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.
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAyanyfUfW
“Now all I need to do is to finalize it.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY98GjXDsK
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9U0oiVgql
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–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r4SXtGpLu
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“It’s a resounding success. Awesome.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1z7L77t9y
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa22JnXcQHQ
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TbbWjAQnK
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVmZUTED8A
Should I go and deliver this now, or make a healing potion, and deliver this later?134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcLwjdzUc3
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“...”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpMZG387Zz
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOU1Wo6VjU
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“...That’s new. Where did you come from?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzitkzg5DY
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrMk2n5JdJ
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSpZSjF269
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“I know better. I don’t have the time for that. No, I don’t.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99J2YZNTc1
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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–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYHPZxgHm5
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“...”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBBhQoxB9G
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRofLQnvHy
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5FK6pP8HK
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWah1hfwRk
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarhcRKT9Zb
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“Yes?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIGmvAn7Bc
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq03KldUzT
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“You’re here what I think you’re for, aren’t you?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan32mbU28z
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBVKDRAzt5
“Y-Yes, Lola. Here, this is the potion I made.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVHjitY0CS
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKl6TYR8Lj
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLQrMlgjPH
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“You made this in eighty minutes?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLZS4aGLtt
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“Did I take too long? I’m sorry, I had to grab some ingredients from a lower floor–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVyvTfyxVp
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“No, not at all. I was expecting you to take longer. Thank you, Kenny, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded handsomely.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsI4csfuhi
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAGIpepOB6
I raised my hands bashfully and rapidly waved them at her.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtu4YjThmPg
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“No no no, please don’t! You’re helping us enough as is.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdZaYRduGN
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“If you insist.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5sSJPKBM5
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She said so with an upscaling cadence, poorly singing the last syllable. I blinked a few times, and my eyes reopened to blaring blurs. Only my mother ever did that.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUulo0nhcvI
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“Kenny?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEbKQ2R7kS
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“O-Oh, right. Do you need me for anything else?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yuBmtqdqx
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhQjjdrhY2
“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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nDxE16lxY
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrlin8Ep0o
I let out a chuckled sigh and slapped a hand on my chest, muttering a breathy “thank you.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUatSPrzo6
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“There is something I’d like to ask you, however, just before you go.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJBLffRky6
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVk4BPWTfPK
She said so right as I turned to leave. I twisted my head and looked at her, gesturing for her to shoot.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8WJGPiNvz
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwGw0WxBXA
“The concoction in your other hand; that bright green tint can only mean one thing, yes? A healing potion.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYPWRf5mMZ
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I nodded at her assessment. I realized the speed at which this could turn dangerous.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IuqatuRBD
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“I see. I see, I see…”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2F1R1PRUBI
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“A-Are you going to make me make one for each soldier?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRVd0qF0DF
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“No, I won’t ask that of an outsider, let alone a child– oh, sorry, you don’t like being called that, do you?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7oxWQYEuH
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBP469NNsZ
“...Don’t worry about it. I appreciate you being considerate, Lola. Is there anything else?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV6cKtKBnk
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OqPDWim58
“I-If you don’t mind my prying, could you answer a few questions for me?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORAFgTqL5X
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqIZxPBc1E
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiTeYr9I6R
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“Please?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6WHURfqBM
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Though it was difficult to draw a line while she was making such a face.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡee1U5xS1nh
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFNskSGQEq
“F-Fine, but please make them short. I have somewhere I need to be.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOBjFiTfjB
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk270sdxD3
“Thank you, I will. It’s just two quick questions. First–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsAlceFaip
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She paused right before asking, as if a crucial memory struck her from the woodwork. 134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwcXRmmrSO
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ9Se0vfdl
“–How long have you been an alchemist?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADy6GvvZD7
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“I’d say… hold on, that question has two answers. Commercially, it’s been about three years(1). Personally, it’s been for… seven?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGEZSm81qB
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“Seven years? That’s over half your life, isn’t it?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2TRM62yWK
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I gave a simple shrug with sandwiched lips.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmqldifoIy
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“I started young. That’s all.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7s2vL4VBg
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“I see. Being trained at such a young age, no wonder why you’re so skilled.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDvA0ch6HB
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaYYWsCxfh
“P-Please, don’t flatter me. I appreciate the remarks, but they just…”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGr88etTbWb
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkowTB1ZMHT
They don’t sit right with me, I wanted to say, but Lola gave a predictive, discerning nod, so I stopped speaking.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg82kIghmzD
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNhodYMkS2
“Only seven years… then, maybe–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4nqyKxONo
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“Sorry, can you repeat that? I didn’t catch it.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMxpImIdAm
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She jumped and then waved her hand.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRzXTpF5lZ
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“Don’t worry, I was just thinking out loud. Anyhow, for my next question…”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleuBRcXCga
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“Right.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbq8XRl5oe
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“...I apologize if this may seem extreme, but I have to ask.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXtaFHO9kw
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgulyJ9zGbj
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEPXyLqF0L
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“Did you kill anyone in the last operation?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGTWqDxaAe
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“I– Wha!?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHa4O9DpeG
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMGDVjNrjE
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“Who asks something like that to a child!?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOcjnuNCwx
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“Shh! I know it’s selfish, but it’s for my own peace of mind! I have to know, please, did you?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCnq0LGKIi
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“Your own… peace of mind?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZdrK6Mt9P
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When it was twisted that way, suddenly, I wasn’t so apprehensive. I was still bewildered, but answering that question didn’t feel like falling into a trap anymore. And so, reluctantly, my lips spoke the answer.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmA79DvnWc
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“I didn’t. I hurt some people, but I never landed a killing blow.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7imWuL2wg
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“I-I see. That’s a relief. Oh my goodness, that’s a relief.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJpnS4Ck4g
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBPuhkoWva
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“Thank you for humoring me. You have no idea how much it calms me, to know there’s no blood on such a young man’s hands. 134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDqAWGuWDZ
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“You… for some reason, I feel like you regard me much more highly than you should.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KjG82dmD8
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She shrugged at my comment.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQEuYFLC7n
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“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. I think I’ll keep you guessing. Now, shoo! You have somewhere to be, don’t you?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK2HrV4Ugf
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOneeliiC8V
Brushing me off with perfect logic before I could respond to her outrageous statement, I clicked my tongue inward and turned on my foot.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pM9FNZTz3
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpSu1w72rL
“Goodbye Lola,” I shouted. She opened the door and slid right through, waving at me right before closing it.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA64TwcyAdm
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXB847tFORK
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxoiVrbGJ7
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Of course, I was exaggerating. But goodness, did that swelling weight pound against my chest. My limbs did shake as I reached for the knob, but I managed to grasp it and keep my hand there.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D0C8MrwvT
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“...This is ridiculous.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyLJeRtwFX
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKAnn2bIjk
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“Just go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it– off!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBliCbAqbAy
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtu5mYBNn9
In the midst of my chanting, I bit the arrow and slammed it open. It looked far removed from how I imagined it.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl9wObTNDL
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HReUZLrgV
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz4uknYhwr
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And seeing how his groggy face raised to meet mine, I realized how noisy my entrance was.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Tpmbed5et
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“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. I’m just here to deliver something.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32AqOCcOcE
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“...Hmm.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnydSeDLa1I
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVZT6BOt5o
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“Do whatever.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HOr2X2nLZ
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“R-Right. Thank you, sir.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z4W8CL1j6
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKXFQiWQ73
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflmXgjoC8T
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DCtIAJvMx
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYFthoJfjN
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“D-Darn it.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzjtulnFaY
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Gnawing on my fingers, I did one more sweep before releasing a sigh. Rover was nowhere to be seen– not in the beds, not on the window sill, not in the corners, nothing–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlcS9ckR28
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXpx8quwZ4I
“What are you doing here?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOeO9xXjXz
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABkjo8sB6J
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykWguV31BV
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcvOW3j34G
There was Rover, sitting in the one corner out of my sight, eyeing me with a lion’s eyes.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzykPjqkCI1
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“...U-Uh.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK24gJn5QmU
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp96lH2SvC
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ42N6Gzzb
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTuK7Ntq6Q
“Well? Come on, spit it out.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nrPkQHBDG
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LiRXBLuEn
“I… I-I.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgHqEPNdUG
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxfRKSjvuj
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnuRdUq88U
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLklUQWS2dh
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j0NHrDR2J
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFEHWOi0gL
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDycfM5fVUq
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsmnEc960s
“I don’t have time for this, just spit it out!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cJEf1rCFt
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqbGnrdibP
“I-I’m here.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4tZGApGKf
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfiswOqgU7
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEc1Q7DTxo
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11zgpL5nce
“I’m– I made— I– Rover, I’m here–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnFMmVGj0s
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX0sk8RGCg
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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf17ul8Li2q
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMrphW0UuH
“I…”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65NxMGUh7L
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJRzqy8Dw5
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfV2tT5bSg
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl030TUVebY
“Hello, Rover.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHIFbb6rGw
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyqhWgsGoA
“Hey, Kenny.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZd5xsF8gU
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9Qi1SrSRx
I retracted my stretched arm, then extended it yet again.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZys3I9knuI
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYiauz8gk6
“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–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPbDKNpAe0
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqqWF1dYYd
“Cut to the chase!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkY6IthAiF
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMS7VphN5le
“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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ2dZWXdh2
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMT01ZFoJl
Her eyes widened. Her crossed arms slackened, and I took it as a signal to move forward. I took it incorrectly.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICUk7A5zcG
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV2DVxvCFJ
“Hold on, you brought me a potion?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLuHLNLXIW
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1d9njOcdF
“Y-Yes.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpoQEXlz3a
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhSfckHlGY
“Now who told you to do that?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0v9kmtYYm
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UQwP26mAZ
“W-Well–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNimB1wIuP
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGs0p3vmsPM
Nigel suggested it, but he didn’t tell me. No, mulling over that was wasteful spending. There was only one truth in this situation:134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGG1MEqV9l
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIjlDWWxqy
“I wanted to do it. I wasn’t told.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1rSVH6H7S
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LbFV6ADoz
“...You? That wimpy Kenny?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLXyNBzcXl
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRY4GUwJV6
I wasn’t mad at her insult. It was all too accurate.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOsXsynpeT
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5egPTeX7J
“Yes, the wimpy Kenny.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7bXxv1FSE
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKswxRcijv
“Ha! You’ve surprised me before, but this really blew my expectations out of the water!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87r8sOeY6z
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfpzSuWW07
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzVZoDVeWF
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2dMP82AYy
“I refuse your treatment!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeodk7qbiQ6
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou7lvnj3nh
“H-Huh!?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmL90mRldc
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd63VxcLNuv
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUMbOq37NU
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQNKdLNexK
“Why not? Don’t you want to recover faster?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49DkrN7D6J
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd89647Rovs
“Of course I do, but I can’t accept it. Not when you’re looking at me like I’m some kind of monster.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IgmJAgCY5
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDFwJWwWFm
“I– Wha?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9TDJt01cM
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SVBya7lGf
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–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRedxv4duh
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xd2bDZD82
“No, stupid! It’s the face you’re making! It’s weird!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrNaNwzsro
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLK6Iqlz0k
“Stupid? Weird!?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq3I3qrYws
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G2Dq0IcGN
“Do you need the whole room to hear it!? You’re looking at me like a weirdo!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMLo1emZ44
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaJpBu0Fnh
“...”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW6zrRpmEE
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7UD2ws6uU
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjbt7eaEZm
“Why are you looking at me like that? Hmph.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2VgWj76dz
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPsjivZUNe
As I had no other mode of operating at this moment, I blurted my immediate response.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZjbB0aSP9
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQxMJYy6q9
“It’s because I upset you.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuouqgj7r5E
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduP617F1Zm
And then I realized that something like this required thoughtful phrasing.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8gzZwhj1B
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShtTLlBb1N
“I don’t– well, I don’t want to make you any more uncomfortable than you–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr4lNGe2zS
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf3zDV4xpg
“That’s bullshit! Man, forget answering that, I don’t need your whole, your spiel you know!? Come here!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg10Bxyc2MB
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMYBJRyUkA
“Come, there,” I asked, pointing to myself.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRMgbJYgC6
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGn1ZrRXts
“Yes. Sit by me, I can’t stand looking at your working legs.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P8KpjMjhj
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfhYqIuE2W
“S-Sheesh.” 134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH5wQbij2u
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2CS9gmTpP
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.
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8Vbf3Ns7x
“How do I use this thing?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwZCrr0Ff4
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvjrDNw6lZ
“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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT2maMo2NU
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aPKkOETgg
“Drinking works for me.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue5t75PGj2
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXX4UMfemSq
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLFAXloQEV
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy7cHZR2Ce
“Cah! What the hell, is in this thing?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4qWXb7OAi
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2zWNS7Qsf
“That’s not the problem! You drank it too fast, you dingus!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEgbJtgwZh
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWxV4Agx8I
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIX0Fb5zYk
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLMtSFmdQs
“If you drink like that, it’s likely to go down the wrong pipe.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7eRHfLnzP
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSVMIW8LiE
“Whatever.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVC31TFucw
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf5YwMuCKo
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. 134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVRvhs21Dj
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyB2m5nNWS
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoAb2ThKhs
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRjArPPZKS
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYIS1mb1e9
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFTCcU8BtU
But before I could even take anpreludebreath, she spoke, reading my intentions.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDifq6oav7
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEBMkcYH9o
“Leaving already?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlOEjKJll8
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZxgy5eYNj
“I-I am, yes. I think it would be best. It isn’t as if I don’t have–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9znKzRmqP
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneHO0PUnAv
“Hold on, not yet. I still have something to say to you.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhYKAaMTqV
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9O0vfwHef
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJIrHzyYib
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KrrR4PG1f
“That’s funny. I do too. Do you mind if I start first?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2R6dT0DgZ
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbpvYrd5Ef
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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ36qmSmkCk
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8htl0pvE2s
“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?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSGLQ4ZwVo
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlqypEOKP0
“Yeah, I do. I remembered how much of a wuss you were.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXIejBgOz6
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLTqllzgxL
I almost chuckled. Blunt as a bat, but it hit a bullseye.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRVyFkaHgK
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMyP4xzVFh
“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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFCB0z6qyb
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCANstIr0yL
I noticed the subtlest rise of her right brow.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQX9pAQ0zD
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCijt2RX9gq
“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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xckXSDQ3K
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQFTJHc5xT
She nodded along to my apology. It looked like she was expecting more, but I was finished. So she’d understand, I concluded with–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8s7vrvncM
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6YTmQiSFh
“So yeah, I’m sorry for being such a wuss.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQ97T3yRrv
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt21mOBFlb8
“...Hmm. Ha, I guess kids really do grow so fast.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfExQbWW7Bv
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA5vFRHnTM
“H-Huh?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDk6RoFOsUE
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilouoaXdRV
She rubbed her nose a little and continued talking.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aKVIsuPQa
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoC9WEB13F
“Just look at you. You’re nothing like the Kenny I knew.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmRP5Z8q1v
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC01uAQDths
“I-I, well, I don’t know if I agree–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWWmEqKzAY
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeh7e5elMo
“Nah, on second thought, I take that back. But that doesn’t matter anyway. Seriously, just look at you.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aYRxzrCAn
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5KwCoyymd
“I’m n-nothing so special.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyK82TSM6N
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRClhzavB1d
“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!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXLFGT1Oey
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis3BsDMsG5
“The letter certainly isn’t a priority.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyLcEwFYrb
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaslQ4JkyD
She casually clicked her tongue, tilted her head sideways, and waved her hand downward.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ3vZGo3rw
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oCSSWl8fW
“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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31EG4Cpixi
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XINyCJndp
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. 134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqCHfjP34m
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbE6BVSFiUs
It took me only a few 134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JYjmOXcJd
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“I don’t think so. I don’t think I grew anything.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZThSZp8Bd
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVJLbrDZ35
“‘Course you did! Stop giving me such crap–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uxdZDo9CY
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“No, really, Rover.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TFnMgqQc1
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfCzMlER5Z
I slouched my posture and leaned back, lifting myself with my hands behind me. 134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iygZUkSko
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tUkpL8SKf
“I think I’m just lucky.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxwRJOYFiw
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbVhW9KOdh
I veered my eyes away from the ceiling, looking into Rover’s, and was taken aback by her utter dejection. Or was it disgust?134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrKEwTGSW3
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi41sL3gg6F
“I-I mean, it’s not as if I haven’t been trying, it’s just–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlezh024Ise
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWXtH0LGAV
“Nevermind all that, Kenny. You’re starting to give me a headache.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRepp8ql0Y5
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNK5OEipKlH
I stopped my frantic hand-waving and began to scratch my head.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJybgeBy6j
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPMr0MPoTt
“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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUWYvRjlMw
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGralEEeUo
“It isn’t a drug! I wouldn’t stoop to such barbaric substances!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnHjUiffyH
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBNpc2wUcA
“Uh-huh, whatever. Hear me out before you can’t anymore.”
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPv47YQpyk
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Eventually, Rover’s face flared and became ruddy. I didn’t think much of it initially, but as I continued to remember that it was Rover who I was talking to, this meant that whatever she said had immense gravity. I perked my ears and sharpened their hearing– as best as I could with the poor funnel my hands formed, anyhow. 134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0pawN87Ed
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“D-Don’t rush me!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CXSoxVz44
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“I’m not rushing you! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you just spat it out, but–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjrc3PHsLg
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“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…”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoUzRCAb4v
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEbYdnqM9M
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I was exaggerating, but I couldn’t deny that it was making me uncomfortable. I wondered then for a moment, as admonishable as a thought that it was, if this is how people felt around me at times.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4ZYWirkuh
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“Gahh, forget it! You convinced me, I’ll just say it!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvC7QNDtPk
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“I didn’t say anything.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBneCoQ2jU
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf5Z23v18l
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“I’m sorry for being such a priss.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy07SjB6X2R
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJXJ2e6xjC
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But whether she was or not, mattered not to me.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwsVTcTbFc
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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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxMx31P09D
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“Told you all I did? What?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6jCWAnCXn
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She was caught by a wind of fury.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVB7bATC4Z
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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!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfrfnW2tHL
134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z4vLCYRjQ
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. She stopped her rage immediately, donning a look of perplexion. 134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJiNKhTPJs
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“What’s so funny?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62GkQrlkRs
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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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvJEE1I24s
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“Hold on, I’m not done yet!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2DUHgp8Bq
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I nodded in understanding, and so she continued.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhT4NYTAdrj
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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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLK4O7PZCF
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“A little crazy?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu5mxjO3mz
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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!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcTRoCUYUI
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Her hands balled themselves to compliment her offshoot tangent. Her escalating tone made me concerned, but she relaxed soon after.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUan1UCM39W
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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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RfzYc8nz8
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“Well–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmVGSEL7gb
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“Shut up! Shut up! Do you know how annoying it is to hear someone undersell themselves all the time?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1owc5LZvX
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“I–”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakE1Iv79AI
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7LProtEx4
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“Yeah. I do. It sucks.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb8SRVdbzh
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“See! I– huh? You do?”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQCRbxqQWp
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVjdwqFwnM
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“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.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYZ3q4yakJ
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“Whatever. Think what you want, but don’t speak it out loud anymore.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0XioKlGya
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“I… haha, sure thing, Rover. I’ll do just that.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVnJ22rbGw
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIGfjPU0Xr
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“Perfect. I was just about to tell you to leave.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡund34dwjLz
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“I’m starting to think you hate me.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjbzP078EP
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Her hands twitched upwards defensively.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCp0seIroW
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“I-I don’t. I’m just getting sleepy. Any second now, I’ll doze off.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cMUsYSqLU
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“Ah, right.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8vH8jLfzL
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8meW1lnsnR
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“That one Bringer was invigorated even with a restored limb, after all…”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfnyevUlwb
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“What are you mumbling about, eh? Scram! Scram, I tell you!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCXFdx9RJh
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“Alright alright, jeez. With how grouchy you’re being, you really do need that rest.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ufHWlUVy1
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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.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8inMqSnq9O
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“Wait, one last thing!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVgbCepCkQ
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Then, she shouted unexpectedly. I looked at her with a blank expression to signify my okay, and she continued shortly.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPzoT3LKtU
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“Tell that old bucket-wearing fart to visit me sometime.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8zagDyidr
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“...”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9I0NE9yR3
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I smiled.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTKNqU5GOq
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“I will.”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj655Gcoc54
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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–134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbRledFstg
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“Yes!”134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3IYrAROTG
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A jump with jubilation. I had to. I never experienced such success before.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkO5G3zcmW
