My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoT39i96Co
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZwBqkB82S
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBGqRoeH4J
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMu06CxzRc
"Haa..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3Tqe6J6Le
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhUTGUldbA
"Are you okay?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0JFUr1hfp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJbay6HDL1
"Phew. Now I am."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5tEFeMJIu
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGCkp9f9bq
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS5XhIbwBj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicB6APHQdd
"W-What is it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzNhw8zDeu
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qm1d96BnV
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4P9UAlsVl
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9wW5UePOb
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpUR5NTn8o
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8kSdc0WwW
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgxHdDhFWz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRv47iOT12c
"Well..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTjk2XaorS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI4tJ2ET3X
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzw6QKe8UR
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzUUdS2tA8
"Come on, tell me!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgKaQEwuPt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD17xyI9Ic
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58OhWAzYI9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIxy6Kg6Dz
She sighed and shrugged.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk1JrEA2iV
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEiwM2hzL6
"Are you feeling nervous?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr2ZWtjg9Y
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDi5khX8ZW
"Of course I am."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7ZYf87pDf
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyagooMKCFG
"You shouldn't be."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38KKzl8RVe
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfnU3OufkZ
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nw7lkB5tF
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2F0vW8yGT
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhBKH4jWLt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxPFHxCU7g
"...What's that supposed to mean?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2JndYAdPj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu31qkLGLE
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiZ4t4wT4C
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3KxIUKOiY
"I think you came here a little too early."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsowtZZEObC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSZC9hTQ5Q
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheglTZleTa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlLjSOJdmu
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8bZZPDVCD
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qhTE4rCt1
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!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwZMRdx67J
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8t49EyRDF
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdKS9NTMBh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yEaaOmZff
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD4gWG9fdL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDgDZy819u
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYEbvenUvJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnR9LuKOLe
"Aren't you going to say something?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtb1Buwef6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZGR5Cy0ZL
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cAllf1926
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE1gqNcsrr
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLbxY2b2YA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkqGtJdT3X
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN1XdywydJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rnppPFksz
"...I-I still don't believe you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8MbqjBgIM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt9EYi0wq9
"Are you serious!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIHqfD1WBO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0x2ZaDtmx
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHlO192etq
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0XBUgQqiG
"Can I at least have your name?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBxWLxylYS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlYUuN60s8
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvB2GMqF7Z
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fTw8LU0Kb
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ2TA9m2WX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVTsJweJCA
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQubYB352L3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡie0jgJorKu
"A-Alright, I won't forget."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf0Ob0g0rY
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKWaBJKY0d
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgomie4lo3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeR1jNT6RT
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2Tloy8pg8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuNViyh28P
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXT6pAW6XN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiNrClYJrO
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXCdu5tpzM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3pkmKyahq
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY37D5VivNh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6blyW0VERy
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM6qXtJbbz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCksXpz1sc
"She's not very nice at all."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2ovZNZo8L
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp34xh5dEit
"I suppose not."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC14JCjwPTR
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fqaluwUth
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpf6YlMUkR5
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNri8diaI1
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jtVgETzNf
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7MOCaOXVJ
**SMASH**233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnQCVBsrwW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmrEi7gE9m
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bv7MeaFeT
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjo49Lv9r3
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOJclLTsTi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVSxm8U4Nk
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zKB6CiXT2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2BUQjVjkt
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS8E0ytZbN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8EkOOuiNw
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdkxdeakbt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMq0HlA3wzp
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OkEBuAgkC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO97kPYxaf
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfAUC4ZUSi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw1Td3odDz
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBsRpuEgyE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTsY2CSSII
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUK8n8HFsL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd3EzIrvkt
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYFIMsymQV
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr7zybWr3Z
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9R1pWATVut
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8BpPeyfSx
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHHHZQmbOM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0xUxYQrU4
"No, not at all."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCSffnxHF8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxKSxIRIx1
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwSuLCoGb5
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGaZbILmV7
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQkUHlCJxs
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9bG9TYsiO
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqdBZVGByn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8PC6zjWer
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHovKC3A6j
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg937zrYzIA
"Is she our teammate?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTTYNNNxYk
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01EZrmztcA
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8R935Gw8V
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9YD5uo5Wu
"That so? Lemme test the waters."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNwvM4C0jZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4G4y2fuIP
"You'll regret it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3mBO1eMAU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunqCTWHwxV
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8DLQvhk5d
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmMcwifpOD
"...Wait."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0HvDmfWlw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnc2EJ10IRO
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vDVUcea7g
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLEXJw0Sp6
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cpN8JN7V2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6xhTqgiR0
"A little? Just a little?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyavWMerAVE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG4IG3GGwv
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt4IHbJTzU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFk5GpEsQe
"I met her five minutes ago!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF6vGJ04vQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbOZXNlXzU
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZhiOTBzkJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuzF6jpd9q
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf9uPLT230
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYFGmk1ONw
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtid2MhnBNN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mQXB02Qww
"Really?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHv8ZP7bXIa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4pzB0hpox
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR1ocgW60N
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgDM0T3Nda
"What do you mean 'really'?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXPC8qYSic
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuihwSxJo2S
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwW4yHNrRC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtxEkL13EQ
"--!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3S19wchhw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIKnu2jWbP
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7Ay8NEHbF
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6BGGklURo
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gFn0y7luh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gW6dvxbBF
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8ZXfkQylz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFIugjnlGQ
**SMASH**233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdYVBXMnww
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRmT8kRKR2
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOBrgjxcGV
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MOVxprFum
My jaw dropped yet again.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMcnsBO5nZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKh6p0RcJu
"ROY!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX274rfr8rW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoYFIb2Bi2
–
–
–
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfBvmmMpLC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpznZlRzp4
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfojYwY7To
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21YysUdoa2
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN6O12Vf0h
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPCVRN3U1v
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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCQDPQEgCu
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82YgIKvl9b
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOh7OQCGD9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEjdu1fI55
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusZieTvLCr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwTmyYc4jO
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtWZmHOhQf
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCgM294WpR
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbN7mF9W99
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHNvzV4Ncd
"R-Right."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvF3VsrdB2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jZmFdktc4
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–233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXYQf4MazJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy44UJCDIvD
"Ack!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkkMezy53E
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWOl3L8kxd
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRpWLrpoLX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGWn5J3phx
"F-Flinty, what was–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI10suOyhPv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlW01aRSax
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQVnGz2HA7
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi86PDcVoM
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad8TWzdnaL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VS7WkLinw
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5sfsqv1BE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UaY1BoEx4
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgMK9WxGv8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt4spctdeE
"No, I'm not just saying it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHum8aQxoq3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcATpvN4bc
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q02Igmt4E
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLwLaA23lM
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4amXjtq5cf
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJI044bnYI
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LMJvLJPxI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd0CbDHZet
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUHRqsJnw6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcjeH6cMtG
"I–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yy4JPdOkn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xgobVhfkd
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFl46koAi7
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFW2VeKafl
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDn8nyN59o
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRIh9IVdqj
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–233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorcwckOhHB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnanLkHHGx
And yet...233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW8qhDC7jp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoOZJnZZBG
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZQ6grVPGl
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWOXjuksg0
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyQRm6PEQn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDRTazH5yF
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNisKZGNOWK
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9ZW82hRR8
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Hpqjd6grQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6F5XUBb1O
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseLLZj6wRR
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGBkBoy49e
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJHU3DnKyg
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SZWbfKdBe
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmACKA18pkc
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f1LXqWWvv
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn1uDbIxhN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXtqaxSkLc
"O-Okay."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL5StYABtb
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXRdC53P5W
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyASpKPeNhd
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMnLktljfi
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42rld42Uqt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsh4mxMTAQc
"Okay okay, fine."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGHOLhrTpN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fiUoZoMOw
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0v1vF2ECi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk1oydzFiQ
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmyWM2PIlB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe0JG0x0PQ
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCfs4kzDOv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsi0VnKARa4
–
–
–
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdft5OhzsQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcheNSwwHzw
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfM3Nr2GLX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7HcHQKsu5
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanIXjqCLET
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67bpyRNnVB
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTayNBWYQL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtD3O521Wb
"Huh...? What did you say?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJcD60PNVo
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavHpXU9P18
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZF7CGrjRv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeH9ygMj07
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZz7XLOaBl
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo4kIcARK0
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTTecPmA3q
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8rAXEqvG9
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvge6waZEeS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8Gm2hrnY2
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCCZIoVLSj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQcAaXAXlK
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxCrxT0eBZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjVRDPTFDI
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9zvsjIHlm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8xZfXTrex
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPVj1DWZhU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmC5VAWmFF
"Note?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0NIoxgyGs
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7SBLzAXCF
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGfeFcENQO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLPIGalkaX
"What does it say?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqku7QUBlF1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAjPxx7F5G
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tnI95xhui
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GP48sKgAz
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow0DPDf50W
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzHlgSIHno
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3LFfPeZKI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO8gB0kTlm
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZdTVArahs
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMpQE3uOrY
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPahfHSMoK
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtowzGSGHr
Juke sighed and put the paper away.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbRZhbDbvT
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPtJ9Tt22I
"So, how's about a story?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ghxvaHQNq
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34cpXCXedL
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJd7rTouY8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERqI2w9Zu4
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwYVxO2PH1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0T8bqw54X
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ472hMLIN2B
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8aDrJ5zYL
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsnbgwHQ3H
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVnTaKvDrP
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEEhBkha7c
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH065ngi1S
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQNDuthZFI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MKcvUVPY4
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0sOhjrVhw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeRZ9qHs4Z
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBfavcYxhJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpCSwssbYG
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM6xCtqS5q
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs02QHtXAC
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfxEFE2Kky
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKursIaWIZ3
"Seriously? You have to be lying."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZAW94MeSE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qd9p4r4G4
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Dek34JSOB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvSJhfLi8V
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPt60OlJH8L
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplcaQXtYXl
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZyQJDBjZO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AoZMZVHWb
"Like what?" I asked.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ee06uOQra
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlvrx8KPge
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHaQ1DDP33
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsHiTUg1OU
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SyJmuEV5h
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNuRIypQQs
"...Stardust?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerAVJt705f
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk83GqVgoy
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdExGhbOAr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98Lq2idgqP
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy6LkVYLTW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIrX9LrPBF
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3JlK8N1Bx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyppS9X9tH
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizvbsg9ZG8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhcxkjFkkd
"...The what?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF0dFKHJtp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHpfxJVv8I
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7MyiAqsmo
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszrV72pl6h
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr35zMl89Xc
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83wlrufi8P
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw00n9wJFrt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTdg1aelYu
"Of course I do!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1PL3RY7AQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenUTh3Jl0v
She pumped her fist.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVyGwVrTDs
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81bUzTxBeD
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MPlraLbVz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoTeneQOxE
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGBsIDPvyi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ302K2jQkHo
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpL0fQBt5Z
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnegr3iewsR
"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–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQkCtKJZ19
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65CX42czyo
"I already know this."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol6b72ZrFm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwcCA0T8mh
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvGT2ZNigA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpw9h911Lf
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWJlsMuTeJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrnQXCG4SA
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHla4azdcoH
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GSyo2AEQm
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQP3l0z7Ze
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakQKdWXdMt
"Eh? Why?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWwJBBfxbJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1q6Lb9tC0
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGCZluFDPB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HV029Jcjn
"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–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDe2mpFwxu
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6j3QmZEq2s
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqemQlZAVWk
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaDi07ujXw
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eEJXNNM7I
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3Pj6HkqxM
"That's cuz I met her."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WH8TquXwD
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVe038zOet
"WHAT!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvVj4vBOcN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpZQb4Vugh
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprW89Uau9C
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGawlYmzIi
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSJibojEqU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQMkKVSBdi
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhufOhS7ht
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA5BkZeHOU
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8xpn47pJh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpssDmCt6v5
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDSHk8h3lU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbBlIBJF6i
"You're kidding."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkn5406oJr4
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93bNC94G3S
He shook his head no.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWnhuyWfTj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR7yyaJmOT
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZWUmRr8Lu
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XX2wyLpp2
"You're making this up," I said.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP6vaXe66A
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJkP26r0E1
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe7wV1iGUa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooUP4vvL4W
Juke shrugged.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJHMESlZai
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1UFpZmjYL
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8mzJidxrQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6mzIyHCPx
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8ykL9801O
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsqR7Tv2Jo
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm3oms3zDf
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8hmnMbdEQ
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5ZdDlmHx2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcHLr20vyj
"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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4XsHJdUFT
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6A6cR38JJ
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXePiqowxm8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75eKD37OmP
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM58BISVcg
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PlAIL8KLo
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9LQZA7MPq
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7KQEa2hde
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSo8rIlLEVL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oALZg8Y4F
She pointed a finger at him.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnKoEXo0sb
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI7GufXFan
"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!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmEbsziT6Z
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ivNUMsTOJ
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgez9VZrIyY
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGQnqyWh0g
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27ignc10y4
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrz31rcs30
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU72cCNzVlA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8ZwJKmaKE
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgbevegelK
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ShCMdI4aZ
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FO9wokyPM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgQ9H2GT98
"--Ngh! You guys...!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK94J6kVBz
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXtvhhz2xK
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy9NaLnQoU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJnp06A7Sx
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd5I9SslKa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVadSa9kaj
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2bdKEArtG
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezyLst2ZAt
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW6UPyLu3R
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnlbAqXlLy
"Ya look like you have something to say."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8oUhSWEUH
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhdnkp0wdq
"W-Well..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g3V8WvJVC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnxpMFReYr
She turned her head away.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b0JBPhryd
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWehmdJjjDz
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIRS7VOyJu
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3QDqNgqAY
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqD3jL2Oez
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXN2T39yqZ
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHn4rGbDf9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHGsOMRv3n
"Mhm, I told you so."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuepeIoST3H
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01ul7Ud3sF
–
–
–
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zooSGaPhB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDD0NDdoHy
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzIMWWJvfa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGR7Jzogzm
"...So why am I not getting any?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmBQNKpEci
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXR2SQNs5dc
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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfiURkUjRg
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWBpobnNoo
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–233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEuXXlfJkd
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcRd6DiHhE
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6UCzdgTLO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFTuLQddOO
"Eh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyntpiy4gT
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaMSzZkfxl
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPNZ7O8sWR
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8DabvkHnk
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJY2Ghbs4V
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjooLAvx1ww
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCofVCDlfZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphDv8Os2qu
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnn3jiAcNJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPhj1IIBVZ
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpGsmQdLEB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCOdzdYpw1
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEDbMc8LDO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeSAXY0kW1
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWLfOmLYNy
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXYXy8YJqN
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpgXbd9JSX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBIyuoIUYw
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aMqf7hiuP
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo3ox51M0C
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QYUOQvom9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFklKcCGkr
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlHHaVB1SC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28BG7v9fQI
"A jungle? What elevation?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwQcNs3KHd
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkId2ytGXW
He shrugged.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wzSdnWRus
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCtLJhiQ6u
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qH9t7QIm9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVOdizeyb8
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUYANkUb9F
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KdqkWo2MC
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR25f1a0wo6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSegpstxEf
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNn8i6uBb1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6NMHoPqIY
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguDmWADzsa
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK19SfKJqZb
"Why?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5f1N5GHpQe
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYZnuFASDg
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0hUtd1pUw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdpxlo9vth
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWqu47ctXt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzUtV1h32c
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBNR9jESgX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcHmkeu19r
"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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlivxmkRXU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEBpW6PG33
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnG63SVSIp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwqk2ukXkJ
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMQcksU9Wq
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWpX4Hho3U
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnEPyG7P6O
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2yfHHQBsw
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmzsHTl61Z
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHza6SMy0JT
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfGmnlJtLS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGLQRyllNh
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0i0LghqiBD
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJuGKQv4Fb
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerNllI5orO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytYEz3xZs8
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GVLuyQ2da
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDwEjuDZas
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3GYMZCEAW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKUeeZlKy3
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTXwmmXZJD
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mU8LuZmk0
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQru0QzRwOj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu46ozLoxQH
"TALBOT!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo08Mf7dVho
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNujyuzWO4
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSq51qFLA1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAtE1dv6AL
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIheoBuEIx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbliOoR1XP
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEqMiVIPnD
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9ZI5xIySP
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJEIwdji5u
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9T5WOESwz
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMf0awxPZOh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjH9WV1dSC2
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW74YXJEA1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9txrrtbA4
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbluXaSvh48
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXyyppWB7b
"Are ya kidding me?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAorsCdXBo
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNK2xcCEVK
"That's so lame!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEeer8FnAC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWUkt0hkRV
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJ08rNYZp5
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12FXnUiiuT
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqVd2ZPxGM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFypHZwfKjW
"What's that supposed to mean?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3I3EL2BAv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYgHVHTiak
"Nothing."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPf7TZVULQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpC1cn0JLR
She returned to chowing down on her food.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nK96nc52k
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIV8plDwxKK
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8Gzkhkbty
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznDQdSPdiI
"Well..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bCLrusbQC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUpvf5M9Dx
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rQTJRPaBI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM14zhMnacp
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLXTvY6oeP
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SLJMYM93m
"...No."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesGhBeHxAv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XSGf2S7hJ
"Eh? Why not?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6Bpiprg77
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdedF24FkvM
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaYirqtW4f
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sBga6ayEW
"Huh!? What'd you say?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVCdoQSm9y
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OvZMgFnWn
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvrCIijAaB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflG2sMZ4Qu
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFD9uG5M2T
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkVD7EcXcI
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9I4C99FaQ6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ159focRlSa
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYxn5PnKDK
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO24LqFJBE
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzv041MdtJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80rbIEAHAB
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDehHTmwjqr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYW45BfBVb
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFQ8sOdIzS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHYWq6JJG3
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcMYdLRmW4
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXgMr1CQvX
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYz1tyUCfC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQ2DdKEJ1Y
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt0UsKQlyh
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvfgi19HHt
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Glq1gS3D2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFrbhAHiIF
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQNZ45yFIP
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXIJ6Tbtra
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf7t6I3WqO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IMNzdIkZK
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHvbEMFcEx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fIULoyjA6
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVskxHIWVI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmECdDXcKdQ
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5G80EHkFn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLoe03GUqg
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xZl0Sd635
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"Custom design? Well..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQe7M0vkMN
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She turned her head away.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUNbOSMgQ3
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"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe3ysGkuKe
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcwZeEvwhH
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARzWqholdf
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcfAN90kLz
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJaktJcMwB
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"Oh, this?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zcwqfDByG
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODkB3Qb7Lf
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEu2Px4Pgv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWG49LrVhL2
"I stole it!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolZttxtEu2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84MiZ4vjjq
"No surprise."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7hr10Op6o
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwbvRSv4RB
"I ain't surprised."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN5QMBhjd5
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHm7YHCJRr
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLaFdOuEZs
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95xuIPH6l7
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9HxO2Oick
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMpOpDTOsM
"No."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8cOPa4pcC
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADxEznHKJj
"Not really."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY0gcb3iDn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1unOYYJD2
"Ah... you two are lame!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnUYHYVffv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAtvNy6Nwt
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9v4UMqeqR
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90yFkJBQ3j
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyBIN9CbzU
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2BrHgwwE0
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCoNEF2Q9s
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYv3Qhl4qJ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Oo3G51rH
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1UkAUAqkQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t90PRbSKD
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N66UOCPDe
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4ZP8ykfXY
"I-I see... I suppose so."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDTEZ6HxOw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXqzdWZzU5
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DqNrIpm8p
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILKikzJwo0
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltsNLdmJQy
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"Did you have to word it that way?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV8TCXaMGd
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftVTx3pTbj
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X6Xlhzjld
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMDRyx4FQ5
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNWX263hwX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5ocXBYZXi
"Ya got it, boss."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKaKBlYHy6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WSu7iVdRF
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkh0WQeLQi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG48PxRcSx
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡry1Y3znRwj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbtJ97s7yU
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHmH5IiIGQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK35EewTFGM
"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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeWiWC3Q0r
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnQjhHAhCR
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa5OLp1fSw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnizXjvRPK
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxMThzszlh
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"...Well, alright. What is it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNiVSK7iqn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b2ZAPznOU
"I... I wanted..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBHKSVkYuM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTANpypn8Mo
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylVibKPrjt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XTlFNkenN
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQENlkYRn4
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb96SWBGCuc
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9Prkanac1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvyVI3m6A9
"Where's this coming from?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdckgRzqh4I
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNO6QwsNPh
"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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7p0siAJpM
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"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvgTparzgU
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrsKhNac7c
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0JW44lsbG
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDLaw11zXt
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In that light–233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcFYQ1uUqH
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8m7LmisRP
"Alright, apology accepted."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyB21Hg3VW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWoiU4jY9z
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm0DrTIE4x
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiyVYUi3b6
"--only on one condition."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K9VS3i9k9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ROts8DeN5
"Eh!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvySefjAmI5
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Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGDs1r6fuL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BuattVjQz
"That's right."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBeuFZTXSw
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibkfqzqGb6
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufYlR2Bah2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wvDLnUSFw
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nmeAc1UYZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN6LejSGYs
"He sounds like a priss."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8qZiqTOHe
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquK7YPYZE8
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf69RyfuMg
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QULk32Ovs
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d5A4dGcVG
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"Fine, what's your condition?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAA6roHXqc
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CVSTW7CB9
I pointed a finger at her.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBInOYNTaqh
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"We need to get along from now on."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBRtyFFTbm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe0Xoxj7wt
"...Huh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIENYoxJdwX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgdCUCvejr
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAIRtXxupB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzyAiJyfvb
"...Ha, that's it?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCeLkNS3fK
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopn86nH5L2
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2QHX3m3Pm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEXArrOhtY
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WHt5hpIP3
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She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z5uGvgNVk
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdRJ2kMOTA
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCZKUFZGbt
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"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY8RrB8qAl
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCuMEdm2Sv
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmbE6hXcqC
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"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuqZgQAe2O
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She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI9Biwvosp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡij1axySIYT
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOME9RTj0qR
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wQsemy4s6
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvhQ2vR1Um
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk4NuGkVh7
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiCwUc2caT
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqu0uEayf26
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWt9n5PU8z
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkb25YMQhw
"What a weirdo, seriously."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfJSZ6Lzpy
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sa1sBpGMz
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–
–
–
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8vHGkNzQY
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4DMEjKIlJ
"You guys! You gotta see this!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZipPuLy0Ac
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgIxTPJdt5
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kmzVb2ryZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDZTWBOEuO
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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