My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETuCXzGs9y
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSxR5JnZ0y
The air inside the guild did nothing to ease the tension. Aside from the creaking of the wood, and the soft sound of pen on paper from the receptionist, the room was silent. I was beginning to regret showing up early, even if it was a proactive and intelligent decision.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPe17aOJ7Ff
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsyPrE8pjf
"Haa..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeDmHSyJGE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoJlNliSOa
"Are you okay?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcStBTkCNxG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcTeyceoi4
"Phew. Now I am."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1sg5CJKn6
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVKT516XcO
Flinty was sitting on the stool beside me. Hearing her speak calmed me immensely, but then she snatched my wrist and the anxiety came crawling back.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NbWzEZsT7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LKIHs0Eob
"W-What is it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4XzItQXa8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJRfhG5Dv6
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPBnFtgE1a
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5TWopCPJ1
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLqkCfwf2G
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEAa5WRiil
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ICB004l6t
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55uFaJHqWf
"Well..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNG0NSMlf9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaEJCdL5GT
I didn't tell her about the mission from last week, nor did I have any intention to, so I just returned to silently perching in the guild.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNvqeWdRps
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76IpZQhntY
"Come on, tell me!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLI9dLJZVVS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLFY7hkKDT
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis2vVVBfZF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcZP0se2Ex
She sighed and shrugged.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPoR8y1BH8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkmwrm5Ea9
"Are you feeling nervous?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC38sfSf4ZS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamxaBNtnH1
"Of course I am."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1RjTT6Qm0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnS8a8WFHh
"You shouldn't be."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVrRbeCoNv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRHi7lC9P3
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJzuulZ8zN
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42BrG9Bw61
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLFvCh942j
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoq42IfYc2
"...What's that supposed to mean?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwrQ4elbvq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7KOGPr9OR
I sighed and dropped my head, staring at my knees. I thought about putting my finger in my mouth again. Instead, I continued to wait, staring at the door in anticipation for the teammates whose identities I didn't know.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER3fT3C4Y6
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwNpKEkw4m
"I think you came here a little too early."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1h5tw1fVh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLNFZE4kpx
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eIFnxyZpM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnCpk6dJWr
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0002hgske2
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD3NnpM90j
My cheeks turned rosy. I nodded and kept staring at the door, trying my hardest to keep my gaze away from her.
"Hey, wait, why isn't the Tea Mage here to see me off–"
**SMASH**
The guild doors suddenly flung open. I was hoping I spoke my complaints into existence, but instead of seeing a stuck-up middle-aged man, I saw a girl around the same age as Victoria. Her red hair was tied into a small ponytail, and she had what looked to be a rapier by her hip and a dagger on the other side.
She made eye contact with me, and I shuddered; something about her almond-shaped eyes unnerved me. She narrowed them and then stomped toward the receptionist's desk. They talked about something, the girl made a face of disbelief, then she begrudgingly trotted to Flinty and me.
"Hi, I'm Flinty!"
The girl glanced at her and then looked at me with her arms crossed.
"Are you two seriously my teammates?"
"No no, I'm not working with you two. Kenny is, though. Anyway, it's nice to meet–"
"Gah, are you serious? This little brat is working with me?"
"Brat!? You're hardly older than me!"
She flagrantly pointed at me. Her irritation morphed into ire when I made my comment.
"So what! At least I'm old enough to think for myself, and do taxes or whatever! You just came out of the womb!"
"What the hell are you saying!? Is this any way to introduce yourself to a teammate!?"
"Of course it isn't, which is why I'm talking to you like this!"
I looked over at Flinty, making my bewilderment known from my expression. She looked upset herself, but from the shrug she gave me, I could tell that she wanted no part of this.
I didn't either. This girl was rude and unnecessarily hostile. So I just crossed my arms and looked the other way.
"See! You're admitting to it by shutting up!"
"Admitting to what? I'm your teammate whether you like it or not. If you don't believe me, you'll find out soon enough."
"Hmph! We'll see."
I stuck my tongue out to her. She stormed away and sat at one of the tables
"I don't like her," I muttered.
"Yeah, she's really rude. I think she should apologize."
"I'd rather we don't speak again."
"...But isn't she your teammate? You'll have to do it again eventually."
"That's–"
A good point, I wanted to say, but couldn't squeeze it out of my mind. I sighed and rubbed my temples.
"At least try getting her name."
"Why don't you do it? You're better at handling these things than I am."
"How is she supposed to apologize to you then?"
"I don't care about an apology!"
"Of course you do! You wanted one from the prince, remember? You totally care about whether people apologize or not!"
"...Darn it."
She saw right through me. I didn't want to get up and talk to her, but logically speaking, it was the best course of action.
I groaned as I glared at the girl. She didn't return any looks. She looked like she was about to fall asleep. A perfect excuse to not talk to her presented itself, and I–
"Ack!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09kKpa7m1V
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllCvwqIdHY
Was smacked by Flinty.
"Go!"
"G-Goodness, when did you get so bossy?"
"I-I'm not bossy! I'm just trying to help."
"Fine, I'll do it."
I hopped off the stool and walked towards her, rubbing my shoulder on the way. I stood beside her in silence for a few seconds and she said nothing. I imitated a cough into my fist. She opened one of her eyes and glared at me.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvDSX4dFc1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡensZYebBZv
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZsuMe7qPZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1Mj0j8AfT
Three times did I want to stop talking and walk away, and two times did I reconsider sticking my hand out, but I did so anyway. She looked at my hand for an uncomfortably long amount of time. I was growing increasingly annoyed.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAWPOZzD6x
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wERuDaWv0
"Aren't you going to say something?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2iv807WIf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY03zRTPzt
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOX2sWr6xU
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TK0gQjWcK
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXZ9OTcMcw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9pTvpH8Op
I pulled out my card and showed it to her. I didn't actually know if we had the same mission, but I was willing to bet on it. She skimmed over the details and pulled out her own. Her eyes suddenly opened wide, and a smirk plastered on my face.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAGZLdg5Ng
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU84L6EjcO1
"...I-I still don't believe you."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh02zCj4gh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaPMV1wwtY
"Are you serious!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaXu1fHpQX
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LD1f499sH
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVM9VHjoSX
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSgbNVXGT9
"Can I at least have your name?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ2cCQu46J
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLdcFwrD4Y
Sweat beads formed on her as her gaze switched between me and her card. It was obvious that she knew she was wrong, and yet, she refused to admit it.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVEQIVxhbW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkPGxQHc8L
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKkXPxLNWT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjKDMCGRTM
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF5Y4dhrVf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcrAftzisl
"A-Alright, I won't forget."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutin4aRrvp
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAch10ni9zb
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUON75JDjI2
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn44OqVHzi
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEVH7wyiAG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHpqCxReqt
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpNnl0e8Mb
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R6lQSgkha
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJxlwiPlqa
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Uxn12rpnN
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFx9EWAo6E
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDG2geAJQt
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7NHbzO2CT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcBTQ8cELk
"She's not very nice at all."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLq5LnoWeoy
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOHMYpDPRk
"I suppose not."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMOgXHqwNE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0u8oSK5E4
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6RR9KUxc4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgsNdf1fcf
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSszswEnYVE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QAi1tsf4M
**SMASH**171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiWgcI1z1o
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc7oMSJ2UN
The door flung open yet again, revealing a tall and fibrous figure. Once he stepped outside of the blinding sun's light and into the guild, all of his features became distinguishable.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pcRUeWGhx
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIRMLJP1Qi
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqw98SU1kAa
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKjwzKRnez
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdiu3U8wwy
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2WcgmPKnQ
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Th1SZWD8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsAtkx3WyD
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A9zU9hmyc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dziJezR1L
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNCmEKigpv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqsq8sYGpN
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtsCGq0aNu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUuR5Ea3J4
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54WFEJ6yNm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWseaDgi2E
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNB4iGzVP2
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rikTeATsU
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusYDc2jZdL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLi3u5hE61
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48or3uxS4u
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMWODYFKlb
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf21ajEjCu7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjwbOC8f7u
"No, not at all."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshhmp6MQYl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRvJoUIpIr
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgCRtDXnFv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAwgwh06OL
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop0tdN1y4K
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRBcZrmp3g
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkjMvgg7BV
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9IgCb51fp
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs2c6bImzD
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqkRHy60PY
"Is she our teammate?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaA3A77v1pv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PSWb2VKrh
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HKoKSPJBf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxgOAUfNA0
"That so? Lemme test the waters."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LQiDy7MAQ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpAy2Jx1FI
"You'll regret it."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG6jz4Ys5r
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUDCQK7Tcy
I leaned back and watched the impending catastrophe unfold before me. Juke greeted Rover, she mentioned something about him looking strong which Juke rebuked, they shook hands, exchanged names, and Juke walked back to me.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym8V81soPI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjipZkDYLsC
"...Wait."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SKmoUGLS8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVpMhhfefK
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWKa7awNFr
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlnnipNQ6z
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9S9BXIUXzE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtZsopuIiV
"A little? Just a little?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOmtvQzTJ5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwDcWpkjV6
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DR195Rsh1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3DA9ctYet
"I met her five minutes ago!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOm2FSqiBw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDarZIPB2mo
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNc4dvk8Mth
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4EOZpUWym
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGcO2u4qBH
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtxdqwLTn2
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjA0A88QrF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj0egaGXnq
"Really?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5TUoMBHsi
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOiVoYLL2a
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6wimp2dhY
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7XIKAfiDE
"What do you mean 'really'?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzPJB9EPU0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvrQh5FtOT
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ARJPuWZmC
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSEIKv2uzE
"--!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYGv7fdDtJ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPIP8qe6u5
I understood the underlying message of her words. I thought about it myself, and she was right. I wasn't feeling nervous at all. Though, frustration wasn't a preferable alternative.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzyr7634uv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5WsAmfBgd
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoBa4WI2uD
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAUfaHCtzV
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6S8rFnOyaM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGPvt3eOsm
**SMASH**171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH4o1zg1lR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxqJI7ziAb
The guild's doors swiftly opened for the third time. The figure there was tall, and his apparel made him unrecognizable, even when he stepped inside. Everyone's attention was fixed on the man. He scanned the room and nodded to himself as if this was the reaction he wanted. Then, the man took his head off.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHUjNZD6U9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tGMysDNP7
My jaw dropped yet again.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia5hN2bKPl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIxG4wigJW
"ROY!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodSKWWbPJw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDWSowTkey
–
–
–
Certainly, Roy's visit was a surprise. I thought for a moment that he would be joining us on our mission, but he immediately called me a fool for even thinking that.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEPC6uLNd2
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtU073dzpHk
Roy was responsible for handing us our cargo and carriage. Juke held a package in his hand, and we were also given a map of the city we were visiting. Roy didn't say much afterward, he was simply standing and waiting for us to leave. Considering my impression of him, even this much consideration was a shock.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTKhNTALJq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62X6ASEEvE
"Alright, the cargo's packed, and the carriage is full of a bunch of food. Should last us a month if we don't waste it all. Water's up in the air, though."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFLkw8kd41
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNptTohFzmA
Juke exited the carriage after a quick inspection, rubbing his helmet at his assessment.
"I can make water with magic," I replied, "it shouldn't be an issue."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD5FhtkcJU
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhPizErftu
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1dJNN5SuD
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWQzNLoOFK
Once Juke asked the question, Rover immediately stomped towards and entered the carriage. I looked at the carriage's steps, partially in sympathy, but more so because I was cringing at the prospect of riding with her.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMllEEQvsw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDwhsSnKCI
Also, it didn't help that the entrance to the very thing I've been losing hair over was standing right there. I did not doubt that, once I entered it, it would galvanize me into staying put, and something about that terrified me.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzmoy6IVxa
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuuY21w9Oa
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRcEaTglaB
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBbyUBF2Dd
"R-Right."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsg8wJTadf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2DGV9KXRo
Juke entered the carriage, leaving me alone. I gulped and took a step forward, pulling my finger to my mouth and clasping it with my teeth–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNC2xYQt3jS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBg46z3hQI
"Ack!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy4rsDQHs2
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3sPOEzDcn
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf08JgOeh86
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSMqO3Zsqa
"F-Flinty, what was–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRddJunHjMf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4dMQAnmK9
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MzWB2Q5Y5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaOC2M1Uwd
I was expecting a frown or a scowl, but instead, I was greeted with an assuring grin and a thumbs-up. I was baffled and at a loss for words, and I still had my finger in my mouth.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykWr2kFXZY
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMoww5lNat
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8twFi9DSf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL04i8JYsvL
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlceWU5rv5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7GAMwXwrH
"No, I'm not just saying it."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uYXoGoHZ6
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO60wlud0b
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ6OvMN820
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDPdR6AjWx
"I don't get why you're so nervous, but I think you should have more confidence in yourself. I mean, you're Kenny, aren't you? You always manage to do amazing things, y'know."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW21IegBTa
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RzzhDiliT
I wanted to refute her words, but I couldn't find it in me to do so. They were too, joyful, and too much like her.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1m225Q8t7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL1i1hQlQq
"Even if you meet someone big and bad, even if you have to fight the likes of Hard-Bringer, I'm sure you'll be fine! You're tough, and you're a good person, a-and even if you get scared, you've got friends with you; friends who can fight and who you can rely on."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtDq5I6rt1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiOMJe1rHr
"I–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfaQdZp10d
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw48qv92Rc
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBQ0XeKMS4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZnJLkWeoF
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDDHKdfPcA
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tgb9M9xaa
I repeated some of her words, digesting them as I stared at the ground. I didn't agree with her assessment at all, not one but. And yet–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IRX4qk5PM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoU6svnNU3
And yet...171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM2DzsetvO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWZLguiE6D
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2emhlanKru
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckeBEEcQgq
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyOoADxiI1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2v3vKAfF3m
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxaJlKNDh8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1vCK9XJUG
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4RprVgQ7g
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2zmEUK1vW
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKZdBdJ5Fn
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XTpIFzrOG
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHNwxp1V67
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyzUJzICry
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8lzNspkfb
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAfCZtBO1s
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnZPtlPAR7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB0WmE3tfS
"O-Okay."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bFv3N008B
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZcyUeM331
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIiY4oLhaP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzV0mINg5Gk
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVWRNSXVQ5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzFwkwqPRS
"Okay okay, fine."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm3MQXVV2G
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekqiaBnAia
I ran up the stairs of the cart, peering my head over the threshold at Flinty and waving at her. I entered the carriage and sat beside Juke and opposite Rover.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3QHODWpSZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHOQZTLR2H
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonLNzzTg0J
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3M38JQP01
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuibusn6dPX
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXbrLLmByB
–
–
–
The wheels against the paved trail provided a comfortable amount of drone to the ride. It removed the silence and made the experience of looking out the window far more delightful. Though, I wasn't the most qualified envoy of such information. No, that was Rover.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFUDPRlEbj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdycibgC81t
She was on her knees with her head sticking out the window, taking in the sights and making gleeful noises like a child. Considering her age, it wouldn't be unfair to call her one. It was equally expected as it was surprising.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL0T4IZqTp
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkO3qecIAj
Truthfully though, I could care less about the enjoyment she experienced from the ride. The reason why her giddiness was welcoming was because I didn't have to talk to her. And because I didn't have to talk to her, I was enjoying the quiet ambiance of the ride, my eyes closed as my head was turned to the ceiling.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P0gyZWzCI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGL8bTR64k
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ94YkNvar5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs9nI8VGwQ
"Huh...? What did you say?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCarkq8nAVf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LKXgepRLq
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbKq0kup0E
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzn7tL5NH0
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcVY2U9WZ4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYAxA2P9bT
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHoPyBplzy
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbQk3T7hCh
I looked turned my head and looked into the back of the carriage. All our food and resources were stored there, as well as our package. I couldn't see the map, but I was certain that someone had it on their body.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53xRNmB3I8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEVmngBRI4
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUm7kXC9lh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCnoB4m7MB
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxpb6v92Em
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMlHZh8oRR
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtDCowEMde
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlNYPQLY3Q
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPPY2wRrRz
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1EkIivgMn
"Note?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hwzGMcYoW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsHu5uiBis
I turned to Juke who now had a piece of paper in his hands. It was... glistening, and though I couldn't tell what made it so, it likely served as protection from damage.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrshLuNZUHd
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2i8m1fIcz
"What does it say?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb4gSIAr3l
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLDTI98JmP
"It's just using the royal name and all that. Kind of like a free ticket to a play, only for whatever this 'Communication Tower' is."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dzhPA0wQS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2tyI4QqHH
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGTaX6b1sF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBt3MgkKL10
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1SpASYSos
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb7XACZ3Qm
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTQczWzjNS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEJHEYUxJA
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T1ucKy5w9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwzLPPSbjh
Juke sighed and put the paper away.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5oDfdhIxw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQxxmQLC3o
"So, how's about a story?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsK8XA2i53
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sBD6K42TS
"Why are you asking a child for a story? Aren't you, what, in your forties? Don't you have something more interesting to tell?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8h731yV2V
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDgi3Hz6Jd
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWiAhrhSKx
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvwoYJ2r60
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhOYjgIrpi
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0ChN4cNYE
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMMoCrNq72
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDvmyMW3PI
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3N83jpoaG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4pMvoZxOu
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCiCWIFt4K
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfxMQFTvxE
A new voice entered the conversation, and who else could it be but Rover? She perked up at the word 'story' like a puppy who was offered a new toy. She had a sparkle in her eyes that she tried to hide immediately after asking her question.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02CTJGTBo2
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSERjK5XEv
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGb3VwtAg1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwfEaa6nwj
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlDJwg3bBq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmMAU6C8RA
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfS8PnhJsE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBEjvzgtTq
"Seriously? You have to be lying."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyacc0ycXF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcHS6HhMt4
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzJLpCg9cp
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJdgv3pwJX
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP6pLN3YSS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KlefbW6Dk
"Nah, I ain't got anything like that. I'm a weak guy, so I don't have any crazy feats or big battles. I got some other stories I can tell ya, though."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZDVPKyCOF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQ2jKJdGbQ
"Like what?" I asked.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHT9W1Ux8Gl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6xEnaIfVi
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszRmy8H9oq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmhiKWb1PG
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rsZZQEwjl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9wEKmwZe9
"...Stardust?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnejIIw2au
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrDHzWYgUa
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuWzViZl3G
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1wKBtzC0a
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZAtZqTegJ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeabhXnALM
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0oog6BVz4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPgstS1t2u
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TYSAbjhmE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GqEJWFgiX
"...The what?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomqxfIfUHE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn1vbT93SP
This was the first time I've ever heard of this. Rover seemingly grew tired of making miffed and shocked expressions, because she sat down right across from me and cleared her throat.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7aM4huj1x
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBThQc5WlW
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwKq8s3IJi
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYHuM03L2L
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWlfkbEmZW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7v904WKKM
"Of course I do!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjRUHJkATg
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZRn6h2RhF
She pumped her fist.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbWPGq38Y0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzkdNOokg9
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFAjYZNb0H
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUSuldE9iP
"Sorry, Juke, but this is more important than one of your fairy tales. I can't stand by and let such an uneducated brat remain uneducated."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNyomCDKHw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbnAMQ6uA9
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntFYSdJ9BE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM7QRuZ36F
"Alright, so here's how the story goes: long ago, the humans in the Flatlands got tired of being treated badly by all the other races. So, they built ships and traveled the seas to–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEkJAZp3cf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmqktTOdeb
"I already know this."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnm0BRWIm3
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70TtNiIMcU
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HF5ZDt7sQ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCUWKB7UsF
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsgUJKW6ru
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUacmxZgXt
"Arg, well, there were twelve ships in particular, and the captains of each were total legends. Stardust in particular was known for being super powerful, but also a total pacifist. She's awesome."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFoJVMevrl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzR3ZLTkty
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZjvRBsbbr
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4qTwDQc0A
"Eh? Why?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3DU5lc1uW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOTYYjOQnA
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FWW7oA9OK
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VgtkzWsnE
"Anyway, point is, she's a big deal. She's probably the strongest human to have ever lived, and some say she was the strongest even back in the Flatlands. So, Juke–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfQYqR3YIf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZmdhcqakX
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8HPxA7670
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9TeUGqfsh
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA7eoII5Mb
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFsINWxIXq
"That's cuz I met her."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpvhDGXbJL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgFmrC8N4f
"WHAT!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB22nqjRlRt
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT54PEeaFl
I nearly saw her eyes bulge out of their sockets. But, I had a question I needed answered before I teased her for her stupid reactions.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PqPjv0VjC
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bnyYgl1iV
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ469f3Lpj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5saV1My6uT
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ246cEj8soz
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOEeBehN5G
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvPgko3QK0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlO9f0sm1c
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQyEioBG3u
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0IpgzM6HJ
"You're kidding."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2VV3SDzhc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgAM5Yore3
He shook his head no.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs7lh87Q6A
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxWiFMFbtH
"The way I met her was crazy, I tell ya. It was eight years ago, at the Sextet Rivine. The woman was battered and bruised, hanging on the edge by grabbing onto a tree. It was windy that day, so she was flailing around like a flag. It was hilarious."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9Zb5davOl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymr9CVT3co
"You're making this up," I said.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHZtS1iBIv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhMTFAfnGM
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPYfbnVlJ6
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6vUiyrCyP
Juke shrugged.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF2HXXuSkh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbsXnjr6PR
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAYAOKT8pZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgY4w2rBaqE
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwE7U92CCWi
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvelSOcP3Z
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLLOsSQJ9H
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoCKGSyx5C
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ77tvoteT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j9MPlnisv
"Fair enough," I let out under a defeated breath. I was sure now that the job of telling a tale was bestowed upon me, so I needed to think of what part of my life to disclose and a way to divulge it without sounding insipid.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD6lnqkVGe
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96uimTi96K
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObGLPDgcgF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgfPex7bDT
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIRwQF8Qol
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qZGqMyacT
Rover was livid and spewing spit as she clamored. She quickly calmed herself and sat back down, but her gaze didn't turn any kinder.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73JbmljHJA
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pf19Llf1L
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrtND3WuMr
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLla7FFOVRH
She pointed a finger at him.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJo2jUsRUtG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oylhZoybr
"You're lying! You have to be lying! I don't care who you are; if you meet one of the twelve founders there's no way you won't walk out feeling like your life changed!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s4ywnOmUX
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEDAvJO0VC
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc6KlIeLcG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXIHwnYQsf
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXudoYFgsCY
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4bhX9LJJ0
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFPZliTt7j
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaiR5xiCil
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fBurbMG1J
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHE6UkwzL4
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSxbvMjqbc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbxjoGc592
"--Ngh! You guys...!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrZuEXoqdF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRARxoJ3jK
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWTVDyibXg
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEVpEZyvGl
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6aUGsHHmf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBepoYUCMa
Her voice died down. She put her face in her hands and sighed. I would've guessed she began crying if she didn't lift her head back up and glared.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuYqDPvI7i
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyajTouQpK
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq3Kvicy1Q
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kxe6ZQbre
"Ya look like you have something to say."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj8dCnEaxs
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB4ZSoAwru
"W-Well..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36wxPIMGKZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFpicfQShQ
She turned her head away.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShtNaOJFOg
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9LodOyx1Z
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc8VgNWY21
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrW4uAmfQD
I absentmindedly blinked at her. She tossed her gaze between us and the carriage wall a few times before sticking with the wall. Juke and I turned to face each other at the same speed and time. We both shrugged.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaA9J4b5y8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplqbqaapCX
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL7LQ1TuPV
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18UQ1cRO28
"Mhm, I told you so."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5fZaDQt06
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVa5NOZFf6
–
–
–
Snap, crackle, pop. The fire ate at the wood with a snap, crackle, and pop. I couldn't avert my eyes. Stock still, I basked in the warmth, one arm lazily hanging on the top of my knee.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sXJhGZPTR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjs0jAcVwG
The coachman Dennis held a stick over the fire. A fish was crudely pierced through it. It wasn't part of our original supply; it was something that, for whatever reason, Rover took the liberty of catching. She held a fish-covered stick of her own. The two looked quite happy cooking and admiring their upcoming meal. Rover had even brought spices from the forest.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgOUzIdkhi
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgoXdmyYHN
"...So why am I not getting any?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfqfMOldmR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQqFH9jyzE
It wasn't just me. Juke wasn't brought a fish either. When he asked why, Rover simply responded with "Go get some fish yourself, you fraud."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSWpPL4pOn
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML1Ij1QWrq
It was obvious that, despite her apology, she held some type of grudge against Juke. So, her motive was clear, but that simply begged the question–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG5hHNHUkd
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOZNxLRxYL
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXpY2KSUiG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeWmJnI2U5
"Eh?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f8HM5XVAp
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuz97Cia6y
Rover looked up from her food and at me. She was visibly irritated. At this point, I was convinced it was just her normal face.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ylF0D8PBW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOe6aAGlhv
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8xfrSoRCK
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlEvcpBHFD
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi86DsMVXOk
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NBKzRLmY4
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkPYoAoKws
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfLRI2TjiG
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPujUhvNUm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8qfAt6jnk
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UdGZiQi4Q
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7e6hDLLXU
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiR5LoG7vT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wTWFCYS14
Juke handed me what looked to be a fruit. It wasn't one that I recognized, but what truly surprised me was that I was holding a piece of fruit at all.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Lip5UmX37
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWM18kRmbx
Though, when I looked at the environment around me, and when I considered the miles upon miles of forest we'd passed throughout the day, holding a fruit in my hand was far less stupifying.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitPwErVfn7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexIJ7hrSG8
"At least I know where all of these fruit are coming from. Who knew there were such flourishing plains and forests right beside a badlands?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iJjUGYWm4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYi6IB4fSd
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEb70qU6i4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppPBpsMZ6o
"A jungle? What elevation?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jgwIzY3R1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7xfqoLjEB
He shrugged.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXGY3KF86Z
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSHdk3Yu3O
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYg4XV1a1V
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB39JrF4wsg
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLggZ3aznNp
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqw6EIbkeb
I took a bite out of the fruit. It was sweet, but the sweetness was rather dull. It made for a fine part of my meal, though.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci58niiJPs
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFqb0gY0SQ
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpoYTYSM7K
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyPl7Ywq7o
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dfWQOVKWG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiel441T2x
"Why?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrquEMz9c6i
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjmok7PNIz
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGraMLF1Ox
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQwfXadmO2
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6sEGVsGlJ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDftg4l0S8L
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGGy48EoAR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXiY9qdHdJ
"Hpmm? Shu aup!"
She began eating louder, staring into my eyes as her teeth tore through her food. It was gross, but I didn't have a chance to chide her.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIY6Pew6Sw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LDO5lgY5D
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKRSxP9vkY
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzq0r5KPoe
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTzRbrgBMp
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmY9Nf4OGf
"Nah, it ain't anything like that. I guess I know why I started; it was to avenge my family. But after a while, I dulled down, became unsure of why I even move around anymore, but I still do."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXB8oCQGnl
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1399jtU3N6
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAJnwx69D0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBuiQIRhTZ
I didn't know what to say. His situation was unique, and in some aspects, beyond my understanding. Still, his somber tone of voice made me feel guilty for not doing anything. I thought that I could've at least consoled him over his loss of family, but he didn't look remotely upset about it.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDuTwTkmcs
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2h8AdVf2N
"My final answer's that, I'm looking for an answer. Not just to why I'm even moving, but to a question that's been plaguing me for a while."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdO8JFnlqo5
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVQvWXjqTV
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFek9EelnIx
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLKUxiHVJz
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVjWLn0sO7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0kTNXMVtX
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdozoT2VvT1
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcsZF4ixlI
The sudden yet welcome shift of focus caught me off guard, so I needed to think of a good starting point for my story. I found it quickly, but I feared the reactions I'd receive for saying it.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6gpaYvLa7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNEOk3w14p
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1pIfSLTQN
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLtDnLJAXH
"TALBOT!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuBkhp3BGk
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdGpPXlw03
I sighed. If Juke was having a drink, he would've spat it all out. It wasn't just him; the whole camp threw astonished gazes in my direction.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGjKeUe4zZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEOczrzfLD
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlupYhY8Huy
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvuF3bAF3a
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsOFeF2PmF
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLuTu0mE25
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjElSvPJ1Cx
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSve7RKJ5iL
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN3RlKcnjW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS4oLPx062
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z9Njh7Y3t
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW7Fwqu02l
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBnkJJbFWU
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9C2jM71hn
"Are ya kidding me?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoFWpw1hAh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O2QPSc8tL
"That's so lame!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4mTtGYpJp
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12EzBCqmK9
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuUIpdFYNV
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNrvCnmxYX
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIadJ1GX83V
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WP2iFlFr8
"What's that supposed to mean?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4AeAIc0TS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FCpiPcRph
"Nothing."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMI37JK7XLs
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA0VCfsqCq
She returned to chowing down on her food.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEC4nWCJza
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQyXOZ5IOZ
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd3crfY6EU
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaOhhh5ybE
"Well..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6BMAv4u3u
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG1EMF9lpA
I told a rough recount of the events from there. Everything ranging from my meeting with Flinty and the prince to the wrongdoers I helped stop in the forest in the Green Zone. I didn't believe that I told it compellingly, but Juke sounded quite pleased, and surprisingly, Rover had a slight sparkle in her eye.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNkl8T6KHX
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVxvOaXTcH
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnTXPDGjcS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7wZQVAsqJ
"...No."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI1JfL51Y0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltQduZG4Ch
"Eh? Why not?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNugjWmRqUZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3gYWUXtcQ
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJnbxZ9Vlj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLYg6sa9sx
"Huh!? What'd you say?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxxtwlEXBG
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ661E486wO2
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtEZ0dgZDu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8U1xHrBik
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegf0w5UEQW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf3hEjleZM
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQNcOY0NNr
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqkB3OVwCl
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAshuO6As7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRMFvgckm1
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUSjd0Z8zf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvkFK3Dqak
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQ5oeoA61P
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VmYLlj3Pu
He simply nodded to my response, which made me doubt that he even acknowledged what I said and left the rose tint on my cheeks. I furrowed my brows and bit on my finger, but it did little to recollect myself.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRz67g2f8C
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdp5JCQgDX
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszqXTEeITW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSlLiHFS0S
Rover spoke up all of a sudden, putting her treasured fish to the side. It was a perfect excuse to flush away the shame, so I gave her my attention.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklYyLxaMS7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnAPOM51qu
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pKwSiGq2l
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpv2EoxVnN
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1EQtywPVa
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnA2weH5aZ
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe76vCbyPT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsZljfvamP
She paused, putting a finger to her chin in hesitation. I thought of making a derisive remark, but I couldn't get anything out without being a stuttering mess.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOte4jKoiU
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zNKHr7Av6
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6hqDX72hk
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MaqtupAdb
The tale Rover proceeded to narrate was less a story about a mission and more about a dual of hers. I learned numerous things about her character during her recounting; for one, she was every bit intolerable as I believed her to be, but she also had a rather unusual taste in weaponry. She told of using her rapier, yes, but the weapon in the opposite holster was a dagger designed for parrying. I'd never heard of such a tool before, so I asked her to show it to me. It was unremarkable save for the elongated and thick crossguards, but that was the whole point, according to her.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0teVj8uJkm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SHkal9ghe
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBSpUJ2wGw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzX37kVo6N
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87DB4MD0GM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9vIU7tirp
"Custom design? Well..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyUBpLPDLT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHOMCdIZjn
She turned her head away.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk0OCzOgUM
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ40946cEs2
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQeyiSSJIB
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyARbnJ2Xy
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsuMG5viZK
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxboGlLFGUv
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOjDRMXIuu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVnkCHDx5T
"Oh, this?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kjfuWL2SC
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33H5NynXTH
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LdGg0AVhb
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPlJ0YtcZB
"I stole it!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1q2v2aK7C
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse4ktc7PO0
"No surprise."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5YcptZryf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSHtFgJzrV
"I ain't surprised."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGHFNs5GHL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y1Rq3oPzk
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAahxKaqDtD
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hnsimQ0b7
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TjGvJN0GL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XOpEgJSej
"No."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl35XWJiyB
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuItr6znPsH
"Not really."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8I9p2rzPQT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpciWqZjX5H
"Ah... you two are lame!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8lUXRxffq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fFvEnd3Vv
She put her dagger back in her holster and snatched her fish, gnawing at it as she glared daggers at us. I pulled food from our rations, taking a piece of bread and corn. Though they were bland, I ate them in silence, letting the ambiance of the fire add a piquancy no sauce or spice could provide.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipu6sUXqSo
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaUQeY62gT
"..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurmFc6jexT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccfj1bq6dn
This situation was nice. It was surprisingly nice. Even though Rover was a volatile beast, I would be lying if I said she didn't make the campfire feel complete.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmkcQuoq8m
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2Qo9rG26J
After we ate, we packed up for the night. I snuffed the fire out with water magic and Rover took the burnt wood elsewhere. Juke brought all the food back inside the carriage, bringing blankets, pillows, and perturbingly thin mattresses outside. No– the lattermost was just thick blankets.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM80QDFMrd0
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e8ko56qP5
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5sNDnyUSO
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQD8lVZcO4
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBJvKrAAaj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKDchX3UnZ
"I-I see... I suppose so."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDhnWmjwa7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DOFDmBuyM
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAP63CWaGc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQq4UOPTKn
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XPE1UnrdW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUJetDsKN5
"Did you have to word it that way?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Q6dFZzP6
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEOa62mIUY
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu5BF1U6hQ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JZRJHBLFH
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4QIx0Ggik
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5Uiv2JE7s
"Ya got it, boss."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgtcRIaOm9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRZcbRXKQl
Juke put his faux mattress and pillow on the ground and tucked himself in for the night. He fell asleep at astoundingly quick speeds, which made me put his combatant status into dubiety.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W0SUg546D
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ8zuX1OUL
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPyBMofMms
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj822eKsTY
I grabbed a triplet of sleeping equipment and laid it down. But, before I could lay on the blanket and pull the sheet over myself, Rover suddenly returned to the campfire. She had a pensive expression on her face, and our sudden eye contact did nothing to assuage it.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oaZ97Rf9W
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ225g4jDJ5R
"Is something the matter?" I asked her, which broke her out of her thoughtful expression back to her typically vile one. However, I didn't receive a noisy, vulgar rebuke.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9p8aPQUGf
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGPwSWcMLl
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIuXBVmsi4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkL5e41uLq
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iLC8J5Im7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4afLM6SuXu
"...Well, alright. What is it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDir41l3XC
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHjM1k9Z51
"I... I wanted..."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOtu6Jasqv
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDD1mIq5A8
She shook her head, holding it in her hand as she sat down. I lowered myself to the floor as well, expecting something serious from her.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKfAemJlwP
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx88NFpKPnr
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJIMBfaNFT
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXhHV8O6Wq
She began to pant after her apology as if the action took all of her energy to do. I'd be lying if I claimed it didn't undermine her apology, but that was neither here nor there. I had something different on my mind.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXTNfo790V
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk85uAPQViq
"Where's this coming from?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUDSllGCG8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eEQVHaph0
"Huh? D-Didn't you say you wanted an apology for what happened in the guild? That's what I'm giving you! I'm apologizing! Sorry for doubting you, alright?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpM4UjPQ9E
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxWQpoUuyt
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4YgAkxh1Z
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0dDaYlc5a
I didn't say those words with the expectation that I would be receiving one, however, so I was at a loss for what to say. I was unsure if I should even accept the apology. Frankly, Rover has done more things than incessantly doubting me.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqCNBNXwnm
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllnXwnu7TB
But, back in the guild, I recalled Flinty's words. Not perfectly of course, but I do remember their amiable ethos; I remembered how she mentioned that I had to get along with my comrades.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmBC8W98lZ
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3ruzmwzYa
In that light–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbZPNKu0YR
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38RitKmdxy
"Alright, apology accepted."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUVi6MH2K7
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwTHSjNoBK
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWFaufmKOX
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DNTTBawzb
"--only on one condition."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwchLG24ws
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF2SPIzuaT
"Eh!?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6qvH4uEos
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPHq6tMtO8
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiL2TqOKJc
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyDLf9XTe4
"That's right."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl29zDAD5Xj
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp94lfywuQ
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO1n69CYt9
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmuiDahkdi
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1LOAaOrDu
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJRC5IkFPI
"He sounds like a priss."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt4GC9TNn3
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEwMyxXYmM
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJixIAFBnqq
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKGyAV8TnX
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgbnA6ftpk
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEjIV9Brqv
"Fine, what's your condition?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3NFWRXg54
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDHQRHYkwp
I pointed a finger at her.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WCbEL9LbB
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGZ6FzfTt4
"We need to get along from now on."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0F15Z3prGH
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4Dejgqeay
"...Huh?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfByqi3KLb
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPz6I6runT
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtRvFfPiza
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88QHEftWgh
"...Ha, that's it?"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDxPTQ9LAL
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLs4HapLOX
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0jS3pa9cN
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ITCIedqun
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C6nmwp10O
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYpaSCRzMv
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6H8n9IsNQ3
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfncQN6lr1a
Though she agreed to my condition, I knew it would be stupid to think we'd magically become best friends. No, we would still fight, and judging by how she was still letting her chuckles leak, she knew it as well.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ304q5Nclc4
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVEBiQB0cz
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDENrngrVxh
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n787JuiRf
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5jrf0ycMS
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxjdIhJKkf
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIaIZNTUvw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExjASWgGTg
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWk2d5XgP8
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3fOV0T0BG
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgUDzf7R4Y
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lfSUemWx7
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dWMbYWJ9P
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmAdGUnjnm
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkhRgEGCpg
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWbmGdzo0j
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sgizeyfdE
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv24QXWz0LJ
"What a weirdo, seriously."171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSC3xyMLvI
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyI183dIf0
I called it a night there, trying to erase her words from my memory and making a mental note to watch myself when I'm acting absentmindedly.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJ9QSjp1Gw
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvw8Ksj1t1
–
–
–
The carriage drove exceptionally smoothly today as if the vehicle itself had received a boost of energy. I relished the pleasant ride, chatting about this and that with Juke as Rover peered outside the window.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8hRLw2O7u
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthgcXSrN2V
"You guys! You gotta see this!"171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V4FBqGY9M
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGDLDP3rE1
She retracted her head back into the carriage, urging us to look out the same window she had. I hopped off my seat, figuring that it would be fine to humor her. So, stuck my head out the window and scouted the environments. My breath was stolen from me.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxEI68IItW
171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9Q5ENtxer
In the distance was a city in the middle of a gargantuan lake, and we were heading for one of the dozen bridges leading to it.
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