, looking into Rover’s, and was taken aback by her utter dejection. Or was it disgust?180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJoo9iterS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrZeQ5byef
“I-I mean, it’s not as if I haven’t been trying, it’s just–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvkfzU3PHn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiVaLYAwff
“Nevermind all that, Kenny. You’re starting to give me a headache.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO0sBiOhXt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0elte94mbS
I stopped my frantic hand-waving and began to scratch my head.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn7swcQi2J
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABYCpyJWsn
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IcPVuxUYL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMCtMSkrKj
“It isn’t a drug! I wouldn’t stoop to such barbaric substances!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3Uurdg8h3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROpkxVi6QM
“Uh-huh, whatever. Hear me out before you can’t anymore.”
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh66XvpYKie
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yb3Ml3YPU
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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. 180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3epXDRVsTl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8iLYwpIRr
“D-Don’t rush me!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o3kYBxGaL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXViv1cGQQv
“I’m not rushing you! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you just spat it out, but–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRs2xRgDrR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2PVYdRkZK
“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…”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCckF5a0Ss
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSDobpc96x
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEqRzWUM8h
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE5pbS7n2e
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9U8w0M0Pl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTAsfKndcp
“Gahh, forget it! You convinced me, I’ll just say it!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAKDsRDJwp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeD6Q4pkAlK
“I didn’t say anything.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY1FUHb8Ce
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZB4hUICSL
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhKxJN6bkz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBjk1Re3pG
“I’m sorry for being such a priss.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv63IvtvlSw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEfVeBg9Cb
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMV8JbqDNFA
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR3zITgrZ9
But whether she was or not, mattered not to me.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4HH5opJZT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PLPakg7JS
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrilPwxFffv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X87DtZefr
“Told you all I did? What?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa1NVJmsb3
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3u9b5cQSc
She was caught by a wind of fury.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFd7en9rBq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4kNUuAYo0
“You don’t remember!? Are you kidding me!? I really should–! Gah, you’re making this so much harder than it should be!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdBLuVMuuQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8TVP9aCbv
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. She stopped her rage immediately, donning a look of perplexion. 180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZOE1qSk9O
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfEzuKHmwA
“What’s so funny?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo1MIaQ4eS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjtmvsDscn
“N-Nothing in particular. I appreciate the apology, I suppose? I don’t think I’m all that deserving of it, though.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU7BLRvcpS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0ZiWwXDG1
“Hold on, I’m not done yet!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI6I3TB60I
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRKma9JU4k
I nodded in understanding, and so she continued.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY9MrnjZVn
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdCJcFnK3J
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkP1oX02TF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeLWUTMjMI
“A little crazy?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns8FMhrmzz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT53za6Ahdd
“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!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZWWdZ7wJb
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZQ87DhkcC
Her hands balled themselves to compliment her offshoot tangent. Her escalating tone made me concerned, but she relaxed soon after.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXfOk8NfpD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QXypvBWJJ
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8xmadJF0v
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nqCp2LsTu
“Well–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fncMrvB16
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucQajoKpNP
“Shut up! Shut up! Do you know how annoying it is to hear someone undersell themselves all the time?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfAGuxnLpO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMniWVUOjL8
“I–”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnrhRWS1Zj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4YxvcEk8o
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7A8O3S3ca
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dtQKSrpMX
“Yeah. I do. It sucks.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM70Bo3672
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5o7YM9Rim
“See! I– huh? You do?”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKGU0MMaYQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5Kn3thwhq
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplHuViXOc5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7FWYqRvlw
“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.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWoBNO8du7
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApBA1cnrcP
“Whatever. Think what you want, but don’t speak it out loud anymore.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnL4pUFtOZ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDMf5ft27W
“I… haha, sure thing, Rover. I’ll do just that.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8dBV4aKAu
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlykwGR2Qq
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7knNqILJg
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS08t8kg90d
“Perfect. I was just about to tell you to leave.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmTtRIQilL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXBQA3wroB
“I’m starting to think you hate me.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJrsV6jckV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa7qkG8Y73
Her hands twitched upwards defensively.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtysUEOjFK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hxgKhCKxI
“I-I don’t. I’m just getting sleepy. Any second now, I’ll doze off.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIbbzpflYC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrxASNSfDW
“Ah, right.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfHC5njPIg
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhOUAxXK6V
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbms77V5v2g
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwifNuGMHm
“That one Bringer was invigorated even with a restored limb, after all…”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAqhNQcJ5o
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu1U4dxy6R
“What are you mumbling about, eh? Scram! Scram, I tell you!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvdJ7QjLkC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWR7lWNoJoQ
“Alright alright, jeez. With how grouchy you’re being, you really do need that rest.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw5hakmJkd
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeJqYYBogL
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.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9hzVeZAep
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“Wait, one last thing!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8TTXwA6h0
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Then, she shouted unexpectedly. I looked at her with a blank expression to signify my okay, and she continued shortly.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqWYXWmtAv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jWjI1QxvT
“Tell that old bucket-wearing fart to visit me sometime.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm50kz6FAk
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx19tM66eu5
“...”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58WC8F38qJ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0NPYqZHkw
I smiled.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ59UBpU39B
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIzPsyUjXo
“I will.”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV0XyIwTib
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh3GAZgnkE
I returned her wave and exited the room. The moment the door shut behind me, I let out a quick breath and–180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5pn4DU7bU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgGVsurNtK
“Yes!”180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyKFoVS064
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4a2BCc3CM
A jump with jubilation. I had to. I never experienced such success before.180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfeKNlZGzE
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