Sleep wasn't brought by my collapse. I was plagued by a lingering restlessness, a prickling bit of caution that blocked my eyes from fully closing. Instead, I used my granted time to keep watch of the door whilst against a desk, an arm slung over my knee.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYG4INoVPWY
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTOxY6CrJW
“Ya look like a sorry sort. More like a midget than a kid.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsz3GW1ZKa
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dsoIohkXe
Juke joined me in my resting. The both of us eyed the door, keeping careful watch for any sudden enemies. It probably wasn’t the best course of action, I realized, as that dean was likely to get in trouble. But he was out of sight, and thus, for the time being, out of mind.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL39Z0k5o5R
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlrYzQIoSO
Besides, I had a verbal jab I needed to address.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf24hFuHn3n
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ50xI6MEy
“There are thousands of better ways to say I have a sullen or exhausted face. Take your helmet off; I’m certain you aren’t faring any better.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP75jyqWVP5
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAz4WBmg7V
“Y’know, that ain’t a bad idea.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqldN8dmGx
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A3NTERdBd
He did just as I suggested, laboriously lifting his laden helmet and setting it aside. 59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolpndpHZH3
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGgRkSNHim
“Well?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpUlx9o8Bb
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYGZmvgRLs
“...It’s about what I expected. At least your facial hair looks clean.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6fgw0VsKY
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTMzXp5BxM
“Really? That thing’s messy all the time.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHQWFGoDQc
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y7I4GsxAG
“Maybe exertion has a reverse effect. I’ve heard of things like that happening.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvpHGwgrai
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dFGsbLDf7
He stroked his lengthy stubble in contemplation. I let him do that and continued glaring at the entrance, waiting but hoping not for something to pop out.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAB76Yr6VR
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbRqTLBYzi
“I’m surprised either of us are still standing here. I didn’t even bleed from that fight.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkybC3quEI4
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvo83CLp2j
“I ain't bleedin’ either. But that bastard scratched my helmet. ‘Least he didn’t dent it.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy76kkApbJx
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d0RUljJgL
He grabbed it and rotated it to spot the marks left by the Bringer’s blade. They were very obvious once he pointed them out, making me feel dumb for not noticing them.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsU4YtYFIv
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nKLc88EJ8
“I’m glad, cuz it means I ain’t gotta get a new one. And if I had ta, I can’t, since I’m stuck in this crazy place. And ta think I still got another tower to fight…”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2R9PFmq4G
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GUFB5Gwhk
I tried to empathize with him, but my state inclined me to be backhanded.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dYoMunWes
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj050Df2VOS
“You only have yourself to blame. You and I could’ve left if we stopped caring about the letter.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG2J3PMvlx
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXhh8j1LqS
He sighed and shrugged. That gesture indicated that he heard my point, but he still had a retort.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj96SUMTnjH
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2f9fl16MO
“C’mon, kid. We agreed on somethin’ back in that alleyway. ‘Specially in times like these, ya gotta keep yer word.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlccsVExnuB
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqV3RkDpc9
“...Yeah.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMugZ6i4m2b
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDyfBA0hLy
Though I had my frustrations, he was right. I was convinced, not just by Juke, but by my own distorted feelings to go back and fight. I was as to blame as he was. Still–59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUfEN8kDoo
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpTaY9imS8
“It’s so stupid. I don’t like any of it”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB6tBmHch1
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9a6jeH8HA
“I ain’t liking any of this either.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GENf84MEI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLISKH4ZXi
“I know! I know you aren’t; you’d be a maniac if you did. But still”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHb12aIHZ8
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfi0JPxyBa
Juke chuckled a little. I rolled my eyes and clicked my tongue. Little gestures like that dulled my festering feelings. He returned to his resting face. But when I looked at it closer, it was more rigid and fierce than the face of a resting man.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMWHSB9c7k
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgqpzknxai
“I’ll tell ya what, though. I wanted no part of fighting for this damn Pillar.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMZMdOWgMX
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNYlkQ0o2e
“Y-Yeah. That I agree with.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSFsubhiXI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj0egP9mM2
“It ain’t amountin’ to anything either, is it?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64tPDQ2Tf5
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SpZR4njxA
“...?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW4GDeiiIT
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXWfhzkKYz
At that, I had to tilt my head.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTCxx8527b
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOkkCwQt3V
“It’s a detour, certainly, but this furthers our goals, doesn’t it? The Retaliation Crowd are going to help us with our goal after this.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYnOtyBqid
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHCquZtEXP
“...I guess yer right. But it doesn’t feel like it.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGTmqoPdB7
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKTIulDbQ9
He adjusted his posture a little, rolling his shoulders and releasing a lengthy sigh.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25NDRAzO75
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP11SW4Opxu
“Dennis still ain’t here.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5q9JAPig7L
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxnCpIO5ou
“...”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5BTCidSBo
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ps0152Z8Q
The bubbling fumes within me died down immediately. It was difficult to stay mad when I saw Juke’s forlorn face. But at the same time, I struggled to see it justified.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvsAiVguiN
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPlPA2y0GX
“I don’t really get it. I mean, I understand wanting to help an acquaintance, but you make it out as if he’s a lifelong friend–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ163dtn1AnK
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer4p9L9BUr
“I get what yer sayin’ kid. Ya ain’t entirely wrong, but it’s more complicated than that. I know ya well enough to make it click. Gimme a second.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F51525hiD
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkifg7EpHKv
He scooched across the floor and sat with his front facing me, holding both his hands out to help himself explain.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNQtCR4RHU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yA6n7jHJK
“Think of it this way, kid: let’s say I got an apple, and that I need to eat it within twenny minutes, and if I don’t eat the apple in twenny minutes then I should jump off a buildin’.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBr5uAyaBV
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9apG3uPoAT
“--!? W-What!?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ101P3cdDD6
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs340cKEFGL
Such an analogy was one thing, but that extreme turn made it seem like a joke.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdz2Z7tqWk
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR8qzn5VNV
“Hold on, Kenny. Ya gotta think about it more. Why would any sound man kill themselves cuz they didn’t eat an apple?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvkCt5yD6m
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YTjo2iPJt
“...You aren’t pulling my leg, are you?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIy77YgfWD
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGySxrNahS
“Do ya see my hands on ya? Nah, I’m serious, kid.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRgzOMsw0R
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXsjEgwy4K
Though I still had my eyebrows raised, I did what was told of me. I pinched my chin and stared at the ceiling, wracking my brain and hoping an answer would fall for me to grab. It didn’t come to me very easily, and I looked at Juke with a slight plea in my eyes. He read it immediately and urged me to keep thinking. 59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYbbEg84Kw
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWG1ShjkuI
I sighed. At the same time though, I figured it was a good use of time, and I knew that playing by his rules would make me understand him better. So I ruminated away. I thought of it from Juke’s perspective at first and realized that wouldn’t lead me anywhere. Then I thought about it regarding recent events– aside from the fighting, that argument we had came up, and a shudder from my shoulders urged me to stop that train of thought. Then, taking how he said it would click for me into account, I thought about it as if I was the Kenneth Juke knew.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadPyZh79SY
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNa9WezJfn
That didn’t really work either, but the idea of a different Kenneth gave me what I was looking for.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzTfuUXYJb
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCW1hRvZVi
“If you’d kill yourself over an apple… that must mean it has a lot of sentimental value. But it isn’t just a sentiment that makes it that way.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNciRyTKvU7
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBkjr9xRPC
Juke nodded along, and I took it as an okay to continue.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62JDbXUn3F
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVtnYREx2P
“It’s like the shape of a grant. Because you said that the apple meant something, that apple became a symbol. Because you made the terms that this apple’s consumption is correlated with your life, you’re putting stock into it. You’re giving it something greater than sentimental value; you’re making it a wager. Either I’m good enough to eat this apple, or I’m not good enough to live.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG0SJuBRCu
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwOEOv3zQM
“...”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfArUvUGVj
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0tQEvqR7z
I looked at Juke for a response, but what I thought would be a satisfied face just looked a little lost. My face must’ve looked really surprised.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3DMcjViFC
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDPHprAMiJ
“Ya ain’t wrong, but I wouldn’t call it a wager. It’s more like a checklist. One that ya just have to fill.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lSchQYLQR
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr1bzgpdLJ
“I-I see…”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAnnVNYOFF
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7sTG36d9L
My analogy must have gone too off the rails. Or maybe I wasn’t thinking like Juke enough. Either way, the side effect of going on such a thought train made itself prominent. The sparks of my earlier declaration rekindled, and I grew proud– but only slightly –for making it to this top floor.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48GY7NamHJ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFggHHt7aX1
“Seein’ Dennis safe n’ sound is one of those checks. I got a few other ones, but they’re too private to tell ya. And others, I don’t really get.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqupqIzEao
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJRbBP1zXq
“You don’t, ‘get?’”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVbkn4xRmW
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwJNxpdSQk
“Y’know, when–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuvQO4pLip
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbfntbw2bU
“No no no, I understand you. I do.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57jOOqEitb
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e9QeSbnc3
My muscles loosened a little. I felt awfully warm about the words I would spit.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnLvuCvqv4
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1J9iMPsPs1
“I just know that feeling a little too well sometimes–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhHudMDJTu
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDJt0bw47g
**SLAM**59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6rLOgJ363
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYrPfBqnM1
A loud, thundering sound rang through the dusty room, startling Juke and me and putting our senses on high alert. Juke put one hand on his handle, and I already called the tendril forth and aimed it at the sound. It came from the door; now it was opened all the way, but the figure responsible wasn’t behind the other side.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwL3RfGnYL
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt4IQAI9Ya
That is until I saw a head peer from the frame.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTilWURPWfc
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu8pYaUqRa
“Oh, thank goodness. You two are safe.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKQVgbnDsZ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2skDbtdmCz
The head belonged to the dean of the Pillar. He waltzed in haphazardly taking little steps and checking every inch of the room. When his eyes landed on the Bringer, he squeled for a moment, but quieted down once he noticed all the blood.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2opyvxIPhb
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lpwNWtI4H
“Phew. For a moment I thought I came at a bad time.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0IFWtycJA
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBgcOhBW1u
“M-Mister Dean.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7WMXVxnAj
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6WQYZLvLM
I decided to speak up, as the present situation was too absurd for silence.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKCHnCVl0T
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00ohJ3xVIg
“Yes, child?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh4h57px3f
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsk6JNBFGH
“Uh– well, first of all, are you alright?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LcZXjvGnX
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tcko5JADN
“Yes, quite alright. My shoulder is still in pain, but the bleeding stopped long ago. And again, I must thank you for releasing me.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A56M11MhT
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuo0Kg0kRA
“R-Right.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7gSMdjbKq
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cV9debSXG
I couldn’t think of anything else to say, and looking at Juke revealed he was in a similar boat.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFMtNDaYv0
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvy9bUpf9M
“But, enough about me. I came here bringing good news, and a friendly face.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw6vX9PqI1
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejhdR7TWL4
“--Please worry not about explaining it, Sir Dean. I wouldn’t want my duty as a leader stolen as such.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAjoL7xbXr
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeFTZCr30c
From behind the Dean came a soft voice. A voice of confidence and care, a voice I’ve grown fond of over the past day. And seeing the holder of that voice cross the threshold made me retract my tendril, and put a hand on my chest in relief.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQywLco1Vr
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTil7gvjiSU
“Hello, you two,” said Lola, “by the looks of things, your side was a complete success.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSjm8XmZsH
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMriuy16BLH
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgkcif0ONx
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUnVpkE5iy
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekxgL1xkFg
With the arrival of Lola came the confirmation I was desperately needing. We had won.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAOhvjp7VQ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYiOwdr2gg
Though it wasn’t without casualties, the foreign pillar was rid of pesky Bringers. Its control was seized by the Retaliation crowd, and the Dean still being alive was a great relief.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k4GgmXvDa
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNvd1KRTN9
“I was afraid of something like this,” the Dean explained, “but I couldn’t halt the mechanisms of this city because of premonition…”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1oN4ai1DJ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9X4e1kKiy
Either way, we had what I was assured was an invaluable asset. I didn’t see how in the moment, but as I was taken to the answer, Lola elucidated me about the status.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFg3N2er34
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZzQhmk8k7
A majority of the crowd hunkered town at the top. One floor with wide windows served as an excellent watch tower, and ranged specialists were tasked with observing the parameters. The floors above were converted into restrooms or hospital rooms. A few crowd members ventured to the lower floors to gather all the food and water available, of which there was a grand amount. It made sense, as all of those supplies belonged to the Bringers beforehand. Half a dozen of the healthiest and uninjured watched the first floor and the surrounding city, both defending from infiltrators and–59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGRl65Ommp
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5YhvH5WsW
“They’re looking for recruits. If fighters see that we have the most important building under control, they’re more likely to join the effort.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkb3WWjfpNA
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQgmzMRS6G
“Haven’t you explained that already?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8kjxr9vIw
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBjEACxYj1
“Yes, but… there is a slight problem we’ve run into.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNclgR4uoYv
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94YjhGWm2z
“What’s that?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzdlCP82Z7
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixFwAErU0q
Lola turned around and crossed her arms. She nudged her head to Dave who was beside her, and with a sigh, he stepped forth and spoke.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffgDD9P5WN
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIOTfm5MqG
“Everything is done in two ways here. Either letters or signals. Old man Jackson was always responsible for the latter. We do not have Jackson anymore, so unless we make a lot of noise, we can only commune with letters.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejNfozTRVT
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhV6GEhSdp
I realized the implications immediately. Even if fighters were available, everyone was in hiding. Nobody knew the state of the central Pillar, and I doubted that the crowd’s existence was well-known either. But then I remembered the prowling Pars and Dave from yesterday and asked:59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97WTF6UK2N
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssFJOcaOv9
“I know I wasn’t asked, but I think making a signal would be effective.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wbga2KaSJ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ978B07JKJA
“We thought so too. But we don’t want mages to waste their mana on mere fireworks, so we thought of something better. Since Hard-Bringer miraculously hasn’t set the city ablaze, it’s very quiet out.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsey4Bis8Y
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ932epbD71V
“...Ah, so that’s where you’re heading. But how will it be done?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lw5kO61AG
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYOJjrUkLe
A smirk found itself on his face. He turned around and continued leading me.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUJFIjRcuI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLfS46k8JX
“We have our methods. This place has been around too long for it not to.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVMNElIuyH
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR8UCT1tDs
I followed them further, in a location past the Dean’s office. Hidden by a camouflaging door, the room I entered was lit and energetic but smelled foul.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K6Lc7cEAe
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJRaAkjxl8
“Oh, goodness. And I was wondering why the office was so small.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62C9v2IA9G
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyMpcw3lUp
The room itself was decently spacious, but that detail didn’t attract me. Rather, it was the presence of wooden walls and fences, the hallmark infrastructure of a city stable. Only, it was far tidier and metallic than most.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoF4OILfic
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDtzufbcQQ
“Here is your answer, Kenny,” Lola said, standing beside a stall. I peeped inside and–59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOyyaZzC1b
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4TAQyeBVm
“GAH! W-Why is this here?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5fm1ywbCQ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAiDWwzjUq
A creature resided within the stall. One with reins around its beak, and one with a stature I’ve seen deceased more often than alive. The Communication City’s signature raptor.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV71pVQGokv
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjISzPB9No
“It’s the Dean’s private delivery bird. It’s specially trained to traverse the city walls, as its tight curves and winding streets are difficult for the average one.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmEGrQ4Euz
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTnVhGzeLW
“I wouldn’t call any curves ‘tight,’ but I guess when you’re as fast as these things, then they can be.” 59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOUz3eMyOR
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9XkC2Csdt
The raptor leaned its head over the gated fence, staring at me with wide, occasionally blinking eyes. I didn’t know what to do. I was never in close proximity to one, and I never had one look at me like I was some kind of puzzle.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OfyJAvmZi
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNkLKYhKXd
“I think it likes you, child.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJkwJBeroR
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlEmhwteiL
“Please, call me Kenneth or Kenny, Mister Dean. And, uh, are you sure– certain?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKOqazCqLF
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanz0dpNxeR
The Raptor’s gaze grew more intense. It appeared that he was trying to see into my soul, and I felt like an ant under its wide eyes.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0IJF2xB7U
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqHv69DiGG
And then, it leaned its head down even further and… sniffed my hair.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hsq8hpGam
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zohj78Si9
“Hah?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9piLS0KMkT
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjxpYJfaND
“I hear these animals love ta smell flowers. Ya do have that kind of aroma, so thats why it likes ya.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK4BRG1ACj
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziA46ZmbzD
“I… smell like flowers?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXFm0mvcP5
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwnxUr0VXw
I looked around the room for an answer, and everybody present nodded simultaneously. I was completely taken aback, more because of the shock than anything else.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRqT5EUBfl
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIXms3W99v
“Why am I just figuring this out !? I don’t smell– well, I don’t think I smell like flowers?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkZSPTcHGw
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE0QDf1aCC
I even sniffed my hands and arms to make sure, and nothing of the scent reminded me of flowers.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqin8nGvr2
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1496FofgDD
“Well, ya get used to the way ya smell to the point ya can’t tell. That’s just how yer nose works.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJNn8ZBs24
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdyRWzZJVa
“Really? I didn’t know that…”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPBLhxpi4P
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RJAl2Mty2
“Ahem, moving on–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ9KYNSul7
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7bTgfwXfT
Dave interjected with a cough. I turned my attention back to him, anticipating his oncoming words.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwXTkYo99w
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp6lGdddzE
“The plan of action is quite simple. We’ll have someone riding this beast, sprinting around the town, and yelling about our victory. The Raptor’s speed can be easily modulated, so escape from any roaming bringers is easy.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7GE9fRLpY
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpXq2nLO3q
I understood what he was saying. I even agreed with it. Though shaky, it was a great and efficient plan with the resources we had. What clogged my throat, however, wasn’t the plan itself, but the subtle insinuation of telling me this plan. So, I had to ask:59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYp45ZpijZh
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3VxYBlAXe
“May I know why I’m being told this?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIEpef8FYE
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCx27iE0hn
“If you think it’s because we’ll make you do that, don’t you even worry. We’re not so cruel to put a child in such danger, are we, Dave?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRVFON046T
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i9weXaXqs
Lola seized all my worries immediately, causing me to let out a happy sigh. I wasn’t even bothered by her mentioning of me being a child, as I welcomed this discrimination just this once.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk4Pt0HX5x
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXH2AXvnLS
“But if you need to know why,” she continued, “it’s because we need your help in facilitating it.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0E1NfC8ta
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm82zpZne3y
“My help, you say…”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SPwH0iLgF
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gtp3VCqec
It wasn’t such a terrible request, though I had no idea how I could. I waited for elaboration, since they looked eager to hand it.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iH1DPgLT3
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErTHa3K6dn
“I’ve heard that you’re a prolific, experienced alchemist. At such a young age too no less–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8CvV1NT2D
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1yCN2JYGr
“Please, don’t mention it. I don’t want my achievements embellished, especially because of something like age.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW90bPOrGH
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RrMwofF0R
“--Anyhow, your skills are most needed. A single raptor can’t traverse every corner of this city without some help, so I was wondering: do you happen to know how to make energizing potions?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgb9UnLWQ7
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTlj38ZVOj
“...Energizing potions?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFICGPiThBr
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rQ0M619Sg
I knew how to do that, naturally, but Lola was off the mark somewhat.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHat191Hpn
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV746eR0z4c
“Wouldn’t endurance be more useful? When you’re running both a marathon and a race, just finishing it is most important.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIFs2n9f0o
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1GygU1T5i
Lola had her eyes wide and her head slowly nodding.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DU5Aw9qOg
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwRdNlIwP5
“You’re correct. Do you think you can do it?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDGDdf1r0r
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxGGSMkjRF
“I definitely can. I can use some of the empty flasks in my bag. That is, if they aren’t broken.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Vihbam3ob
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO3bUsDjh9
I turned my head at Juke and stoutly narrowed my eyes. He didn’t notice until a few seconds passed, and he jolted when he saw me.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d10VSyTyg
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LHTIwlGYs
“T-There’re few good ones. One’s unopen, so ya can juts pour it out if ya hafta.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRgijIft3x
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYL1oNZSnr
“Phew. That’s good. The potency wouldn’t be right if I was just using random cups.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNocKuBtOOl
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6sBEORzz6
I turned around and marched to the exit of the room. I stopped myself before leaving, because I noticed only my footsteps were echoing.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZkYF8hPSk
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadTzZS7Hfk
“Is something wrong?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35zpJKqhAg
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyH5Mbemti
Lola and Dave looked at eachother. For being such well-spoken people, it was strange for them to fail finding the words. 59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaPBeXOdeQ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjibxytFTQ
“Well, kid–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKazd4lwhAM
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxryzmScM1v
Then Juke suddenly spoke out, and I diverted my attention to him.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoFO7E5dwi
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nV5YBlLlR
“Ya just look a lot more comfortable than I’m used ta.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSns1tJlyF
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdocKMB1ksN
After a moment of droning silence, Lola and Dave looked at me, nodding in agreement with Juke. I didn’t know what to say, but I had complete composure to react. Nothing within me flared up, only a single sentence popped into my mind.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkYcHpqSM2
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD4nFaWw9D
“Comfortable? I haven’t heard that one before.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkoiD9Fmcy
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeTjpSZIb3
Whether it was good or not, I didn’t care. I had a special duty to perform, and that duty took prescedence. Before leaving the room, I asked Lola where supplies were stored, and once I was told I began moseying through the Dean’s room.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI42gzYb57
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwseQODzAl
Their perplexed looks didn’t slip by me. I had never seen such a face before, but I knew what it was. I knew it because I’ve made it, albeit a much harsher version. It was the face of a witness to the breaking of boundaries, the erasure of an image of the person one knows. I wasn’t bothered by it– If anything, being looked at that in that way was oddly relieving. But I still couldn’t stand it.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDcS6rj9hI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWZatuyJ8k
“...Comfortable.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcByITPHt84
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1KElERb7H
I mouthed that word a couple of times. Juke always had a fascinating way of phrasing things. Comfortable. I spoke it, I whispered it, I thought it and I chewed it. Comfortable.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN67Fyj72l3
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGREYbItG4
Yeah. When it came to alchemy, comfortable was just right.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvkJDyMO4w
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW65hdA7iZ
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yEFzG5t1C
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ075qEfwwCw
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6HKZ80THX
This process… wasn’t quite nostalgic. I didn’t know what nostalgia even felt like, but I knew that if I was just five years older, I would be sorely missing performing this.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp70mPsw8S
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIMCboMzsF
Scratch that, I missed it even as I did it. 59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8qLWZefCo
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK1HELfYeH
Even with all my experience, I wasn’t afforded time to let my thoughts stray and frolic into useless concepts. All my focus was directedto the task at hand, the busy method of making an endurance potion. Oh, how I missed it.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzUs9PKNhB
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8Nvuvz8XI
“...A little bit here.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscoMFZGhlY
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u3T2JhUNw
It took a moment for me to shake of my rust, but as it was only a little over a week since I last did this, I felt good as new afterward. I was performing mana suspension with utmost precision. I’ve made this particular potion so many times, I could just let my hands take it away. Still, as I was going through the process and remembering the materials, there was a nagging feeling in the back of my throat that told me something was off. 59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUFUqsz2e3
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiqE1aXWF4
And it wasn’t until near completion that I realized what it was.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXplNxGK6go
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA6fDAdgpG
“Of course. Goodness, how could I forget the most important part?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KUmS3Ms11
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfFbSjWoa8
As I stood in a little booth, there was one natural ingredient from the heap of materials that I was missing: fat. There wasn’t an ounce of raw fat anywhere.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPoGGHpQkv
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1NCWDdBH1
I sighed and rubbed my head. I knew that I didn’t look hard enough, but having to descend to another floor to pick up something I already should have was a complete hassle.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0M2ccX8BP
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQlJsVVWA6
“No time to waste, though.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbItn4LuCfg
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIscgCyFe96
So I stood up and exited. The booth was one of several in a particular room. Every booth was an office space repurposed into whatever the circumstances demanded, and I was lucky enough to get one for myself. There were a couple of crowd members up here chatting, and I made sure to wave and grant small greetings as I passed by.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL9AmCxI9v
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbxKhD77PO
I reached the stairs shortly after, and while descending them, I thought of how exactly I was going to acquire any fat. I’m sure there was meat as part of the rations, but from the few sparing glances I took, they all seemed dry. The only wild animal in here had a mission to complete, and I didn’t fancy the idea of killing an animal just for a potion. I reached the floor amidst my thinking and figured that I would figure it all out once I got there.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WmEqPGP8k
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDmusRgPhe
I walked through, waved at those who waved at me, waltzed to the mock-up kitchen organized by a couple of members, and inspected. Indeed, I found out that I did not figure it out once I got there.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nGXTSjuYO
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5RmnJ34Vh
“...Crap.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9xmrIVlX2
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEktHjpqyL
My index and thumb were on my chin, and the arm that held them rested on my other. But looking like a philosopher didn’t manifest what I needed, and I eventually dropped the pose and sighed.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZsioxZuvW
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ5dyZd6GK
“Is there something you’re lookin’ for?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KGsZnPpzI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJF94Uc5mce
Who was essentially the lunch lady noticed my plight.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wUqEZW0wq
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQW7wOONVn
“Yes. Um, do you happen to have anything with fat on it? And I mean raw fat.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrZbrAsDRm
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYlfboe3Zm
“Fat? Fat, hmm… well, there might be some in the trash.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngTYRVaDu6
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLoPulIvpL
“Excuse me? Oh, sorry. Can I ask where the trash is?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqyIBtpcbU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwZgbz05hU
“You sure can. It’s in one of those buckets right there.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2kDaVs5ZL
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqeD3ZmNFI
She pointed with a spoon to the corner of the floor. In that corner, small, lidded buckets were clustered together. They looked to be made of wood. But, those details aside, what I noticed was how nobody was within ten meters of them.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1jVEWrvCg
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrqL85SynA
“M-May I ask, what kind of fat is in those?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q8iHNwczj
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2GWy6f1kv
And she responded with confirmation of my immediate fears.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcqH1JENj4
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7d7JL50I7
“It’s from spoiled meat. We didn’t have salt or ice or nothing to keep it preserved, so it’s already home to the bugs. Crazy how it turns to junk so quick, isn’t it?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5LBHsPm0x
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu1TT5dFGB
“Crazy indeed, ma’am.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CGS5Mv4eY
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0ArJbE830
With my back slumped over, I hobbled to the corner with a profound frown. I thought of maybe taking my tendril and producing some kind of flower, but none of their aromas were strong enough to suppress that stench.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZViSk7NS69
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9XAO4I7QB
“Mind if I ask what you need fat for?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrJUrm14LG
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmP7Bu4RWs
“Oh, yes. It’s for a potion I’m making, you see–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pca0kvdgc
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkYh3OY1IM
I cut my sentence short because, unlike the feminine voice of the lunch lady, the one I heard had the sound of a gentleman. What’s more, I recognized its timbre.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76uxwdDEBU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKoTjw6pLW
“N-Nigel!?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwZ3jL7WyN
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4q734QQBu
“Correct! I’m honored that you remember me. It’s swell to see you in good health, Kenny.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VeAkweWAm
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPj8qr9xAF
“Y-You as well. Also, please, don’t sneak up on me like that.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fqKbYen4p
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVOI6F10hW
He lightly shrugged in response. I clicked my tongue at his insouciant attitude but dropped my grudge quickly.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9ZVkxM6SR
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bLr4YbGrK
“It’s good to see you healthy as well, Nigel. How was your time at the battle?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60JMth3tKI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rw0opH91j
“Ah… well, first, let me offer you a hand.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYjagy46AQ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbW6wO14iXd
“A hand,” I asked, confused as to what he insinuated.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLp1LK8AXGR
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1sRni8LXZ
“You said you need fat for your potion, and I just so happen to have a knife.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SeVySR0S3
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNxmuahwT8
He pulled the knife in question out of its sheath and headed towards the buckets, but not before tossing me something.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGd1MiG4LL
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeXE2dFFU8
“Is this… a clamper?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSTBHNAk87
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQR6yjGtXuR
“It is. I’m sure you know to put it over your nose, right? Anyway, let’s chat while we work.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Cslqp0iEq
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MHOQ1QlE5
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqHfphVCLK
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT7AIPOM3S
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DIim1lfOK
Nigel’s presence was a lucky blessing. Another pair of hands was one thing, the knife was another, and the clamper was nice, but what I was truly thankful for, was having someone to talk to while I groped and tore stale, smelly, stonymeat.
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdHPk3QQDn
“So,” Nigel started as he made his cuts, “what is it that you asked me?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0y9j8mkuln
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ae2hOqRIQ
“That I asked you?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhYIRmqxJo
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnPtgPL2CN
I thought about it, and it seemed to have slipped even my mind, but I remembered my earlier inquiry quickly.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMreAJqTTj
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGAIqjNIIx
“Right. It was about the battle. How was it? I mean, I know it was rough for everyone, but…”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8H8oI1LqZ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hz5croFGG
“Yeah, I know what you mean. I might as well tell you.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJe7h1RAOJ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETyBCHhc2l
He stopped rotating the meat on his knife and looked down at it.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjECAvt0wWJ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRpRQs0eO2
“...Was it, did you lose your friend?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrkUypaQtu
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBZzx34vkD
He jolted when I asked, raising his head with widened eyes.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubfPaSX3GO
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0My2CxDEjR
“How did you–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0Zgj6iUay
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3v2RdqbwH
“I was behind the crowd the whole time. I had everyone’s backs in front of me, so I started keeping track of the members, seeing who was there and who left by the kind of hair or weapons you all had. And, well… at some point, I noticed the head you were with changed at some point.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26anERSDNQ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcGnbEYCSb
“...Hah. You’re a sharp boy with a keen eye.” 59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN05QU7n1N
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEm2HzMIPUG
He continued cutting as he spoke.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhQEICk3iw
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToPisdJlUK
“Yeah. Damon died during the big ambush. One of the six casualties we suffered. I was left without a partner for the rest of the raid.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvhPNT5Ikn
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUasMoPvKa
He looked at his hand. I stopped my own cutting, and my limbs twitched, urging me to reach out and do something. But the only thing I could muster was a few consoling words.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWVwSpgL27
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WWmmIo5JU
“I’m, so sorry to hear that. He must’ve been a good friend.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvBjcTKsQS
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpj6IIjQvt4
“...Do you think so? He and I fought a lot, I wouldn’t call him a good friend. Just a colleague. Besides, things like these happen in the field.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTn341gYMv
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUoUdRhRWM
He said those words. He said those words coolly, without wavering hands or trembling lips. His cutting paused, and his eyes seemed to stare off into nowhere, but I couldn’t read anything from his profile. A part of it relieved me, and another made me want to scamper away.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy70u72iX7H
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bJnaYzabB
“You saw me at a bad time, truly. Sorry, I’ll continue helping.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMSQCefZgC
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWv808TZVQ
“Don’t… don’t you worry about it.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6cnVFTRkm
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfoIvERI5o
“Enough about me. Tell me, how was it on your end?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybXwWsFEcb
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiwh3nMwyy
His switching of the topic was decisive, so I decided to halt my scary thinking. I sighed and paused my motions, reaching for stored memories I preferred to forget. However, the deeper I dug, I had to wonder:59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaBhRViVVL
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbZ3BgxPSZ
“Is that really something you want to hear? Are all crowd members like this, just talking about unpleasant fights?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsLSBPeRVc
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡng0U3bLANk
“That’s not fair of you. You asked first, right?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBypWgtiBfJ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJWZUStAox
“I… darn it, you got me there.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRrpFb99Zf
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtnEmfbYyg
I continued peeling and let my mouth run.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fn9FXANc1
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4adNJXvX5
“It was me and Juke. He and I were partnered, and for the most part, we just whizzed by the rooms. The one we had to tackle was that of the Dean’s, and for what it’s worth, our fight went smoothly. No major injuries, we weren’t too tired, nothing.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUFyzw02W6
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgMvYS7QYZ
Though my right hand would be painfully sore in the morning.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjCd2jTDMx
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCKWkaQxDL
“Excellent to hear. You must be a proficient fighter for it to have gone so well.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyfVKCN7l1
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2JlyIPzno
“Not really. I’m just somewhat competent with magic, and my partner had an incredibly useful endowment. We got lucky, that’s all.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtL0yCn8Frp
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoKP19Bz5x
“I don’t know about that, Kenny.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmqkzJNuu3
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihRLVeM51k
I looked at him with pursed lips.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgqD1HqVb6
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvY5r9f9KGX
“Why not?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRIHzZdL5P
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVBMNyVAdk
“Lady fortunate dictates only half the battle, and it's never the half that’ll be the coup de grace. She is the roof of the house, and man is the foundation; without you, she would simply collapse.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHxOnxEt2r
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14hCbiZTlo
“That’s… an interesting way of looking at it. But I’m not convinced. I mean, we even ran into an opponent we already beat.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdAmAF7ZSC
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzQM1fyfhx
He raised and wagged his finger, going “tsk tsk” with his lips.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzX6foLjFJ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVlN0eWBju
“And who is it that managed to beat that enemy in the first place?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnch44iR45
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH8epd6QDC
“--!”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug7bhNhSsb
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVW5rrXQj4
Though my gut still told me something was awry, my mind was convinced by his words. I took it with a grain of salt, and taking it with such a sully still loosened my facial muscles. 59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWAahc9awR
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQT1G1tr7f
“Did anything else happen?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeZsaXSICa
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2p9KrIW6X
“Anything else? Well… Oh!”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMqrtWMzqg
I perked up and yelled all a sudden, startling Nigel and making him ask “What?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gUvhEZB0F
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrRag0NUcK
“I forgot to tell Lola and Dave about some information we learned. Juke might’ve already said it, but I still want to make sure.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EaiZ7xcqv
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLG5WyTmb5
“Some information? Would you like me to relay it while you make the potion?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscdstsKVMW
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnni0IzPZd
“Uh…”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4ZsE4Xiqr
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBBUC00lvR
I hesitated, but when I realized how silly that was, I spoke.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwefJV6AbQt
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf722x0DaTL
“I don’t see why not. The gist of it is that Hard-Bringer has a grade-zero mana spinner, so it’s prodigalto let enemies slip away.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQos3kLyl0e
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb9mzyAmax
“...That is quite a concern. It means we need to confirm all our kills as well.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnB89H6wUz5
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZKElMFNOX
My face retracted and my eyes widened, shocked by our utter differences in derivatives from the information.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZYMTPjC2b
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP98lGtNKYt
“Being together with just Juke must’ve been irritating.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cB1TbJ3co
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScHxU0saAc
“Hm? Why’s that? We were split into pairs, weren’t we?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS2PC36mD0
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMUPZlldY1
He tilted his head and raised his brow, which made me inclined to do the same.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlskwKWtkd
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeiFSUCsK3
“That’s precisely it. It was just you and Juke, meaning that you couldn’t work with your other partner, Rover, right?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oOODXXJtc
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MH8JHR8Zl
“...O-Oh.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPkuABLo7L
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfao01cyjth
I realized then that there was a great misunderstanding. I didn’t quite know how to address it, but I decided to take a swing anyway.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HMmKxPcgu
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSTPrCZc3d
“See, Rover and I– and Juke, I suppose –we had a falling out. She’s been evasivefor the most part, and we’re likewise.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCVb1AId9B
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKMe3ihDg9
“I see… she’s been avoiding you? That makes a lot of sense.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O3gCHVX5z
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUuLm8GFrt
I tilted my head at his assessment, as I couldn’t imagine how such a conclusion could be drawn.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuFV9H8a1R
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnnUqkCqch
“Make sense? How?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakeFbvT8E4
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90Uz8tpakV
He adjusted his sitting posture by slacking his muscles and raising his legs, holding his arms over his knees.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzvDu6RKVr
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u53tq5SkL
“When Damon died, I had to make a quick adjustment. My intuition told me to stick to our agreed formation, and I was advised by a buddy there to group up with her. I did, and we spoke for a minute, but when–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9sT7CYshG
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14gXdBPpdh
“Ah, so you were her partner? I figured.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vt2y2CLUX
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDzm0JoqGz
Nigel looked surprised as I finished his retelling for him. I could tell he needed elaboration, so I handed it.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oQCYmt9IX
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGt8YZF0Ot
“I was the last to leave the room. You left right before me. I gave her a look, and I think she understood it. I’m very particular with my messaging faces.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83G7ska6EI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjYHQRJ1NS
“So she still fought alone, eh?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3SG2p5Kl4
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLbEueAhpE
“...Yeah. She did. I heard she’s alive, though. I’m relieved.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH6B4RSNkj
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt17rXggJ4
“Relieved? How come?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXSv4tqo79
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBzFKaBGBh
I jumped at his stupid question, contorting my face as if it offended me.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzrQFpvIiT
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamZ1AMTdhe
“You just said you fought. Ah, who am I kidding, I know what it is.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCG3b7HQzk
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzFqGCr56q
He pulled his arms closer to his chest and continued peeling.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59Y8WrXYvK
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyotA0rY4JN
“You’re probably good friends with her.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmdQ7RIJjV
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkPp8jZ5vj
“F-Friends? W-Well, I don’t know about–”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLF8sSDHnBY
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctGsePcDbq
“You’re friends, man. Don’t kid yourself. You wouldn’t have given her that check if you weren’t.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YSynrHJtr
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiTHMeCTTu
He continued his peeling without care while I sat still, shaking and stupified. An outrageous conclusion, an unbelievable string of words, worming its way into my ears and trapping the nerves that signaled my limbs, the engine that ran my thoughts.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPRjUbWNuU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsCXvT2H4e
“I hear she’s hurt,” Nigel continued, snapping me out of my trance, “Hurt very badly.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ArLt0A5e8
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyWMY9ebrH
“H-Hurt? What happened?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmit8RsM7W
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FFPV5lubA
“I don’t know the details, but she couldn’t walk when I saw her. She was making one hell of an uproar though, so it’s nothing permanent.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86wwL3o2xU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IJFr1bGfr
“That’s– that’s good to hear.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcwPE99CCZ
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRHTDo7KgK
“I got a suggestion for you. I know your relationship is shaky with her, but believe me, what I’m about to advise is good for your health.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSQFeiqE7m
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmi7V709h0w
A moment later, he put down his knife and slapped a gelatinous mass of yellow onto the floor before me.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfCtsQII63
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh9K5yVgyo
“Here’s all the fat I could get. Take this and make your potion, then give her a patch-up.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkWbu7sOCK
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2hgCmtmGY
“A patch-up… you mean, a healing potion?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9EC1nhnhM
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAM6Y2Twjt
He shrugged.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JB4cCsG8t
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUyjkwZ2H6
“I’m not the alchemist, am I?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtHUuX0s7N
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zxvq8nQGd
“...Yeah. Yeah, you aren’t.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuHZBKfDlE
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3lAifvF6l
I stared at the blubbering mass. It was small enough to fit into my hand, and though it would feel gross, it would be light as a feather as I carried it back to my mock-up lab. But I couldn’t bring myself to pick it up. Because now that chunk was no longer an ingredient, a box to check for my task’s completion. It was a rope; a rigid line to drop me into the depths.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8rp2aCSIo
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViwZEFYNYW
All those thoughts, all those tingles, all that premonition and ominous prospecting. I couldn’t bring myself to pick it up. So I had to.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGu4tdnUsX
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEKvZcnbJi
“Thank you, Nigel. Your help was invaluable.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqUIbg8qdI
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1g3KX1iNuJ
“I told you, didn’t I? It’s my pleasure to be a good role model.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrkZUU6yT2
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65YJxZwXvG
It was impossible to suppress my smile. His cocky optimism– somehow, it was exactly what I needed to fortify my duct-taped prospects. 59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIkeLjrARs
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfdAzJqGDU
I picked up the fat, momentarily amazed at how he cut so much so quickly, and waved him goodbye, making my way to my lab and steeling every twitching fiber in me.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCSbXLLrwe
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgkhJ8eVSY
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CiJpyrc5Y
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiWj8osROK
–
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGps4zPgJK
“...Role model.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MBxPWDFjc
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArYGSHxYNx
Nigel’s hands were a complete mess, covered in gore that assaulted his nostrils. At least as a soldier, the flesh he bled wasn’t rotten. This was a new experience, and in some ways, he was glad about it. He was glad he didn’t run his mouth. He was glad the kid didn’t notice his hands.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXS6pbWmFU
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc6sTb1Khg
“Who am I kidding, of course he noticed.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVgnhynlJ2
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbpv0sEozi
He stood up and brushed his palms against one another, though all that grime would need more oomph to come off. He sighed and tucked his knives away since the kid let the other loiter on the ground.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZJ9eHEJ2J
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpMl3YDCVX
“I’m not cut out to be a role model. But I’m glad that kid’s doing good. I’m glad you’re not here either, man.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rgMh6FAd2
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmskG72cifY
He put the remaining meat back in the bin and closed the lid, moving his legs to the closest washer he knew.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFqVezdx9a
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVcORN05iF
“You would’ve been too much, Damon. I can’t handle all that empty praise. All that talk of being a moral guy.”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIZgTrtVAC
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1DJyGi5eS
His legs came to a sudden halt. They jerked to and fro, but they didn’t make one nudge of distance. Nigel scoffed and laughed, looking at his disobedient limbs with a hopeless smile.59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpOYdz0N3x
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzjCztjb1T
“...Not even my hands? Had to go straight for my legs?”59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8dJJiZpOg
59Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYRFSirXXj
He closed his eyes. It was all he could to stop the spill, the salty water that trickled for a mere colleague.
