Chapter 22.

Enora was not stupid. She knew she made a mess of her relationship with Rose in a pathetic way, yet when she went to talk to the girl, she was not clear on everything. Her mind was still trying to figure out why it all went down in that manner, and how she could make it better. When she got to the river, Rose was crouching on the bank, staring into liquid nothingness. The tall warrior was at a loss for words : what could she say really when she herself did not know what to think ?

- I am very naive, right ?, quietly said the girl with a dead expression. I mean, I knew I was before, but to realise I still very much am is … fuck, it's like hitting my head on the ground.

And Enora said nothing.

- I mean it's true : we have a deal. Maybe I needed more so much that I simply imagined shit afterwards. I was stupid enough to see more than there was …

- It's not … true., finally interrupted Enora without conviction. I don't know ! It was a deal, but is it still ? This is so confusing. Back then I promised to protect and feed you for information, and I did, but failing so much to actually use this information while you got better and better fast … I don't know. Feels like I'm a petty bitch right now.

The girl did not answer, making her thoughts clear on that last part : "Yeah, guess I kinda am.". At Rose's silence, Enora took the hint and left her to her thoughts. There was nothing she could think of to make amends. Back at the camp, Nick was cultivating, only half-opening an eye to check on who was coming back. He did not make any comment, but again, the silence was more than enough.

That type of drama seemed as much like a waste as an inevitability considering the situation. People rubbing shoulders in a claustrophobia-inducing space for a long time is the perfect situation for contrasting and seemingly insignificant arguments. They all got to understand that through experience at that point.

Some time passed, they made their way further north while following the water, making sure to avoid enemies as much as possible. They could not fight properly anyway with their injuries, and moving was hard enough. The dark environment and monotone colour made it harder and harder for them to keep their thoughts focused. It was all mind-numbing. Only a small fight every few days made them feel alive, which was quite grim : they needed to put their lives on the line to avoid going crazy.

After one more week, two important things happened. First, Enora finally managed to absorb a little bit of energy. She felt so satisfied and empowered at that moment that she failed to keep being serious and wore a beautiful smile. The second was the disappearance of mushrooms near the river. In hindsight, it was obvious, but, at the time, the subtle and progressive decrease did not alert the group. Then they entered a room with dry air, the flowing river still tranquil, but no orange glow from any mushroom. They panicked a bit, then assembled the camp to discuss the matter.

- If we can't find a replacement, we're fucked., said Enora.

- No kidding ?!, sneered Nick. What kind of replacement ? 'Cause let me tell you now, I'm not gonna be satisfied with licking rocks and gobbling pebbles, I'm no Pacman !

- What's a 'pacman' ?, she said mockingly.

- Hell if I know !

- Monsters.

That last word was pronounced in a quiet voice, no stutter or anything, serious and calm, making the other two speechless. They took a bit of time to take in the idea : actually ingesting monster flesh. It sounded absolutely disgusting.

- We don't have much choice, do we ? I haven't heard your ideas yet, but unless you want to stay in this damn place eating mushrooms forever, that's the way to go. For now, at least.

The proposal was shocking, and it did not help that the one offering was a petite blond with soft features. Nick looked a bit uncomfortable, avoiding her gaze, probably twisting sick images in his head. Enora was the same : could she really kill a Grey Devil, chop it in small bits and cook it for her own consumption ? More importantly, could she do something else ? Nick went to his bed while visualising his new nightmares, leaving the females alone.

- You're a big girl, you can handle this much., sharply scoffed Rose.

The girl did not look great from her suggestion : she had a paler face than usual among other things. But she stood straight, with fixed eyes and controlled shivers. She visibly did her best to have a decent countenance when facing Enora, which impressed the tall woman. "I'm so stupid …". After a step forward, Enora gently grabbed Rose's shoulder and said :

- Sorry for the other day. I was angry and jealous. I …

- Don't care, that's not even the point., interrupted the girl, still using her previous voice and demeanour. Angry or not, jealous or not, you still never considered me as a person. I was a useful thing, but now the thing has had it.

The woman was left downcast, and alone after Rose went to bed. What could she say now that would bring peace ? Nothing right ? Nothing to say for her defence, nothing at all. "With time, maybe …". Under her blankets, Enora cultivated before sleep. She was getting better and better at it, feeling her waist getting fuller and fuller. Strangely, it was not awkward or painful, not like the appendix was about to burst or anything. It was more akin to an old organ being brought back to life, clearly indicating her progress. She could sense the energy inside of it, moving to her will. It made her curious. She began moving it in random patterns, then faster and faster, then took it out of the cocoon : it was exhilarating. Until it was not. After a while outside, the energy became unstable, difficult to control. She thought she could do it with efforts, but the more she tried, the more it squirmed in-between her mental fingers. Feeling the impending danger, she quickly ejected it from her body, only a second too late as fire raged out of her arm, partly consuming it in the process.