My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6f5yiy72bf
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFStwH37tgF
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhmCSLEfc8
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPhee9QK6k
"Haa..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjy2v6uL0E
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJyrwREBRD
"Are you okay?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahF8w3RrZ2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPgy8VI5xz
"Phew. Now I am."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EFawtpe0s
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAUyQywTfz
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTfZjcSYgG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGssC8vyDs
"W-What is it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3snRpB5AG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK3G5F0tjJ
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqCf8udQsD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupwaEyl7li
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyKmL2u6wY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xWDtsipwv
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXsrDGzgdt
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlXRfOt7nb
"Well..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuIs2WsgBO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqABrbaxGd
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eHGYKSzrX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvuEKVeyKP
"Come on, tell me!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso5A40oVGW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEbRkXcRM4
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYHAs3M89r
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlqzt9Vu0f
She sighed and shrugged.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPyhgsgFvN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejOABTXCiw
"Are you feeling nervous?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW5UiYXm6g
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y63hHvBrC
"Of course I am."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N3zVRxndf
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxm58hgyMI
"You shouldn't be."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvCTcNY6TK
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCBpruNtOY
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf00HKPXRFQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3TBcDEVKC
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y7Vj8lm3N
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCJnlscg4w
"...What's that supposed to mean?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHFT8oG33d
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhVULlTKdM
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQALFKOnFv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUtdnlAcFB
"I think you came here a little too early."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsox060QVc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9dTryb8aj
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi7Z7bGDmb
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTStjEpZPV
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ip6q8eCC0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFtf7J1Bdg
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!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHtF1B2rtL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2rE5CdxNn
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8NqYenwaT
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPecol3GCSy
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrG1qUotGN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJleRWQPdK
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa41yYkc7Fc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ504m41XksP
"Aren't you going to say something?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn42z6hPXd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfpbkZMiIL
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1r53NXbT7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcR9EH4dtTx
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLG3RQ1fE0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyeeJOpSxN
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdcL2ZKGr1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76vKOoX0rs
"...I-I still don't believe you."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7iUvpxxTQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3JHmzZITb
"Are you serious!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJLRfPdp54
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTUfySFQJX
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTSWjjNmO6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Bql3XKt3W
"Can I at least have your name?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiILlynMTvJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeCddYJ9OW
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQXBWip1hR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGFXCTdmAl
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj1OckRMy8
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfGONiWIn1
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rwPfbRTO5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnXR8OQj4D
"A-Alright, I won't forget."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeooPjFL0JD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaAtqOwxGk
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphVDvmmcZn
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8Ck9wmtXD
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Olg9yyZos
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHlktrWD0D
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17mDwTNsnU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bI6VvruX0
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY08zNg3Z1i
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB2t7ILVuP
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxSbD9cJCD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1NaiIa5Oa
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rWf1Uu7Mw
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMsEwH07MG
"She's not very nice at all."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFEx4y43EW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlzvwx1AWk
"I suppose not."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5ntKPkT7z
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLBPrYpt7W
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbVBsUWsxV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHKnG6EUiC
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtyfXhihCV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3h2gtz42Bu
**SMASH**157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg1oTEHgCg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZALSHEjwq1
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9SelT6mx0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQveBZuoe5
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhxajofiMI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChXzkaZQOV
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0prEcCWP8I
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vqQx8UDF4
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL7HxJtxS1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkW0EsyBS2
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBS4VH4jfM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVNiNHqVxT
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeydPdNswX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNCTw8hcb6
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteDEfjXPaj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxk5QGw5of
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8Gz9zF75q
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUDozlFFxJ
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcuoTV73Wd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezTDHw3l4c
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY03JBRRqUj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fTix4qK3z
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPtdTIN9Uo
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkth48l6Nly
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBUk3hEtkV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0fEJadwQO
"No, not at all."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRJWOKihBX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRtsbRSBfm
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8w6QdYztG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3t7s5mgpR
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLw9qQktcl
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEDp2tg6dy
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHIW11SOS6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjldH6OzkbD
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqXFvBBLnT
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFZJzloLWv
"Is she our teammate?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYq1ASUC14
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtIjC6RHAp
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqfN24iXwx
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFxO4Q0yU6
"That so? Lemme test the waters."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGozKZQlG5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9OSiwucza
"You'll regret it."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYcx3D4Gcc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMJ9jJBXIB
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnwGG5nE4T
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyai1fBcXih
"...Wait."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nwtAVfs27
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyf5Yj7XhS
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYKZQaUIG5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKp57xRdZd0
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCjNsVwCWl
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3CplXohAf
"A little? Just a little?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG2tL9MFW0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcdXjI91RL
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IK84kjPfa
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYGSqSTqTV
"I met her five minutes ago!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsT67rgZAW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEViWPQyCc
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO9QSSDhEH
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLL3v0XK4A
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2lkjZrIEu
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgrL51sqri
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡga4sHFLbNE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tBrCnhuWD
"Really?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtwioQGLdK
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8OiuUDZdk
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizNJBjlCs3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9T073AAT7
"What do you mean 'really'?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtnbDExAMe
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xquDeKUic
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAbBKSET30
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65vvutPUwn
"--!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIMpbuEBQQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvsmV7ta2b
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYm64ycxcZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ26VtoYg4I
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkVp0SrGga
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eC2fTKSi1
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8gTogRgxs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORQOyv9Hvy
**SMASH**157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P3RBvnlrs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr2GgcsZZr
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbh08nY9rX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l4MY3E7N9
My jaw dropped yet again.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGctwh7RPTq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8ttbx47V0
"ROY!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KxRxOoeLs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaQsxCyJPG
–
–
–
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpJlUBCnag
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2CkeMWPCE
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMoAxZ3Z7I
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYMw1kGZqM
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVk1SRfYWl
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBylVwFpw0s
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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE02li4dcf
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMJIsvK2KX
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpraNFcWCzs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHexTL5Rab
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAeG56Wmdg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsnT5Ap6hu
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlJS1tc475
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg65XEojca
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsLq8RL6s6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1VjFdX8qv
"R-Right."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVDwlddbhV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOErWpQOWY
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–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡims8fu2gAM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxLJnrPfMD
"Ack!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3efX3o4btR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnjGd5ezRX
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsW9F80aW26
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tga14usAX
"F-Flinty, what was–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2CK1hTOIZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJotY3DSc6n
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGZaNHJEfm
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe57zdUWnQg
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS1XYhor8b
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxsZMnBPuC
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZ13G0JyuQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvMqWy91Cm
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMQQwqUdrD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZojuNvorz
"No, I'm not just saying it."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzc9PFc1Pi
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57GjAZXgWF
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43tnF77OTg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxfAf5dAb8
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd4zyJwfSs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyfq88J5oe
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma5TdAotA9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH7BzqM774
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVfixE26qT
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qhSrEUQg0
"I–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx2uTJ26Yy
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQiVCSxFNe
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4bzv4WQCs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGU8mU6zxS
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzjjYTvdxe
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPzmBALovO
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–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94EhFFPxvx
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e3JwVm9cT
And yet...157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjCmkbWrPS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHkuYYCqHs
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW14yUtrylz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UIT02dkrN
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJRkztzwS7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOrd0F3gjT
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK1RM1ILvC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H3TP6X20G
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WFR0iPRy9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtEIRqxlwU
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nVgmYPBfN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cKa5zON8f
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6gRgfN422
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoejmY5mKNj
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡittf01gmDL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7SbX55a7r
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLi0ahEfog
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftXBjqqZ8S
"O-Okay."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg23upRvsZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UFLCGLU9M
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBKvrhUkiA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4AGmAUVMi
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLhJn3dbPw
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKyn3zOuAp
"Okay okay, fine."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbMP366Ep5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmQaJlxCSM
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS4zRyuLmH
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbDWORy0Hz
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKM5U6sTgX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ446Bd5p5Dn
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ox7kjcW3K
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHvbi11Fmx
–
–
–
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaKys0oAfc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4LFqBZriD
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC54YXBtGfJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNiFETC5Jk
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRePoP8vEgW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4n87dtwqe4
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZqhaUiwer
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTg4raysP8
"Huh...? What did you say?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHA6niUTQ4
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDVKw5t2vN
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfyWO2HE6M
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNYln5Ri0D
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjyyOMOrho
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e7NvY9LHE
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AWWuh76TX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkbXqUF8DQ
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiTHNgqefX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN33oBQsMa
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLR92afVEz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq88tgEx57u
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmf5ne9Pdt
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhIKtvB1oq
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8knPzJDK9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIxffmHD4j
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cezTa2Aks
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2FkKPOwQy
"Note?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgST5dXzgBO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSE3tUatdc
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU5U9G4Zu0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTmC4b32Ay
"What does it say?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHw0V7Wvv2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmf5WqYBHW
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F0yygEDnF
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h38goue8v
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk11VXCiEd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gYQnz7IZA
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHe0bqowUU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp1FsIGZkI
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju3vsauK5m
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZfYtIhv51
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5numC86FAH
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRxXqhtq9G
Juke sighed and put the paper away.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPi61k8P0l
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDngvigaj9E
"So, how's about a story?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzICI0GHOm9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6GkN9SIZl
"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?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62DOIoQgRs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIz64b7qC4
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkXOVdzFsU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgmUxurQWy
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHVNVEVEAv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOEvvQtB5g
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDroE9QUWz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl0yAS0m3C
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF00B79WZRr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWdhPNW8qD
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZXzpkhp5r
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ur2U7n5JH
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwGfhxzMXb
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0flePGxbfs
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq2BgM8x9l
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4zil0ICf9
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtDtY6pbmS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV51i1d7BF
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUxwB7ADO7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvGnSCVr2j
"Seriously? You have to be lying."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfUEN917XF
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OqZuMM0np
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zLHJI2nU1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NttpAmrcW
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNalZZKGD1W
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKKxrMvMtd
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8v4OpWY9v
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6oXBlm1wR
"Like what?" I asked.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltj9M1fytr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sa778HjFe
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KeNQgRG1f
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rkyWtG4Bs
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQipMewqtx
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK7bK1uKSX
"...Stardust?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXkz9OODqF
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmr9pyXAnWv
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIxLLpSe5D
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLtvuQ3jzg
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeUvzwUCnj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJtldgOaYx
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8HbCaX9b8
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT34XplC6ox
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrQPpqIvFJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPVdKnfRK7
"...The what?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CxPMf7fgq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUBsaUqTSE
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyMUMbnX8j
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pCGL0FDSR
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8WVaiQkfz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuIeRGckQG
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGOPwdNpLl
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2dTjxoRE2
"Of course I do!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstTeMR7ukn
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9RuGMiUYE
She pumped her fist.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuVgh5xvoC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBRVRnghFG
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy0o2JgJlV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7HSF9rfJT
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWFqBs3gtY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwEzLTtppo
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrJDFLkhpc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDvArSnUKI
"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–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqaBiUHQnE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzc03wXGUht
"I already know this."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopPyYpRpEA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DYTfL1I6s
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHmZCb8WYj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FFalCI5RK
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdmuChiOZ4
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy9SbxONfb
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbJRsW5HMC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfiZS7cXXI
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIxGVBX439
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6NMvJXBec
"Eh? Why?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkFieWaLC9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK3aqLW7YF
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7ssJEsvea
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjil3vX9ib
"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–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBmw51Cz2B
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9qMnQbOcR
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVhT6qR0iF
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldEKg867Ld
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzcLT4t7Z2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDdkPF9Tqy
"That's cuz I met her."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8bW0WSwMp
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G0XbynerE
"WHAT!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpU4q7UGiui
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYatIiURfFk
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R1vp3SUod
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37cQe5WCtP
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCciud3QQI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmPvy8PL7q
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12WXYmIQl4
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M2oc4RJaP
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSGxlUZJD2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLaftYyi4m
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRQ5AXdMBs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDB0XIcpwJ
"You're kidding."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pqjgJ6yWf
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5hqKdVQWh
He shook his head no.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabaHXW6xnP
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMmnepgU4l
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSxf1OYoFU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaOiLhcJUa
"You're making this up," I said.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTA14nni78n
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXu1HPmyus
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh4BtzMwVc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0VdqBmIYt
Juke shrugged.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWPfj0890f
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhiZrKY5VG
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mzO33ykNy
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeMXj8YgCd
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmFbi2wzpg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeG5yhwak7
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlxda62I5H
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4QXoVtzxA
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg9YMZwxbN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvcN0pUXER
"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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pThj70eRW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0oCHEEdPF
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFyJRQxJcG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZiabjemeO
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNuOsH6zWP
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmqwFCwNnm
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KR9RQ45YW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlBfizqavq
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5LzyO5CUa
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Br5ms3Ijr
She pointed a finger at him.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0eijZzaBi
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzUPhk99dd
"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!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjO2QrWCwT
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd4OAFOJrX
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeaTUwVggY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzmTgpyVrl
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvYvDvc38p
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy6qV68O45
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefuJAdJMKB
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLC4WOE00o
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZM1Bn2Dj8o
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXqgw4pKVE
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiYZJtiqFS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaa87u9mKH
"--Ngh! You guys...!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOHWylDJoS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHw7M27rXe
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaA6fI68cA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTChjNlLXzX
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmakvxPkgZw
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNIahci0Ep
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQMLP8Qp4V
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf5w64Xp4d
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYNtxs5exc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZJ0d1nv60
"Ya look like you have something to say."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VS4f11SG0
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNWlui2glP
"W-Well..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOkIoIWEdT
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcWCwr3UbX
She turned her head away.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAn33EgIQ2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrZTPhhbnz
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HgaL0bhw6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7Hu7u5xhD
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zvhlagrgW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVQuNfQ3eH
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QkSypB1Og
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsqaIuxc4L
"Mhm, I told you so."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMokcRFICmZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg62FwK7D9Q
–
–
–
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pcJUjfPm1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbQgr4QeYQ
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FhfOaKGrQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OwVYW5IgZ
"...So why am I not getting any?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PiEOL0YZD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBryOQ8zFu
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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xXhPoQ5Mu
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7WN81zzJ1
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–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmanid7U6L
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiuT7sYE8R
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdOeUGx9zF
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hRX7dhEsu
"Eh?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrx37hZovlX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PK06q1GPm
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwaJfaPme6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFVpUzTTun
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYX5gU04A8
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Iq1QaJGwe
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgixzGGyIO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw0D2XCWn7
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEiew4OYRV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hjgy9kFs5
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzYCUHHGlg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi8CCYFb64
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9JoMrkcHr
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOJCXzQPKb
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi4JJ29aen
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAs3iAH55Jt
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNFlVCs2P5
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT7yLCYdxi
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEH5H3dcnb
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtQGqhmV22
"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?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIqW2Z264v
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fS9mj1jVN
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF5LPoMxB7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqmkiMOMJO
"A jungle? What elevation?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6ZEqqrCx6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiJyw7cCMT
He shrugged.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZs391niM7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ1pD6XcTP
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3Zazq5tIV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWuN8VDIAn
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLEPg0Ztgl
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBmGZ9Oko6
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZGXvsjZES
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIPASnxrVV
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3bDSklzJd
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcjk3iaQiZ
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZg026TjyLJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hhcoyxT5N
"Why?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmbAdPikTV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB92gn3KM8
"..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMOQNpDuJm
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5O8bfmaG7
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl27rWvGeU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1Cmmwj27u
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVNVF92cpI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZack2yIc8
"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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtxpbpu3sH
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gnH9Pj8fP
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui3Pffjt5K
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SMdxJZdFG
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR9OOnlu1t
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09NhXtJ3nA
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFoCl1F2TY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIxwArO612
"..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmV8jB6iKg
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIPugY7vLF
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RYYtqLsX6
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5197yWP26K
"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."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygkX3W6GBT
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGx1S21AqPK
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iuwsaxb0A
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRPCiDB4sg
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWJOA3h8ob
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZArYsfMno
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQkHqBZL3P
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwalOodnbJF
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqIBMukLAV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgzbZXtDLN
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZVi9C79nM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0cph6Tkd1
"TALBOT!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ULALJKV05
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjeZDBrl1T
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvOrKGUPuq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrUeZ9cNKP
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojPrzMJkGS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdplSSbO3Xz
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDnPrQ1cPB
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV0oXTulEt
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66n31REutR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEn0wZr11d
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9B21aeCijV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeZgShUtgj
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76m54mP4qR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTuiTjCIFW
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17zYBrWNxf
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM8qzINnop
"Are ya kidding me?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWc9Vb3lYm
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiNj4pvjJz
"That's so lame!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJbfif9tzX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYA9BR4pGcM
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyLb4GTUSR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5LOTzk9i8
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvsphOcjDu
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6zmDXKuje
"What's that supposed to mean?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfi6YzLoeJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHMZuqCQo2
"Nothing."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaBXhDQFLE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinwabWwNdD
She returned to chowing down on her food.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNTcUMHSv8
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN7XIjIjSB
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7clDE1fucE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G4d5DL44H
"Well..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRVBM35zGU
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGza04heWo
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaWysL0w2c
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4bAjjPiUu
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCBpDsF6bj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtj7NPi532
"...No."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5hQgRT2uX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1Gs5EMsal
"Eh? Why not?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyXoliXrQB
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w69xcyE7t
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTU41Ppq32
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZFBtkaZKx
"Huh!? What'd you say?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqyc3yMxaI
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwxzDLDyZ1
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wIbZDwFMQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8xWltn1YL
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU5rNnxoc2
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKZ8ZyhihX
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAkjJvPxLY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkIbP4gpXi
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM78QapAbZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mdptoDUHM
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZxsxeGj6T
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwjRIOU0Cy
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6e6tZrXUs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMxWVr1Gcd
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2IEbjSTBc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSgF1NWGni
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfakKLQ5jW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiaGBHciAY
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqDOcxAUkB
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgELUQ7T4s
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR50G1D9rF
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvzvxElGpt
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4rox5D4PJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN44NFVHoj1
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgchrF4ARR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHpnqqmJhE
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSFjHg0oAk
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy5Vx9ia7R
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhaTCz2pwO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGoanIe35K
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxhIeIwpPz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5XaMq0OqE
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4y4EXLeJER
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCVAVltTgE
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3x3SAWA26
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW3kveG1Ad
"Custom design? Well..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0J5Wh8dv9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTvMsAuNV4
She turned her head away.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb0f0XdijR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpovgI5Ev9E
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxMh9mqqgx
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63ZjsR0gq7
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbFPcSmvQT
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChcp0FlHAh
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TCdxYblOv
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vBKJJ9L7o
"Oh, this?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxMIPf3xsG
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXSQSBXmHF
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn1zIAB0BJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZlaEpGobA
"I stole it!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8qDS3jfXf
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWpACmhFOg
"No surprise."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkFWtC3zaK
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV62VH8a87A
"I ain't surprised."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZUIzkMdDe
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqIndZFn2k
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelXPRncUqc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq6KpWTbTm
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte2yQwZSaF
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEY1F1eCuo
"No."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYFoPgJA0Z
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dTkl3yZIi
"Not really."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpfDmxhaEM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ccQEoC5Fo
"Ah... you two are lame!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBHRNve0fX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNtyLVTWyp
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hlNQFC7tX
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRYEuNbucf
"..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn130lJ0UE
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡframyD5hww
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYQg84BRut
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybLvx4DZge
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRVhW6aGwj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g6bYBSMCw
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcKBKr0WKD
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzHityyny4
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFVmNvcTS3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GoU19TMEU
"I-I see... I suppose so."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngBk3I33zy
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDblRvlUeWa
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLCftj8qgh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFCK8AY4ex
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83mgYRBMYf
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqK1EzNz0Hc
"Did you have to word it that way?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUS2n5Bop3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAv7rulxdsy
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4gLw8bZco
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgZYLVpTLC
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gjKobHkWc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXROVBc9z5
"Ya got it, boss."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc4enLK3mB
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Nfx8d1DmE
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslfGNurMx3
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlGXzomTkz
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6Gq0Fl5Uk
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpIrxqgg7Z
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5P6dET7ga
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzojdr2eqQy
"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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDe5aIwzGL
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NCijGWFjn
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6JqRdPFsq
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcNzZCwTDs
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSmoSXgwl4
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvxBsjaKLU
"...Well, alright. What is it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC63nUFutC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy0jW8QyDZ
"I... I wanted..."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IbaGQw1l4
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjw6KynA75v
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc9ALThaBc
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSrJ4ybk7S
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2Ti06VEzO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6BLRjmCj0
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyTK5l806G
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSjbSwzpl8
"Where's this coming from?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu8MMpXgUC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLyD3KSc4S
"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?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5M31lkHwa
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdjfhSDcUh
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZomkxFlghM
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCVpMiVUGs
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYzlaeDqYA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhEbxpL8Rt
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q1ZoPj5Vt
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V10jVzmsb
In that light–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk3ej68PPV
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BngI4rWmU
"Alright, apology accepted."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5SRNDwCDS
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFpynQ4Yu4
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4kqSWx8Rh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdKamROooq
"--only on one condition."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkUvwrpOZ1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNKGQfIKCv
"Eh!?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBlMh2nlev
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYa4WXINBu
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KdGM7ceP1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjEZtSTmsX
"That's right."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOT5UN2IHs
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxezpo9exF
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eTBI6lhYA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmmvVSLoeD
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpCuUSA2dj
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdan25SiWO
"He sounds like a priss."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxgK3bRAqC
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xavUy1CbL
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosyuVCHzoN
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzK1MAblLPK
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb5fucFSe9
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJUTaOs8AW
"Fine, what's your condition?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghglsaeBzp
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMwVEWp8FH
I pointed a finger at her.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU4BxLIa7w
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhApVBf8Wx
"We need to get along from now on."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIV403bN8c
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmvgt4WKXi
"...Huh?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5RfnjWXf7
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkKszbq2Rp
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDp0SbwXdte
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddnZofS5TX
"...Ha, that's it?"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wYnTx6l5y
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5e4m6mMs4h
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcGNCXI36M
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXF7df7Jhl
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8H6TNT8cQZ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw73rz8a18P
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShT6CKglPQ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXBSgzkqHc
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWw8NJuJ4V
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxHJAPxs2s
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWCD1iWjaY
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgqQmpcEZ3
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWiGOmjqxz
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllMMKA4Mie
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUMW3Y2783
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22BXSeykul
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TUxapBPkJ
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5E61JoCvt
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCRE4zJTwR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPRvyycwxE
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SHOieWzD8
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAcPvsloWa
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyql2wYNWR
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKZHIzOhhz
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW2JJhoTIO
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJvNSJAvOu
"What a weirdo, seriously."157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tqBawozl1
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA0EyAHtnU
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakLL1amLZh
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsoPZGfk85
–
–
–
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXHFetfKKA
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXH6082mXx
"You guys! You gotta see this!"157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATMxODXg0P
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86kYENZ1jn
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.157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDbY6a1UOW
157Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmZUd3Fc7x
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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