Stray

For the part of the truth that finally surfaced, it was Ann who had the most intense reaction. The female warrior cursed a rather unpleasant expletive and gritted the back of her teeth to a crisp.

As one of the protagonists of the tragedy, Medes’ memories looked like a fragile life of rotten meat— Oliver tried to calm his breathing. A slightly sad blankness rose from the sole of his feet, slowly devouring his body like a cold swamp.

“…I’ll try,” Oliver said as he clutched Nemo’s hand. “Mr. Medes, I need some time to calm down. Ann you can tell Mr. Medes about Delia’s situation first. I’ll be back later.”

The female warrior turned her sad and grateful eyes.

“You intend to continue,” she said softly.

“I have no intention of abandoning the mission,” Oliver said softly. “Mr. Medes has become like this, and I think he‘s paid enough of a price. And the late Emperor Sampson is dead. Even if I stormed the royal cemetery and plow him out, it won’t change anything… I just need time to digest.”

How simple they used to live, Oliver thought numbly.

If the Abyssal Church people hadn’t summoned the deadwood jellyfish in Roadside Town, he and Nemo might still be continuing their normal civilian life. The biggest worry would be demanding customers and deflated pocketbooks. They would even sigh at the bad weather, buy more bread and vegetables after work, and finally end in a familiar room for a peaceful and mundane day.

Until they die.