Halo: Heroes Awakening

24. Finn-ished and Done

Sina

"The Falha mushroom creates a special potion of weakness that causes an acidic effect on the body. It's one of the most costly ones to grow, and was first used in the fourth battle of Holova."

Sina was mesmerized as Misty lifted her book of Crafts, showing her the picture of the yellow-dotted mushroom. They sat at the dining room table and had been discussing the arts of potion brewing all morning. Jack sat nearby, but he had no clue of what was happening as per usual.

"Wow, there's so many more potions I didn't even know existed," Sina said with child-like wonder. "I've only ever heard of the standard potion of weakness that causes fatigue. This is so cool."

Misty chuckled at Sina's shock. "You really only heard of that? Weird. I heard you're like a genius," she said, her indigo eyes shining as she looked at Sina.

Sina couldn't help but redden, more out of embarrassment than anything. "Oh you heard of that?" She asked timidly.

"Of course. I wondered why your name sounded so familiar. Then I realized... your family name is Lineir, isn't it? You won money for your score in the National Exams and Practicals. You should be working for the Kingdom with those scores."

Goddess, I can never run away from it can I?

Sina laughed awkwardly, not trying to show her evident discomfort. She didn't want Misty to think she was weird or anything. "My parents... wanted me to work for the Guard... but I obviously can't and won't. Because..."

"Of the King?" Misty filled in for her with a smirk. "Of course, why waste your talents on him when you are criminally talented."

"My knowledge isn't that well-rounded anyway," Sina said with a nervous laugh. "I-I... most things I know are because of practice. Years of... messing around. I don't know what I'm doing most of the time. I just make it work."

Misty snorted and closed her book. "Now that I doubt. You're too smart for it to all be a coincidence. But if you really want to expand your knowledge, you can have my book."

She slid it over to Sina, her jaw slowly falling open.

"I can't accept this!" Sina protested, turning the book around. "This is written by Oyana Britha. It's a priceless guide!"

"Oh just take it," Misty waved off nonchalantly. "I have all of the books from her series. Missing one won't hurt."

Sina's entire face was hot. She had never... no one had ever...

"Why are you giving this to me?" She asked, unable to look up. Perhaps it was her parents voice in her head that made it all hard to believe.

"You are extremely clever, Sina. No one will be interested in you like that so you cannot bother with love. All they'll wonder is what you can do for them and what you're capable of. This is why you study hard and forget love. No one will love you the way we do."

Misty gently lifted her chin with her palm, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Because you're stunning," she said with a smouldering stare before it broke into a bright smile. "And because I want you to have it."

I think my heart is going to explode.

"Ah... how boring," Yunoa groaned from the hallway, watching the scene. "I could have said that as well."

Sina and Misty turned around to glare at him. "But you didn't. You're not smart enough," Jack commented.

Yunoa scoffed and pointed accusingly. "Says the criminal! You're lucky I don't turn you lot in right now. Tch, disrespecting me in my own home. You're not smart if you know a bunch of plants and poisons!" He ranted.