Dear Diary,
The Director upgraded food magic. Ingredients now have magical properties, not just dishes.
Which I would be really excited about, normally.
But she took away my access to the diner food inventory. I now can purchase granola bars and trail mix and jerky and a couple other things. And that’s it.
Avi has more food than I do now, cuz he still has sushi.
Which isn’t fair.
I just…
I don't know.
Goodnight, Dungeon
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*****
“Has she eaten at all?” Kimi asked, standing in the inn hallway with Avi and Y.
Avi shook his head. “She says it’s not worth it.”
“Well, she can't die of starvation here,” Y said thoughtfully.
“Still… Maybe you should take her some peppermint tea?” Kimi tried, looking back at Avi. “Dehydration would be bad, even if she doesn't die.”
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“Maybe you should,” he said nervously. “I- I told her I still have sushi available and she got mad at me.”
They looked at the door.
Y moved to push his glasses up, but his hand stopped with a tremor halfway to his draconian face. He cleared his throat instead. “She’s acting like being a chef was her entire personality.”
“Should I… tell her it’s not?” Avi tried.
“Nah, just remind her that being in love with you is the other half of her personality,” Kimi said, hitting him gently on the shoulder.
“Not half,” Y corrected. “I'd say third. A desire to hug fluffy animals takes up quite a bit.”
“The point being,” Kimi said, “even without food she’s still our Nikki.”
Y smiled. “She is still a valuable member of my harem.”
Kimi rolled her eyes, but a part of her was glad Y could even make jokes.
Avi nodded slowly. “I'll tell her that. If- If nothing else works.”
“Message me if you need me,” Kimi told him. “I'll bring over tea.”
“Thanks,” he said softly, and turned towards the door.
Kimi took Y’s hand, and they went down the stairs, leaving Avi to go into the room alone. They walked towards Floor 10’s diner, Kimi feeling odd twitches in Y’s fingers.
“Y, if you want to stop here-”
“No,” he snapped, then flinched and looked at her apologetically. “Sorry. I'll be fine. Moving through floors is a good distraction. I don't want to spend another cycle just… sitting around waiting for it to be over. I can't justify holding everyone back. I… will be fine.”
“You’re not holding us back,” Kimi said gently. “Nikki won't care, Avi will understand, and Mika won't mind.”
He stopped, his grip on her hand tightening. “I have to prove to myself I can do this. That I’m- That I'm strong enough to do this. We'll only be half-dragons one more time. If I can't go through one cycle like this, that just shows how pathetic I am.”
“Y-”
“Kim, please.”
She watched him for a few seconds before shaking her head. “Generic comments of support.”
“Basic gratitude words,” he replied.
“Nonspecific semi-promise of assistance,” she added.
He finally smiled as they started walking again. “Inarticulate sound of appreciation.”