Nightfall, Children of the Elements Part 1

Aculeus was working as hard as he could, but the painkilling drug would take a few more minutes to be ready. He also grew a single seed of Indian Licorice, he hoped he wouldn't have to use it but it would be there if necessary.

Suzume slowly moved her hand to her back, having it glow a light grey. She started to look better instantly.

"Sparrow ma'am...?" Manda spoke up when she saw the gray.

Aculeus finished the crude opium and walked to Sparrow, he fell on his face on the way there. He picked himself, and the medicine, up and made it to the fallen girl. "Here," Aculeus said to Sparrow as he handed her the medicine, "this will help ease any pain you have, just keep it in your mouth."

"I'm fine now," Suzume said

"You sure you're okay? You still have blood on your lips," said Aculeus. The worry in his voice was clear to hear. "If you ever need medicine just ask. And please, take this with you." He showed the girl the palm full of the painkiller.

Suzume growled again, and pushed herself onto her feet. "Do I look like I need anymore help?"

"S-sparrow ma'am!" Manda spoke up, her fists tightened. "T-take you medicine and stop being so- so... thoughtless!"

"Manda, I'm fine now. It was just...a issue that I have if I hit my back." Suzume said to the girl, kneeling down to her.

"Well," Aculeus began, "judging by the way you had to be dragged back in by two others and the way you coughed up blood, yes. I do think you need help. Help is okay to accept, no one will think you the weaker for it either. Something is wrong with your back, I could help fix it possibly." He showed her his plant arm, "I think this is proof enough that I can. But please, at least take the medicine even if you don't use it."

"Ha, the second I start getting help, I'll start to become weaker," Suzume huffed, and folded her arms. "And no. No one can help me with my back."

"You know Sparrow," Aculeus looked her right in her eyes, "Everyone needs help sometimes. Everyone. Help can only make one stronger not weaker." Aculeus sat down because his leg was getting sore again. "What exactly is wrong with your back anyways? Some kind of implant or something?"

"Somewhat," Suzume grumbled, folding her arms.

Aculeus thought for a while. "It's made of metal is it not? And judging by the way it just brought you down, I'd say some kind of vertebrae replacement. Finicky things my dad always told me." He still missed his parents. He looked at her once more, waiting to see if she would let him help her or back hand him.

"No shit it's made of metal," Suzume turned around, folding her arms, avoiding his eyes.

"Turn around please?" Aculeus asked the girl, "I'd like to see your face again."Well, Aculeus thought, better than a slap to the face. And my cheek still burns.

"No thank you. As soon as Manda is ready, I am leaving." Suzume said, folding her arms while she looked at the door.

Aculeus got up and walked in front of her. "Your face," he said, "I like it." He took a deep breath and waited for metal spikes to impale him. Worth it, he thought.

No metal spike impaled him, instead, Suzume brought the heel of her foot down onto his foot. "You are a idiot."

Aculeus fell to the ground, a huge smile on his face as he started to laugh. "You know," he said through his laughs, "I have yet to see you smile." He put his hand in front of her, "I'd love some help back up. You hit my good leg."

Suzume sighed and held out her hand. "When I smile. Puppies die." she said in a blank, emotionless voice.

"Good thing Xone isn't here, he might introduce you to a friend of his." Aculeus got back on his feet but he didn't let go of Sparrow's hand. "Thanks for the help. This is for you." He took away his hand and where it was a golden rose flower had grown. "If you do leave soon, please stop by my room before you go," he told her, "I'll give you food and stuff." and with that he started back towards his room.

OOC: Last post for tonight.

Suzume frowned at the rose. What on earth is wrong with that bastard...?

After Aculeus left Manda walked over to Suzume. "You should be nicer to people, Sparrow ma'am.

"I see no reason for me to be nice to then," Suzume responded to her with folded arms.