One step forward, and Cadwal's mirthless voice immediately rang inside [Timothy](http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/75166/posts/char#post-2323135)'s mind.

_"Don't help [them](http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/75166/posts/char#post-2325616). [They](http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/75166/posts/char#post-2326837) are being punished."_

_"But..."_ Tim ventured, but he could not help but find himself in agreement. He hadn't yet brought his other foot forward, but when he did, it wasn't to take another step.

_"But what?"_

_"Eh, nevermind. You're right,"_ the boy conceded.

So it was then that, in the aftermath of the conflict, and in the absence of anything particularly purposeful to do, Timothy Aquinas anticlimactically looked around and discovered a nearby vending machine. Stepping over a small piece of debris and ridding himself of a bit of cash, he procured from it a cold can of Nescafé, which he quickly opened and sipped from. The coffee's bitterness blended well with the sweetness of artificial flavoring, as always. May God bless Nestlé for this addictive drink.

_"That's the third can today,"_ Cadwal commented. _"You're not addicted to caffeine now, are you?"_

_"Look around, Cadwal. Everything's a mess."_ He took a sip. _"Coffee calms me down."_

_"Uh-huh,"_ the ghostly knight said cryptically. _"Anyway, are you not going back to your quarters soon? Everything seems to be resolved."_

_"Not yet. I kind of wanna gawk around a little. Maybe talk to those two."_