亚洲综合中美

*Puff,* sat on the stone edifice surrounding the tree, “-stop hiding in the shadows.”

*Hic,* she covered her mouth instantly, ‘-damn it, I hurt my lips...’

“Come on out.”

“Fine, fine,” a few twigs broke under her feet, “-how’d you know I was there?”

“I felt a presence stare ever since we arrived. The stalking habit is unbefitting nobility,” two taps on the empty ledge beside signaled for her to take a seat. “-Don’t the shorts make it a little chilly?”

“Not really,” they peered to the yard, ‘-I can’t feel cold the way I am now.’

.....

“Suit yourself,” he puffed and offered a cigar, “-want one?”

“Sure,” she accepted.

“Nice, I didn’t know the princess smoked.”

“From time to time,” said she, “-I thought it looked cool – tis far as it goes, I couldn’t bear inhaling the smoke, cigarette stink as well. Cigars, on the other hand, are somewhat bearable.”

“Whatever you say,” he puffed further, “-listen, I need to ask a favor.”

“What sort of favor?” her hair swayed into the coming breeze.

“Take credit for defeating Chains. I’ve already spoken to the rookies.”

“Why I mean, don’t you want the attention?”

“Not really,” he leaned to watch the stars, “-I enjoy a good fight from time to time, depends on the mood. If they knew an alchemist defeated the beast, it would discredit the people who fight daily. We can’t let that happen, the vigilantes are the first and last line of defense. Even if Odgawoan is like a thirty-minute drive away, the secluded area feels like a different world; maybe it’s overthinking, I don’t know.”

“I get what you mean. I feel the same way, the only reason I came was to provide aid. Mother insisted to have guards; day in and day out, they keep on staring. Look to the left, the three are blatantly trying to blend and watch from a distance.”

“Good thing, I’m not opposed to the idea of spying on my children, well, I sort of understand their line of thinking. I’m a father of three myself, they’re a rowdy bunch of eccentric characters. A day’s never boring when they’re around.”

“I didn’t know of this, are you married?”

“No, I had a partner, she was murdered. Tis the extent of my love life,” he pulled one knee to the ledge, “-I don’t think I’m cut out to be anyone’s partner. Honestly, I’d rather have a close group of companions. Well, who am I to say really, my mind changes quickly, take the words with a grain of salt.”

“I see,” she puffed, “-we should head inside. I’ll take credit for the monster-slaying – they’re about to announce today’s report.”

“Go on ahead; patients need treatment. See you soon?”

“Why the intonation?”

“What’s the name, can’t call you a princess or use the real identity...”

“Fia, call me Fia. Thanks for the outfit and cigar, you’re a good guy, big sister was right.”

“Told you,” he winked.

*Greetings vigilantes,* spoke through the intercoms, *-the highlight of today was Chains defeat at the hands of the Masked Warrior. Per the bounty, 5,000 points will be transferred to the account. No death has been reported, causalities were moderately higher than yesterday, a few were infected and subsequently taken to the Q-zone. We appreciate the hard work; more information will be made available via the main channel. Military supplies and food will arrive next thing tomorrow morning, those assigned with guard duty must be awake at 04:00, enough for today, good night.*

“Hey, that’s the masked warrior,” said whispers.

‘Good thing I changed into my usual outfit. I so wish the guards would cut some slack,’ she passed by a desperate-looking table.

“Don’t stare so much.”

“Come on, Meza, I was only taking a look at the famed warrior...”

“Don’t be rude,” fired Jonl.

“Sorry?” she stopped and stared; “-did you say something?”

“No, no, nothing. My friend here is a little on edge since this morning, I hope you understand...”

“I see, I would be on edge if I were you,” she leaned and nodded to the side, “-the table over’s been gawking the little lady for quite a while. Be on guard,” she continued to the cafeteria lady.

“She’s awesome.”

“Quiet down, Aptha.

“What’s wrong, Meza?”

“She’s right – the guys from early this morning are up to no good. Jonl, don’t leave her side, no matter the excuse, hear me?”

“You won’t sleep in the room today?” wondered Aptha.

“No, I have to do the thing, you know...”

“Yeah,” sighed Jonl, “-must be rough. Good luck, we’re grateful for everything.”

“Anything for the team.”

Morning rose over Carter Lake, a mixture of colors reflected atop the profound bed of water. The inky dark outlines permeated the scape as if it be a black and white picture. Supple chirps of the wildlife added a touch of niceness to the otherwise eerie situation. Those of means to travel often took to the lake for a morning run; popularity dwindled since bodies were found. Fitness was a great fundamental for those in show business, and thus, aspiring artists often made rounds.

*Huff, puff,* “-Johnny...”

“Estla, don’t give up, we’re nearly done for the course.”

“...”

“Come on,” he turned seeing her slowed pace, “-Hey, are you giving up?” he jogged over.

“Look,” her hands trembled toward the tree line, “-a b-b-b-b.”

“If you say there’s a body, I’ll be mad. Out of the abundant excuses you made, this one must take the cake.”

“I’m serious...”

“Fine, show me,” he blocked her vision, “-where, maybe it’s a ghost?”

“Shut up...”

“Oh,” the cheery smile dropped, “-right, this is awkward. Someone hung themself...”

“HOW CAN YOU BE SO CALM?”

“Listen, Carter Lake’s a place where bodies are found regularly. You shouldn’t be surprised,” they shuffled to the other side, “-call the police, another body found.”

The ray broke into the claustrophobic tent – a fuzzy hue tenderly shone. One of the bed-sheets ruffled, ‘-someone’s regained consciousness.’

‘The attack...’

“Don’t move too much,” said a deep voice, “-the wounds might have healed; best be on the safe side, no harsh movement.”

“Where am I?”

“At the dormitory yard. Welcome to the land of the living,” an unfamiliar face approached from the back, “-let’s see,” fingers to the forehead, “-yeah, I don’t sense anything bad, you’re completely healed.”

“Completely healed from what?”

“Sure ask a lot of questions first thing in the morning. The wound’s healed without a bruise.”

“No, I wasn’t worried about...”

“Yeah, yeah,” he stepped back, “-sit up straight. The doctor should be here any minute.”

“Are you not the doctor?”

“I’m only an alchemist.”

Early morning back and forth brought life to the prior dead atmosphere, “-are you here?” the covers parted.

“Nurse,” he proclaimed, “-I’m so glad to see you.”

“Not sure what you mean,” she leaned backward suspiciously, her armed moved into a close stance, “-why are you glad?”

“I’ve healed everyone here using Magiology. They should be in fighting form in a few days, I’ve already written the diet for each patient. Please ask for another doctor to take over their recovery; I’ve done my job.”

“I have to ask, from what hospital are you?”

“I’m not a working medic, only a humble practitioner of magic, an Alchemist, I thought we went over this yesterday.”

“-I’m not satisfied by the answers...” Invertedly, Arkle spoke of the new medic who saved his party member from the brink of death. In an argument that went wrong, he challenged a fellow squad leader to a bet, and hence, a crowd of five curious folks stood patiently outside, “-Lord Alchemist, are you there?”

“Arkle,” he exited, “-perfect timing, Ania’s regained consciousness.”

“Really?” he dashed inside.

“Who might you gentlemen be?”

“We’re squadmates of the patients inside,” replied one.

“Yes, no need for a backstory,” returned he impatiently, “-I assure, everyone inside’s been healed and will return to their normal lives. I’ll excuse myself,” he walked a few steps, “-can anyone point to the latrine?”

.....

“Sure.” The mysterious fellow followed the description, meanwhile, the envious bystanders entered one at a time. Those comatose for a while awoke to familiar faces.

‘Can’t be happening,’ stared Ada, ‘-he’s treated ten mortally injured fighters, the way he operated and worked was a marvel in knowledge. I’ve only heard of Magiology. If what he did is a gateway to the future; I can’t imagine the countless lives we could save...’

“You have your arm back,” jested one.

“I thought I was going to die...”

After the break, ‘-the cafeteria sure is a popular spot. What’s on the menu?’ a line formed naturally, the meals were bland at best, rationed to suit the daily nutritional value of a person, ‘-what’s the point...’ another line formed to the side with a different cashier. The menu was different and so was the price, one side used points, the other used money. ‘Seriously, 60 Exa for a drink’s rather pricey...’

“Good morning.”

“Yeah, good morning. I’ll have the breakfast combo.”

“Breakfast combo for 160 Exa, anything else?”

“No thanks.”

The aura shifted, those next queue over watched jealously, ‘-what’s wrong with them, the food’s pricey but still.’

“Here sir,” said the lady, “-one more thing,” she whispered, “-be careful, the vigilantes don’t view those who spent money on meals lightly. Tis an unwritten rule, money is far more valuable to be spent on meals.”

“What kind of rule is that?” he laughed, “-sure, I’ll take it to heart.”

“Another rich kid,” went about the tables.

“He ordered the combo, man, I’d kill to eat some real food.”

‘There, a free table,’ he sat and ate. Petrified expression went about the other tables.

“Hey man,” hailed a neighbor, “-that spot is reserved, take my advice, change seats before they arrive.”

“Oh, a little too late for that,” said a rougher voice, “-listen there,” he slammed the table, “-I don’t mind you sitting, however, you got to pay us by the second; how about 100 Exa per tick?” He nonchalantly ate, the words fell on empty ears.

“I had a nightmare,” more people arrived.

“Meza, look,” called Jonl, “-it’s that guy from yesterday.”

“Oh hell no,” fired Aptha, her light feet sprinted across the room, “-aren’t you guys bored of bullying others?”

“If it’s not miss jailbait; long time no see.”

“Stop bullying other people,” she gritted.

“Listen here short stack,” said another, “-this doesn’t involve you.”

“You bet it does,” she stood proudly.

“Noisy,” the tray slid, “-what was it, 100 Exa per second. Were you keeping time?”

“No,” returned the big fellow, “-I’m not a stopwatch.”

“Whatever, uncultured ruffians,” a pile of 1000 Exa bills summoned atop his hand, “-there,” it flung onto the man’s face and scattered, “-there’s around 30,000 Exa, consider this table bought. I’d prefer not to get involved to the scum of society,” a smug once over, “-thank you for stepping in, Aptha,” he held out a hand, “-let me treat you to breakfast.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Jonl rushed over, “-Aptha can’t keep her mouth shut...”

“Her words were melody to my ears,” beamed Igna, “-don’t take it the wrong way,” he moved to the empty counter, “-scum will remain scum, best not to get involved. Ignore them, besides,” he snickered, “-they’ve never seen a 1000 Exa bill before.”

“Neither have I,” shrugged Aptha.

“Nor me,” yelled a bystander, the situation seemed comical.

“Oh, I apologize,” the hall echoed in laughter.

“Nah, it’s good,” said a distant voice, “-shove it to them, those mongrels, always ruining the mood during mealtime, we’re sick of it.”