My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR8fgi9JgL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4c4rxnvDk
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyohemDtIHJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSDnPULLLL
"Haa..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpeJafPYzI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCxgd3BMbm
"Are you okay?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHODZuLP2h
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPTgnk6dCg
"Phew. Now I am."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmlj4Dt4FZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLCjd3jSCY
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiqhsD6pw0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSc3VsN9QX
"W-What is it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtDXbfe3rf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04JCkp0yMS
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJetFkMLxyv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjQTpCUKM2
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu5UzwXWkL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeI6Uj5xyi
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzhUTrz6Yi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xRURfmZoa
"Well..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMEsGljbMM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsjvPhLsRe
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf256EH8RVK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcmQ3eCcR8
"Come on, tell me!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fzC60kg8G
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBCDDH1bCj
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGbWR9eoHx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAHKwSAth8
She sighed and shrugged.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKm7uZPzkh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6fpQ90YDa
"Are you feeling nervous?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoK3dEcro3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaKTm14gCS
"Of course I am."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn88YrE3IJs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8UijLQVMv
"You shouldn't be."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWnjlOZJ2P
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUuail37uc
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7Doq9TjhN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihZ0Vb12FG
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjIBF31FUZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fxE9sm3yH
"...What's that supposed to mean?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhGthVnyO0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOOjzmSMsj
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBnENzuUHd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1J8baIbEQ
"I think you came here a little too early."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZC4JTC71R
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d8Swtgdx5
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wMQmQpONF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgtX0jzwg3
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMPhpMgbiL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIJ6Oftrt4
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!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwScbtGPK70
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlR2cDonP8
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfmyCeIjF9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3s6Rm67Yo
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeihgNT43eq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yuY76WfBB
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCmrV69i9j
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUEaHP00dw
"Aren't you going to say something?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xif8H3T4g
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsq6W6BxBGp
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvZOialB2h
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxphMOvUnQK
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIAshtniul
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmdv1Lckq9
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfez17lb2hi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwqDOlMK8P
"...I-I still don't believe you."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRs3w7tlfwL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT1Eth1wdb
"Are you serious!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HcDCAIJCN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLyy25pQOz
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d6GoM43Xr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11THC4f2jC
"Can I at least have your name?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZE5MDsQlu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAonmKhpcz
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoVK5F0SaF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT4hRQwXEp
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITGMmftU9j
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVOn5OhQfz
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPSAlBfMcx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwvP2ymDOu
"A-Alright, I won't forget."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuc3vKDahX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR8ufvhBJX
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sdXxVj1lc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaZlIjR6vq
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmLBaEi48X
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P0Xn2bVaW
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4Qw1OPeVA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AgD5z6d9t
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68ObV4xGKX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKcj1ZM6bb
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIcJCSpTaL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpcaBUvtXk
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SGhYjgg8r
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33aNPaPXjz
"She's not very nice at all."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx26PClvevp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50Yu8kVTrT
"I suppose not."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIs8UXIqez
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh1kTPn8GI
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllJj6ZbMnd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsn09VblCeG
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9pMS8hzA0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3CShLgGKL
**SMASH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJtSuULokV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaltKJSyrBD
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JL0IHQ1k6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePTxMZ6oka
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG2e85tXZF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIQQpAHBDL
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsA9WMs1Dz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3o0QUkQv6
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1Iv5BDmcj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBpSf1qrz2
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RJ1ycnMTR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYYmGIqmGw
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyED4jiF6nf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVibZlbMNVo
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvy81i7y9v
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gf8JERwJi
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo4Qv9oaRd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kWlmzEM4T
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K9sbGPoSX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDM51s96Ug
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc6G5qQQhA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHGagOaVMe
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeV9KnzHXJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMYlHrtetD
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxC5mNxCOm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LhBZSVJa9
"No, not at all."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLL6TCKz7a0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPPRBVNGO2
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYAPee2PPE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUwASlYMP0
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDgvEJb6oE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkkUCvqbjX
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXsd5RQhPc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7FwYXBPVO
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiZpihdkaa
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzB235MFBq
"Is she our teammate?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu7EpUWag7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgJ7mPqjhn
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7m5mWVZk4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpakXvwrNzI
"That so? Lemme test the waters."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBgArUTYxS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKttSSjXWr
"You'll regret it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4yUtIFg0h
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6QKCltKU4
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB6EM6waOM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0ssW26cIz
"...Wait."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsfhqQoPdP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikRw7Uf6NG
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufDBH9XZJP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCHmPFQXdw
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz0m80O791
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9xJnQ27Hw
"A little? Just a little?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeLoETNwDn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYWonCQmme
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsooMRbFvF6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK6wWAo1sj
"I met her five minutes ago!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpnRy8XCVC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAauv2D0Gw
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0bFErciI1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu08yV3rk2
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFK7Z2OhWy7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnJlisCm21
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bspWsDHwT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PgfgyyrVH
"Really?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPUFIa8gPO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuIaN5Xozs
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1DckJZNgI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiJUVRpky9
"What do you mean 'really'?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjPH7ZP3HV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6yhDTK49Q
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6gKOEZsCl
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaXZRbVwNO
"--!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTl6O9eQWD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVs6gbf6WZ
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbI1gpuph4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dds4axh46
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0SaiXrDbH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tLOVjTLpx
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdXzhmzioZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21SHEubefx
**SMASH**197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZodn3V2i2t
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveDYBO4yDv
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMihoblkcci
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UUnPpDXKC
My jaw dropped yet again.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPOvbhycNC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN07jn6ltmD
"ROY!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi54n5GGNn4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqY20HjZeL
–
–
–
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHsBFFtgct
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCXGC9rXP5
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuAUQfELii
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiN2z8KZRB
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeTmK21NrF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidnCgDdoSU
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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvPivVz72n
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWX5f9XK90
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoiBijGjfO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqZ0w4EU2F
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76MhEevr2P
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7T92VuuAo
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XWan1Bm0Z
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKMFIiBAU8
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoCA3I3SdN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsoeevHdIV
"R-Right."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFDhe0KdrM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wzoI7qWjo
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoQ5nBAoYX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfk5ObbV2X
"Ack!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlezzEbrG9x
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSf9o9YKuv
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYb7sRJtCpT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY8Eh5yIHG
"F-Flinty, what was–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoOqBWU3du
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WXMSMVdiM
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNBFse5T2F
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZkLqpRw9d
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXYM9wIT8a
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtORmMROfjd
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCxetpAG91
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jIs27N5Jg
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUPe8U1EzN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubXIPCZHe7
"No, I'm not just saying it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqYPOMAZr9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZqWUuhpLU
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9y6HPPKDF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vdl4zPMKR
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStX66xqHih
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYQJozqjb8
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcyUhJCPqE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKjlbHrh4E
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJRWqOxG5U
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1jbsrowc1
"I–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVesFQEiPK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGIUXfdT7x
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9STGHemwh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk7sbbtKJg
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L8g3HJ82v
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTPDqlTF5D
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDI2PaeYhI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNZzOn6ENM
And yet...197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNYX7ezMKS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrDhImdeaL
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjzsVoRJ2W
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN64TBqIhB
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsr4CtNVPB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrMFqAjOWx
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4h5xbev9Va
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR3GIgOIpy
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OAT2gnqdH
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz4raPmXmf
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDzjdoNkIW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelC4qMRojp
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhw0l44jFv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyhoxoxphS
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k9A1BxXys
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ0J3HTcHC
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9diK4JZ4L
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8ATFrwPHS
"O-Okay."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbszuMPhV3n
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRrvu7yZ1Q
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn2OOs8nmM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkV4TddjzG3
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINNkWD6LWu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AtBbwdRhg
"Okay okay, fine."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnkShffofm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajwPcZNjJc
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxPTXfW1Ia
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQx4xqgwz5
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGVKsPXuan
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kPYFLgidw
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vXJ6pJDy3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIM3ZpAuqc
–
–
–
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxLY8VBl6S
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg789q7fXQZ
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4BPahitng
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcvq7VLTVp
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbJ7yh7Pii
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ617kbmlGcJ
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglRnDpt6ht
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeug5T2yve
"Huh...? What did you say?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb14KLA0GxM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj0IgNz9B6
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKdTIcCuCt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkBJhcLQXA
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ODlrcG8Bf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCDY9HUa3P
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9FXNcc42v
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9jDpYJXfj
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpzBHIzwjh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI2ATAjYzX
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLk2079S0q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh4J9oKOt2
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjywEHyr4j
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqXe38rYrf
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIWp4NybhG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd33ZaNSsn6
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMBLx1ny8Y
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPLxkz2wNJ
"Note?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp1X6YTuh1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUjMG9ub4r
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D1fntRoG3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryfGII2YyR
"What does it say?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aqMhxVBbI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3uZ6MG6ca
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqL78yKMwI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezRwkYRZRq
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28U7Fw96NK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2OoA5lKtr
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbOd2kfxCA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaVhBQ24hB
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcci9QcHgzV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpKcBrgZna
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYWdk18LCY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHq5pRDXIB
Juke sighed and put the paper away.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELJ2YBkzPD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBlWJwrKjO
"So, how's about a story?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCqQQognj3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurdgyoScSL
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXBRrqJY5H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIammG8gBx
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGeOZlnnFX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2hY07ugbO
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNiNMV8WZ7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf0m9LGJjQ
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA3XtmFAAi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7S371q3et
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgJUfCRZg9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNztdj3rgf
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpXjoBMs1m
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnm2IEu1sM
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr6m0LYRRw
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXvbI5P4Ue
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqSB3ZnOfW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAslSIEAbkh
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaDqd6AIvh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SqTwaqr69
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag7zUvc1Fs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LhJJlFpK0
"Seriously? You have to be lying."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinUPKteeXW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreSfyGE8fR
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5km9Eb4HUx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUT56S5tbd
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9hjnT6KuD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRZxUfwBTp
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4f6Ut47co
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOCPkEsz0F
"Like what?" I asked.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDt4JEz5kS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreJ1ICMFof
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg13SxumTt1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61a7Y7gshQ
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ijlrz2FLh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh9YoESdDg
"...Stardust?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysn9iHEoJi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxNjgkztAn
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6T4cTAC0a
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2b8i2wXeMM
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtQCDwtp86
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMtkxtFStt
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u88cMwL2T
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjT3I1Owi9A
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD8QrXPQAB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8iztoOf0E
"...The what?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRXsDxwLQC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZRUERSmBD
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcKAzvkAou
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zphEDa6Ef
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjz9cRocC0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTU619O8RI
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nlyJRkh5p
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxCIdQE2Jb
"Of course I do!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTBbSKWdDJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFKJ1UDeVC
She pumped her fist.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zUn5TNuqZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQJ0dXqXXF
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHKyMWAnAy
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaycVWn1HaH
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLVcuKYc0G
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPGmO9eM7g
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLIRxsSbpM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FrRoCjVzX
"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–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HKGoWiAP3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv8QDSsukX
"I already know this."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1p8LIbs0cI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhSamgQ2NL
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqWMDiBsAu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqHiSeHRnD
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XjHLEX3MR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsMh1ZQI5S
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSm7OoMXux
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdMzD5Do35
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnrxswRVT4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjXnCrv0IJ
"Eh? Why?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuQt4mLYbs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZWm4Ng7s2
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrij8I1wYLl
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4KSbtSl05
"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–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY5Zgm1jY5
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVs3n94W4bD
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10sjg25HiY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ikXcLaVOI
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLp0ZM84XJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUF3CmNZqi
"That's cuz I met her."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeYi7GLVNh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBj0aiygxt
"WHAT!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUE4apOj1d
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7iEv2J9xO
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SgZhelO6m
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8r9nANDD0
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJEwD4NTp1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXZJSRDzk6
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFmaIIJK1H
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CAX2fl5BX
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKmyHCMQr3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g1SpPgdM5
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoBFwSSJrS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKiULf87mR
"You're kidding."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWUbwXTkkx
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrc1RgJ6MT
He shook his head no.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHcWhNyes0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoVPNMgG0x
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaR07HCi1S
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡad8aMB73LQ
"You're making this up," I said.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIS3cEnfWn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TU5Q5X5ON
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnc7PkhG9u
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwuCQRiQQG
Juke shrugged.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXOKGPEGgJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVyHbu3H4B
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGmjFN0yog
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cpSztkyNi
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxRAC08ZJ2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRctIhUfTip
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b1XTQLiqm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDXREZE85H
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7EF5oddYu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNV3qyKAg7
"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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7prad6BJe8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJimzdXcW7g
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlyVKTnNYA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9bwzRZ3Bf
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTm1Etbspoy
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGut6BsR38l
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx6CS20hb3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoBSBZK1yQ
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BN5opdao1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuaXF3KDjS
She pointed a finger at him.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbTdhCMNiZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2svvSpSIa
"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!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByyoxHPeqR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5fUxKcLjI
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwcwEbpIoV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjmRWZaFAX
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrciYXqx9tb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZTgrRkZ02
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48Vbh4axv8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJogRl9HdP
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0r95qDqXh
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3hkJcOCY7
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ15xmOl5q
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfI793K7SXk
"--Ngh! You guys...!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSw4s91K42
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDDBKJ2UXS
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYzx3GEd8n
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OLzosTVKG
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux081Wz48z
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1egApa5DFd
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UhbxtUsL4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmF1KykPEt
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxZwkKBjPk
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3JDQL8Edt
"Ya look like you have something to say."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqbrIipR7i
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkPhw00Kqs
"W-Well..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD6h0ufmGv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7SFQIZZc0
She turned her head away.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI6BKfBkHa
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76XHJRLRE6
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6OJpUnRH6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7CO5UA6Zl
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtuTwoZQgg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CGh3oufKv
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDkZnOS1GN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2tcCKG8Nj
"Mhm, I told you so."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wBf1kqXRz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn50HnpUVzX
–
–
–
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLC3jtvWdW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaxdZOJenE
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WrfIm1hhF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6wNViwYwF
"...So why am I not getting any?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyC3TRscKf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKEs8aoM2C
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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcu8vVZzat
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1X6E9GIi4
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–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaS4yDFrpG
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf6xM4xASB
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNIRkUP2y0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhZeAGLOt1
"Eh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kl1bsLFh8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOdld6Xlit
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH22cEP55a
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TSZeR1tta
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadavrBQoKN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x1Xyvod3p
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fFmlcwOS2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5soLHRADyC
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JaAvm16kP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjyUMXsiVU
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU1RoMn97W
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCFCQ48LAN
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zWVcFqkLq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tTpeaJewZ
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUfKj1ycdO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWYNhYtLO9
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmDLZMnR5G
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavLYBXcE6o
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIKQILfj7R
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8Z9pSGC0u
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszihZPbIlX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm67iVyDvx
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1EianZAi1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4kUQf07Vs
"A jungle? What elevation?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCq1N9qMsH4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBYwCP3pXP
He shrugged.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipEcEbrtu4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhmlzlpkxE
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzeYmPpox1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWtzWEVRSb
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZqzftM7bj
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWrDwace7Y
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9E2p0Nb6G
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXopE1pJTdi
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl6ypeZVCB
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH5fMvBBn8
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiqvfqtXKI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC3X0DmKKw
"Why?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywEekYOrZZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDDwBPEmBS
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuSp5Xkpm8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6SM4sRzD0
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp9KfUNb6y
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpZQOUWlxF
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91yYOj2QQM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLQYUnHZ1o
"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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbTqNJ5Cds
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6flcvrjRmy
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZUHSwOzUS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHFDne2xxv
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00Tys8Zfux
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIXrg1jqSv
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZybPTmmLHi
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOL04zAgpB
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfs0U24oPl
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqymzcWq27L
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEcmbNXwbK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcuMHezaqX
"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."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaWPMTtRtz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjeIYZi6IM
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg1ZBK2fZt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YhX3k7TOb
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE3ZueW5Xd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY1snreSVk
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszdtkNFNv8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOD1dDoHpm
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJxI2edMkM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczLwW6zIBx
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dUoUO8AdA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9tuRprt0y
"TALBOT!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H3CbJmLUN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj6eo66TxI
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvonYoeYGM
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPrGAo3WLn
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPO9nQ4QCU
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFj6zXpOrp
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTOtbJuehA
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVV5Z3TQGvL
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl0Vwptchp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72OqqsF7U1
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPJ81a60gW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRu05CbMt7
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjShK6ZvMLN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xQdEmIxYv
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wvN5o47dt
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrPvPP7MT8
"Are ya kidding me?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4XcaBhB7d
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5F6R2WYpq
"That's so lame!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ly6z20JNF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3Kc9N0Lrf
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J57t4zZ4p
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU2gtiDwMD
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJhrlj8AWw
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYSS5OTnMC
"What's that supposed to mean?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2uhswUzGS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBoNpFxC9v
"Nothing."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcHxUsYszK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3JVlA0Z1e
She returned to chowing down on her food.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iBShxvT1M
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6heEb9sTZ
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGEdUmHlHJ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdQSg1Jmoi
"Well..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtU0VS4DPu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpuGX23qfq
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJBXT2V79C
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp2iUuwqu4
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbgQ3z9nm4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN410XnHoSy
"...No."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJa4T1wabO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVAf8SQege
"Eh? Why not?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NyBDpMCKR
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI9lnsOxVM
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvJiqFRV9D
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzFgkn58ST
"Huh!? What'd you say?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DzhHJ6AYV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9GTEdR4hz
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEAbexMaGV
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVqEJLLuLR
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAPc8BKOvK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju37PcYJMa
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY7gv2w6Vb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GDtFceJ2K
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt540qpN34
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5irNXeEX5u
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzis6nii6t
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXGuloWxsK
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiGqjisAHN
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNP8T0JMie
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhzIlkBAFu
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1LQiNt6X9
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamnAOiHxA0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwELvgZEzPk
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrWVz4WdgC
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6GIa2hwyI
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDQOoSPd6S
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEfpfSQWwj
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1SWHvpCVP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGAaVhInZ3
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk08QQSxxcI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bPFV0s7SX
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucCpwFSJVd
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2Y3vZl7ro
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaCvPWFcSn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzZUgLYvS5
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYI1C6IRmI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wy4cIx0Fw
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ez3afl5IT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQat6vLU4RJ
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCYS9muQe9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhIOa6nA1o
"Custom design? Well..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOo0l6QTlP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwcrBWgtFV
She turned her head away.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF8MMrqmri
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEuZJIpTWo
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JbPYB97YY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOTY6aCkts
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmj9JCLdF7N
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV29rjvt9Vq
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvAUlXmPl0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2peMRZsk6e
"Oh, this?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCBmOXJuLL
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdIID9fcBw
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N36i2OE7N
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHa0yTuCEt
"I stole it!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMvyDHEdp9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vhlBqIecx
"No surprise."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnJSuY4Bf3
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLmRAtm3Pu
"I ain't surprised."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOczft1SgF7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jT1z1zu0C
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl7cdk0SmE
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOcYBA5m9H
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWNEXZQDx8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5mbAdwHHK
"No."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDuzr5eqRO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncKyyrPljT
"Not really."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyE0HphddQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl6s7FvOax
"Ah... you two are lame!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wwg7lAke0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXwmY1fGb0
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhreQXkpVqc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrRr3WtC00
"..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL31nXgzuVF
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7MlQX6XOa
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZqVNoHSk4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V9QpS0gwW
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cslG6646U
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgelsPBaRXL
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQKG7SvDAg
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJJdB5Wstq
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp5egpfQx0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgwpnd8088
"I-I see... I suppose so."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JTuVFNZX7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY9ao5qZsg
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3Cm8TiGyY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWFxA25vH6
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdjwwIU5dn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1puSgGoNtN
"Did you have to word it that way?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxfxQIz6c1
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUZk1s0BSo
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBEDn5iO71
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncVK0o8oJ5
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYxqRUJAwz
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F1rYAuB4F
"Ya got it, boss."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMWEeiv3dv
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaSURA9dEJ
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXbRoOxDx9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZFb12JEx0
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjXTShrLtO
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPhTsSGNgq
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FAr3Ovszf
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6o65AhZns
"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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI7rCoPkvp
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QwaaXgrBA
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzSJWMSUJX
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZJUf3aW6x
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWknsaJSunD
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90M8PhPm0N
"...Well, alright. What is it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqCsCoMLXs
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR7RQQEd4R
"I... I wanted..."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMyfZIoJqW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNRIR5KZ1a
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rozwxqFH2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDDFUtEqQU
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S9TmoqOa2
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1qWwTEmtm
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbWXRWJEZT
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6OiinJnz3
"Where's this coming from?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIacLLTBjE8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0mJpaQixl
"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?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zbOJh0U2u
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu5u6ZPe7N
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4Fn74tQq6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEYaNHflbY
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByFSdV71n0
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjQ39glFFF
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pZahPEvme
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3doMbcZOHz
In that light–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm26VKLSksa
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxXZE1KRgP
"Alright, apology accepted."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJz2Rn2PoQ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoLWX6j1DV
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEW4tP7FKBZ
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9bduDc12f
"--only on one condition."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq1ec2K4kw
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsrOgmTVYJ
"Eh!?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhH6xc1cgWc
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdg9YsPUgt
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXNMUVs9ZS
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv7nACtVCL
"That's right."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYClYOE6lW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpStfsykGyh
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQYJSWxns6
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL33Qa4UHJx
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0eZvFASGn
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVohV3CRxfK
"He sounds like a priss."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjPTryKm3Z
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn4ycg15W2
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkiTaL0zVq
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49fNO4bM6M
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxm3DMG5Pa
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgnZY72SOK
"Fine, what's your condition?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRLeUEmA4D
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx3A1mnoWU
I pointed a finger at her.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0I1SlRBjB8
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUtzbhtLff
"We need to get along from now on."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfqEcFBJH7
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXk3IDoL7j
"...Huh?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyvOvd7y4f
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMcgEkv0S7
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcfCrSLqjP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLinhFO14bV
"...Ha, that's it?"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SliOCRJMK
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnobOWvxk3c
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXpXTlu04U
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Dmhw9bieb
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzR0yHV0wr
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWx6aHdw97q
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYJUpA5Bvm
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFzXmoehgL
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepNOOgaUd9
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynE3pBfbZ9
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvKUYhbcfY
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RunoN2so4
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa3GLidH52
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0ComrXyx1
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdE3fRvvE6s
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz32snSfXHP
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne7T4hr9ze
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NHEiC1Ink
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZa4ZBcREI
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZS9ZQCHbp
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAaRR0DFzW
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOar94OgTQ
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaO7jTUYOec
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaJ2V68eIm
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHQHD6CDoP
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfFFTTi1NL
"What a weirdo, seriously."197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOpkaZznD4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwQTax2ybv
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIEL3GTsh4
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4LKBjWdnY
–
–
–
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMXIOXvPys
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SvEzcsOPF
"You guys! You gotta see this!"197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIGBVfjexb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg9jqNSjFG
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.197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsneqDFNKpb
197Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXBqVScgBG
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.
