“Alchemy is all about probability. Some guarantees success, while some days, the probability is just in the dumps.” Gantz peeked at Bear, who—although not evident—was pouting. “Which, is probably the probability for today.”

Bear didn’t respond. He kept on dragging his feet, his hunched back seemed pitiful at a glance.

“Well,” Gantz kept up with Bear’s pace, and tapped his forearm. “You can do it next time. I’ll write up the magic formula for you, and you can practice on your own.”

Bear nodded passively. He really wanted to see how the medicine he made will turn into that beautiful color, but when the alchemy process finished back then, rather than a beautiful color of probably purple or deep red, the medicine turned into a deep red mushy goo, as if someone bleed themselves when they took a dump.

The two fell silent as they walked. To where they wanted to go, Gantz have no idea himself. He was thinking of parting ways with Bear as soon as possible, especially when the sun almost sets. However, Bear was pretty much sulking, and as obvious as that, so parting ways abruptly would make it awkward. Especially, since Gantz wanted to keep in touch with Bear, who is a peculiarity for him.

“Well, cheer up, Bear. The fact that the medicine didn’t explode in our faces is a sign good enough for a bright future in alchemy for you. Besides, the medicine can still be used even though the color is not what we expected.” Gantz cheered, while showing Bear the medicine that he was holding in his hand.  The medicine took a form of a thick goo—similar to a balm oil—while smelling just like herbs mixed with fruits. Despite its untouched healing properties, the image is left to be desired.

Bear glanced at the medicine. He stopped for a bit and asked Gantz for the bottle, and after being handed the bottle, he resumed walking, as he raised the bottle high up to the sky, turning its background into an orange sky.

Bear stopped once again.

“It’s getting late.” Bear commented. The orange tinge spread more than the light blue tinge, signaling the location of the sun which was setting and barely showing its presence. The stars also have begun showing themselves.

“It has.” Gantz replied. It seemed to be the right time for him to part ways with Bear now. “Well then, I might have to pardon myself. I gotta return to the merchant headquarters-”

 Gantz was shuffling his feet backwards as he was talking to Bear. All of a sudden, he felt a heavy tug on his tunic. Unbeknownst to him, Bear was grabbing onto his clothes, while his eyes still gazed at the evening sky.

“Stay.” Bear spoke, after his pondering. He tilted his head down and met his gaze with Gantz’s.

“It’s nighttime. Stay.”