Page 15 of Dark's Savior

"We doing this or what?" Ethan spoke.

Julian rubbed his mouth with the back of his hand then gently settled his palm on the table. The surface of the table lit up, and a screen displayed before them.

"I want two of each," Ethan blurted.

"You got the credits, my man?" Davis asked.

"We will pool our credits," Julian answered.

They each registered their accounts into the menu system and put in a choice amount of credits onto a single tab. Once drinks were picked, Julian sent the order. They waited but a few moments before an oracle appeared. They took their drinks, mumbling a thanks to the bot, though it was unnecessary, then looked down at their drinks, no one moving to bring the mugs and tiny cups to their lips.

Aly had ordered one small shot of Nuri, and even she feared what it might do. She hadn't had a drink in so long she couldn't say how she was going to react. But damn if she wasn't going to try something this time. As the others sat there uncertainly, Aly decided to take the first dive. She took the small metal cup between her fingers and held it up. She paused before touching it to her lips to look around at the others.

They stared at her then Davis took up his mug of Shvas, holding it up.

"Here's to...getting out of this hell-hole," he said.

Ethan put up his mug. "I’ll drink to that."

The others in turn lifted their drinks.

"Here's to getting home," said Kate.

They each brought their mugs and cups to their mouths. Aly drank hers in one small gulp, as did Jamie, while Ethan and Davis took several swigs from their mugs.

They each grimaced. Aly coughed, the Nuri burning her throat and leaving a bitter aftertaste. Jamie's face turned beet red, and the rest coughed and gagged.

"Jesus, fuck me, that's rough," said Davis.

Only Mark hadn't responded in any way as he sipped on his water.

Despite their faces twisting with displeasure, the others forced their drinks down until there was nothing left.

"Another round?" wheezed Ethan.

"I'm in," said Davis.

"I'm not," said Cilia, pushing her mug away in disgust.

Julian nodded and went to order another round for those who wanted it.

"Another one, Aly?" Julian asked as he tapped on the screen.

Aly coughed some more and waved her hand, shaking her head. “No thanks.” The Nuri seared her stomach, and the bitter aftertaste left her tongue dry. "Water," she croaked.

If it wasn't embarrassing enough that they felt completely fragile and weak in front of the others, this only cut even deeper. Aly caught a few eyes of those around them and saw more than a few snicker.

"You guys don't need to torture yourselves," Mark said beside her, taking another sip of his water.

"Yeah. We do," said Ethan.

"What's hell without a little torture?" said Davis.

Mark had nothing to say to that. He, instead, looked at Aly with concern. "You okay?"

"Fine," Aly croaked again. She cleared her throat a few times but shook her head when Mark offered her some of his water. No need to start sharing drinks.

Julian put in the second order, and several minutes later, the oracle showed. They took their drinks, and, without hesitation this time, drank their dark, bitter drinks down. Aly drank her water quickly, as well, cooling her throat some. As she set her mug down, she caught an odd look in Jamie's eyes. Her face went from beet red to pale, and before Aly could say a word, Jamie vomited all over the floor.

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