The stars shone brightly but took none of the pain away. After Liv had ensured that she wasn't tracked, she had stopped to throw up her guts. Then she just collapsed, not able to get very far. The smell of her bile stung her nostrils.

It was the most physical pain she'd ever felt.

***

She had passed out despite doing her best to resist. Everything hurt. Every movement was death. Still, she noticed that she had been moved while sleeping.

She fell asleep on her face while on rough terrain, she woke on a bed of leaves and warm sunlight in her eyes.

"He did quite the number on us," Inu's said.

Liv shook in surprise. 'Oh, that's right. I brought him with me... Why?'

"Who was that guy?" Liv asked while doing her best to breathe.

"Hakro Manus. He's the Body of Hexa. There is nobody in this world more dangerous when it comes to single combat."

"I am." Liv coughed. "He just caught me off guard."

"Hmm, maybe. If you get him in the Empt, he's yours. But the fact is, he wasn't supposed to be alone. If he had the rest of the Hexa with him, you would've died without a doubt."

"Well, they weren't." Liv stood up slowly with a groan, holding her ribs. "I'll make him regret that."

"Liv, you should rest."

"And you should train. Did you see how he manhandled your ass?" Liv said as she limped forward, her posture hanging. "How is it that you're all okay, by the way?"

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"I heal fast. Ad—"

"Adaptability, yes. Good for you." Liv sighed, almost having to sit down from the pain, but standing if only for Inu to see. "Where are we anyway?"

"I took some liberties in finding a safe place for us to recover in."

"Liberties?"

"I'm aware you have a pattern. Not a conscious one maybe, but it's how I tracked you. The Hexa knows too. However, I got a headstart on them since the Mind of Hexa is a friend... of some kind."

"Yeah, I suppose you do have a lot to bond over. Both being after a 19-year-old girl and all. The other trying to kill me, the other going for a gentle maim," Liv laughed as she looked around.

They were in a plain area, there were no bodies of water in sight. Liv sighed. Inu had taken her North. There were less hills and mountains in this area. It made it easier to be spotted, but if what Inu said was right, they were safer for it.

Inu brooded before answering. "I don't want to maim you, Liv."

She looked back for a second. "Oh, I thought that was what you call permanently injuring someone. What's the word you'd use?"

"Sacrifice. It's a sacrifice for the—"

"Say 'greater good' and you're gone. You are fucking gone."

"For a better life. For you."

Liv spun on her heels. "For me?! Where the hell did you get that idea in your skull? I'd be happier without my powers and my eyes?" She laughed like a madwoman. "How about a trade? I take your toes and your Intra for my eyes and my Inters?"

"Liv, I'm serious about this."

"So am I!"

Inu sighed. "Well, for the time being, please forget it. You saved my life. I owe it to you to help you recover from your injuries."

"You think you can join me just like that?"

"I would've assumed you want me to."

"I've always been alone. I see no reason to change that."

"I do." Inu pointed at her miserable body.

Liv tried putting weight on her leg Hakro had stomped on and failed painfully. "Yeah, okay."

"Does that mean you'll allow me to help you heal?"

"And train me."

"What?"

"Train. Me," Liv said looking straight into Inu's eyes. "You faired well against Fuckro back there, and seeing as I can't rely on the basics anymore, I would like some guidance."

"You can't be thinking of facing the Hexa."

"I am. And you will help me. Because you're on my side." Liv's hands trembled. "Right?"

Inu sighed. "Fine, I'll help you as best I can. Now, I assume if I go to get you some medical supplies, you'll still be here when I return."

"Only one way to find out," Liv said with a grin. Inu gave her a look and she raised her hands. "Yes, I promise. I'll be here." Her eyes turned cold. "Waiting."