My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeals7MJGg
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5Dddevqav
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVJrnCkbzH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyX2zQBxct
"Haa..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9ERqlkPyc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uu9CMoE0U
"Are you okay?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoV0qOalCu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK17OEYugzq
"Phew. Now I am."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpstcA2QVML
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX80Do3mL6
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHHR5sA1ci
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTky1I3mY7K
"W-What is it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kyf5dTTMJ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RAQTPpfJw
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XSMIJgbKr
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqBaFebumI
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTEDXGHTEu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIJiqzIS7M
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ715LEexpjF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d6W8WZ9W8
"Well..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscdQHLoytu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV62YjqCBPz
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3CRC8fIhJ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8AxBicvVi
"Come on, tell me!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj85LH4X8K
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0IIQOApVu
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqAwiUHwKj
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7j0AWJxRd
She sighed and shrugged.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFTb9DH34X
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BeEpSRljT
"Are you feeling nervous?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSnGiB4OD4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rzX3quZ2s
"Of course I am."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oleYrFtTM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y0ZVJOhEx
"You shouldn't be."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfeiucHbLs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYdtpwEAdO
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TyH2J4Y56
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD1gAs4wpD
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPPMu7csmf
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHndPFAROW1
"...What's that supposed to mean?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnMFIeyVbb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM3Rc6mVqJ
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91kgPSOwRd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEFVK4zEOG
"I think you came here a little too early."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cCZcAxiZ3
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk9m1pjRQG
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98dMwvEO1D
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4Ksy8KCTF
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhAvCfApLF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6RVQqLKYP
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!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs8FNCxRSy
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EDTxlJXFJ
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4pPdA0s4T
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrWweDYASZ
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHL8pc2Z1O
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOuZlmzFZq
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T9y9K3wgW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew4qNuTmcT
"Aren't you going to say something?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbsPp3IRfw
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bgdlZn4Yc
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7bvYr3hlq
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMRa9cz4Si
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpS7misyI1H
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnxDYCTHmo
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2lIviicWl
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupLDiIUp79
"...I-I still don't believe you."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXOPRCG0Ye
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwSS3bL01R
"Are you serious!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM19i7yAjZ1
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjL0aGBrYY
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEncXytwUJp
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXhy6WqAHh
"Can I at least have your name?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xL3B1YPOv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hWaZJ7VGm
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ua8TGq01g
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaslbJwZXh
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NH6DMV9ER
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSay2DX5Zq
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJOCR06t8x
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGlnAKG9a3
"A-Alright, I won't forget."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHEODkYixF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0FryqxcV9
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhqc6vhsJh
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ50lrr4G4
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2ddSwXf1X
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJcb4F8UZZ
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5vswLS5ja
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLLBY8GnG2
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYRNpJiVl0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8pAiwuQ5N
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f24cS161j
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqoI0WRK2L
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbu9lqOpKR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwZxUiC0qN
"She's not very nice at all."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDH8D2FGI3
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9T8JgS5EZ
"I suppose not."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mrlZPQkfB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOBTnV1lbV
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkzJNZnxPY
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGybJDNCgz
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RoPFDmAOa
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvaaA5th8b
**SMASH**188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb7lZsJSKL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pT6jV7mku
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOp770aZNI
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUd5gZVgOtb
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGshXyrFpBH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00fKyRhXiF
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5ijmKRmEN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOISJN0Icj
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jvvjtdUeC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vU0qXwW8B
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEkQ4VL3fA
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzkDZII3hr
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIK15HMBDFC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDCDh9a8UO
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6DQ02fmiB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32oLFU35ur
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoBeCq6LZh
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZsYj2aKZt
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnrWc1RBEy
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelY1JrUuGR
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsgmi5rott
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ae2C0I23s
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCM5yb7Nah
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGKr0pAzkb
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZeNSACX4G
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWBMhXxLkq
"No, not at all."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQPSjW9fvP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9g9nJxaX3
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnskxiQMEbU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9wkiWBoUp
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnS7RhLZsF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1U2HmLhdN
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5orvzTCjlF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqDQaSV6rV
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGYlJmzsVz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKrsnfcces
"Is she our teammate?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxhlUQFujR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshuRILMbbP
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rezQHbcbq
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOF4RxZMEX
"That so? Lemme test the waters."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnQvOKeVCS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFmIsGu6tI
"You'll regret it."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhjUPTJzXb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgXwaXyLjJ
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgxl7CGbZd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mdcklkKFO
"...Wait."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEEV6aOhTV
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimEogmYHs6
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzebVuHub5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX3vmkNbIK
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBbY0wZ3OW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer7HOGBG3E
"A little? Just a little?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydvdQKcMMN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFjmBbC334
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxiqV4ZYcE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtDbSWJM8I
"I met her five minutes ago!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjdk28HJLc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbEp5tzXJg
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnUyu1MZ8O
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflZIHY8iIt
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8Vb9oioAg
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtHDlw2Op7
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VpWwNhawb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQe0WG0CF5
"Really?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0FEgQAOyn
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQfns2nd8C
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42driGVchk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqy21Lt9Vs
"What do you mean 'really'?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLeb01seC6
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVjN8jPWRk
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEiTGJnt21
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRPM2QERXj
"--!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliZIN4rrJs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN55WnW59s
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BhCXsYlA0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc40jo8iAe
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDdOfX7Msk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCYPTyJ3hk
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5F5EEPwiA
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyaKhP6exR
**SMASH**188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeW0xhg4X1
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPsMGZZGkT
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaqxAwRao0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1fSOZx3dS
My jaw dropped yet again.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrvjTIMseB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXpBqJ1hgD
"ROY!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLvu8UIDgW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzmA14Euxs
–
–
–
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK6rgZG6rO
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBQWSDk8sS
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TIfoM1rRr
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7BKe1JbyP
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7tPYsLklV
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiroKjrnil
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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFQY4h9s7A
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyM3wzbA2X
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWl4M8b6Dm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAgFfIeaEb
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n78oWJDnE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1z4BkvGxS
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSJkuIo1Q4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQqe7XmV9b
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXAtQws5ph
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHublKVGtL
"R-Right."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3Jsn2Mf8R
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb1Dx1DBPt
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–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAkiDvbVuF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFa7q4xTNaw
"Ack!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazoXPnVpTv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNtmfbn0RP
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcrFlFc8xv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxTiuslEBd
"F-Flinty, what was–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PpZs3rLN7
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxe6GSkQZ7
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHOq4xZOqN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9KfCCqBVK
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehDbCa2Gd7
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0luM4MsmJ
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9txcwpp69
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYveFVGbHEp
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR1Q565PYW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKgGRPmqJq
"No, I'm not just saying it."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft9WoVI4DY
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrAonSq8AN
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDx2RltXZfd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFahzTngy5j
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQ1EhO4xKf
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoN3XgPqkv
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG0LQ05EhT
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2IRHL4NnP
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6tVNiYs8Q
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRL989RZj4
"I–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fbPzqgyqS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LzE3Gib7l
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmwaKxhGv4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkSAcIdSvV
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVRZMtWidi
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TJFnMl6y3
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–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ237mkKbedZ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfgem6mIAs
And yet...188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxy4rcplDh
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRgvaCXPwl
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaYzymzKtl
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoh6vSpqZR
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePHD89e46p
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GZWKGwwcX
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6KV8vqZlM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tPGdhXaCq
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxfc7D3s7h
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT6p5vfPjY
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1a7ULXadA
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsWzpIBevw
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ajsgGiXOX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VSQrqOIvc
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui5nx4i9vs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvp7vMvVn6
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBLkWSld22
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevTCNVnHr8
"O-Okay."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZFRgv9ypl
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqenQSxKek
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGpgdLtSxF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZLRBjMEUV
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg9IOYffSX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY7jyoycwV
"Okay okay, fine."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA46zdRkUy
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD3gzXNNey
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg8U7nYPut
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWzBkFwYgq
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB11cQ8xPvC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96Zbl8bEfo
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWj8XS7zOD
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFngLZVAFQ1
–
–
–
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg9Fg1fWGL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d9jjjc0Xl
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq0VgKmLAf
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZ5ad4hVSb
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrduRdihAvP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWVe9OV8qi
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlcbNU7U0j
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMed8QPnJ9
"Huh...? What did you say?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECjM60Z9IC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXqpCCw7No
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyAhSy1ASU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ8qHd7yMa
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2UtXTrwj2
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW8t9GtXCK
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkJnkFl4am
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEjwDYcqdL
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCkkF5jtaH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVa5BbHTcF
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBejhD3O0KJ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMa3w7rrXO
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf37RU2RWjF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFK7o6o87y
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik7TjjecLv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P2fqUahOF
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYqsW9isWZ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbHAJXXAMT
"Note?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDjJkPl3ix
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3YTOIgvRV
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEZYG0WN6x
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7EX64qeQ9
"What does it say?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwTgJHwxAY
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeKXDM90ua
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl52XVmOdr
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bfer8LTNg
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6WSEQU22W
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PWTpBweCv
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5i9UQhePz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRYU4XIIHj
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyFUdJPKr3
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyx1HwmT6Kt
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9gM4nBsMI
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQUhLwpNhn
Juke sighed and put the paper away.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEHCE7J0Qm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxaNTAYkYt
"So, how's about a story?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6W4pBvsB0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJXF5cTTuI
"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?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMT4hCvIXn
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicqMQhgO9O
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkxvoZdnJu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF5m1P6XPL
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FsMyCI1et
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QP4rveXSv
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7rrHGs0i8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2Kr1JVC0y
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw4FGcVCXS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08kUX3uClG
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwsajpalcG
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qQWtFQIfS
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOON65M6rqj
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TLCmrIJis
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaZ1qdFzCj
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aATV4iec7
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxZVpZ4RZT
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhauPDyzlf
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofGBGgAuzz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfUArRUzrK
"Seriously? You have to be lying."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gXM5UKPNL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBug9bHnsFh
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNdy9317HW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqNEVJIYTB
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cwZw7JuuC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsBs6HbDay
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN5yNDGG7v
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII8jZJItLX
"Like what?" I asked.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBPbo71A24
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QgO8hlW98
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKogTMorUR5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLek804YuXc
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDAXsKSIkN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLkXkAQLfD
"...Stardust?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBbRsmbjL8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNxmPaSsjg
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnqnukbyBg
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20C1y8WSGn
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w1imSCc1j
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw8DPMaQS8
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunNZrutM9V
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHsHvCWVVg
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWvuv9UtWf
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6YEyiounY
"...The what?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35kUI3gTnu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekcCUVS4Sn
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YxpVXk9WR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EXhOY4RNs
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OYQSbpFUQ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7EBoTZZdJ
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjoWO4L2W4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40MPAvWcGh
"Of course I do!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vBZicylhc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbt10G1edP7
She pumped her fist.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V5Tk286I9
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq1sQ9qTpC
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtMZO1DgVK
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuRyw5rRh4
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wb7tPreNf
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHF0Vg6BHN
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCMi129tgs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm8XKDBzi6
"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–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxi0oKMFSa8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYntzR2bCTf
"I already know this."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBB5k0jAfp
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PRB9VUt3s
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ120QtvOlXj
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrN85WASyo
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ452zUnuReL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcMEbLAs0d
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnwNecXozE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDekvtAUNdY
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRa3hY3FYvI
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6iTclz6yf
"Eh? Why?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg80kLRQRGO
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABztUGJukG
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ri9EyC065
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfd20vq5Pjp
"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–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoIroB4FPW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGdA5cj10L
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC435ph71Tw
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEFV0RC1Jl
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3SM0BNcUS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFb9IuGXmq
"That's cuz I met her."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZtBGXCsE5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PkXIh7AbF
"WHAT!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf3SaAxdMC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K5GC4YC8v
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IWSUDc1jz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5XefVJyws
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiletCq8E4h
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rGQLCX0Y3
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7k4avk3tTH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp2aShPaXN
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1NDTSVbKZ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZsSNljBqQ
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgjqxUHIG5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0E5YsvDGD
"You're kidding."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3RslxP4aU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcMifB5dC4
He shook his head no.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiDAnsEX2G
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB3sCMoX0p
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNwMy8CoWE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQRpLRVpdr
"You're making this up," I said.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yOQM5Kkgz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQDjUSPt6y
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb9h9ndqLM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlZ1wa5Ffv
Juke shrugged.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeTBiUalmd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg8iCpUGlj
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFXOQok7JP
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTWpkm4uj4
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7gJHoNXBB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8s1JGi3Nz
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2MfaKEOKh
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpQyT9SMEZ
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaCbi9vdHc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ860FH1BmvA
"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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXHOBb1UJW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTefHSf5R78
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dYul6Pcfo
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KluDMYtsK
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UzJh5SFoJ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BcSsI6K6C
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UMULsURtw
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYksw2SMU9
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9PfJYG3IA
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wwRn17WjM
She pointed a finger at him.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS0MGgHokG
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPWXZDDscU
"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!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO7EgXrNp7
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEObBq7tuR
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Kc2uDsuX0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0ObaN32nr
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikpbUHtyy8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjpqnyDY58
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZT67UgKlo
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0uUDSVJfw
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2teOQomTWm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALHFHvAFlF
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3z5yzjutk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jSM6fRGUH
"--Ngh! You guys...!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YGHitdbBa
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONGTmTMQ9l
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3b841Daeyb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2caIZdR407
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDSkvkciuo
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKjZWDXsnf
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9bLxg3ijC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAuR23exQg
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG5ULY99iu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxpBP5kXyX
"Ya look like you have something to say."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4rKh01ICM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc2fJu2LTI
"W-Well..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoVdewLrSb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWsRE7M0Zo
She turned her head away.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDFLeaWnLa
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRHZkiFm2X
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegBJsOB5zW
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8BatTSDwh
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJ6UcgY0tf
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwJp9ZYz2I
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mpRjZzSGo
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYllRtf1UDv
"Mhm, I told you so."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3nVIQObUY
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cm9Lzs1bd
–
–
–
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9FzCL7KNs
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaD1zuPu6Q
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fn41LTf0H
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiz5QVnf9b
"...So why am I not getting any?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjRPduCwtF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBgqYM1Nod
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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIHJtCdY1D
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1sCY49D3x
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–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6er12IQvgz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBpDD8HzYa
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8HpvSmOdX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfz6MAnHpT
"Eh?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwnFb8vRWd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC9tSCzZQz
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2OOrKZLq4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy99zwSzJur
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWKjxTizTH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KK46wg4OE
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqhCXcEHhb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIehjQVFeE
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74QVLMNB4S
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7PjAqOyGB
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg5JSNW7KQ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRwuVSU2Dv
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTq03A7nKR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO0paHdHIp
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tlR5Q6EN0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU0trn5qdP
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHzuJOG278
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNHs5Wmfaf
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBguf62AgZ5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1yjlizHMd
"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?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQmT6LG3Vy
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKqgb46uR2
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k0HSO9BqE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhAXvu3x1Z
"A jungle? What elevation?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VGTEpChpk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApXUEx6OQ5
He shrugged.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK3bvslHGK
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDgNHUrUIQ
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrZRTJzaJg
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Wy2AJwIId
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVSys6msRM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfYdsmfk6c
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUMCcodE0B
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv60quFgdan
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwhhLYgRIG
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiljiJtbhdT
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhL7w3v12ba
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuz355Wfoh
"Why?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxUR56ymms
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshgLbXJFDX
"..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYx1nzkDMi
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6PHsf7ZAW
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGn8SOycqv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGAAheoJaA
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQExBVBtpKb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNO2NJYBxST
"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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrMOyiW9XN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3vWCmtaVI
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHQOCuQdCk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff87cPdC1E
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YHujL0dFX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexroDjAPxG
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXeutinuIZ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXDz0YK7fg
"..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd4ckk3pGM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG49Cd7XjS
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UyKYfkoYb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlieQ3z2ipo
"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."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtfgNrQPyt
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv2AR8VHtC
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzFRmLK4tH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjmnSEzBl1
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoHZVzatbd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsdQupH40I
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGEICkHWmA
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwpwaq0kFi
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGeDf9H5Kd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoTiAutzVO
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdPLmALQ85
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxaolfM4rt
"TALBOT!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7xQWwwG5n
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAAh656YDf
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ2KlYOQTT
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCRFo1LDm6
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZiD20I0Cu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CbVo720t2
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCSxUE3f5j
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZzTYxdUTZ
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3pEWEYjSn
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FJz2jdnbZ
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMPI19r90x
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Rgcdavk5
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc54iqXxpX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHW3bG3bE7
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegr2W0WxNS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUItb6jwVP1
"Are ya kidding me?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaH9S1LBWlk
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3ekc7XDn7
"That's so lame!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZIvfUJxFh
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Rzv06qJp1
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfidKciKp0d
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46UvA23dvH
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0A2U2GmCT2
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkatfxftRh
"What's that supposed to mean?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiNclVHwuO
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtCZx4C326
"Nothing."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA0yCPeqrX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAMeHs8lh0
She returned to chowing down on her food.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQm47Y0vZc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzYyszzKE6
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKdJzQXQV9
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRdUALqjbw
"Well..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWYzzvA9ie
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzX7FixZJZ
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5rKElzMPC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoVt8Zbe1R
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbmEi20z9e
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3O6fB5eFO
"...No."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqCRfJsmJb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbPMoJwtKh
"Eh? Why not?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoWJ6HGRt3
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LaiBJVtgW
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8HIoWSmJb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LUniQ4Oxr
"Huh!? What'd you say?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5yJ75AZYc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIhCpMh78A
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmxjnWgWQr
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb84yyfTqt
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8qve9dnLg
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIRO1nTYyg
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtciMc51wF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOJWXznbN7
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBQj7Zgk25
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OUTMKeycu
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pFxgR7oh6
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyBYLonnvp
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqZIoRijGv
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pde0ymcUX
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeh8uvVpLT
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡporai101xQ
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQilnZyRNDh
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh4ZhRvxYl
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPWlhe3dXr
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbuSokaQW4
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdJ6KtK5dH
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrniY7W9Nr
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gBbFRs7ZE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzkRK4bvll
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARZuVQnTr8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI0P3ZOc6d
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy43CFHozPF
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwAF2N6DSm
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF3VWI26L1
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9870F5JxgB
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgXMyeISrh
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZ3FzzsuUc
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabYJGW3nG7
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPndUJoEZ6E
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YUaYoBFQZ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoVYbso4Si
"Custom design? Well..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUVQ7FBm5M
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzh3I5NVHt
She turned her head away.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWpIZWsc0c
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet2n9ylt9m
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yw5qOf8jR
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRU2gWT8ka
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNv7R9SILJ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQd0JsMRC8
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEFkTCYnUS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH8ZbwfxlT
"Oh, this?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KaF2Vtkwz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eQ5Ko7nWA
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIGweD1rW8
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22dCZAXcRp
"I stole it!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PSeIsX22B
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQdB9Zi5AH
"No surprise."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupdZWSQXES
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C2FNZCHoW
"I ain't surprised."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjslJOisFu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMhxDZks3s
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9IG3qOvlU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVY8wygQewR
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jkd2W7tY1
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDH6bBoOQV
"No."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXUMzVcgIN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmc9qbEFgJ
"Not really."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhe6CUbmDTL
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c274Ay6Zn
"Ah... you two are lame!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxP6QsdGTl
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjkNyoHNqC
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1JTVc6i0g
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40852RNPSx
"..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVrDMDIIae
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYqeacxoQU
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkg0Wvda5U
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJny1Os4zQ
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6g5sOMCcB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR4G1GVYB7
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXiPSJZORI
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEDhl0Zsdc
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyap8uAUpNu
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yqKdV9yla
"I-I see... I suppose so."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImjWXYp3Tw
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKGsP4XlGu
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgVK6qWsst
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPSiVk3uA5
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXFoZcolVO
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GQuScP3Xr
"Did you have to word it that way?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq4qpde68i
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG59c8HGTyd
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabjQpixqTE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNKFKtrpkz
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb15RHrcZAB
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXnz2ADyQN
"Ya got it, boss."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqraKJGZYl
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEayq3tBfl
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKY4i58xsl
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLK9IvUb1iY
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcN6A8RPAe
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbGivSJjwY
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY6eIz3Gos
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTf4a5qbyCG
"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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fTg7vF5dU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKFmgpdq8F
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BCLxabm3I
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUlroqP5C8
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE44LBoEt8T
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYuXVPB38T
"...Well, alright. What is it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHQigRxd46
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZX0ilEWY2
"I... I wanted..."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPccgtot7sK
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BCMComwyi
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgHP5BgV6q
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKYPGMH9cH
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXaza6JZ53
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhjwcwJZrE
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21xIqVwIT0
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBwX0ZPey9
"Where's this coming from?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjFP6850gt
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsaAGrOYmd
"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?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxBXUJJqJD
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyJPJBMDN3
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWyxlE52C6
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjJbp3F5v5
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF2QzggnFA
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXs6OLOL0h
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwcdf6Xd7Q
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaArl2Q7UQ2
In that light–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iawbVDJXb
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePIZGhFBcv
"Alright, apology accepted."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklRptXIQke
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDcsRqBnPc
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqy2xjPjkX
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SDxNxrecG
"--only on one condition."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGR6lI7pD5
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYui7KFVQsP
"Eh!?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCUvwYoPym
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cenr29nqs
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBXQ00PO9k
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFQ5Rbw43O
"That's right."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP3xzrGodo
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVvFe0o9bt
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLlFhtNSfK
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrquByzM3K
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1tGvuXvC4
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gc4096nfB
"He sounds like a priss."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaqC9wg1pK
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6JtYuWGWJ
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpMRqDv3VN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkqpKerzz7
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19IuFcteqZ
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeZP6XALi9
"Fine, what's your condition?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg6faQYmg2
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMttdHGqLf
I pointed a finger at her.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzgko0iUGS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRKwh7gyjR
"We need to get along from now on."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy7BITQY3A
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwym5H3QXhk
"...Huh?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbWGsOR8ja
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWXdZLHH6p
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGRTvXGa3m
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlCMTsTzuV
"...Ha, that's it?"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rNr1cTFLI
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QHQh0YinV
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxiRTfGDwU
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoElblKJy7G
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVIvqiJSPd
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZ0D0eSsO3
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8W9Fgii2d
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YTgPhx8A9
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgdkzU9RZp
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY8tfvNxRF
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRdv1zDZFM
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwio4ta7BFL
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsBzD6EeyS
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfQPuMcfMS
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0oGopiu4B
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtec14XenQD
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKm6yj6KKz
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbVC6Ue7MN
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7Y6k0tHnC
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAkK7edXjQ
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESxFK2UGsV
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8wwvgfpzC
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmad2WufYN
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRJxYAigd3
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8hqTFwKQE
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vNP4TbNvn
"What a weirdo, seriously."188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNXIayDA1q
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDgaV17OsU
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUqwSTrSXt
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6KrTOqTrL
–
–
–
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyvIM4WtJm
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY2MqeviyW
"You guys! You gotta see this!"188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUklm7yymc
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1MUTd0ZCy
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOekoJCOWRG
188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvupBh8PCw6
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.
