89 Brownie Points (2/2)

”Isn't there any way that you can survive?”

”Maybe? I am hoping there is one, but it is still not for certain. Just that I am doing everything I can to make it happen, that's all you need to know.”

”... How high?”

”With all the things I have done maybe about 70%, but that number keeps dropping and I don't like it”

”Is there anything I can do?” Brie asked with sadness. She didn't really want him to die no matter how much of a jerk he was.

”Yes, actually. You can help me tonight”

”With what?” With all the things they have talked about Brie actually kind of forgotten to ask about the purpose he came to her and why they needed to keep it a secret.

”We are going to talk with someone who might try to kill me.

”WHAT!?”

”Shh, don't make a scene! Do you want the whole empire to hear of it? Anyway, the point is my goals coincide with her goals, so I want to cooperate with her. Still, she doesn't really trust me, so I think she might try to kill me if she ever gets slightly suspicious of me. That's how big the matter is.” Linri put his hand on Brie's mouth and pulled it back once he was done talking and making sure she was not going to scream any more.

”Okay, I understand... So you are bringing me to be your bodyguard. You can trust me that I will protect you, but why didn't you bring big sis? She could have done that too.” Brie said proudly. To be honest, she was actually looking like a child that was acting all grown up or one that got an A in her exam and was proudly showing it to her parents.

”Pfft, protect me? In your dreams” said Linri while laughing.

”What? Isn't that why you called me here?” Brie asked looking confused.

”Wait here.” Linri then proceeded to go one of the stands and bought a pack of Marlboro and a lighter. After that, he returned back to Brie's side, opened the pack and got one cigarette.

”You don't mind if I smoke one do you?”

”Don't, it's bad for... your health.” It was like she was going to berate him about how dangerous they were, but suddenly remembered he was already dying so found it hard to finish her sentence.

”Then we are on the clear right? After all, I am going to die 6 months from now.” So he lit his cigarette and took a giant puff from him, but then a coughing fit followed right after. Even though he was a heavy smoker in reality, it was still the first time this body smoked, so it couldn't be helped. However, seeing him cough heavily brought a worried expression on Brie's face.

”Are you alright?”

”*Cough* Hm? Oh, yes, I am. Anyway, want to see a magic trick?” Brie looked at him weirdly. She was worried about his health, but it was like the guy didn't even notice and talked about things like magic tricks.

”Can't you be more serious?” The look of the little doll in front of him almost made Linri laugh, but he managed to hold it in. Looking serious did not really suit Brie, but he was not going to tell her that. I mean, she might look like a child, but she had a nasty pair of teeth in her mouth.

”I am always serious. Just watch me.” Linri answered her cheekily. After that, he lit the lighter one more time, but this time the pinky-sized flames were not straight, instead they seemed like they were alive and started to dance between his fingers, making Brie surprised.

”You.. how? Wait! Are you a magician too?”

”Kinda. Right now I don't know any magic, but I can learn it whenever I want, just didn't have the time yet because of you know what. Anyway, this is just my innate ability. Now you see why I found it funny? If push comes to shove I can just burn the whole place down or freeze it.” This made Brie feel like her pride was hurt but also at the same time she was confused. Just why doesn't he ever tell her anything and always just keeps her on the edge?

”Okay, I get it. You have abilities and can protect yourself, but I still don't know why you brought me here.”

”Oh, that? Just because you look cute.”

”... Huh? What does that even mean?”

”You know, just to get brownie points with her. She is also a mother too, you see. So I thought that she wouldn't want to kill me if I bring along a child with me. Anyway, we are here now”

Edited By: ZombieCat090