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.
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“Now all I need to do is to finalize it.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1jJqL2VHL
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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–128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVz44bE9Jz
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“It’s a resounding success. Awesome.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNobUo40SgW
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOYX1sDVcr
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SXwTn5XMw
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Should I go and deliver this now, or make a healing potion, and deliver this later?128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx158JEbr6
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“...”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmtqG3iGsC
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcgLJDFvJm
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“...That’s new. Where did you come from?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xrEjZqmK9
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Thoughts like that– I didn’t recall having them. I was hit from left field by this warping, contorting, sapping feeling in my chest. It didn’t disturb me, however. Rather, I was confused. I was uncomfortable, but I could bear this panging, especially with a distracting duty.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH6eIRoIXX
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“I know better. I don’t have the time for that. No, I don’t.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2Ix7De5Vm
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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–128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxZC5CM8ww
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“...”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZIIWMLZwT
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFweqmXBip
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOeTWRycJe
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEBPcMopzG
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQKTC9XScF
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“Yes?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuYEJ4tWBX
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AoCuyWMdN
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“You’re here what I think you’re for, aren’t you?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFJwBIUVHH
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“Y-Yes, Lola. Here, this is the potion I made.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6bVdCGPHQ
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOLAzatyIv
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“You made this in eighty minutes?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPvNVmZIoj
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“Did I take too long? I’m sorry, I had to grab some ingredients from a lower floor–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDOwZna1Mi
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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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV9RC2pVq6
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I raised my hands bashfully and rapidly waved them at her.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdzKcVCmDM
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“No no no, please don’t! You’re helping us enough as is.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYrIfH3yFh
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“If you insist.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOF3FuBWHk
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WTDd9VTpb
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“Kenny?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDLWooIENf
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“O-Oh, right. Do you need me for anything else?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8UyB626B2
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“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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcILOHmqpZm
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I let out a chuckled sigh and slapped a hand on my chest, muttering a breathy “thank you.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCwgHeN3qW
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“There is something I’d like to ask you, however, just before you go.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopoGFmgCtr
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She said so right as I turned to leave. I twisted my head and looked at her, gesturing for her to shoot.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MrfZUydn1
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“The concoction in your other hand; that bright green tint can only mean one thing, yes? A healing potion.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4nYKkM7Wv
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I nodded at her assessment. I realized the speed at which this could turn dangerous.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbAQ6dwqsh
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“I see. I see, I see…”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NXvnx5DCE
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“A-Are you going to make me make one for each soldier?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwpfu9AVqQ
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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?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKu75OwvNP
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“...Don’t worry about it. I appreciate you being considerate, Lola. Is there anything else?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4KUNd2GcX
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCcgPlxUPy
“I-If you don’t mind my prying, could you answer a few questions for me?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyoqjM4DoS
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzt387jXcs
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“Please?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDAc5eK6U3
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Though it was difficult to draw a line while she was making such a face.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmOmoZLSVt
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“F-Fine, but please make them short. I have somewhere I need to be.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu7uXUwkhu
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“Thank you, I will. It’s just two quick questions. First–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7PdkRM5o1
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She paused right before asking, as if a crucial memory struck her from the woodwork. 128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM0zTDRqaN
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“–How long have you been an alchemist?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUpMYcJcl3
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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?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0h7Y21ENFO
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“Seven years? That’s over half your life, isn’t it?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMii9Oo4FAA
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I gave a simple shrug with sandwiched lips.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5kU8HlClU
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“I started young. That’s all.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2JUk4Tvov
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“I see. Being trained at such a young age, no wonder why you’re so skilled.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrMU9Ryhfm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaHzpYkyDm
“P-Please, don’t flatter me. I appreciate the remarks, but they just…”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrwcd2EM5F
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They don’t sit right with me, I wanted to say, but Lola gave a predictive, discerning nod, so I stopped speaking.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1GiuQ6stP
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“Only seven years… then, maybe–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgH1Jgzh9b
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“Sorry, can you repeat that? I didn’t catch it.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZqadaeLNm
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She jumped and then waved her hand.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQayfWCfd2U
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“Don’t worry, I was just thinking out loud. Anyhow, for my next question…”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpucVtcuoxm
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“Right.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1dfmjOzed
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“...I apologize if this may seem extreme, but I have to ask.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BpTPR8Dev
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEZAxVQQdm
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“Did you kill anyone in the last operation?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBtXkS8Mk4
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“I– Wha!?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqECJRT9yTu
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDOtzx2wEj
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“Who asks something like that to a child!?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizjICYJx8F
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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?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekYG4E96kO
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“Your own… peace of mind?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7C2VrJXe9
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDrhk1f1p0
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“I didn’t. I hurt some people, but I never landed a killing blow.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2u6XStxvx
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“I-I see. That’s a relief. Oh my goodness, that’s a relief.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblGPG1Vsa8
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KURLPXO8k
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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. 128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjQjGjWuUt
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“You… for some reason, I feel like you regard me much more highly than you should.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW32SsMclM
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She shrugged at my comment.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9E0wvfn7X
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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?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡam2Qs53sw5
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Brushing me off with perfect logic before I could respond to her outrageous statement, I clicked my tongue inward and turned on my foot.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbS8xDqLvZ
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“Goodbye Lola,” I shouted. She opened the door and slid right through, waving at me right before closing it.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV23qwXsicM
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DOvt7y0Zy
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4l16RmLZf
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ641JioAtUO
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“...This is ridiculous.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeHKci46EE
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6YA4sEj4r
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“Just go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it off, go out. Go in, drop it– off!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjH9uoAlQJ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq39uNCIZwo
In the midst of my chanting, I bit the arrow and slammed it open. It looked far removed from how I imagined it.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGDlin7V8M
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJTbM66DSx
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And seeing how his groggy face raised to meet mine, I realized how noisy my entrance was.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK8tL52m34
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“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb anyone. I’m just here to deliver something.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtR75lKf70y
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“...Hmm.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3UaWQCRQc
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4yJzO0YZY
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“Do whatever.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLiTmTtMCX
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“R-Right. Thank you, sir.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVrGziTIWf
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCPPmg9hoN
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFa91qGkn9
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“D-Darn it.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB9fApgkX0
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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–128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEIrmfkvvG
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“What are you doing here?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQG9yDzQdF
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEgD27Qrvh
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There was Rover, sitting in the one corner out of my sight, eyeing me with a lion’s eyes.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RLnZWmKoD
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“...U-Uh.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VW9anN9OY
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVnM4NJ81l
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3q8X2LpeY
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbCx94ieG4
“Well? Come on, spit it out.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXYSbjY66p
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6XOxpeC7R
“I… I-I.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW53A1lSG6
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8MZPhp9rt
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoIpieM2lS
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMNPIfDmdp
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYISpTVGbq
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rcxWOdqLG
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXTGqkT6lg
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JgHhudEz1
“I don’t have time for this, just spit it out!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v0aow0OaI
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSiJnmHx7B
“I-I’m here.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnISo9ewAR
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFAtQMMGwg
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OcZKwtaPq
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmGWMeFRXB
“I’m– I made— I– Rover, I’m here–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJopXLoky4o
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKQKunl4sy
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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVT4PzHHwO
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZKTnfYyrT
“I…”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfZ1jINrYo
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkToZHRdXu
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEwDjVrgDN
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuL564vxzd
“Hello, Rover.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMD0XsaTXx
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJRsh8Z4DI
“Hey, Kenny.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7dy8v1Qqy
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbVyKMbInj
I retracted my stretched arm, then extended it yet again.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22shGUWBlg
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXETv6aKXb
“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–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOVnQyhyup
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRbKwYK9pv
“Cut to the chase!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRW7dKSSXM
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFjywQg998
“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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXBvGoJtyJ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeLX7hKpXY
Her eyes widened. Her crossed arms slackened, and I took it as a signal to move forward. I took it incorrectly.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVjRkhkKaI
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3MPTTfk8Z
“Hold on, you brought me a potion?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGvht4KGqA
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlgZWol20F
“Y-Yes.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt1DlvcHYQ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8oIgwfTT1
“Now who told you to do that?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHbxQfS9C4
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LPt0aBPSU
“W-Well–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzN7FOQWtK
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ky8oR9HJP
Nigel suggested it, but he didn’t tell me. No, mulling over that was wasteful spending. There was only one truth in this situation:128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheUlxyMw8v
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV2DeoNV87
“I wanted to do it. I wasn’t told.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS4kCYQfBu
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKDByvNjpV
“...You? That wimpy Kenny?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawo9Pjja1F
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH0z8ofYWq
I wasn’t mad at her insult. It was all too accurate.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Qx4vsnFMH
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXE4IV3rxAW
“Yes, the wimpy Kenny.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwXHDnEHiH
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA8fEiQ63t
“Ha! You’ve surprised me before, but this really blew my expectations out of the water!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAT2svRiE4
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENbQUXssOI
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9yRsXWhf3
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeKc9o4z2s
“I refuse your treatment!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcu4HjitJX
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrHSCrvAyc
“H-Huh!?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UqjgwypQ8
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLwene8Xwv
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljmfaB4RYE
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuOpYNDrGG
“Why not? Don’t you want to recover faster?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicFYFBNou8
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElKw7Dpoon
“Of course I do, but I can’t accept it. Not when you’re looking at me like I’m some kind of monster.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB5KacsiAz
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Wss1NIeQ
“I– Wha?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3p8WwPwEC
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdkIEE61wo
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–128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDGGRZWKj0
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB6gsSUylQ
“No, stupid! It’s the face you’re making! It’s weird!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2TCb0BJgr
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyS6Ua7yZC
“Stupid? Weird!?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0x7Q1li5o
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr7CoNSvj5
“Do you need the whole room to hear it!? You’re looking at me like a weirdo!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohHkDfHt87
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLuCtRGuHK
“...”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyPJXwgQFX
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDhegjOnXD
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQf1RyoV98
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc0P637B5r
“Why are you looking at me like that? Hmph.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzU9Rl28WM
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebsoaqDvy3
As I had no other mode of operating at this moment, I blurted my immediate response.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfMYhei9TG
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jdcC4Gtn4
“It’s because I upset you.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81uPwDN5Ai
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoMwB8OkLo
And then I realized that something like this required thoughtful phrasing.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNn41GSXMw
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVFPEWJOA9
“I don’t– well, I don’t want to make you any more uncomfortable than you–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty8DjOWU3e
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jgaSQiMBG
“That’s bullshit! Man, forget answering that, I don’t need your whole, your spiel you know!? Come here!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ioGkra26i
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6Kzwit20g
“Come, there,” I asked, pointing to myself.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B6ONJCDSH
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97CtipFHVr
“Yes. Sit by me, I can’t stand looking at your working legs.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lmg3NR62I
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrJ4JZ8zoc
“S-Sheesh.” 128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhbX449HSq
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJGHr21Mxx
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.
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl0zDIOjEe
“How do I use this thing?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNPz3EVGDz
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQs4vkOhd6
“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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiJGuFcBYe
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Mc7QVQv7r
“Drinking works for me.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmbIzzzckf
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTdDCYhvDJ
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl2H0P1pLi
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67sWIvLLsn
“Cah! What the hell, is in this thing?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9ah4Mx5g7
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQuJdZgdb1
“That’s not the problem! You drank it too fast, you dingus!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Qbk1BMVr
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyI1ILwFiH
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mbD0oF4X0
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10qXeQmcxv
“If you drink like that, it’s likely to go down the wrong pipe.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefWvuSTpsU
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN0dEzO0fk
“Whatever.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMgD4pWP5m
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsUq2JuTA0
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. 128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZucJVLJufv
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4AtKKuYAP
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUrv4IGABl
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLrXck9czz
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBMdAPVDGz
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO4DtPgmn2
But before I could even take anpreludebreath, she spoke, reading my intentions.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4kJVSE3jG
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPhnTXTyyt
“Leaving already?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsMHWgR0oI
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoiKfO1ZFw
“I-I am, yes. I think it would be best. It isn’t as if I don’t have–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINJCnnBukT
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhWw5NpVIE
“Hold on, not yet. I still have something to say to you.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKcEATTVTS
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJNgIflMaI
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyloWJ3SRF
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO7vcKyQaz
“That’s funny. I do too. Do you mind if I start first?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUy7TFcSft1
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTiIxD6Mz8
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCrbkTkyqo
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjoYDhXEP6
“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?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi1saisl6B
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdG6gujl1F
“Yeah, I do. I remembered how much of a wuss you were.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslIguN77fP
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwCijcKmXi
I almost chuckled. Blunt as a bat, but it hit a bullseye.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKol4M1N2Tj
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fobvVAFPf
“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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIYuRsoqb9
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmmwdTOM9H
I noticed the subtlest rise of her right brow.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MOEM0m7aO
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzGZS5UoYJ
“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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi4a29srmu
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaB8NC46dR1
She nodded along to my apology. It looked like she was expecting more, but I was finished. So she’d understand, I concluded with–128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZORYr6SXgU
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjPs3VPuSX
“So yeah, I’m sorry for being such a wuss.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcqfmZMZJo
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4Ra2cUX7o
“...Hmm. Ha, I guess kids really do grow so fast.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmKdrCmj82
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwqpvHKcK9
“H-Huh?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb3EJKWHTG
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSkVGu8dq4
She rubbed her nose a little and continued talking.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS6nsOKWGy
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVBFGulCnQ
“Just look at you. You’re nothing like the Kenny I knew.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcZkkZNpQm
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVY0JrzzYY
“I-I, well, I don’t know if I agree–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHjAwoaJP8
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFGe6Rxzkk
“Nah, on second thought, I take that back. But that doesn’t matter anyway. Seriously, just look at you.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisDLXdZ6Xb
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrupCxRVPhG
“I’m n-nothing so special.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX00W9QEtLO
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXVqRElcUS
“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!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8fNF6ZJ6U
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7TNTBaHQu
“The letter certainly isn’t a priority.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVCrXAjFUC
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡps4nsyMgcY
She casually clicked her tongue, tilted her head sideways, and waved her hand downward.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsAgQAhYpZ
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2RxqQ7Rsi
“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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC2qOnqJzr
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbYsLhRMpp
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. 128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11okQi0nyp
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVMikdPky3
It took me only a few 128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsyjEJ2UoA
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTAbflasi0
“I don’t think so. I don’t think I grew anything.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJDmnkWaMD
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“‘Course you did! Stop giving me such crap–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHopQprq2Fi
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“No, really, Rover.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWmsPgthCB
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnjg24cfW3
I slouched my posture and leaned back, lifting myself with my hands behind me. 128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcARUqAgB2r
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbsVMaA4ep
“I think I’m just lucky.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqj9XeKO0n
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYV0r8fjY70
I veered my eyes away from the ceiling, looking into Rover’s, and was taken aback by her utter dejection. Or was it disgust?128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2qPGmPmpI
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXXmsDk3OM
“I-I mean, it’s not as if I haven’t been trying, it’s just–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwq6iBAz8W
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNB3l4z7y3
“Nevermind all that, Kenny. You’re starting to give me a headache.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsU5npuE89B
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0rG224qlR
I stopped my frantic hand-waving and began to scratch my head.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5xCiXtJbx
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigvJUc357h
“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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93Q96FviYi
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQ2WzoqMuS
“It isn’t a drug! I wouldn’t stoop to such barbaric substances!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqmhiKMCUq
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2vVFHKiFK
“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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YYx5Q8na5
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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. 128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jfxRiLuP8
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“D-Don’t rush me!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjHLALEbva
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“I’m not rushing you! I mean, I wouldn’t mind if you just spat it out, but–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQPKX06Dg0
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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…”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTOmHsbNJk
128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHagIRsoYzy
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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU2Tzn22Va
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK96ZgfWgjw
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“Gahh, forget it! You convinced me, I’ll just say it!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjB7dscGzf
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“I didn’t say anything.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5ppqhdTX4
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd10a3YpFQE
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“I’m sorry for being such a priss.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMVl76zhlO
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKO9GGdtyb
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But whether she was or not, mattered not to me.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcQHYVh3Uq
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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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwML8eUTul
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“Told you all I did? What?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH50CNoF2Z
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She was caught by a wind of fury.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMeLw498hi
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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!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZkSLzcYKA
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I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. She stopped her rage immediately, donning a look of perplexion. 128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeLsJS6mDp
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“What’s so funny?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIH6yiylIC
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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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm1CpRPsiT
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“Hold on, I’m not done yet!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcCIKiHrBH
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I nodded in understanding, and so she continued.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WZVMZ0hr6
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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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU51Pkwu2Z5
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“A little crazy?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6p3Xew9YU
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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!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMhvYjHIdt
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Her hands balled themselves to compliment her offshoot tangent. Her escalating tone made me concerned, but she relaxed soon after.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcZZuUXVJu
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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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvWrOWdurs
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“Well–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z88ioCE8M
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“Shut up! Shut up! Do you know how annoying it is to hear someone undersell themselves all the time?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMA5WCQ5r1
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“I–”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMrACbRjoe
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXJfd1vcWl
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“Yeah. I do. It sucks.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl24z4bdF3i
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“See! I– huh? You do?”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ52UiSUcT
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsnsSymJTH
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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.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8Jt7nNZk8
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“Whatever. Think what you want, but don’t speak it out loud anymore.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6tsEyLsd4
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“I… haha, sure thing, Rover. I’ll do just that.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpdm8eE7Ar
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7tMnf7pZF
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“Perfect. I was just about to tell you to leave.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIg2uSPEdg
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“I’m starting to think you hate me.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA9erpwqAT
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Her hands twitched upwards defensively.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqa5ufvKAuG
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“I-I don’t. I’m just getting sleepy. Any second now, I’ll doze off.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1YddvvGjB
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“Ah, right.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImcA9nLQNx
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQMoYBA0Ne
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“That one Bringer was invigorated even with a restored limb, after all…”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tNLHsyX0f
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“What are you mumbling about, eh? Scram! Scram, I tell you!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD4dinSZP5
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“Alright alright, jeez. With how grouchy you’re being, you really do need that rest.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmA2ssOwS8
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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.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTeryxe2eR
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“Wait, one last thing!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaRS2ey85t
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Then, she shouted unexpectedly. I looked at her with a blank expression to signify my okay, and she continued shortly.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIckrXmsUpd
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“Tell that old bucket-wearing fart to visit me sometime.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x53Mypezu
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“...”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44ehO4JaOI
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I smiled.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQLFUEglcn
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“I will.”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWf9CEzm5K
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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–128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN8vIYVZvg
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“Yes!”128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjUlD109zL
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A jump with jubilation. I had to. I never experienced such success before.128Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJZ3WfMxJ4
