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.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa36EBpKV3r
“Now all I need to do is to finalize it.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxTlUzZLHO
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgUdwrPvEe
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–86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId8JodmoqR
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6lo8M0Hh1
“It’s a resounding success. Awesome.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9ryC42xcI
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnOMP8B74j
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EWipLXfG2
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHbrOjpU72
Should I go and deliver this now, or make a healing potion, and deliver this later?86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXWlUpK3uf
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVqVGeSvaL
“...”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyKeaD6jCA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJN34B9Vbf
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgcEn8rBZd
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46wLMitaBe
“...That’s new. Where did you come from?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHs2mtZbbG
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXqdwy0TKy
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE1LQI7zwk
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TC6J6Sg30
“I know better. I don’t have the time for that. No, I don’t.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UCDQHqLgP
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFwtJa4Wce
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–86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzMwKPbKs4
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTLYk2LNf6
“...”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBkAjVaPPA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kbCF3f8VG
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fs4FdVFmm
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbZZaQNJZL
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1IPp5Ue2F
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq6XJCmr9a
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdi5AoVefya
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhc1GYxnQh
–
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86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3LTvBY57C
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdatkd3KEh0
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcegcqQi9m
“Yes?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhUxvoHFQR
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslX3eIZfFf
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQTaP7LO2W
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5MJXqQkmY
“You’re here what I think you’re for, aren’t you?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6i7VGAazr
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwNaZWKNfy
“Y-Yes, Lola. Here, this is the potion I made.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbTZkxnjph
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOulsxcOKV3
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiil8UGxO0u
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8WtOoHNMc
“You made this in eighty minutes?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xFEYLURP0
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCw6gMPf3Q
“Did I take too long? I’m sorry, I had to grab some ingredients from a lower floor–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2RgHTedUj
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEYB1ZZ48W
“No, not at all. I was expecting you to take longer. Thank you, Kenny, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded handsomely.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD62KrcJEd
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87tFNWTrdp
I raised my hands bashfully and rapidly waved them at her.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc411zNupV
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bC0eGyWmn
“No no no, please don’t! You’re helping us enough as is.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2Nmar7MEu
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3afZKsNAj6
“If you insist.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1SmJ6J3bJ
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaUsGFJhBc
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimp0PKrGso
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxXbJkjqW0
“Kenny?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0mYzzdvEQ
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DfeJA450y
“O-Oh, right. Do you need me for anything else?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dDsCoolmX
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjowwB11If
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKOTz2DAJT
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKCQ7IhUbV
I let out a chuckled sigh and slapped a hand on my chest, muttering a breathy “thank you.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc7YmuDIGk
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSPLcRCHMs
“There is something I’d like to ask you, however, just before you go.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0k79CdPZg
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGVpP9MVum
She said so right as I turned to leave. I twisted my head and looked at her, gesturing for her to shoot.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs75ryY96X
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLl10ddDUUj
“The concoction in your other hand; that bright green tint can only mean one thing, yes? A healing potion.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCJHMDa9kA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXTdPjeijt
I nodded at her assessment. I realized the speed at which this could turn dangerous.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3R0MpBK3QW
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobi9l4n3Qc
“I see. I see, I see…”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtItPHQg0b
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSGBQVkzkN
“A-Are you going to make me make one for each soldier?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dAGzuzglF
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugmQNErhvq
“No, I won’t ask that of an outsider, let alone a child– oh, sorry, you don’t like being called that, do you?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR96GLyuiE
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2RDsuUYZC
“...Don’t worry about it. I appreciate you being considerate, Lola. Is there anything else?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fxRYoyGpE
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7UTEMR1MT
“I-If you don’t mind my prying, could you answer a few questions for me?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzf8v5bqMW
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuMmOb8ZR6
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhXYItoA5L
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFe4zv6HCV
“Please?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WWLDQHBam
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv7scdgJ12
Though it was difficult to draw a line while she was making such a face.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AEdw9zzGC
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvKAihiK57
“F-Fine, but please make them short. I have somewhere I need to be.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcN5dDdfGf
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI54R6YUvnz
“Thank you, I will. It’s just two quick questions. First–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgReEQtKpA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNCmlJfK5Q
She paused right before asking, as if a crucial memory struck her from the woodwork. 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9HVl9E1Ml
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrLR75UB2G
“–How long have you been an alchemist?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnpH2naHmA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatfNEyOds9
“I’d say… hold on, that question has two answers. Commercially, it’s been about three years(1). Personally, it’s been for… seven?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzypxgionJT
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJImZ2tPdTu
“Seven years? That’s over half your life, isn’t it?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00wbkxZJnr
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Qggys8QZO
I gave a simple shrug with sandwiched lips.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu2nPXx61r
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz31SjGoyL
“I started young. That’s all.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9vKrxLK8J
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwsbUbCYjK
“I see. Being trained at such a young age, no wonder why you’re so skilled.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpBcKUg15w
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxeTwNBjNT
“P-Please, don’t flatter me. I appreciate the remarks, but they just…”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjDnH15LrB
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstXjDO3hRn
They don’t sit right with me, I wanted to say, but Lola gave a predictive, discerning nod, so I stopped speaking.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARfZOAxjCC
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1ASGpYDfP
“Only seven years… then, maybe–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBjWSFJ6MB
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj83KJweZJ3
“Sorry, can you repeat that? I didn’t catch it.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj2huAyXOn
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfO4xhr9iX
She jumped and then waved her hand.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9e66HLfo6
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IKAL4J0wv
“Don’t worry, I was just thinking out loud. Anyhow, for my next question…”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BGFoNfHoR
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa59xdIjxPW
“Right.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YEwBA3X88
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgrFnUJonY
“...I apologize if this may seem extreme, but I have to ask.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79IRiGNvzL
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQLXmJTNO3
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbUNQtRX3L
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80wGZro3Rm
“Did you kill anyone in the last operation?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE6oPZFNJH
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo1futgmxz
“I– Wha!?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU8JxACdoh
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflCgDaCuF7
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2idDUQXLKz
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8Oaq47apl
“Who asks something like that to a child!?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zVsxIg8t3
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOdEXwOCKw
“Shh! I know it’s selfish, but it’s for my own peace of mind! I have to know, please, did you?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu6hUy02nc
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6u21outE8
“Your own… peace of mind?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBBDk7lys5
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0xxlvROQa
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX8jPf7sDd
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaG1FrKcyV
“I didn’t. I hurt some people, but I never landed a killing blow.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYomtat6CxI
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrV9OwXG9r
“I-I see. That’s a relief. Oh my goodness, that’s a relief.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aRb8T43HG
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp94F3bVcQW
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpw9vkqBNR
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYrffmKNPK
“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. 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM1qF36gZ6
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFEph7WGLb
“You… for some reason, I feel like you regard me much more highly than you should.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy9Cdaiodg
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEZBCDfMLo
She shrugged at my comment.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBKW0Pm06W
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxuAubDz0k
“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. I think I’ll keep you guessing. Now, shoo! You have somewhere to be, don’t you?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTnOXtovZG
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZlFVW0LKI
Brushing me off with perfect logic before I could respond to her outrageous statement, I clicked my tongue inward and turned on my foot.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxiCHpxI4I
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqlD4XspOn
“Goodbye Lola,” I shouted. She opened the door and slid right through, waving at me right before closing it.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBR0IY5uQS
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawtEbPr9Wi
–
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–
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayon2k3yX7
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3replZXCK
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XsEsb2jWy
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KvVNQUGUi
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCvcgplz6z
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyXHvHPxv7
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMMt8JXM1R
“...This is ridiculous.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomViNLz8RS
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ipElw2nzE
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUJdpk0r75
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfzAqjNQsp
“Just go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it– off!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdQhKg7sxx
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYwSKYSTnb
In the midst of my chanting, I bit the arrow and slammed it open. It looked far removed from how I imagined it.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy0jgEOxu2
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdasc7nQU0
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDiRMPc0jj
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBwspoIEKM
And seeing how his groggy face raised to meet mine, I realized how noisy my entrance was.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpdDEBHlh9
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqLxdLvDyp
“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. I’m just here to deliver something.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSqnKTf3ea
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu4zHqnQf5
“...Hmm.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B3KjO8h6D
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDO1SeLS2sV
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9SDUAYzf7
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmyymfIdlb
“Do whatever.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3kvx4FKGU
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7s32iiO2k
“R-Right. Thank you, sir.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTK81eVRLK
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhh7lkdhnj
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfx5ceBeye
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4HiChlsxT
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuay44c8nwo
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcYXZ2aMQN
“D-Darn it.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPKI9vzhkQ
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxDQLXVaGR
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–86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3aovOtAR2
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMKs5r6MJR
“What are you doing here?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldTR5mCcBy
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZuadZOxX4
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtJoRFmoZB
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvJBlu461X
There was Rover, sitting in the one corner out of my sight, eyeing me with a lion’s eyes.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLC0uYrQbHg
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBc8Ah1CXZ
“...U-Uh.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nD1F5iQiF
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNq40j99vV
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0VtZe09RC
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBtNqixmc7
“Well? Come on, spit it out.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEStQCGlCA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeINBQ5qzs
“I… I-I.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1jQHsepuM
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdl2k0cav65
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4E0IBnGcg
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QhUpxRWyh
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9drhGCHEwA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXNkCGbH7H
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoZfbTC19q
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs37z3BKAdh
“I don’t have time for this, just spit it out!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiOcfu9Qmh
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOmFs4TrcR
“I-I’m here.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3yvEeaUWF
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWElpc1f4jW
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzZfwNWIAo
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfk08uLGld
“I’m– I made— I– Rover, I’m here–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRd9c45ADa
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGbU8by93Q
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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R1s8IO2h4
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJALxsZKU0q
“I…”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dE2lgN49u
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0xPP11Hmg
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7QjiUhMUH
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8r4s5pomd
“Hello, Rover.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAE33uGmny
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCICkTLzSia
“Hey, Kenny.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjltppZxi0
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPZUABI5tD
I retracted my stretched arm, then extended it yet again.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqst4pjVIEa
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3294SWGZt
“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–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcnH7JqUZ3
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKamac0zjwP
“Cut to the chase!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw5hoHL74v
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh3jKXSGUR
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqEARD9i9V
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxnC6ko1da
Her eyes widened. Her crossed arms slackened, and I took it as a signal to move forward. I took it incorrectly.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMWo9TOMvl
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx63lxOIL1
“Hold on, you brought me a potion?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhydH9gpFR
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUGmKihlln
“Y-Yes.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡock7HueD1G
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wsmSjERPl
“Now who told you to do that?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4BqGZadOe
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eHIq9oAPz
“W-Well–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLfLtd0pDy
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVVZ0bFx1T
Nigel suggested it, but he didn’t tell me. No, mulling over that was wasteful spending. There was only one truth in this situation:86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM50f184QsL
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC1Hm6jUmN
“I wanted to do it. I wasn’t told.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH11hQrzd9
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOC1cLTpsOv
“...You? That wimpy Kenny?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1Bkcd9RqR
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6wg3Zhkie
I wasn’t mad at her insult. It was all too accurate.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmarbQBHsXx
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukQnbszPxl
“Yes, the wimpy Kenny.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BR4Ca0RVY
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9iRogS1y5
“Ha! You’ve surprised me before, but this really blew my expectations out of the water!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xdqDilssL
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm74fKIE76f
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugZPC1Ckv4
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEB5icojzA
“I refuse your treatment!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ1PEqWSOA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWS67M1U5V
“H-Huh!?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Njal6sy80
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR23rmlKtp
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqwpcL4WTT
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOwatCvR6d
“Why not? Don’t you want to recover faster?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qi6LfxKyr
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPXghlDJPx
“Of course I do, but I can’t accept it. Not when you’re looking at me like I’m some kind of monster.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPbcoaOCAA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx36xlNnxQA
“I– Wha?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2oCiUPxDB
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIiIr0xMqJ
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–86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpLfTTTeD2
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CKAWbbBMD
“No, stupid! It’s the face you’re making! It’s weird!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7moDCErRv
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c1vfUw1Kh
“Stupid? Weird!?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0Oi1cdxgj
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsyqhtEjZx
“Do you need the whole room to hear it!? You’re looking at me like a weirdo!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepu3CSJQJ8
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBWBt2Nezy
“...”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPZJDXjmEc
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBb1dHROhu
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvfwRKruca
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCrTZFtMmL
“Why are you looking at me like that? Hmph.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMavEXfWoLC
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDlS3KNniu
As I had no other mode of operating at this moment, I blurted my immediate response.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8BOuVAlCT
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwlNHQDBf3
“It’s because I upset you.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCSV2fcSPV
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9KayItlHS
And then I realized that something like this required thoughtful phrasing.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxLkmjzu3o
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqIflw9o5i
“I don’t– well, I don’t want to make you any more uncomfortable than you–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9uR2oJcOo
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiXCciSJrL
“That’s bullshit! Man, forget answering that, I don’t need your whole, your spiel you know!? Come here!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnayZMVROwR
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRc7GiJZsJ
“Come, there,” I asked, pointing to myself.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDT2vC2cCt
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8yc9HN8hd
“Yes. Sit by me, I can’t stand looking at your working legs.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4c7wI1BaVp
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOu8Ppc1Z4
“S-Sheesh.” 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWAdaSlAYn
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66NEe1Us5f
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.
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86MSBxNB5y
“How do I use this thing?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXqYRl2h97
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvQJAXmevB
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYiPhGlFwV
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5DwVMqKF8
“Drinking works for me.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ909i8GQ2zZ
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyyoJDyNGh
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpWWhsvb80
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6E0hFNGHi
“Cah! What the hell, is in this thing?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYElbabkco
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmZSEgB3kB
“That’s not the problem! You drank it too fast, you dingus!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9lR2Bti5d
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0NcpSPm5s
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCZf7EYCLv
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAt25LopPd
“If you drink like that, it’s likely to go down the wrong pipe.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmBmq5jiF6
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKsin4BCZU
“Whatever.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUU7NLsdqa
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl9LCAxqhE
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. 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD36slUSHVq
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjT1NVBbbL
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAIqPuqdXo
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0GVvBlfAX
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIczCBWGhs
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNMw1bwA6J
But before I could even take anpreludebreath, she spoke, reading my intentions.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡockONPaHis
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqS46O6xMC
“Leaving already?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcGjzjQqFA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTfUJS11yz
“I-I am, yes. I think it would be best. It isn’t as if I don’t have–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45ojYGmK2f
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac74OiPlQY
“Hold on, not yet. I still have something to say to you.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aI9ULz4oT
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0Z21tWhXJ
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKN2Z2Gjj4
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jhMPPma9j
“That’s funny. I do too. Do you mind if I start first?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MjRujne7l
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LScrSGy5x
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTlmP6NJE9
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPvwh4oNo3
“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?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMcALfrTFz
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyjYHlImBC
“Yeah, I do. I remembered how much of a wuss you were.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlz2Y4UUQT
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2m8HNK7AHs
I almost chuckled. Blunt as a bat, but it hit a bullseye.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9u9WmIyOSr
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tNL5BLijV
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTraPYLnHUS
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0o6s72ovm
I noticed the subtlest rise of her right brow.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO7ONK87ko
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwRdfLSFxh
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmQAMJVBNd
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh5qFJ6wJY
She nodded along to my apology. It looked like she was expecting more, but I was finished. So she’d understand, I concluded with–86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvEF0Z3Wp7
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXCIImOiBz
“So yeah, I’m sorry for being such a wuss.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EAU4ktuMQ
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyEuAHRC6j
“...Hmm. Ha, I guess kids really do grow so fast.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVqfjgRk45
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKONVzvxqNo
“H-Huh?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJACJXoOZq7
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDanVALC6X0
She rubbed her nose a little and continued talking.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX72CDA2yv
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1qF07khZx
“Just look at you. You’re nothing like the Kenny I knew.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWBZ8GbfqF
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTttSCISrV
“I-I, well, I don’t know if I agree–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyizK0CKcp
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZXkIwQo8c
“Nah, on second thought, I take that back. But that doesn’t matter anyway. Seriously, just look at you.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cVp1lPThD
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hNuzD02Ob
“I’m n-nothing so special.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7uq9b7T7i
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRX10vbKYb
“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!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcuYpo3OlW
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HBFKx2sDP
“The letter certainly isn’t a priority.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaLrdzMTsc
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW4L4jo5Nz
She casually clicked her tongue, tilted her head sideways, and waved her hand downward.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8pZjcdeNp
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMwjDv7i0r
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwA2yOxHlD
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJojlBena1K
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. 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvLGXiDkKF
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWeMBJhSs1
It took me only a few 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG0PhtbpCT
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmebByDGcV
“I don’t think so. I don’t think I grew anything.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzE8EYbHSf
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YIp8HeGOo
“‘Course you did! Stop giving me such crap–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIP39WiBW6
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZBy5bBdcE
“No, really, Rover.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH690OFkaj
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOubILKOQr
I slouched my posture and leaned back, lifting myself with my hands behind me. 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUopJvT6IFz
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5awVBrmagp
“I think I’m just lucky.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG5YtDgjOB
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGoCetcfTj
I veered my eyes away from the ceiling, looking into Rover’s, and was taken aback by her utter dejection. Or was it disgust?86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wP2JQ8kud
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdyqXcyfGg
“I-I mean, it’s not as if I haven’t been trying, it’s just–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlq9BeSWDf
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEQf3SNish
“Nevermind all that, Kenny. You’re starting to give me a headache.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo3BuT3BWu
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknUgJ24p4Z
I stopped my frantic hand-waving and began to scratch my head.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubH5z0w8cg
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse7z5fKQgJ
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0ZKgaRh8k
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdbyCX5mNs
“It isn’t a drug! I wouldn’t stoop to such barbaric substances!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67Codf9MT9
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GcADWtvAR
“Uh-huh, whatever. Hear me out before you can’t anymore.”
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF7fUfvGCp
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBwHZ7wXu2
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d4ApOp9P5
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. 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VlYymaYiS
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5jUSvgLqd
“D-Don’t rush me!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWkxGhJ3LA
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssGoe51qsJ
“I’m not rushing you! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you just spat it out, but–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3Ni4e14I7
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8gDZOdDM9
“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…”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdwjIBu1Sj
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHAJldZPA5
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK8I7Q0fdu
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbO86K3R8Da
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLEetkV0mn
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaPL2DGoSX
“Gahh, forget it! You convinced me, I’ll just say it!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqziK7CEQwQ
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdnbvV8xmc
“I didn’t say anything.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4Dl9D6jVW
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUfSmN2V8r
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9uG6jXARk
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShcmqKIez3
“I’m sorry for being such a priss.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR61IRkefVk
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHANkdDTXKP
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uRc3gW1yU
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MPS83SQl3
But whether she was or not, mattered not to me.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hjx8RZku8
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UOKZoTQ0N
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbf97OVa6U
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF17I2XvGnj
“Told you all I did? What?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtIeA7gozg
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW4guK0gGW
She was caught by a wind of fury.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugsmrQgb9s
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A8a07zlXh
“You don’t remember!? Are you kidding me!? I really should–! Gah, you’re making this so much harder than it should be!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI53eVUvHZB
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvNTKKhqKR
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. She stopped her rage immediately, donning a look of perplexion. 86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrwsxvqoDr
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlj6HAXNyNX
“What’s so funny?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34QwsYYB6u
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6w0t8rkZlV
“N-Nothing in particular. I appreciate the apology, I suppose? I don’t think I’m all that deserving of it, though.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuvxmpdqvE
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehGLRy6syg
“Hold on, I’m not done yet!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUXOfWzJu0
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfCkTCcIzG
I nodded in understanding, and so she continued.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uhx785hAm
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRJj2HRwGY
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHSuFEqNQz
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkWZyo5R3T
“A little crazy?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Tulu1dMf0
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewsqIAgP94
“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!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeW6uRZ72DJ
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrcp2ZSabs
Her hands balled themselves to compliment her offshoot tangent. Her escalating tone made me concerned, but she relaxed soon after.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMvzHTvhQL
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSWdgN1juw
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJod4WzS7UO
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS2DUMvomD
“Well–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAeZ2h17LU
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGks9Bzy0jT
“Shut up! Shut up! Do you know how annoying it is to hear someone undersell themselves all the time?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhPWMJfkAx
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3kH3S2iPl
“I–”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv3qUY4jOr
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGcdYBP8E6
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvbISabBdi
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbitz41gHR
“Yeah. I do. It sucks.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWB9b21CoH
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lsxnOHW0c
“See! I– huh? You do?”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDhE6Iq96m
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvGKJP1RsE
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuDPii3cd7
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeeUBoFim5
“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.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNKaI4LZPI
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ew9ux5sOn
“Whatever. Think what you want, but don’t speak it out loud anymore.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV1cwAJDWj
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgiNjG6xDt
“I… haha, sure thing, Rover. I’ll do just that.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFHfoS9mzF
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgQXuHQj23
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk4tbQ5vYu
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrHfZ8VkgZ
“Perfect. I was just about to tell you to leave.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutzPl9Ogqf
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5Wzj9RsM0
“I’m starting to think you hate me.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr8qYqByxR
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xPqKsao7Q
Her hands twitched upwards defensively.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgU1vQdJTE
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSyX12iXIU
“I-I don’t. I’m just getting sleepy. Any second now, I’ll doze off.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAZQi5Uvwz
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lSmiss4rF
“Ah, right.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2USwgolTO
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBzEU1aVMy
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhi4CXAGN2
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVX856Xb0C
“That one Bringer was invigorated even with a restored limb, after all…”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAQK907HuX
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB2kHyohzg
“What are you mumbling about, eh? Scram! Scram, I tell you!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoj1Y0qNzP
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBb3B9Rkvm
“Alright alright, jeez. With how grouchy you’re being, you really do need that rest.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqlu9PKBwf
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Fc5MKqnEH
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.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWhg9I00dN
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyxX5O8st3
“Wait, one last thing!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkTClmOAL7
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡze9OSAPNTX
Then, she shouted unexpectedly. I looked at her with a blank expression to signify my okay, and she continued shortly.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYijL7E9Hv
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14odxCDDus
“Tell that old bucket-wearing fart to visit me sometime.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwPEFIXsIZ
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY31clkfcD
“...”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fn8XDbRb6
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1ZA65hWtU
I smiled.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jtc2FLfVN
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrTp6sBFYt
“I will.”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf8jXoyj70
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7tw6fYYNp
I returned her wave and exited the room. The moment the door shut behind me, I let out a quick breath and–86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNpkUvwVkX
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5u4e0ZlTE
“Yes!”86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYgg724l3e
86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jgQtPwnHn
A jump with jubilation. I had to. I never experienced such success before.86Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFBnb01LGF
