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.
7Please respect copyright.PENANA489e8gVC4o
“Now all I need to do is to finalize it.”7Please respect copyright.PENANADHDufIVdRi
7Please respect copyright.PENANAL5nIfBrLIf
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–7Please respect copyright.PENANA8UKESaTR5b
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“It’s a resounding success. Awesome.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA0pr6L0OAPw
7Please respect copyright.PENANAweQgmBn1R4
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAwl4aLkYRrX
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Should I go and deliver this now, or make a healing potion, and deliver this later?7Please respect copyright.PENANAsh0FExaMtu
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“...”7Please respect copyright.PENANAfPA94isaKa
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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.7Please respect copyright.PENANASuOjFAdj6s
7Please respect copyright.PENANA7KjbMs5Pb3
“...That’s new. Where did you come from?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAlLFOHocXe7
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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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA65cF3XjPud
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“I know better. I don’t have the time for that. No, I don’t.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAeIoowZWXSW
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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–7Please respect copyright.PENANAunNamaDzMd
7Please respect copyright.PENANA8xrLJ79d1d
“...”7Please respect copyright.PENANA48XUGStBPY
7Please respect copyright.PENANArd26PdsbT5
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAmNrsqVJORU
7Please respect copyright.PENANASDf5deKL08
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAyQwqWUUprI
7Please respect copyright.PENANADqCsd9NqNZ
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAtSmRU0K8Cm
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–
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–
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–
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Knock, knock, knock. The strength of my banging knuckles surprised even me. I stocked hardly half the force in my flicks to produce such noise. But I summed up the cause immediately. I was nervous.7Please respect copyright.PENANAuHUKMh6dQn
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“Yes?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA07GrzOQ8RG
7Please respect copyright.PENANAP6cP3mPD4j
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAsX3QyiPhtI
7Please respect copyright.PENANAc0RzEWxQRe
“You’re here what I think you’re for, aren’t you?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAaXZ1GoGMWW
7Please respect copyright.PENANAeuXt2vLXMC
“Y-Yes, Lola. Here, this is the potion I made.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAW4lv1HVvfL
7Please respect copyright.PENANAaHs06yGdAK
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAqP7vOBUZSI
7Please respect copyright.PENANArwZSJbdnEd
“You made this in eighty minutes?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA2OEWg2WLYK
7Please respect copyright.PENANAlRQfutuIMl
“Did I take too long? I’m sorry, I had to grab some ingredients from a lower floor–”7Please respect copyright.PENANA9vBDh1P5EX
7Please respect copyright.PENANAHqOYUKvSLm
“No, not at all. I was expecting you to take longer. Thank you, Kenny, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded handsomely.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA1pq0YPGXX9
7Please respect copyright.PENANATMGwmJHSKw
I raised my hands bashfully and rapidly waved them at her.7Please respect copyright.PENANAY4r8aPbPyI
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“No no no, please don’t! You’re helping us enough as is.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAyXyJNWHnvY
7Please respect copyright.PENANAODl3CfBv5E
“If you insist.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAY8A2T6R1oL
7Please respect copyright.PENANApn0ThJjg09
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAUKGFUmDWzo
7Please respect copyright.PENANAI6AxHAayqr
“Kenny?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAUNtdeU3aDC
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“O-Oh, right. Do you need me for anything else?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA2QVGJaMnuK
7Please respect copyright.PENANArdWQp9eHOb
“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAOGJoRt0aOo
7Please respect copyright.PENANA3e4vUisQqw
I let out a chuckled sigh and slapped a hand on my chest, muttering a breathy “thank you.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAmyMF19UGDy
7Please respect copyright.PENANAoIm3whFCbC
“There is something I’d like to ask you, however, just before you go.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA8yDdpqHuYB
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She said so right as I turned to leave. I twisted my head and looked at her, gesturing for her to shoot.7Please respect copyright.PENANAb7lwDyMdQE
7Please respect copyright.PENANATU8h7u9BQd
“The concoction in your other hand; that bright green tint can only mean one thing, yes? A healing potion.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAkjeoEKxv9j
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I nodded at her assessment. I realized the speed at which this could turn dangerous.7Please respect copyright.PENANAn22sVBrf3Z
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“I see. I see, I see…”7Please respect copyright.PENANA83twTGpfmC
7Please respect copyright.PENANAd6cPBy0Gl8
“A-Are you going to make me make one for each soldier?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAvPqDMuoU55
7Please respect copyright.PENANAyTIbEN6xEZ
“No, I won’t ask that of an outsider, let alone a child– oh, sorry, you don’t like being called that, do you?”7Please respect copyright.PENANArxPGNcgRwb
7Please respect copyright.PENANA3JUzcpr4TQ
“...Don’t worry about it. I appreciate you being considerate, Lola. Is there anything else?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA8Fs2tTvBq3
7Please respect copyright.PENANAiKx5ZqQb2A
“I-If you don’t mind my prying, could you answer a few questions for me?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAO4fMa5ybCP
7Please respect copyright.PENANA6JYBOH7K64
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA1zk8cqxv8l
7Please respect copyright.PENANAYi5UgXW84Y
“Please?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAzSNbhueJo5
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Though it was difficult to draw a line while she was making such a face.7Please respect copyright.PENANAEOK4FTWWh6
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“F-Fine, but please make them short. I have somewhere I need to be.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAbRg7ElzYYE
7Please respect copyright.PENANAxA7dyd51ev
“Thank you, I will. It’s just two quick questions. First–”7Please respect copyright.PENANALorhlSaPI0
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She paused right before asking, as if a crucial memory struck her from the woodwork. 7Please respect copyright.PENANAWaRAehm87N
7Please respect copyright.PENANA94E9ga7oln
“–How long have you been an alchemist?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA7PTiK6QLdZ
7Please respect copyright.PENANAdS2uyAovsb
“I’d say… hold on, that question has two answers. Commercially, it’s been about three years(1). Personally, it’s been for… seven?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAN8nh8uP2HR
7Please respect copyright.PENANAd0axD6pmNT
“Seven years? That’s over half your life, isn’t it?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA4C8kVho5rD
7Please respect copyright.PENANALVNeqoVxh6
I gave a simple shrug with sandwiched lips.7Please respect copyright.PENANACtL4GmSiYf
7Please respect copyright.PENANAf5aO1LAoTZ
“I started young. That’s all.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAjdN0XlWUeG
7Please respect copyright.PENANAMoEsQth2p0
“I see. Being trained at such a young age, no wonder why you’re so skilled.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA0rfvH66oxu
7Please respect copyright.PENANAWQbKOBqPzC
“P-Please, don’t flatter me. I appreciate the remarks, but they just…”7Please respect copyright.PENANAxoeYg8XQUX
7Please respect copyright.PENANA5Frofs8X7y
They don’t sit right with me, I wanted to say, but Lola gave a predictive, discerning nod, so I stopped speaking.7Please respect copyright.PENANAIQGQ33ZQNt
7Please respect copyright.PENANAQR1L7kyCC3
“Only seven years… then, maybe–”7Please respect copyright.PENANAEXhLO2NDdS
7Please respect copyright.PENANAYBG9aeSoRb
“Sorry, can you repeat that? I didn’t catch it.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA9veq7zHprM
7Please respect copyright.PENANAPwtmrKkF9L
She jumped and then waved her hand.7Please respect copyright.PENANA0rMs4iA0GT
7Please respect copyright.PENANAijViwA9DY2
“Don’t worry, I was just thinking out loud. Anyhow, for my next question…”7Please respect copyright.PENANAz9V7Bf60M8
7Please respect copyright.PENANAie5EHKZZc4
“Right.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAP5jhkFf9JG
7Please respect copyright.PENANAuxJMSmjXoB
“...I apologize if this may seem extreme, but I have to ask.”7Please respect copyright.PENANActobEn8qfd
7Please respect copyright.PENANA9WVwS6ZEl7
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAskkZFoNZYb
7Please respect copyright.PENANAypvsjMQAkh
“Did you kill anyone in the last operation?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAB95L2jctrt
7Please respect copyright.PENANA8dSyso91Ty
“I– Wha!?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAweHKOoQtka
7Please respect copyright.PENANAPmefVHOtc4
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAf04DqEbnCV
7Please respect copyright.PENANAOUTrQt1xMJ
“Who asks something like that to a child!?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA1gts6C1NHE
7Please respect copyright.PENANAG7Ai2ZCUwi
“Shh! I know it’s selfish, but it’s for my own peace of mind! I have to know, please, did you?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAsQEz24vHjT
7Please respect copyright.PENANAnc7F5tQhkw
“Your own… peace of mind?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAXBUC3O5zyZ
7Please respect copyright.PENANAhcMvmMAqfR
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANASNKZnwb3Be
7Please respect copyright.PENANAyH48vUlDu1
“I didn’t. I hurt some people, but I never landed a killing blow.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA42G7qM12GS
7Please respect copyright.PENANAeOfal8dJz6
“I-I see. That’s a relief. Oh my goodness, that’s a relief.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAc6DyLzVrA3
7Please respect copyright.PENANAGlkLfoSR2A
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAY4bPKPdQlc
7Please respect copyright.PENANAdY8VUOHpcV
“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. 7Please respect copyright.PENANAyB1TjT4vDT
7Please respect copyright.PENANAEl6bWPLdJ8
“You… for some reason, I feel like you regard me much more highly than you should.”7Please respect copyright.PENANARSxZPe96n3
7Please respect copyright.PENANAblM6nPBCoB
She shrugged at my comment.7Please respect copyright.PENANADin3u9X03D
7Please respect copyright.PENANAGn5rPgVIr9
“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. I think I’ll keep you guessing. Now, shoo! You have somewhere to be, don’t you?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAocn5hSViiq
7Please respect copyright.PENANA1YYD8ZpXfi
Brushing me off with perfect logic before I could respond to her outrageous statement, I clicked my tongue inward and turned on my foot.7Please respect copyright.PENANARApaO7jt2J
7Please respect copyright.PENANAD0gwhWTksK
“Goodbye Lola,” I shouted. She opened the door and slid right through, waving at me right before closing it.7Please respect copyright.PENANAoO0rDr2Iu6
7Please respect copyright.PENANAxN4osopoIA
–
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–
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–
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As I inched closer to the infirmary, my body had an expected reaction. I coped with it accordingly, though that didn’t make it easy to move.7Please respect copyright.PENANAdSsxvI3GAp
7Please respect copyright.PENANAAiT8CexdhQ
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA6hUeEjYb5M
7Please respect copyright.PENANAyVixk8F8HQ
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAp4lCDFePtW
7Please respect copyright.PENANAnMkXkCUJT8
“...This is ridiculous.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAsR6aORoRHb
7Please respect copyright.PENANAJnXul8HGz2
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANADbMJmTXTji
7Please respect copyright.PENANAQ8jdTysP0E
“Just go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it– off!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAWAtn8tNh4s
7Please respect copyright.PENANAUzpmrcmgY3
In the midst of my chanting, I bit the arrow and slammed it open. It looked far removed from how I imagined it.7Please respect copyright.PENANARfFXsjLzuw
7Please respect copyright.PENANAzlxCEWPb3c
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA6U3HpQYUFy
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And seeing how his groggy face raised to meet mine, I realized how noisy my entrance was.7Please respect copyright.PENANA5Ef0RbRCC1
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“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. I’m just here to deliver something.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAMPDgcGEPFd
7Please respect copyright.PENANAt9l95qjy4V
“...Hmm.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAeiLhoeZMPH
7Please respect copyright.PENANAqYRfDQBKS7
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAIRa12cNe7Y
7Please respect copyright.PENANAzzWqRTmWPq
“Do whatever.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAX0QvkIdQLa
7Please respect copyright.PENANAkK1muVkOC0
“R-Right. Thank you, sir.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAVpGqWISZMC
7Please respect copyright.PENANA1JJpnpJZr3
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANArj6OALQn02
7Please respect copyright.PENANAqkBWaPFzuT
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA9RyOtEADcG
7Please respect copyright.PENANAXkUm0d8y4C
“D-Darn it.”7Please respect copyright.PENANABUkZ8W7TPF
7Please respect copyright.PENANAp99tDJ3ULs
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–7Please respect copyright.PENANApUg7EiYRLs
7Please respect copyright.PENANAndN1SOWho8
“What are you doing here?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA827sW2Szd4
7Please respect copyright.PENANAAGSuheUDbk
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAP5dGyUhJYo
7Please respect copyright.PENANAuwNZ2ze2OA
There was Rover, sitting in the one corner out of my sight, eyeing me with a lion’s eyes.7Please respect copyright.PENANA5FpmjQgURw
7Please respect copyright.PENANAafKV9ZUsNt
“...U-Uh.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAHnI4OKAJ8L
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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.7Please respect copyright.PENANADRa5vl9DVV
7Please respect copyright.PENANADzqisHvYnZ
“Well? Come on, spit it out.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAwbT1EYeZAu
7Please respect copyright.PENANATNGAkTvuS3
“I… I-I.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAHsUn6gu8JH
7Please respect copyright.PENANAHgUtjUrPZS
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAY6mu2Px1RR
7Please respect copyright.PENANACwzMkdNb2n
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANArTex88cyjp
7Please respect copyright.PENANAo5m5fecAU9
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAs6YSshDXXj
7Please respect copyright.PENANAai0ew9oW8L
“I don’t have time for this, just spit it out!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAFKKZJHM3nO
7Please respect copyright.PENANAgeSRm5oNBi
“I-I’m here.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAqtRzK3jE59
7Please respect copyright.PENANAUyfrZoYN6F
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA0iVKxUHSyB
7Please respect copyright.PENANANYgIHjCzpR
“I’m– I made— I– Rover, I’m here–”7Please respect copyright.PENANAdYMdtMbQJH
7Please respect copyright.PENANAby7y8xK6pK
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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA00T5D4zIDZ
7Please respect copyright.PENANAtgGe6aGYY7
“I…”7Please respect copyright.PENANAoDrBJ01vWq
7Please respect copyright.PENANAown5NS2HL6
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAphEC9Brd2W
7Please respect copyright.PENANAN5Tzlu6frr
“Hello, Rover.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAF2ObHhxHIm
7Please respect copyright.PENANAfAMASTmAGT
“Hey, Kenny.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAsGPsbL48xA
7Please respect copyright.PENANAPYRXZlNNLE
I retracted my stretched arm, then extended it yet again.7Please respect copyright.PENANATkjiBPYkVb
7Please respect copyright.PENANA4pKYc5ZITJ
“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–”7Please respect copyright.PENANAs8SvOepTDl
7Please respect copyright.PENANArJLBumWgPp
“Cut to the chase!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAwa3XeEDE6Q
7Please respect copyright.PENANA3eskBd8235
“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAddhZ4VLewK
7Please respect copyright.PENANAp5rrpzIUZL
Her eyes widened. Her crossed arms slackened, and I took it as a signal to move forward. I took it incorrectly.7Please respect copyright.PENANASzOvYk1lUO
7Please respect copyright.PENANANRvp33zOLM
“Hold on, you brought me a potion?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAT9p3RxnrPC
7Please respect copyright.PENANAmGGpUt0l7j
“Y-Yes.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAdpErLnCovD
7Please respect copyright.PENANAo2M5KQQnkO
“Now who told you to do that?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAeNGH2sESTV
7Please respect copyright.PENANABw0lky8cDI
“W-Well–”7Please respect copyright.PENANAJtEIQwyPA0
7Please respect copyright.PENANAP9NgnXELMM
Nigel suggested it, but he didn’t tell me. No, mulling over that was wasteful spending. There was only one truth in this situation:7Please respect copyright.PENANA5oYfDPmWGo
7Please respect copyright.PENANAWzczKjAvau
“I wanted to do it. I wasn’t told.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA59YZcFEJBb
7Please respect copyright.PENANAn0PLx6d2TV
“...You? That wimpy Kenny?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA9QwC4hTvXJ
7Please respect copyright.PENANAa5DtJ4QHJL
I wasn’t mad at her insult. It was all too accurate.7Please respect copyright.PENANANWq1bjF5PD
7Please respect copyright.PENANA7QJDB4QclP
“Yes, the wimpy Kenny.”7Please respect copyright.PENANACTeMfTcQwo
7Please respect copyright.PENANAjIyPt9CmSq
“Ha! You’ve surprised me before, but this really blew my expectations out of the water!”7Please respect copyright.PENANABrMbYfd0GK
7Please respect copyright.PENANAOxAZliYkvF
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA9f4v8SwTp4
7Please respect copyright.PENANASzht5eLkjP
“I refuse your treatment!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAYNyTAryytJ
7Please respect copyright.PENANAoKQxnLPZ1H
“H-Huh!?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA9x7HX2duba
7Please respect copyright.PENANA8QXLkwOeZN
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA4pPWX7Z1fW
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“Why not? Don’t you want to recover faster?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAxCWVKEJIxH
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“Of course I do, but I can’t accept it. Not when you’re looking at me like I’m some kind of monster.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA4YbFokcqma
7Please respect copyright.PENANAKG8MbIYPNC
“I– Wha?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAvshJIcEeoA
7Please respect copyright.PENANA83deQnsYuj
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–7Please respect copyright.PENANAdzqGQm3kWS
7Please respect copyright.PENANAJNzoh0SNV7
“No, stupid! It’s the face you’re making! It’s weird!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAf7gVL4Umtv
7Please respect copyright.PENANAqjynoRg7w4
“Stupid? Weird!?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA4mL8Lf4uRM
7Please respect copyright.PENANAAAJQKSLQKH
“Do you need the whole room to hear it!? You’re looking at me like a weirdo!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAh8lKRy3mpr
7Please respect copyright.PENANAphSaLgRsOL
“...”7Please respect copyright.PENANAA0piFPbJrE
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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.7Please respect copyright.PENANArAzSgXYAuc
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“Why are you looking at me like that? Hmph.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAgGT6SUQybF
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As I had no other mode of operating at this moment, I blurted my immediate response.7Please respect copyright.PENANALlFDBQR6DL
7Please respect copyright.PENANA5dUkQqjb8J
“It’s because I upset you.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAAlEAf8Br5V
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And then I realized that something like this required thoughtful phrasing.7Please respect copyright.PENANA2ctK8GCDIl
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“I don’t– well, I don’t want to make you any more uncomfortable than you–”7Please respect copyright.PENANASZ6H5IpPe8
7Please respect copyright.PENANAMnkkSpuLqZ
“That’s bullshit! Man, forget answering that, I don’t need your whole, your spiel you know!? Come here!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAbS90HqWPed
7Please respect copyright.PENANAYbvBrYj8CE
“Come, there,” I asked, pointing to myself.7Please respect copyright.PENANAM0EFA6C7VW
7Please respect copyright.PENANAjdfDHGDiXk
“Yes. Sit by me, I can’t stand looking at your working legs.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAN8npjYVf7R
7Please respect copyright.PENANAzjH2HQOHbq
“S-Sheesh.” 7Please respect copyright.PENANAwoEKXs4j9M
7Please respect copyright.PENANA9Qk3uTFXpd
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.
7Please respect copyright.PENANABuxGkB3l1d
“How do I use this thing?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAch6VvuE2O7
7Please respect copyright.PENANAQph1A3bCGp
“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAexW6A5SnQ4
7Please respect copyright.PENANAbfLFuRfyl6
“Drinking works for me.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA5F0bzJn9xZ
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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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAwF9kSKO9ku
7Please respect copyright.PENANA5TcDfLeBJl
“Cah! What the hell, is in this thing?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAMVUlS2INQ7
7Please respect copyright.PENANAm4DORCrSI4
“That’s not the problem! You drank it too fast, you dingus!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAeZTDKqJYFV
7Please respect copyright.PENANA0Oi643HDvp
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANANcp3pHLUCQ
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“If you drink like that, it’s likely to go down the wrong pipe.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAbKyNQiXNEJ
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“Whatever.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA6Qscj5Kgid
7Please respect copyright.PENANAPKbKgQ4wvv
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. 7Please respect copyright.PENANAb2DuuVrA8g
7Please respect copyright.PENANAmsLYyOo088
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAtIfxkgKnvY
7Please respect copyright.PENANAdQUzRReSLX
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA4nZrso2q4M
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But before I could even take anpreludebreath, she spoke, reading my intentions.7Please respect copyright.PENANADu0iTgJDm9
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“Leaving already?”7Please respect copyright.PENANArPAz9AqFAD
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“I-I am, yes. I think it would be best. It isn’t as if I don’t have–”7Please respect copyright.PENANAFrcVEeW2kb
7Please respect copyright.PENANAiNQXqSmiTa
“Hold on, not yet. I still have something to say to you.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAJIx38ApS1x
7Please respect copyright.PENANA4A7X8iMh79
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANABxyb4LI3xd
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“That’s funny. I do too. Do you mind if I start first?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA2rMkuBloKq
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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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAij7sK2uywm
7Please respect copyright.PENANASe9pfW6x4w
“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?”7Please respect copyright.PENANADHj4ZIn0Y1
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“Yeah, I do. I remembered how much of a wuss you were.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA9onKcu2KUu
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I almost chuckled. Blunt as a bat, but it hit a bullseye.7Please respect copyright.PENANANqIWjmR57g
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“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAe7OyHn1qEj
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I noticed the subtlest rise of her right brow.7Please respect copyright.PENANAK3YOx1Lihw
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“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANALwBjIxu72V
7Please respect copyright.PENANA6SVkbjvgtp
She nodded along to my apology. It looked like she was expecting more, but I was finished. So she’d understand, I concluded with–7Please respect copyright.PENANAtijCmVjLwC
7Please respect copyright.PENANALT0atOKugy
“So yeah, I’m sorry for being such a wuss.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA5V9CXDXrT3
7Please respect copyright.PENANAC8nah96IkZ
“...Hmm. Ha, I guess kids really do grow so fast.”7Please respect copyright.PENANADcG9mPZxtA
7Please respect copyright.PENANAMfnOz1JPJM
“H-Huh?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAu5H9gWeobA
7Please respect copyright.PENANAFtnENiSR51
She rubbed her nose a little and continued talking.7Please respect copyright.PENANAztGtdy72dJ
7Please respect copyright.PENANALmXjDbfeF2
“Just look at you. You’re nothing like the Kenny I knew.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAwrYGGYJ5O7
7Please respect copyright.PENANAA9V4Lmx5NJ
“I-I, well, I don’t know if I agree–”7Please respect copyright.PENANAUKKp9SXxhI
7Please respect copyright.PENANAZxd1ioDUNU
“Nah, on second thought, I take that back. But that doesn’t matter anyway. Seriously, just look at you.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAm9tmNpLtB4
7Please respect copyright.PENANAO4oWtkhcCy
“I’m n-nothing so special.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAEBehwMklmp
7Please respect copyright.PENANAJXUt63eblH
“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!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAoe3KzMqUl0
7Please respect copyright.PENANA56hjt4fBR3
“The letter certainly isn’t a priority.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAyx82dUmXAo
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She casually clicked her tongue, tilted her head sideways, and waved her hand downward.7Please respect copyright.PENANAl228NExh7u
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“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAxaDtxqQEBI
7Please respect copyright.PENANAgRdu3KFOyI
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. 7Please respect copyright.PENANAZziTO7OUhF
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It took me only a few 7Please respect copyright.PENANAqw1DF0CxHq
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“I don’t think so. I don’t think I grew anything.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAea6fzUhpgj
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“‘Course you did! Stop giving me such crap–”7Please respect copyright.PENANADw5znbxajl
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“No, really, Rover.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAQaHf1corok
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I slouched my posture and leaned back, lifting myself with my hands behind me. 7Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5uWd8WDKY
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“I think I’m just lucky.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAz8gqSeYECf
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I veered my eyes away from the ceiling, looking into Rover’s, and was taken aback by her utter dejection. Or was it disgust?7Please respect copyright.PENANAqcbkicqNd5
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“I-I mean, it’s not as if I haven’t been trying, it’s just–”7Please respect copyright.PENANAdm2gjggQu0
7Please respect copyright.PENANAHhoHV4FIJ8
“Nevermind all that, Kenny. You’re starting to give me a headache.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAo4IUgT1jNK
7Please respect copyright.PENANAbaHktz8zll
I stopped my frantic hand-waving and began to scratch my head.7Please respect copyright.PENANA6OiQJjvUub
7Please respect copyright.PENANA8yXYisUAMI
“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAPyLi1JEXij
7Please respect copyright.PENANAnyH6alEoKn
“It isn’t a drug! I wouldn’t stoop to such barbaric substances!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAsOOXvZILTX
7Please respect copyright.PENANAgRox9qr6Sz
“Uh-huh, whatever. Hear me out before you can’t anymore.”
7Please respect copyright.PENANA2f1ndK2qvn
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAgnM4bxi5q6
7Please respect copyright.PENANAxhbg8AFBR7
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. 7Please respect copyright.PENANAuzM8P6TKzu
7Please respect copyright.PENANAPs8Xhh1XWA
“D-Don’t rush me!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAPc4AapH8gD
7Please respect copyright.PENANASz1aMsDgIi
“I’m not rushing you! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you just spat it out, but–”7Please respect copyright.PENANA1gA7hz7Kla
7Please respect copyright.PENANA4fGwOHzKm3
“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…”7Please respect copyright.PENANAmfnP2BoLEV
7Please respect copyright.PENANAIBapyWZy6c
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAC65h5NcEHK
7Please respect copyright.PENANApImuvgrup0
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANARPbROHz3CD
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“Gahh, forget it! You convinced me, I’ll just say it!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAmai0vHbhud
7Please respect copyright.PENANAPXn2sJqUQx
“I didn’t say anything.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAWY6s6Lu1oF
7Please respect copyright.PENANABrPZwFjHhR
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAVSb40AuBGN
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“I’m sorry for being such a priss.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAe8DLmrYlrl
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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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAdsRiyRQdXE
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But whether she was or not, mattered not to me.7Please respect copyright.PENANAzN4NXa2TGR
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“I don’t regret chewing you out, don’t get me wrong. But I shouldn’t have abandoned you two. Not after how we’ve, b-became friends, and not after how you told me all you did.”7Please respect copyright.PENANASplUtrlm0E
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“Told you all I did? What?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAsLYfvGaneF
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She was caught by a wind of fury.7Please respect copyright.PENANAa1cxRRiaFp
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“You don’t remember!? Are you kidding me!? I really should–! Gah, you’re making this so much harder than it should be!”7Please respect copyright.PENANARYKkHv96vg
7Please respect copyright.PENANAIlyhwdgNc3
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. She stopped her rage immediately, donning a look of perplexion. 7Please respect copyright.PENANAmUbrlYhjQA
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“What’s so funny?”7Please respect copyright.PENANAAxK2uNbcNA
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“N-Nothing in particular. I appreciate the apology, I suppose? I don’t think I’m all that deserving of it, though.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAozxGp7DML9
7Please respect copyright.PENANAh7fl4elUHN
“Hold on, I’m not done yet!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAKwXcieueP0
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I nodded in understanding, and so she continued.7Please respect copyright.PENANA2ZAFNuwiuK
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“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAsrnpM8ScTp
7Please respect copyright.PENANAUwRz21QROt
“A little crazy?”7Please respect copyright.PENANApUKGtOxdlN
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“Yes, idiot, I just said that. They piss me off like you wouldn’t believe. Screw that, I don’t get a little crazy, I grow mad, mad!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAUVF0eKOhrg
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Her hands balled themselves to compliment her offshoot tangent. Her escalating tone made me concerned, but she relaxed soon after.7Please respect copyright.PENANAOsYmbCnloV
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“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAZGt7Z8yEz2
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“Well–”7Please respect copyright.PENANAOzkkErfCe6
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“Shut up! Shut up! Do you know how annoying it is to hear someone undersell themselves all the time?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA7KuP7JQwqr
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“I–”7Please respect copyright.PENANAAUOO3enxlJ
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It was that precise phrasing, that specific selection of words and syntax, and her usual, but energized voice that spelled it out for me, that allowed a candle to ignite in my mind. A quick image flashed in my mind, one of a man of close acquaintanceship, and then my throat spoke on its own.7Please respect copyright.PENANAut3R5wnLO9
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“Yeah. I do. It sucks.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAAxX0XkSi9v
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“See! I– huh? You do?”7Please respect copyright.PENANA7MIFOVC9om
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I slowly nodded along. Rover looked with pleasant surprise. She was more than eager to take my word for it, and in fact looked delighted after I spoke.7Please respect copyright.PENANAOeTzO4lKk9
7Please respect copyright.PENANA2RHohbW9MD
“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.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAnaiK1O9boH
7Please respect copyright.PENANAnxFyRd93QQ
“Whatever. Think what you want, but don’t speak it out loud anymore.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAlcaXqQ899n
7Please respect copyright.PENANAbTwJS7PX1d
“I… haha, sure thing, Rover. I’ll do just that.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAB1cDokywYk
7Please respect copyright.PENANAmXoZv1y54B
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAnlDdpKiKhj
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“Perfect. I was just about to tell you to leave.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA4yDXRjCBPj
7Please respect copyright.PENANA0Jow0T0vRC
“I’m starting to think you hate me.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAyQfozoLigQ
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Her hands twitched upwards defensively.7Please respect copyright.PENANAsMXYB0YXRk
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“I-I don’t. I’m just getting sleepy. Any second now, I’ll doze off.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAN9ylkEbqXG
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“Ah, right.”7Please respect copyright.PENANA2aTKL9r9G6
7Please respect copyright.PENANA0jLgxTTH3K
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANAf3iTNzbLWe
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“That one Bringer was invigorated even with a restored limb, after all…”7Please respect copyright.PENANAItYpZSwv1K
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“What are you mumbling about, eh? Scram! Scram, I tell you!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAbQ4DHYzYHA
7Please respect copyright.PENANADyApz5BBl9
“Alright alright, jeez. With how grouchy you’re being, you really do need that rest.”7Please respect copyright.PENANASQBve7aY50
7Please respect copyright.PENANAQ9IASUKLba
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.7Please respect copyright.PENANA74GMVgjmCr
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“Wait, one last thing!”7Please respect copyright.PENANAB86MiwEwtM
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Then, she shouted unexpectedly. I looked at her with a blank expression to signify my okay, and she continued shortly.7Please respect copyright.PENANAxcBwJQpyXV
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“Tell that old bucket-wearing fart to visit me sometime.”7Please respect copyright.PENANAoDMDHc0j3m
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“...”7Please respect copyright.PENANA92jr4dQHT7
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I smiled.7Please respect copyright.PENANAMO0PL7DckW
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“I will.”7Please respect copyright.PENANARg30RFJ4Re
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I returned her wave and exited the room. The moment the door shut behind me, I let out a quick breath and–7Please respect copyright.PENANALdebWaBRnX
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“Yes!”7Please respect copyright.PENANASMvAVVKmDo
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A jump with jubilation. I had to. I never experienced such success before.7Please respect copyright.PENANA6nyE9PyZRu