Upper Division

[

Aisha mumbled softly into her mistress's chest involuntarily, as she let out a soft breath, feeling nothing but softness in her entire body. She couldn't move even if she wanted to. Literal hours of just lazing around, being pet and cuddled, would do that to a girl.

.

Her ears twitched as Lorian flipped another page in her book, one hand holding it up clumsily, while the other hand stroked lovingly down Aisha's fluffy ears, mixing it up ever so often with a light caress down her back, or a soft scritch between her ears.

.

With every soft pet, Aisha felt herself fall more and more in love. It was these moments that she liked the most. Just a regular day, where the two girls wouldn't do anything but enjoy each other's presence, few words uttered between them. They didn't have to, or rather - they couldn't. No words could possibly express the love between them.

.

Aisha wanted to hug her mistress tighter, but she couldn't. She didn't have the strength to. So the only way she could further express her affection was to use her face to snuggle deeper into Lorian's shoulder, leaning upwards to lap at her cheek submissively.

.

Lorian giggled at the feeling of Aisha's little tongue tickling her cheek, leaning down to give her a little kiss in return. She smiled at the blushing, submissive expression Aisha was left with. It made her want to kiss Aisha even more, and turn her into an even more adorable, blushing little mess.

.

But she was enjoying the present moment far too much to do that and ruin the soft, lazy mood. But she also wanted to play with Aisha sooo bad… that adorable little face, those amazingly fluffy ears, just the right size to pet… she wanted to see them twist up in pleasurable torture, blushing as she teased her and teased her…

.

Aaahhh… it was torture. She wished she could have two Aishas. One, she would keep at her side at all times, petting, kissing, and hugging at all times. While the other… she would also pet, kiss and hug, but she would also tease mercilessly.

.

She smiled as she fantasized about what she would do to that second Aisha. Hover her face right above Aisha's, teasing her with promises of kisses until Aisha lost it. Maybe scritch only half of her head, and then make her beg for her to continue. Maybe, if she was feeling particularly cruel, she would restrict her from all touches for a whole hour, teasing her with her body the entire time… And then, at the end, she would finally give Aisha release, hugging her, kissing her, grinding their sexes together…

.

Lorian turned red, stiffening in embarrassment as her fantasies went lewd, unintentionally squeezing Aisha tightly. The little girl let out a little squeak of surprise, and Lorian couldn't help but glance at her, accidentally giving the girl a look at her expression of panic, and giving herself a look at Aisha's red face - just like as if she just had a-

.

No! No! Why did she always have to ruin their lazy cuddles with her… her lust! Why did Aisha have to be so damn… cute, and sexy!

.

Lorian whimpered as she felt her legs heat up, creating an inferno of heat. She was so horny, it was unimaginable. Back when she was still at the university, she would hide out in the bathrooms and masturbate three times a day to Aisha. Once right after she left, once after her first class, and once right before she came home. Sometimes more.

.

She hadn't… relieved herself, in over three days at this point, and she was so incredibly close to just pinning Aisha down and-

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(Stop! Stooop!) She wailed internally. (I-it's so wrong! You're her master, and she's your slave, no matter how much she loves you!)

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She considered doing it while Aisha was asleep, but… no, Lorian was a screamer. And she was mortified to admit that the name she screamed was always Aisha's.

.

Lorian cursed her past self. Engorging herself on cute succubi had come back to bite her in the ass. Now she was a huge nympho, and on top of that, her body was incredibly sensitive.

.

"Mistress…" Aisha purred cutely. "You're getting warmer… especially… "

.

Sparks lit up in Lorian's vision, her mouth and eyes opening wide as Aisha barely shifted her body, but shifted against all the wrong spots. Or all the right spots…

.

"Mistress?" Aisha whispered shyly. "A-are… are you okay?"

"HHH!" Lorian bit her lip. "W-wait! D-do-do-don't move. I-I-I have to go outside for a second- I'll bebackinafewminutes-"

.

Lorian vaulted off of the couch, dashing outside, almost completely naked, with her hands sandwiched between her legs. She didn't even bother putting on shoes before she slammed the door behind her, leaving a stunned, disappointed little fey behind her.

.

"Wh… What did I do wrong?" Aisha whimpered.

]

.

.

.

"Aisha."

"Mmnnnnggh…" Aisha mumbled, letting out a groan. "Stawp, I dun wanno eat my vegetables… mhmhmmwnegggghhhhh…'

"Aisha!" A stern voice shouted. "What are you doing here!?"

.

Aisha let out a groan of discomfort as she squinted her eyes, balling her hands into fists and rubbing her eyes cutely. She tried to wipe away the drool that had leaked into her chest wrappings, but failed miserably, instead being made aware of the stiffness in her neck. She cracked it to one side, and a loud sound shot out into… wherever she was.

.

She opened her eyes for a millisecond, and instantly regret it, the sunlight streaming unimpeded directly into her eyes. She wanted to curl up and go back to bed. Right back to the comfy… dirt…

Pathway…

.

"Where am I?" She groaned, shooting upright. She still couldn't open her eyes, but a brief swipe in front of her told her that there was someone in front of her.

"You're in the middle of the street!" A familiar, and yet, not so familiar voice said irritably…

"You're… the brown skinned guy." Aisha squinted.

"Is that all you know about me!? Are you racist or something!?" Amir demanded.

"I just… I don't see a lot of chocolate people…" Aisha mumbled.

.

Amir ignored the remark about "chocolate people," although the phrase clearly irritated him greatly.

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"Get up." He demanded.

"Alright, alright…" Aisha whined, her eyes slowly adjusting, as she stumbled her way up to her feet.

.

Aisha rubbed her eyes one last time, and suddenly she was made aware of the bustle around her, and the glaring man in front of her.

.

"I've never heard you that angry before." Aisha mumbled. "Feels weird."

"I'm not angry." Amir said, although his irritated expression said otherwise.

"Okay." Aisha mumbled. "Where am I?"

"You're at the square next to the adventurer's guild." Amir said. "Actually, this is a good opportunity, since I was about to select a contract."

"Why is that a good opportunity?"

"Because you're coming with me. You're sapphire, yes? Well, I'm not yet." Amir said impatiently. "We're going to the guild. Hurry up!"

"But I'm not… " Aisha mumbled.

.

Aisha grumbled as Amir gave her an angry look, and the girl yawned, stretching her arms out. Her joints hurt from sleeping in such a weird position. Why was she even asleep in some random corner?

.

A memory came to mind, and Aisha's eyes shot open as she looked to the side, where Xelos's old, tattered journal sat, open to a page. That was right…

.

[

We seem to be affected by a type of radiation that has permanently affixed itself to our cells. What is fascinating is that it doesn't seem to harm us - even though it seems to have a wavelength even shorter than alpha radiation, we are literally suffused in it - but despite this, Feng and I haven't experienced any illness. In fact, if we focus hard enough, we can feel it - the radiation in our blood seems to radiate some sort of heat.

What is even more fascinating is that we seem to be able to control this radiation. Feng says that she has had some success controlling the radiation around her, but currently I can just barely seem to accelerate my blood flow with intense concentration.

.

I do not know why we are able to control it. It is baffling. At first I had thought that it was nothing, but we are definitely able to subtly influence our bodies. We have healed from our injuries remarkably fast. A shallow cut 10cm long should usually take approx. a week to heal. Mine did in three days.

.

Theory: Feng tells me I am crazy, but I think the radiation has hijacked our brainwaves. That is why this phenomenon is controlled by thought. Although, this does not explain things fully.

.

-Referendum: My initial thoughts were correct. Also, Feng has told me that referendum is the wrong word. We don't have a dictionary, so until we do, I'm going to keep calling these post-notes referendums. I think it pisses her off. By the way, stop reading my journal!-

]

.

Aisha shook her head, the text frustrating her to no end. The first problem was that she was awful at reading. What she was best at was reading disgusting, schoolgirly notes, that most of the time, just said "I love you," or alternatively, the menus at restaurants. On top of that, when she was able to get through some of the passages, she didn't even recognize half of the words.

.

But Aisha was sure some secret to magic casting was in that damn book. There had to be. Before, she had never had any interest - after all, she never thought she would have a soul - but now, she had an itch to comb through that book, until she knew every last thing that Xelos had.

.

Aisha stopped abruptly when she walked through a door frame, being met with a set of downward stairs where three figures sat, scattered around various tables. A masked swordsman, a hunched over figure, wearing a green cloak, and a third, smaller, also cloaked figure.

.

The swordsman had a slim, athletic build, his tall stature making him seem skinnier than he actually was. Looking at his uncovered shoulders, though, Aisha saw impressive muscle mass and definition. The man's mask was shaped like a chevron, with large slits cut out for his eyes, revealing entirely golden eyes, his sclera and pupils solid. Aisha could see his eyes move, but she couldn't tell where he was looking - the solid color masking his pupils.

.

The man turned to Aisha as she walked in, but didn't say anything. The other two didn't acknowledge her presence.

.

"Are these sapphires?" Aisha asked.

"Yes."

"Why's there only three of them here?"

"Sapphire contracts can take weeks." Amir muttered. "The rest are probably out."

.

The tall man walked up to the swordsman and put a contract on the table with a blue tag at the top. Aisha read the word "Drake."

.

"Hello." Amir greeted stiffly.

"You're Elerion's brother, aren't you?" The masked man said softly, his voice deep and gruff.

"...Yes."

"What's the cut?" He asked.

"Twenty."

"No thanks."

.

Amir slammed his hands on the table. "Why not?"

"Newbie." Was all the man said, leaning his head on his hand in a bored fashion.

.

"Thirty, then." Amir argued, although his face practically fumed with indignation.

"Not interested." The masked adventurer sighed. "Why do you even want me? That's a raid contract."

"You're all that's here."

"Then wait for someone else to get back. Why are you in such a hurry?"

"Because-"

.

"I'll go with you!" An unusually cheerful, girly voice quipped.

.

The three at the table all turned their heads to look at a smiling, young-looking face staring at them, blue eyes shining cheerfully. Amir just stared at the girl with a irritated look, while Aisha… looked at her with a strange expression.

.

"I'll join the raid!" She said. "I'll only take 3.4597 percent."

"Why such a specific percentage?" Amir asked. "And you look a little…"

"Young? Girly?" The girl pouted. "Come on. You came in here with her!"

.

She pointed at Aisha, who frowned at the finger, staring at it intensely.

.

"I was going to say inexperienced." Amir muttered. "Or cheerful. Are you even sapphire?"

"I am." She said, quickly.

"..."

"..."

Amir stared at her with an incredulous expression. "Aren't you going to show..?"

"Yes, of course! Sorry." The girl said, not losing her smile for a second.

.

She reached a hand into the folds of her cloak, pulling out a blue plate. She flashed it quickly at the group, before retracting her hand quickly.

.

"Are we good?" She asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Fine." Amir mumbled. "I don't care."

"Great!" The girl smiled, showing off her geometrically symmetric teeth.

.

"Fine." The masked swordsman sighed. "I'll go."

"Why the change of heart?" Aisha asked.

"It's not everyday you get the opportunity to watch another sapphire." He said, leaning backwards. "I guess it's curiosity."

"Whatever." Amir muttered, turning his gaze to the hunched cloak, feet not even visible underneath the table. Aisha guessed that the figure was female, since she had her feet tucked up into her body.

.

Well, either that, or they didn't have legs.

.

"She doesn't talk." The young girl chirped.

"Yeah." Amir scoffed. "Sure she doesn't."

"The girl's right." The swordsman said. "She's mute. As far as we know, anyways."

.

"Whatever." Amir scoffed. "Don't need a voice to nod yes or no."

.

He walked briskly over to the table with the hunched over woman, gently placing the contract on the table. The green-clad woman turned to look at Amir and Aisha, showing the massive ram's skull she wore on her head, showing off her green, glowing eyes, also solid, just like the swordsman's. Although the skull covered her face, Aisha was still able to make out the shape of her body as she reached out a hand to hold up the contract.

.

The woman was olive-skinned, barefoot, and scantily clad in animal skins and leathers. Bands held countless daggers, strapped to her thighs, calves, torso, arms, cloak - anywhere there was room, there was a dagger, their tips dripping with green substance. The woman herself was thin and lithe, although just like the swordsman, the definition in her muscles betrayed her strength.

.

The woman nodded, and the young girl from before began to clap, drawing the attention of everybody in the room.

.

"Sorry." She said. "Is this not a custom?"

"I've never heard of it." Aisha muttered.

"Well, you're a fey!" The young girl stuck out her tongue. "How would you know?"

.

"Take off your cloak." Aisha demanded.

"Huh?" The girl said, surprised. "Why?"

"I know you're hiding something under there." Aisha said. "I want to see it."

"Sorry." The girl said mechanically. "You don't have clearance."

"What?"

.

"Whatever!" Amir interjected irritably. "Everybody get their stuff and meet back here in thirty minutes!"

.

.

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Amir scratched his head furiously as the two exit the lounge, a small building right next to the adventurer's guild.

.

"You seem mad." Aisha observed.

"I'm not angry." Amir scowled. "Just annoyed. At these damn upper divs."

The young girl frowned at Amir. "I'm right here, you know."

"No, that's not it." Aisha mused. "You-"

.

Aisha abruptly stopped walking, as she caught the sight of a pair of brown eyes, glaring at her from under a hoodie. Aisha raised her eyebrows as she recognized the shaggy brown hair, and the sharp features of Raxas's face. She almost didn't recognize him, though, the sunken eyes, hollow cheeks, and unshaven face making the man almost look like a beggar, if not for his tall stature.

.

"Hi." Raxas said, stopping in his tracks at the sight of Aisha.

"Hey…" Aisha said, racking her brain for something to call the man. "Ssssssssssir…?"

"Whatever." Raxas muttered, bag-laden eyes scanning her companions. "Going on a contract?"

"Oh shit." Aisha muttered under her breath. That was right. She wasn't supposed to go on any contracts, in case he needed her "Uh…"

.

"Just be back before a week." He said dismissively, before locking his eyes onto Amir.

"Hello, sir." Amir greeted stiffly, tapping his foot impatiently.

"You're that guy…" Raxas mused.

.

Suddenly, a look of realization hit him.

.

"Hm. You know, don't you?" He said, shaking his head.

"...Know what?" Aisha asked.

"I'm sorry." Raxas muttered half-heartedly. "It's my fault."

"What's your fault?"

"It's none of your business!" Amir snapped at Aisha.

"I wouldn't advise going on a contract under these circumstances." Raxas said slowly. "But, I probably can't stop you."

"..."

.

With that, Raxas walked off, leaving a confused fey. Aisha looked at Amir, curious eyes begging for an answer, but the tall man didn't say anything, just walking off briskly as always.

.

"What was up with that guy?" The chipper girl asked. "He looked… bad."

"Just some guy." Aisha said dismissively, before turning to Amir. "But what was he talking about?"

"I said it was nothing!" He snapped.

.

.

.

"Why are you following me..?" Aisha asked, eye twitching, as the cheerful girl from before followed her to Celeste's apartment. "Go get your stuff."

"I have everything on me!" She responded cheerfully. "Everything I need. I'm just observing you. Please, pretend like I'm not here."

"I wish I could do that." Aisha mumbled.

.

"Ah- It's custom to give an acquaintance your name, right?" Sui said, ignoring Aisha's retort.

"I'm not going to remem-"

"You should call me Sui!" She said enthusiastically. "It's a great name, right?"

"...Sure."

.

Aisha shook her head, looking at Sui with a irritated expression as she turned the knob to the apartment, a wave of pink mist billowing out as soon as she opened the door. Aisha furrowed her brows and began to cough as she breathed the stuff in, but oddly enough, Sui didn't even blink an eye.

.

"What's this?" She asked curiously. "It's physical… I need a jar."

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Aisha shot Sui a suspicious look, before pulling her scarf up to cover her nose and mouth, stepping in.

.

Celeste visibly jumped at the sight of Aisha, freezing on the couch. Hana gave Aisha a small wave, arm wrapped around Celeste's slightly smaller body. She nudged Celeste a little.

"A-Aisha…" Celeste stammered quietly. "I-I…"

"I'm just here to get my stuff." Aisha mumbled quickly, dropping her head, although not quickly enough for Celeste to miss the slightly hurt expression on her face.

.

"W-wait… Darling…" She mumbled, standing up from the couch and taking Aisha's wrist into her hand. "I'm… I'm sorry. I've… been difficult. So forgive me, okay?"

.

"Ok, fine." Aisha mumbled, before hugging Celeste, her small frame visibly sinking into Celeste's plush body. Celeste wrapped her arms back around Aisha, and for a bit, they just stayed like that, enjoying the warmth.

.

Meanwhile, Hana took an interest in their new guest, licking her lips hungrily as she looked Sui up and down. She frowned at the large cloak, covering up her body, but her face was cute and energetic.

.

"Aren't you a cute one." She purred.

"A demon!" Sui said excitedly. "You're a higher succubus, aren't you! You've got wings!"

"Aren't you excited." Hana laughed softly. "Do you want to come closer? You can touch."

"OOooh, yeah." Sui smiled, walking over and planting herself on the couch, making a large "FWUMP!"

.

Hana wrapped an arm around Sui as the girl took a wing into her hands, rubbing the little bones and membranes, pressing her face up to the black appendages. Smelling them…

.

"So…" Hana said seductively, pink smoke seeping out of her mouth with every breath, flowing freely into Sui's nose and mouth. "Why don't you stay for a while..? Show me what's under that cloak?"

.

Sui laughed. "Sorry, but no thanks! Me and Aisha have a contract! Isn't that right, partner?"

"What happened to acquaintance?" Aisha mumbled.

"Don't be like that, friend!" Sui laughed, getting up and patting the slightly shorter girl on the shoulder.

.

Aisha rolled her eyes as she scabbarded her sword, slinging it on her back with her crossbow.

.

"Interesting choice of weapon!" Sui exclaimed. "That's a…"

.

Sui continued to blather on, about Aisha's choice of weapon, about how strong she must be, how interesting it was, how interesting Aisha was… Meanwhile, Hana just looked at Sui's back with her jaw agape, a look of despair on her face.

"Wuh?" She stammered, staring at her hands as if they were tainted. "Bu…"

.

"What's wrong?" Celeste asked, laying her head on Hana's lap.

"I… I feel like I'm losing my seductive powers." Hana mumbled. "I can't get anyone to have sex with me anymore… That girl didn't even blush! I'm losing it!"

"You can always get me." Celeste smiled.

.

Hana puffed out her cheeks, even as she laid her arms on Celeste's chest.

.

.

.

Aisha yawned as the group of five adventurers trodded along the dirt path towards their destination, the dirt crunching beneath their boots. The swordsman, as well as Sui, walked along the path with Aisha and Amir, but the tribal, mute woman walked on the grass a few feet away from them, creating a sizable distance. Whether to distance herself from the party, or just to walk on something a little more comfortable for her bare feet, nobody really knew.

.

"So, what are everybody's names?" Sui asked enthusiastically. "I'll start! I'm Sui!"

"..."

.

Nobody answered, despite the earnest, bright eyed look that she gave the grizzled, hardened adventurers.

.

"Aquila." The swordsman grunted, after a minute of silence.

"...Amir." The slim man answered, after a similar pause.

"...Aisha."

.

"Excellent!" Sui clapped her hands together. "Now, Mister Amir, do you have any important information on our contract?"

"...It's a drake."

"Anything else?"

"Not really."

.

Aquila turned his face towards Amir, and although his eyes weren't terribly visible behind his mask, Aisha could practically see the furrowed eyebrows.

"We're going on a blind mark?" He asked.

"Yes." Amir muttered. "Town's behind you."

"I don't care… but I don't know if it's a good idea to do that."

"I'm okay with it!" Sui said, energy not waning for even a second. "It'll be interesting."

"Whatever." Aisha muttered.

.

Aisha turned to the mute, who didn't say anything, of course, but Aisha didn't see her protest, and she had no doubt that she had heard them.

"This is foolish." Aquila sighed. "But I suppose I'm a fool too."

.

"What's more important is that we know each other's strengths. Then we can form a plan." Amir said. "I'll start. I'm a scout. I've brought firebombs, smoke bombs, and diamond bolts. I don't have a lot of mana, but I can shield myself, and I know a minor speed enchantment."

.

He turned to Aquila.

"...I have this sword." Aquila said, unclipping his large, curved sword. "I cut things with it. And I can protect myself."

Amir's expression grew more annoyed. "Any notable spells? That we should know about."

"No."

"Fantastic." Amir shook his head. "What about you, Sui?"

Sui laughed nervously. "Uh… I'm a mage! I… I also can protect myself. But I don't have any… uh, enchantments or anything."

"What." Amir's expression darkened.

"Hey, I'm a solo adventurer too!" Sui said with an unapologetic smile.

"And the last one's mute." Amir said, scratching his head furiously in irritation. "This is… Fuck…"

.

"Town's behind you." Aquila said.

"Shut up!" Amir snarled. "I can make this work! I'll… I'll make this work."

.

Aisha couldn't help but not be encouraged by his words.

.

.

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The rest of the walk continued without a word spoken, leaving the five to do nothing but stew over their own thoughts as night slowly fell on the plains. Soon, a roaring campfire was lit, and the five were sat in a circle, shooting uncomfortable glances at each other.

.

"I'm hungry." Aisha complained.

"You just ate an entire deer." Amir said, raising an eyebrow.

"I know, but… It didn't help at all. I've been eating a lot of stuff, but I still… I still feel so hungry."

.

"It probably has something to do with the necromancy." Sui chirped.

"What?" Aisha's eyes widened. "How do you know about that!?"

"Er, well…" Sui put a hand on her head nervously. "I can see it."

"A sensor!?" Aquila exclaimed, standing up abruptly. "You-"

.

"Yeah, that means I can see it in you too!" Sui said accusatorily, pointing a finger at Aquila. "Although there's less of it on you than on Aisha."

"Tch." Aquila folded his arms. "Then-"

"Yeah."

"And-"

"I knew that too."

.

Aquila narrowed his eyes at Sui, before huffing out a loud breath, walking away from the fire.

.

"I'm turning in." He muttered. "Don't try to take off the mask while I'm asleep."

.

He walked towards a nearby tree, before sitting down, leaning back on the tree and crossing his arms. The piercing golden light from his eyes dimmed, although Aisha could still see a faint glow, piercing through his eyelids.

.

The mute woman leaned over to Aisha and gave her a strange dried fruit from a knapsack hidden on her person. Aisha ate it without hesitation, and was surprised to find that it abated her hunger, ever so slightly. The fruit itself tasted like nothing, and it felt like biting through foam, but it was at least something.

.

"What was that?" She asked the mute. "Do you have more?"

.

She shook her head.

"Oh." Aisha said, ears drooping a little bit in disappointment. "Um… thanks, though."

.

The mute pat Aisha on the head, before walking towards some bushes and laying down, bunching up her cloak on top of herself for a makeshift blanket.

.

"I'm going to look around." Sui said.

"In the dark?" Amir asked.

"Yeah!"

.

Sui ran off before anybody could say anything, her silhouette quickly disappearing into the dark. Nobody really cared enough to stop the girl.

.

Amir sighed, rubbing his face with his hands in frustration. "I'm going to bed too."

"What's really bothering you?" Aisha asked.

"I keep telling you, it's nothing!" Amir snapped.

"It might get us killed." Aisha said softly. "If your leadership is compromised."

.

The tall, brown-skinned man hesitated for a second, before his shoulders slumped in defeat.

.

"Fine." He mumbled. "If only to get you to stop asking."

"I'm a good listener." Aisha said.

.

"My mom died." Amir muttered. "I just found out a day ago. In the Alcinera den."

"I thought she was in the hospital?"

"I'm surprised you remember that lie." Amir poked at the campfire with a stick. "But yeah, it's not true. That's just the lie that I tell Kayle."

.

"My mom's actually a nepenthe addict." Amir said darkly. "She's been for a long time. Ever since our dad died. So long that… well, the part about our mom being sick wasn't a lie. It's just, not with a rare disease. A very common disease, actually."

"Then what's with all the money?" Aisha asked.

"Well, the dealers actually have a way to 'save' someone who's in the last stages. But it's expensive, and the cost is all on us. We do it… just in the hopes that maybe someone will eventually invent a cure. But I guess… it doesn't matter anymore."

.

Aisha was silent. She guessed that was why Raxas apologized to him. He was responsible for killing his mother.

.

"It's just…" Amir said, his voice strained, cracking as he put his head into his hands. "What the hell am I going to tell Kayle? That… that his mother died, and… he's never going to get to meet her… and…"

.

Amir shook his head. "I'm sorry. That's… that's enough. It's not your problem."

"Do you feel better?"

"...Maybe. But thank you for listening."

.

Before Aisha could say anything, he began to unroll a sleeping pack from his backpack, laying it on the ground and getting in, before turning away and closing his eyes.

.

Sui hadn't come back yet, and there was nobody to really talk to, so Aisha decided to sleep as well, just laying as close to the fire as she could without setting herself on fire.

.

Dread settled in her stomach. Something bad was going to happen.