Unobtainable Cure

The shopkeeper is the first to address the young girl. He crouches down and speaks in a calming voice.

"What is it my dear?"

"Mom…she's sick…"

The girl's eyes are ready to burst with tears. Her voice becomes shakier with each word and her body trembles wildly.

"Did your mother tell you of her illness? That will help me find the perfect cure. I assure you that I can fix just about anything"

"sniff…Really?

"Of course. I've cured more people than your hands can count."

Light returns to the little girl's eyes as she shows the old man a wide smile.

"Mom said she had Black…Black…Black Fever!"

The old man's face twists with seriousness. The little girl doesn't seem to notice, nor does he allow her to see it.

"Let me check in the back for a moment."

Shuffling robes disappear into the room behind a singular chair. Both bystander travelers anxiously watch over the backroom door while the girl hugs the sack tightly.

"I beg your pardon."

She jumps in place at my words, but I put on a smile much like the old man's.

"That gentleman will take good care of you. If you'd like, you can sit over there until he returns."

"Okay!"

The little girl continues to be in a good mood as she vacates the spot at the shop entrance. My business has already concluded, so there is no need for me to stick around.

"Wait, sir!"

An aged voice calls to me before I can attempt my exit. Part of me wants to ignore him and continue walking, but I unfortunately decide to turn around.

"You purchased the last Cure All! Is there any possible way that you can return one and allow this young girl to purchase it?"

"Absolutely not."

My answer was quick, as was the shock of every adult in the room. The old man steps forward and barely manages to avoid stuttering.

"Rest assured, I will compensate you! Black Fever has few remedies, and the Cure All is the only one I stock."

Three pairs of eyes bore into me from all around. The two travelers and their disgusted frowns would more than likely guilt a normal person into relenting. However, that does not work on me.

"You said that this Cure All was the highest quality medicine for a majority of ailments?"

"T-That is correct!"

"Then it is something I require."

Colour drains from the old man's face. The young girl hums while swinging her legs atop the chair, completely oblivious to the conflict occurring.

"We are to fight dangerous battles in far away lands. Personally, I found medicine stocked by the castle to be inadequate."

In a world without easy access to a hospital, treatment that you can carry is crucial. It doesn't matter how powerful of a fighter you are. If you contract a disease that necessitates a cure, there is no future for you. I still lack knowledge on many of the threats present across these lands, so I cannot take any chances.

"If you excuse me, I shall take my purchase and leave."

Peo and I leave behind the pale old man. From just outside the shop, I can hear the voice of the little girl.

"Will Mom get better?"

"I-I'm sorry child…"

The smell of rain has grown stronger since we first entered the apothecary. The crowds have thinned even further and we will soon also be vacating the streets.

"This should last us a while…"

I add the sack of medicine to the other bunches hanging over my shoulder. The weight on my back has increased significantly, but it shouldn't be an issue as we continue down the stone pavement.

Our walk is peaceful, or at least it should be. Something is triggering my instincts, something that may cause problems.

"C."

"You sense it too?"

The hooded beast nods. Her ears beneath the clock seem to stick up even further than usual.

"How many?"

"…Five."

"Alright, let's take a detour."

Peo follows me into an alley between a set of buildings. Light barely reaches into these dark passageways. Crates and heaps of trash litter the narrow space, serving as the perfect place for rodents to gather. After moving through the network for several seconds, we come to a path blocked by people. I turn around, but the way back is also blocked.

"Let's make this quick."

I don't recognise the man's voice, but I certainly remember his face. The young adventurer draws his sword, as do the rest of his companions.

"Hand over the Cure All."

"Why must I?"

"Because it's the right thing to do."

The adventurers slowly close in and give me a better view of their angry faces. I place a hand on my shortsword.

"Why is that?"

"Don't play dumb! That little girl needs the medicine!"

Two in the front and three in the back. We are surrounded, but these guys don't seem to be any stronger than threats I've already encountered.

"Is there a reason why her mother's life is more valuable than ours?"

My mind formulates a plan of attack while my words keep them distracted. The adventurer seems to be particularly agitated by my simple question.

"If she dies, who will take care of the girl!?"

"That is none of my concern."

My left hand does not leave the handle of my blade. I point my right hand at the beast girl beside me, drawing their attention for another few seconds.

"This girl is my responsibility. I fail to see how we are different."

"I'm done with this!"

His patience hits a wall with his forward charge. I draw my sword and deflect his strike, sending his blade to the side before delivering a kick to his stomach.

"Urk…"

Air returns to the adventurer's body and he returns to his feet with the help of his friend.

"That girl will be sad if her mother dies…think of how she feels!"

"I would be sad if my companion died of illness. In the end, you arbitrarily decide who should suffer. Why are you the one to make that choice?"

I carefully drop our recent purchases to the floor and ready a dagger in my free hand. The main streets are not too far from here, so it would be best to not draw too much attention with my gun. I'd rather deal with these guys quietly.

"Only in your dreams will everybody do as you please and satisfy your selfish desires. Awaken from this fantasy of yours or I will be left with little choice."

"We outnumber you! Just give us the Cure All and we'll spare your life at least!"

"You kill two, to save one? Heroes were supposed to be good at math. They do enjoy counting lives."

Diplomacy falls through completely as the adventurer charges once more. His attacks are still filled with rage, but don't have the same kind of mindlessness. Things become complicated once his friends join in.

"This shouldn't be a problem…"

I can block this man's attack and send him flying into his friend. That should buy me just enough time to block the oncoming attack from behind and prepare for the remaining two swords. It may be a challenge to stop all of them with my current gear, but I can get by with some light scratches. From that point, I just have to pick them off one at a time.

"Shall we begin…"

With a probable simulation completed in my head, I send my shin into the adventurer's side. He crashes into his friend whilst a sword swings down from behind. The window is small, but I can make it.

"Wha—"

The swing from behind never reaches me. I turn to block, but I'm met with a sandy tail floating in front of my face. The ringing of steel against a mythical material causes the adventurer to yelp in surprise. Two more swords were supposed to fall upon my flesh, but those two are pushed back by walls of blue.

"C."

My eyes make contact with the girl I had forgotten was present. The cloak has flown off to the side and left her sandy ears on full display. I can't see half of her face from the silver scarf, but I receive the message from her green eyes.

You aren't alone.

Those are the words unspoken between us. I already knew of her abilities, but I did not factor them into this fight. I hadn't intended on her even taking combat at all. However, she isn't just a piece of luggage that I have to keep track of. She's a piece of luggage with fangs.

"I suppose you're right…"

The two adventurers stumble back to their feet and continue combat. I regain my stance and turn my back to the beast girl.

"Watch my six, Peo."