Night Like That (rewritten)

two

Unlike Fanta, Kiptum had more than one moniker to his person. Three, in fact, but, like most people around him, he forgot this fact and went by Kiptum. This was especially awkward when he'd need to know his full name at the top of his head when he was filling government documents. It always befuddled people when he'd ask for a moment to take out his ID card just to confirm his identity. It was a wonder no one had yet to call him a fraud and have him arrested for not knowing his own full name.

This was not the case with his three god-given puppies. They were all his life. The only thing he woke up for and the only thing that kept him tied to Alpine Flats. Had it not been for the fact that he didn't want to confuse his babies, he'd have left Alpine Flats a long time ago - what, with the tenants calling his puppies demons? Awful. It's just awful!

Growing up, the only true things in Kiptum's life were, one, Mursik was better than Maroranu (it was stupid to think otherwise). Two, the true definition of a man was down to how he could earn loyalty from an animal - especially a dog. Lastly, every great man was destined to have one great enemy. This was what brought balance to the world.

His greatest enemy was Ivy of House B3. In another world, his enemy would have been closer to his age and would also own glorious dogs but in his current life, it was this child adult who dressed like a poor pirate and called his puppies spawns of Satan. He would know this because he'd read the complaint she'd sent to the caretaker.

"Satan?" He asked as he stroked the back of Omena bin Kuku, a cuddly German Shepherd who's big frame saved her from being stolen. She was sweet in the way of giants but because she looked more giant than her temperament, people were prone to judging her. How could anyone look at Omena bin Kuku and think she's a spawn of Satan?

He clicked his tongue and relaxed against his chair, the tea he was nursing forgotten as he stewed in anger.

Just like that, he noticed his life enemy at the corner of his eye. She indeed was dressed still like a poor pirate only she looked more dishevelled than usual. Where she'd bounce about with every step, she looked like she was struggling not to drag about some more. Her braids were lackluster and even when Omena barked a hearty good morning her way, she did not look her way.

"Don't worry, girl," Kiptum consoled Omena bin Kuku.

He did not even need to be close to hear her sigh. Her shoulders sagged as she stopped mid-stride and leaned against the wall. She was an awfully dramatic person, Kiptum knew this of his enemy, yet these dramatics felt too far from normal.

Because he needed his enemy to be at tip top shape for splendid enemy activities like slashing at one another with sharp knives when the time was ripe, he placed his mug down, instructed Omena bin Kuku to stay put and watch her sleeping siblings and made his way to her.

"Article 11 section 4 of the residents handbook says you are not allowed to loiter about the corridors of Alpine Flats for whatever reason."

It was obvious Ivy had not noticed him walk her way and he wanted to shake her. How were they supposed to duel in the future if she did not have even a single iota of self-preservation?

She turned to face him. He almost gasped. Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot and somehow, even in good daylight, she seemed to have lost most of her colouring. Where he'd thought her slightly dishevelled, she was completely dishevelled down to her buttons being in all the wrong holes. She was a mess and as such, she was ruining both the ambiance of Alpine Flats and the status of his enemy.

"What? No demons my way today?"

He imagined she wanted to hurt him but fell flat at the landing. All she managed to do was make herself start crying once more. It was terribly uncomfortable for Kiptum who had been raised with the absolute belief that to cry was to be completely and utterly weak and as such, not worthy of the title man. In this case, not worthy of the title 'Kiptum's Enemy'.

What was he to do with this water pump? "You...what is happening to your face?" He scratched the back of his head. He wasn't sure how he was supposed to talk about delicate matters with his enemy.

"This?" Ivy asked as she rubbed at her cheeks rather aggressively. "I'd have assumed you'd have met a crying lady, with your sensitivity and all."

It was reflex that led him to say, "You are no lady."

"Wow."

"You are my enemy." He added. He did not understand why he'd needed to add that fact in, but he did.

She took in a deep breath. "Kiptum," she called out, "do you think I'm very difficult to like?"

He was stunned by this question. Ever since he found his life enemy, he had been introduced to new and uncomfortable things like talking about his feelings. Ivy always expressed herself with her feelings, and so he had to do the same if he was going to match up with her fighting style. Because of this, she always won, and that was why he was looking forward to the day when knives would be allowed. Then he'd have a fighting chance.

"I do not understand this question," he answered, honestly. "I have only ever known you as my enemy, so I know it is not difficult to dislike you. I imagine in another world, had you been born normal, it would have been just as easy to like you as it is to dislike you."

Tears stopped streaming down her face as her eyes widened. It was a sight with her eyes all swollen and struggling to stay open. "Do you really think?"

Kiptum cleared his throat. There she was again, winning at the battle of wits. "I never tell lies - especially to my enemies."

A smile broke across her face, narrowing her swollen eyes, forcing a chocked sound out of her. She was celebrating her new victory.

"You know, I think that Omena bin Kuku is a fine name. I also think she's the kindest of the bunch."

Kiptum couldn't help how his back shot upright in pride. It was a fine name. Anyone worth their time would have known this.

"As for the other two..." she went on, ruining the moment that almost was.

No matter. It was how fights with enemies went. He could not push for more as he already knew she'd given him half a win.

"Go on then," he said, "go home and stop ruining the ambience of Alpine Flats."

Ivy gave him one last smile and then disappeared into the building.