"-and that's what you missed," I explain to the little gray zigzag. She bites the tip of her finger between her lips.

  "Wow, I can't believe Loser got eliminEIGHTed!" she yells. Her continuation of hollering the word 'eight' still boggles me. Clearly, she is not completely cured of whatever disease she contracted. Still, I suppose it can't be helped.

  "By the way Lollipop, where's Taco? I kinda want to talk to her."

  "Taco? She's gone somewhere over there," I gesture. Saw nods and waves, walking off.

  "Okay, thanks! Now where do I put this..." she inspects the drink in her hand. For her sake, I hope she finds some sort of trash can nearby. There's possibly one near the bathrooms, I believe.

  And now, with no one to talk to, I find myself alone again. But it's quite alright, silence is, more often than not, preferable to screaming every other hour of the day. Those kinds of people are exhausting to be around.

  What's this? My feet have carried me to this old tree. It looks as if it could topple over at any moment. And the wood looks absolutely horrid. Is it rotting? All of its leaves have fallen, and branches are laying haphazardly across the ground. What a sorry sight.

  Though I suppose there is good reason for being here. In its final days, this tree is quite unique. Death is a grotesque thing– I wouldn't like to experience it again– but supposedly it makes life all the more beautiful.

  Hm. I guess there is some truth to that quote I found on Objectbook after all.

  But surely one good push, or a bit of a breeze would do this tree in for good. Then I'll have to absolutely stay away from this area. It'll have a terrible stench.

  You've caught my eye, tree. An impressive feat for something so disgusting. Although, you don't have much time left. Your leaning, bent form is something to behold, though.

  A crack splits the air.

  "Lollipop look out!"

  A figure crashes into me and I slam into the ground. Headache pain. For the love of- it hurts! My hand flies to my head and I gingerly feel around...thank goodness, nothing's broken.

  "Ah! Oh my S.A.P, ow... Hey, Lollipop– uh– you...you okay?"

  Barf molecules?

  It really is her. Looks like the tree fell over, and she...pushed me out of the way? How curious for someone with such slow reflexes.

  "Yes, I'm fine. But what are you doing here? Don't you have slow reflexes?"

  "Gee, a thank you would've been nice."

  "I'm just saying, the barf molecules in your brain–"

  "My brain isn't infected with barf molecules!" she growls and stands up, much like a feral animal. "And I just saved your life! Don't you have any gratitude?"

  I suppose I can spare her a thank you. "Fine. Oh, thank you so very much for saving my life, Barf Bag. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

  "Could've done without the blatant sarcasm."

  "But really, you said it yourself. You have slow reflexes."

  She sits back down. "I guess it's become habit to...jump into danger? Or- save people from danger. Yeah. I mean, my team can get pretty rowdy at times, ha."

  Wait, what am I doing? Am I actually having a semi-intellectual conversation with Barf Bag, of all objects? Her barf molecules wouldn't allow it! In fact, I'm certain her new reckless streak just proves how empty-headed she is.

  "While I'm here, I um...want to talk to you. About something."

  "And what might that be?"

  "Okay, just," she puts her hands up, "hear me out, okay? I know we kinda hate each other and all, but I've been doing some thinking, and...you know, maybe this whole thing, between us, is childish."

  Childish? Me?

  "W-"

  "Wait wait wait!" she flails her arms around. How rude. "Let me finish! I just want a fresh start for us. I'm smarter than you think, but I can't prove anything if you keep thinking I'm stupid!"

  "But why? Why the sudden urge to 'prove yourself'? Is this an ulterior motive I'm sensing?"

  "What? No, it's nothing like that! I just want things to change. I'm tired of being so negative around you, and I don't like having enemies."

  Exactly who does she think I am? Plus, that arm fluttering earlier proves her real attitude. She'll have to try harder than that.

  "You do realize it'll take more than a simple conversation to change my attitude, right?"

  She sighs. "Thought as much. But in the meantime, can you at least try to be nicer to me?"

  Be nicer? Barf Bag here isn't exactly asking for much, and she's practically begging on her hands and knees. Though, that arm fluttering leaves some room for doubt. But, it wouldn't exactly hurt...and I almost feel sorry for her.

  "It's a deal."