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Five years ago354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZovLIECyEm
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Butterfly Island354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGC2snItUc
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Diana’s P.O.V:354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJlYJha57Y
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I felt like I had slept for days when I finally sat up on the bed. I lifted my hands to stretch when the sudden ache in my shoulders reminded me that I'm still injured. I muttered in pain, holding my left shoulder which ached the most. I looked around the room and my eyes soon flew to the window. The sun is slowly setting. I pushed the bed covers aside and slowly got out of bed. I made sure to wear the bed slippers I left by the bed side and approached the window to watch the sun set. It looked like it's sinking into the sea. The sunset is really beautiful though.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTInkO7QLQN
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I noticed the window was partially closed. I guess someone must have done so because it had started to get chilly.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5rbU8yuC9
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I heard the door slowly creak open and I quickly turned around to see someone walk in with a tray. It’s Ariana, and she greeted me with that bright smile of hers when she saw me by the window.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBuqmERbPn
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“I see you’re awake,” she said as she walked into the room and went to place the tray on the table near the bed.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeUCeVhrcY
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I couldn’t help but look over at the tray to see what she brought. A lovely, sweet smell came from there. I saw butter creamed cookies shaped like butterflies on a white plate. Beside the plate is a small white teacup and a small white teapot. I could see steam flow out through the snout.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IFD79LiIL
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“As promised, I brought you some butterfly cookies,” said Ariana as she turned to look at me. “You had slept throughout the day and missed your lunch. I thought bringing this will do you some good.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZs3mAM1D3
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I hadn’t noticed that I hadn’t eaten anything since morning and I went back to sleep still without a bite. My stomach now growled and ached. Those butterfly cookies couldn’t have come at a better time.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJs2P4MVu2
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“Thanks, Ariana,” I said as I approached the bed to take a seat, my mouth starting to water. “I hadn’t realised how hungry I am till now.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEMwH4NtUn
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“The nurse taking care of you told us when you disappeared from your room that you hadn’t eaten. When she brought your food after we left, she said she found you fast asleep.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jK29Ki66Y
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I scratched the back of my head and chuckled, feeling rather embarrassed. “I guess I was too tired.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDlXc2Uec1
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“You’re only recuperating, so it’s no surprise for your body to need a lot of rest.” Ariana poured a cup of tea and the richly, sweet brew magically found its way to my nose. I couldn’t wait to eat.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU230ZTZe4l
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She later got a small plate where she placed some cookies on it and brought the cup and plate to me. I placed the plate on my lap and held the white, hot teacup. I blew the steam first as it is very hot. With one free hand, I took one creamy butterfly cookie, raised it to my mouth and took a bite.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EQc3j5wWK
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“Wow,” I found myself saying. The sweet cookie tasted like honey, slowly melting in my mouth. I could also taste the creamy butter as well. This took me places. I can say this is one of the best cookies I've tasted so far.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyrPRGCnKJ
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"It's great, right?" Ariana asked as she looked at me, beaming.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI495Bvq9px
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"I thought I just tasted heaven," I found myself saying. "That's if it's possible," I added after realising that what I said might be out of proportion.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt71pmfIsWX
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Ariana laughed joyously. "You aren't the first to ever say that. Most people who get to come here and taste it for the first time say so."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVEHgP9zki
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"Did you ever get to say that when you tasted it for the first time?" I asked as I took a sip of my tea. It's hot, but I preferred it this way. And it already had enough sugar in it.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPsNhb72cn
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"I was born here." Ariana sat next to me. "I might have said it when I was younger."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXFOxKAdmL
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Her answer isn't what I expected that I ended up choking on my butterfly cookie.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoNL9zBosD
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“You were born here?” I asked, after coughing a little to clear my throat.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGN0QxlWO4
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Ariana nodded with a bright smile on her face. I now remember what Raisa told me. Some people come from where I am from while most of them were born here.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZrkGP1ky9
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“So how is this world like?” I now found myself asking.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzsxB15mzL
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“What do you mean?” she sounded a little confused.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR49GrpinT
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“I mean, does this world of yours only revolve around this island? Aren’t there other places?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsxM85UX9Z
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“Oh, there are plenty. Just know that this world isn’t much different from yours.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNG2zoKU29
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“Does that mean, there are continents, big cities and small villages?” I already had another cookie in my mouth.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23DbuFT93F
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“Like I said, my world is very similar to yours.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UEM3XkmUk
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“Are there - you know - people that are different? I mean, that don’t actually look human.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJ1cMV24h8
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Ariana gave me a funny smile. “You mean to ask if there are aliens?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DqJCTlQxT
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I quickly sipped on my tea and wished I didn’t do that. I had badly burnt my tongue, but I tried not to show it as I quickly responded to Ariana’s question by nodding vigorously.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPyku1EaD5
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“Well now, how can I put it?” she looked up at the ceiling before dropping her eyes on me. That bright smile of hers appeared again. “I could say that there are people who aren’t human. You can call them aliens, but in a way most of them appear to be human in form.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxxKat8ZWT
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I thought for a second before asking, “Can I refer Your Highness, the woman that I met last time in the Temple as one of them?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3NpANkIhj
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Ariana looked at me, startled. “For someone who’s been here for a day you’re pretty sharp.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOG2N5sOdwu
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“I can’t say I’m sharp. There are things that I can easily observe with the human eye.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GUkgYLZ3v
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“Then you’re probably the very few that can actually see past people like her. You really are something, Diana, do you know that?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ4Q4V4zt2
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I shrugged as I felt my plate for another butterfly cookie. I looked down at it and realised I had finished all of them.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomByYnZHCz
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“Here, let me put some more,” Ariana offered as she got my plate and stood up to approach the table. “So how did you find this place when you went out for your little walk?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakAmh6XSEG
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“It’s exquisite,” I answered after I slowly sipped on my tea. “I’ve never seen such a wonderful place like this one in my life.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURsOkpVyK1
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“Well, if you loved travelling back in your world, you would find places like this one.” She came back to sit next to me with my plate with more butterfly cookies.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmJX6xdq2y
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“There are more places that are as mystical as this one?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb0aioXXjE
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“You’re right. But that doesn’t mean your world doesn’t have such places too. If you look hard enough, you’ll find there are plenty.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OSInoZfyB
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“But I can guarantee that we don’t have aliens like you do.” I bit into my cookie, enjoying the rich, tasty flavour.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNIEFuMEEM
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Ariana chuckled. “That’s what you think. If you look hard enough, you’ll realise that there are also strange creatures in your world.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr73xfCP2ZR
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What she said immediately reminded me of the time when Bertha had an episode at the clinic. I had to admit, when we fought in the ward, she did look out of the ordinary, almost not-human.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNaX4meXzv
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“Mmmm,” I thought, holding the half-bit cookie in mid-air, but close to my lips. “Now that I think about it, you’re right. There are creatures out of the ordinary back in my world. We sometimes call them supernaturals.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5hZ713vza
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“That’s what we also refer to such beings here.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3nFFUcbtJ
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“But do most people here have special abilities like you and the others? I think there are quite a few that do in my world.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJMZz6Ed6i
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“Well, this place is only meant for special people like you and me. Even people from your world are here too. There are millions of people here who don’t have special abilities, just like in your world.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ8tcC5Kjr
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I nodded. “That’s understandable. That also means there are a lot more people who don’t believe in the supernatural like it is back in mine.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xdxQJp7H7
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“I’m glad you thought of that.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKOlG7MEp0
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“Your explanation made things pretty clear,” I said with a smile. There’s still so much I want to ask concerning this place, but that will have to wait.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQkGgc8FAz
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A knock soon came at the door. I wonder who it could be. When Ariana stood to answer it, I caught a whiff of a familiar scent. I stared at the door wanting to tell Ariana not to open it, but her hand was already on the handle, drawing the door open.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAL0aAyYCj
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“I was wondering when you would get here,” said Ariana. “Come in.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HY4r9exBG
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Stepping into the room in a magnificent red dress with a matching robe, is Mei. Just the sight of her sent shivers down my spine, bringing back all that had happened. Entering the room behind her is her pet wolf. That’s the scent I picked up when they were standing outside the door. A musky one. When I looked at it, our eyes met. And for a moment, I thought it would growl, but it didn’t. If anything, it didn’t have that menacing look it had when I fought it in the maze.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNgfcS7vNU
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Mei came over to the bed. I tried not to look at her, but I did anyway. Her dark eyes found mine and when she came to stand directly in front of me, she stood for what felt like forever. My appetite for the butterfly cookies quickly faded as I continued to look at her. With the look in her eyes, I couldn’t tell if she looked down on me like I’m worthless or she just didn’t care about my current condition.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTugIzkNBbk
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“I see you’re doing fine,” she spoke. I for one thought she would never say a word.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6oWPMFjn2
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I put up a fake smile. “I did my best to survive, considering the awful test you had put me through.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIUL16fpWP
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Mei's nose flared. I bet if I wasn’t in this condition, the two of us would’ve been at each other’s throats by now.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIacMI1EtY
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“Okay, guys, try and keep it together, please,” Ariana said as she came to stand beside Mei. “Mei, I think you came here to say something to Diana.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32nAy6UBWo
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Mei gave Ariana a look that could kill. She clearly didn’t want to apologise and I couldn’t blame her. I didn’t want it anyway.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokfsxwdNeW
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The wolf soon came up to the bed, frightening me a little. Now that I’m seated looking at it, it’s much bigger than I had imagined. It came closer, bringing it’s huge nose closer to my face. It stuck out its big, pink tongue, licking the side of my face. Most people would’ve yelled and jumped away in fright, but I suddenly burst out laughing. I found myself ruffling its black and grey fur.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmvBSShT2d
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“Good boy,” I told it as I continued to chuckle and it licked the side of my face for a second time. “Don’t worry, I’ve forgiven you.” It gave me a huge lick for the third time.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3jUDlmSy8
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“That’s so cute,” said Ariana. I saw her turn to look at Mei. “It’s your turn.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XngPXO5KW
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Mei folded her arms and looked up at the ceiling, biting her lower lip. She looked like the type who rarely apologised to anyone and is finding it hard to do so right now. I turned to look at the wolf as I continued to ruffle its fur. Turns out the wolf is much kinder than the owner.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvKRTfBWwY
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The wolf also looked up at Mei and made its way towards her. When it got close, the wolf pulled the helm of her robe that reached her knees with its mouth. She looked at the wolf, irritated by the gesture that she pulled her robe away.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3n4F1Ku7C
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“Okay, okay,” she told it. She now turned to look at me and sighed. The hard exterior of her face melted away and when she opened her eyes to look at me, she finally said it:354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzoJi2x4cc
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“I’m sorry. What I did was unforgivable and it shouldn’t have happened.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kYMp6MCDJ
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“Thanks. You did put my life in danger, but I’ll try and forget,” I said.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wY4TTQ9sR
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Ariana happily clapped her hands and hopped a little from where she stood. "I'm glad that Mei actually apologised," she said. "I'm so proud of you."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRiwMAaTdz
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Mei rolled her eyes at Ariana. "Don't tell anyone about this."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNtu6qySzM
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"Only those in our circle, Diana and me will ever know. Oh, and let's not forget Pug too."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CthTSiwaT
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Ariana looked at the wolf and that's when I asked: "the wolf's name is Pug?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjBr5KXci0
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"Ya. Cute, right?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7m2LXw8Ly
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As weird as it sounds, I actually found myself smiling and nodding.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeiwMkUkIF
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"Now that I've apologised, we should be taking our leave," said Mei.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDtVOdXDcc
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"What? Seriously?" Ariana looked at her, not looking at all happy. "I thought you and Pug would stay a little longer."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y2bH22gG3
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"And do what? I apologised like everyone told me to. What other reason do I've to stay?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCbnlOZFdL
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"Well, for starters, you can compliment on how Diana passed your test with flying colours."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxDSbqJYln
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"She doesn't have to, Ariana," I said. Pug soon came to lay his head right next to me on the bed.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziqNQZuLHR
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"Yes, she does. If you ask me, you fought bravely. We're still debating on how you knew the stones would help. Did Ryan tell you anything when you entered the maze? I don't remember him telling you about the stones." Ariana turned to look at Mei.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ3KqEBjHG
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"No, Ryan didn't tell me anything." I shook my head. "I just guessed they would help me and they did."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeevaB3HsPm
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"Not every recruit gets to pass Mei's tests, you know. You should really pat yourself on the shoulder for doing all that for the first time."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kfhc9iKNR
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I remembered what Raisa said, and it seems she was right. Mei must be one tough teacher.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnz7yIz0Xi
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"Please, that was easy and any of the recruits would've passed," said Mei as I noticed her roll her eyes. "The tough ones don't even involve Pug. So trust me, if I had given her those, she would be dead by now."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxFnDN3uXS
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"Are you trying to say that a number of people who take your tests die?" I can't believe what I'm hearing.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfHUa1Sb5Z
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"No, she doesn’t mean that," said Ariana as she nervously chuckled. She gave Mei a look telling her to keep quiet. I'm guessing Mei isn't joking about what she said.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTenlbHgXZ
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"But I won't deny that you did a good job for a beginner," said Mei. "You're a little sloppy with your moves, though. Yet, it's surprising how quick and strong you are."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bj861FptT
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I felt a nerve on my head start to bulge when she mentioned that my moves were sloppy. I think I did fine for someone fighting for my life.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIE9n2fChO
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"True," Ariana agreed. "I think she did great. Did anyone teach you how to fight like that?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONK4oghIf8
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Now that she asked, it got me thinking. I'm just a simple girl who grew up in a normal family. So...354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYkbTbE3Z8
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"No, no one has ever taught me how to fight," I answered.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB10my8n1s
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Mei and Ariana drew blank faces. I expected that. I wonder how I could've such skills when I've never even had a martial artist teach me basic moves. But how was I able to defend myself when I had to? I know when I fought Bertha when she went berserk, it was pure luck. But this time around, I fought Pug, and I fought like I knew what I was doing. Wow, what am I? Or better yet, who am I?354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeW65mRfSW
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"There must be some reasonable explanation to this," said Ariana turning to look at Mei.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfH2TtO6ub
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Mei didn't answer as she now turned to look at me. I couldn't tell what she's thinking, and that scared me.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHZvvTeb9j
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"Only her Highness or Ryan may try and find out," she finally said.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB4m5Z6rZ3
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"Why do you say so?" I asked.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjQLc07vrn
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"There must be something about you that we don't understand and only they can know."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhDk3oE6xR
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I raised an eyebrow. What does she mean? What are Ryan and her Highness going to do to find out?354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSlSBavnH6
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"Don't panic," Ariana said quickly for she must have seen the look on my face. "It's nothing serious."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgD1tzKThs
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"You're making me more nervous when you say that," I said out bluntly.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6CQ3h90Tx
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"Sorry. But it's nothing to worry about. They've a special way of finding out about people's backgrounds."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTQD8FrvZ5
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I hope she doesn't mean they've to search my mind or something. That would be creepy.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOeSVyvJ2Y
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I hadn't realised that Pug had lifted it's head from my laps. And I soon found it bringing the plate of butterfly cookies from the table next to the bed and putting it on my plate. That made me feel a lot better.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB0CVLHFt9
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"Thanks, Pug," I said as I patted it's head.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdhJUfnLr0
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"We'll be taking our leave now," said Mei. "You rest up and get better. You need to start training soon."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIoUchePqf
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"Soon? How soon?" I asked.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0zMDXAZfQ
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"Immediately you heal."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4IRGMzDJe
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Hearing that from her didn't surprise me in the least.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZXMLtH1n8
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"But when will I be able to go back to my world? I can't miss out on school or anything."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbklOPrzxT
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"With time moving differently between our worlds, I wouldn't worry too much." Mei started to make her way to the door. I had to admit, she did have a point.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJu0SNfWGH
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When she reached the door, she turned to look at Pug who still stayed by my side. He looked up at Mei and started to whine. Something told me he didn't want to leave.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZsOOkdFzv
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"Go along, Pug," I told him. "I'll be fine. We'll meet each other tomorrow since I'm not going anywhere."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfPwBTqHAG
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He growled a little and dropped himself beside my feet. He really doesn’t want to go.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5Oj4Kk56v
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Mei clicked her tongue. "Fine," she said, "but I want you by my side early in the morning for our early run, okay?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiFaoGd8d1
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Pug huffed and wagged his tail in agreement. I could see the excitement in those yellow eyes of his.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRXbzahpa1
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"That's nice," said Ariana. "Pug doesn't like anyone in general, except Mei. Seems like he likes you, Diana."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yY2yEBlyH
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"What did you say?" Mei asked.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFSmsBgpMu
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"Nothing, nothing," Ariana said quickly.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tTVI7H2m0
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"I'll be leaving now, you take good care of Pug for me," said Mei, looking at me.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZDSs5JBVT
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"He seems like a good wolf and won't do anything, so you don't have to worry," I answered.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgdhyeTuR3
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"I say that because I do worry. You don't know him at all."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6kfbT6y7m
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I swallowed. I wonder what she means by that.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrHcb8cbbk
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Mei opened the door and walked out of the room, closing it behind her. Now it's just Ariana, Pug and me.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFya5uhQzV
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"Does Pug get a little naughty or out of control?" I asked, turning to Ariana.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU8lR3WAIF
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"Well, a little bit of both," Ariana said with a nervous chuckle. "It's why he can only listen to Mei. Sometimes, even her Highness. When we try to bring him under control, it's an issue."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuzVhXNQZ4
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I turned to look at Pug settled comfortably on the floor. He stared right back at me, and I realised I couldn't read him either. He's just like his owner, but better.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhskjIiLHR
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A knock came at the door and it flew open. A woman in a white dress, and white bandana covering her hair with a matching white apron, came into the room carrying a metal tray.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirFHwGmFUx
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"Ah, Nurse Agatha," said Ariana. "I see you came to check on the patient."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGf2pTT5Tz
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"Yes, I did," she said as she walked up to me. She settled the tray on the bed and noticed Pug on the floor. She started to look around. "Mei is nearby, isn't she?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg0XvhgRXw
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"I thought you passed her down the hall," said Ariana. "Or she must have teleported because she left the room just a few seconds ago."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi95Ago5IKq
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"Well, that 'dog' better keep it's distance while I work." She raised an eyebrow at him.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPDsJrwvcz
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Pug and I shared a look. Looks like the wolf doesn't have a good reputation with people.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiMKjAtLUj
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"I finally get to see you awake," said the woman before me, bringing out a warm smile. "When you came back from your walking spree, you had quickly fallen asleep."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf1tzl165b
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"Sorry about that," I apologised.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEYzKAEjbk
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"Never mind, you walking around shows you're okay, but your body still needs to heal. I suggest you don't exert yourself."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xwZFoApGc
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"That's why we made sure she doesn't leave the room," said Ariana.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBQos3dWq4
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I wonder how they're going to do that. Then I remembered that they had placed people outside my door. I wonder if they’re still there.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQjQ2BjITO
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"That's even better. Just like Pug, she also needs to be watched.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmrgAXyPIi
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I thought I heard Pug make a funny noise on the floor and I shot him a look. Why do I’ve a feeling that he’s laughing at me?354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7Z356718D
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Nurse Agatha placed the back of her hand on my forehead, checking my temperature. She told me to open my mouth and inspected it. She started to ask which parts of my body hurt. Afterwards, she picked a tiny brown cup from the tray. Just looking at the dark liquid in it entails that I've to drink it and that the medicine will hurt down my throat.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQPeF9akNh
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“Here, drink this,” said the nurse as she held up the cup for me to get. “It will make you feel better.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5RPamGet1
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“That’s what all nurses tell their patients just for them to drink their medicine,” I said with a scowl. I didn’t want to drink it, but I don’t have a choice, do I?354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR3MoGVEIr
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I took the cup and quickly gulped the mysterious liquid down my throat. Yuck! I stuck my tongue out and after taking it, I quickly ate a butterfly cookie to get rid of the awful bitterness.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4JD4BkTQD
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“Awful, isn’t it?” the nurse asked.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZS9HeaNkO
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I nodded. I still cringed to the sharp bitterness that remained in my mouth. The butterfly cookie didn’t do much to dissipate the taste.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqJA4fTzfw
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“I’ll be leaving now,” Nurse Agatha got the cup in my hand and placed it back on the tray. “Make sure you get to eat supper when it arrives, young lady. When you don’t eat after a long time, you’ll get an awful tummy ache.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvZ6sR2SBG
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“I’ll make sure she gets her supper,” said Ariana.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ971TEGAJFT
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Nurse Agatha took the tray and before walking to the door, she gave me a smile. When she left the room, I turned to look at Ariana.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ765WEdOSjz
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“Can I leave the room?” I asked, placing the plate on my lap with butterfly cookies aside.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ns3ciOJRh
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“What? No, you can’t,” she shook her head.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeebMAp17V9
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“But you heard the nurse. I don’t have to exert myself. And you’ll be with me.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRRzkVgu77
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“As much as that sounds like a good idea, I’m afraid I can’t let you out of this room.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIw3j2yWgT
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The weird vibe that I got from earlier today came back. What's going on? I get this strange feeling that there’s a big reason I can’t leave this room. Are they trying to keep me hidden? If that is so, then from who or from what?354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM9RuArrDS
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I folded my arms and looked the other way. “I didn’t get to look at the whole place.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs46u0y4Xxy
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"You'll have plenty of time to do so when you get better. If you ask me, you're recovering pretty quickly."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEso1pYwSCc
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"Do you think I'll be better by tomorrow?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM0TUZRcK9
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"Don't get your hopes up. You're only here for training. Not for sight-seeing."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzituF8UMo
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I found myself raising an eyebrow. There's definitely something going on here.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyYyFR24nA
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A knock soon came at the door and Ariana went over to check who it is. Ryan, Bob and the Latina in the orange robe soon walked in. This is unexpected. But they will probably be the only people here coming to visit me anyway.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GnE4OLUMe
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"Ah, you're awake," said Bob as he stood in front of me. "I thought you would still be asleep."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZxNyLsqQ9
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"I'm shocking people with how quickly I'm recovering," I said with a smile.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SkfPqaPrw
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"Well, at the end of it all, we're just glad that you didn't die," said the Latina in orange.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBqd3qsbR3
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She's blunt, I concluded. She's another person apart from Mei that I'll have a hard time dealing with around here.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVoeRlLZRM
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"Now that you're recovering," Ryan said, "we thought it best to let you know that your training starts tomorrow."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZNc8LqVRU
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"Huh?" I can't believe what I'm hearing.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEB6Un3cqB
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"Don't worry, it won't be the physical ones," Bob is quick to point out. "Just simple stuff that will involve you reading and writing."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjttm76VGRA
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"I'm going to learn the ancient language that I saw when we went to the Temple?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBv3iXDdzK
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Bob nodded. "We already wasted your first day with Mei's silly test which was inappropriate."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzP34v1lVu
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Pug who still lay on the floor, let out a low growl, obviously warning Bob that he's around. Ariana and I couldn't help but giggle.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmRMeOubPv
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"Anyway," Bob gave Pug a look before turning to look at me again, "it's best you start with learning the language. When it comes to summoning, creating potions or anything that comes with reading and writing, it will be best if you know that first."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTPiTwMxxI
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"Can't argue there," I admitted.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwplsLyCb15
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"Good, your first lesson starts tomorrow."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxv2sBK3bF
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"Will I learn from here?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA0rUdoYog
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"We're still debating on it," said the woman in orange. "We all thought you learning in town will be more appropriate."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvUHxR2V3q
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"Yes. Can we go there?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTcWkIE6oz
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"I don't like that idea," said Ariana.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P2XM9yuUW
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I almost groaned. If I can go to the little town of the Butterfly Island, I would at least feel like I had gone sight-seeing. There's so much of this place that I would like to see with my own eyes.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgu0MEzzPCz
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"Most of the reading material is in the ancient library," said Bob. "And the place is secure, if you put the right spells around."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72ojPrg4cj
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"Wait, what do you mean the place is secure?" I asked. "And why would you be putting spells around there for?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRPn6xrJz7
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"To stop you from leaving the place," Ryan answered as he folded his arms.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3x3VD5wJ4k
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"And why would I want to leave?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5toALLOJ4E
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"Because you'll be intrigued to look around like you did today."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai60LMPXEM
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He's not wrong there. But still, I felt like there's more to just putting spells to prevent me from going out. And I'm still injured to be moving around on my own. So what is it?354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vmlte3OBm
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"Okay, it's been decided," said the woman in orange. "She goes to the ancient library, but under strict supervision."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhunFnoWw9V
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I furrowed my eyebrows. Just like before, I felt like a criminal. What is it that they don't want to tell me?354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGscBVB1Nu
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"Why do I've to be under strict supervision?" I couldn't help but ask. All this secrecy is now getting on my nerves.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zBTNkU608
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"Because you have to," Ryan answered.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjj34AdrjT
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"Do I look like a five-year old who would wander off and get lost? I'm thirteen, for crying out loud."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJV8nHDJ9s
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"Don't worry about a thing. You'll get to go sight-seeing after your lessons," said Ariana.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSMj9YV9jA
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"Why do I get the feeling that there's a reason why you guys want me locked up and under strict surveillance when I go out there?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB7HSGeURt
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An eerie feeling fell upon the room, and when the woman in orange turned to look at Bob beside her, I knew I hit the nail on the head. Ryan continued to look at me with the same look as before and Ariana looked a little uncomfortable.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvoizvZ9Zo
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"You're just overthinking things," said Bob. "What makes you think so?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZerkrwZUUs
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"Because all of you have been acting weird. And it's been like that since I woke up. What is it you fear? Me? I don't think I can hurt anybody, can I? Or are you hiding me from something or someone?"354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPhsDEtV9H
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"Your questions really get on my nerves," said Ryan. He looked like he was about to lose his patience.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpSF8G2K9h
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"Good. That means I'm getting somewhere."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnISJbrWB2d
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"Calm down, you two," said Ariana. She turned to look at me. "Bob's right. You're overthinking things, Diana."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS8JKeAOcD
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I leaned back a little on the bed, folding my arms and giving Ariana a look that my mother usually gave me when she knew I had uttered a lie. Usually, that always got me slipping up and I knew she would do something to get the truth out of me. But I'm not my mum, and if anything, I can't go up against these people because they're stronger than me.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9xq1aP4ng
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"Prove it," I said, playing the only trump card I had left.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54teZRx5sk
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Ariana turned to look at Ryan, but his eyes were fixed on me. I know this isn't going to work, but if they aren't going to convince me, I had to think of other ways of not going with them for lessons tomorrow.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA78ssbE06q
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A light, gentle knock soon came at the door and we all turned towards it. Even Pug lifted his head. There's a strong presence there and something told me that I might know who it is.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE6DVT4Sxm
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The lady in orange who is the nearest to the door, went to open it. And there stood Her Higness in her dazzling white robes.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvAM32OZ3l
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"Your Highness," the lady in orange bowed, the others also did so upon seeing her. Pug and I stayed right where we were. I suddenly felt too painful to even move at the moment.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6Hhj2fHvE
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"It's good to see that you're keeping Diana company," said the woman in white as she stepped into the room. The room felt so warm all of a sudden.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijI7JKJF98
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"We were just discussing plans for tomorrow," Bob pointed out.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHf0uGQLDl
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"Ah!" her voice sounded like that of a merry child, yet so soothing to hear, like a tune from a harp. “Aren’t you excited about tomorrow, Diana?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDkXmxq9V6
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“No,” I was honest enough to point out.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBdE3zh0ng
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I saw Ryan give me a look through the corner of his eye, and I could tell he knew what I am about to say.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENA0XeKHPD
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“Why?” Her Highness asked as she gracefully came by my bedside. It’s like she was floating in midair for I didn’t hear her footsteps. “Are you still mad at Mei for what she did? I thought she apologised?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhwQ9lUUd6
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“She did. There’s another reason.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyGiaghXXX
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“Don’t mind her, your Highness,” Ryan started to say. “She took medicine just now and is saying things out of the blue.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwPv5QbtNo
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“No one told me that one of its side effects is uttering nonsense,” I gave him a questionable look.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTQQTCKjAZ
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Ryan rolled his eyes and Ariana tried to hide her laughter by clearing her throat. Bob and the Latina couldn’t believe that I said that.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNTTqhU1Pl
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Her Highness surprisingly gave a light smile and she ran her hand through my short black hair. "You're surprisingly funny, Diana," she said. "Tell me what's bothering you."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQJzwUGjTi
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"It's not news to you, but I went sight-seeing today and ended up in the orchard. I want to go out more and see the whole island. But I've to be under strict surveillance."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnmliGnz5W
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Her Highness softly patted my head and put her hand to her side. "I see. There are reasons why you've to be under surveillance. Not only are you new here, but anything can happen to you when left unattended to."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWl9abtenL
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I wonder what she means by that when Ariana chirped in; "she's right. There's a lot of this world that you don't know about, even when I said your world is similar to mine."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o9I9B1gNb
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"Do you mean in line with the supernatural?" I raised an eyebrow.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFdwxOxhFI
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"Yes," Her Highness answered. "But don't worry. If it's sight-seeing you want, I'll make sure you do so after lessons."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3vlmV4McL
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"Well, you guys should've said so when I asked," I said turning to face the four who stood on the other side of the room. "I'm not a kid anymore and I've dealt with a supernatural before."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2OrI4OyVQ
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"True, but you got lucky that time," the Latina said. I hate when people classify my strength as pure luck.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB0HAAcDbN
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"Now, Camila," said Her Highness addressing the woman in orange. "I know she's only a beginner, but you've to admit, she does have skill."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5r9Q2pnQ14
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"I agree," said Ariana. Good, some people think I'm capable after all.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLkDZIwiAB
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"I also see that you've easily made friends with Pug," Her Highness said as she turned to the wolf that still lay on the floor.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUcwLPPV0H
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"He's actually different from Mei," I pointed out. "He's kind for an animal."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fv9OlGK02
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"I wouldn't give him so much praise if I were you," said Ryan.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPF5LBAHPd
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I threw Ryan a look and at the same time, Pug lifted his head a little and gave a threatening growl.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgHhTQJZyC
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Her Higness chuckled. "It's settled then. You go for lessons tomorrow and then sight-seeing with Ryan and Stella."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz27PksvdCF
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I smiled at her and turned to Ryan who didn't look the least bit happy. I was careful enough not to stick my tongue out at him.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKR2XDyiqP
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“I’ll take my leave now,” said Her Highness as she smiled at me. She turned to look at her four apprentices behind her. “I would like to have a word after supper. Please inform the other two.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkInhJYKzqP
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She started to make her way for the door and just as she opened it, she turned back to look at me. “I sure hope you enjoy your stay here, Diana. Just know if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnqvjzybmz
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I gave a nod of my head and she smiled at me. She finally walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutR9VPJKSN
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After a few seconds had passed, when we were sure that Her Highness had left, I soon had to face the threat in front of me as Ryan started to say:354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJCg2vrX1X
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“You really have some nerve.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1trn28RST
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“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, trying to look like I had done nothing wrong. “But I’m not the one who tried to make the other look like they are crazy.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxGzbrKFuq
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“Why wouldn’t you just listen to us for once?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQSqTVEWEN
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“I have. And in case you forgot, I got dragged into a fight just because I listened to you and followed you into that maze. So what do you mean I don’t listen to you?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttmoErtKNp
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“You two sure can argue,” Camila commented.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QS8H1HbL0
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“What’s done is done,” said Bob, “so we meet tomorrow in the morning after breakfast. We should be out of here by eight.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtSW8tT4Bx
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“Yes,” I agreed, ending my argument with Ryan. I’m still very upset with him and I know he’s upset with me too.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwV5M6WFej
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“I’ll make sure to pass by and get you ready,” said Ariana. “You might need help since you’re still injured.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV4TEGj38Y
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“Thank you, Ariana.” I smiled at her.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3s9X23005
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“We’re leaving now,” said Camila as her body faced the door with her face turned towards me. “Rest easy, Diana.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFcL66kprn
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“I will if no one comes to murder me in my sleep,” I gave Ryan an eye when I said so.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1BgvRfwsY
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“Okay, okay,” said Ariana as she held Ryan shoulders and turned him around to face the door, trying to prevent him from approaching me as he looked like he was about to do so and strangle me. “Let’s leave. Diana, make sure you eat your supper when it arrives. Pug, make sure she eats.” She turned to Pug on the floor who huffed as though in agreement.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdghUjwyA0W
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“Don’t worry I’m starting to feel hungry already.” That’s true. I now feel a little ache in my tummy. Seems like the medicine is starting to take effect.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE02KZPNX6t
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The others started to leave the room and I could still feel weird vibes coming from Ryan.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FZwN4T2vp
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Immediately they left, I looked over at Pug who quickly got up from the floor and laid his head on my lap. I ran my hand through his fur, grateful that he’s around to keep me company. Yet my head couldn’t help but wander in thought.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBogXgKWsS
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Thinking of the explanation Her Highness gave, I had to admit, it sounded convincing. Ariana also stressed a good point. This world isn’t different from my own, so there’s danger that I've to be aware of. I didn’t think notice my life was in danger back home until that day at the clinic. When I think about it deeply, I feel there’s no difference.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvnW62Wvs3
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“I guess that’s why I don’t believe them,” I said out loud to Pug as I continued to ruffle his fur. “They only told me part of the truth. I still feel there’s something that they aren’t telling me.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycMR9eaNP5
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“It’s good you think that way,” came a deep rough voice.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKY01rzoWtB
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I suddenly jumped and started to look around. “Who said that?” Is there a ghost?354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uMUPd5hDR
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No one answered. I started to have a strange feeling that the wolf talked just now.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXXEaEL3ug
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“Pug, did you say something?” I asked as I now looked at the wolf, whose head was on my laps.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZuKJOEb6f
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“You can hear me, then,” came the voice again as Pug removed his head from my lap to look at me.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnibjlnP4y0
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My mouth fell open. Pug just talked to me. I might not have seen his mouth move, but the source of the voice in this room came from the wolf.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbVGeaLRbQ
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“Did you just talk?” I asked. I couldn’t believe what’s happening.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHbPH05ePB
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“Not talking, really,” came the voice again. “Let’s say that you and I can communicate telepathically.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFUn49Rn0Y
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I scratched my head. I can hear him with my mind? That’s unheard of. With the birds earlier, I could hear them chirping, yet I could understand them. Now, I’m actually hearing a voice coming from Pug in my head.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGTMizi5m6
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“Don’t freak out,” Pug said as he looked back at me with those yellow eyes of his. “I knew the moment you could understand the birds that you might understand me too.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBRs8oUPhd
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“Wait, you know about the birds?” I asked almost too loudly.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbfavEkKVy
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“Yes, they came to tell me about it.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9kccDQ0xx
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I humhped. I should've guessed that they would. “Does Mei understand you? I mean, do you talk to her like you’re doing with me right now?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYrHqPxwi0
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“She does, but she can’t understand the birds, if that’s what you were going to ask.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQPchdbjOu
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“So only a few people can understand animals around here?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz8hVXTS10
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“Yes, a lot of people don’t, sadly. Some can only hear some animals, but not all of them. A very small number can hear all animals.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBJcoJVUEk
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“Like Her Highness?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQ5kI7RUwL
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“Good example.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtcYrmFKmr
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“And what did you mean earlier when you said it’s good I thought that way over the issue?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY9jjh7Fws
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“I’m not in a better position to tell you, but just know don’t ever take what they tell you lightly. There will always be something they don't want you to know.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQspu4Ldv7
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“I know that. Do you know why they can be doing this?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qke1M7igF
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“There are threats out there far greater than you can ever imagine. I don’t know much about what’s going on, but ever since we fought, they’ve been acting weird over your safety.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXR2KLIB6T
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“You’re Mei’s pet. Didn’t you hear anything when you were with her?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFi5WDL6Qn
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“I’m not always at her side. And whenever they’ve serious meetings, I’m never allowed in. They don’t want any information leaking out.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nvsPoVbtt
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“Ah, I see. What threat could possibly be out there that they would even place guards at my door?”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS86kY858S1
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I thought I heard Pug chuckle. “Like I said, there are unimaginable things out there. You’ll know about them once your lessons begin.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN5Wr9pssy
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“Okay,” I didn’t want to bombard him with more questions, but he has assured me that what I thought of at first about the others hiding something is correct. “Please don’t tell Mei or anyone who understands you that I can actually hear you.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY9axYGQOF
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“They’ll obviously find out about the birds, but I’ll keep this to myself for your sake.”354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcdlonTOCg
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“Great,” I said as I smiled at Pug and ran a hand through his fur. The less people know about my ability to talk to him, the better.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB96WRs4TdU
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A knock soon came at the door and I told the person to come in. A nurse, younger than Nurse Agatha came into the room with a tray of food in her hands. She smiled as she walked up to me and placed the tray on my bed.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXbvEDrJ1e
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"I see that you're doing much better," said the young nurse.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnZzQhUXdU
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"I am and I'm pretty hungry too," I told her.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSuZkKWLgZ
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"Your supper is here," she motioned to the tray. "There are other patients I have to go check up on, so I better find that you've finished your plate."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJSGkpBZmp
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"Oh, you don't have to tell me twice."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuzPTpNsGm
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The nurse brought the tray and laid it on my lap so that I wouldn't have to move too much. As soon as she left with the other tray and plates Ariana had come with, I started to chow down on the plate filled with rice, green beans, carrots, salad and strips of meat. I threw a strip of meat to Pug who caught it in mid-air with his mouth. There was a side plate filled with grapes and slices of orange. I'll have that for dessert.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlfufdDpbg
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"So, Pug," I said after tearing a strip of meat, and goodness, did it taste good. "Tell me more about the Butterfly Island."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAAuMWQy99
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"I thought you wanted to know more about Ryan and the others," Pug said.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhjhVOzSB0
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"That will come later. I just want to know how this place is like before I go sight-seeing tomorrow."354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVg89nWc4r
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Pug and I talked for what felt like hours that I don't remember how I fell asleep.354Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WKmGJULcL
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