My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPvrhPrm4a
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAvsPBvqFy
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SFI7VDaqw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnDfVl9rQz
"Haa..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1SQHeIvdm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAfBbp8ZXo
"Are you okay?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LQjrKNU1m
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SEr1js9EG
"Phew. Now I am."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoyHz23Mbj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Qe5SHxWEF
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXVAjAAQGP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ2sBjhjWF
"W-What is it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4yAT70kfB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD2r4Tf0ow
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr3Adalof0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa1W2PBcmL
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6tKW4jKOM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4MRcS7CdY
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hXao7H345
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvvVghFSzk
"Well..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P6A2qwz9c
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4tPo2tDLg
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOdEuiKH55
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xesrWh5OP
"Come on, tell me!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgRs86nUKX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTv8BkjuLj
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduXJDfwk8P
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp47PGBE1HP
She sighed and shrugged.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKI8kVBTRA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQFWCfpA3l
"Are you feeling nervous?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1y85zCyHQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuZev1FLBO
"Of course I am."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc3ZuiitZX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8kfn2W7mU
"You shouldn't be."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy52vsYkCcw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3v2zEk5gDx
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1O29LTw684
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4uEvzp2sH
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1ArlRAqad
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCZnEGzb7Q
"...What's that supposed to mean?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHuHNrWIdJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIPyg5QuqQ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkHNtewPZy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwB3zbs5qnG
"I think you came here a little too early."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOmZOXYFuM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0Z4RERcG7
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlyX8bGlgf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wpHEmJ3j5
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdT26bULwy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6FkWVqfkh
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!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHJ2MDSA5A
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPq4XSwwahu
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9iVatUeN6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnmDpjksBW
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zijVwMcDm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0zhdzGLgQ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggubUVe4jz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYIYtjzCQB
"Aren't you going to say something?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5bq0I3NkB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOkXtsebun
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH5ittSXu8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R84fyDcmN
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni1w0sC3RG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWmN8ZnatC
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLvkYwOjnU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC5rO8mPbt
"...I-I still don't believe you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWfH7XIqtx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX8kNg4e1o
"Are you serious!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnLDbtF8IR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BygbTacEe
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaU0VxqtRK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1kWLvwHqN
"Can I at least have your name?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCCJPKlozz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSo0xf3ap7
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1R7UEOvZOn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTvZiYUv2G
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tiAa0aVTn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeqZyFMjzV
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogVOWcdVmx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNvwgUArjt
"A-Alright, I won't forget."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6WsrctnVP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLJCUnXhWA
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlq4L49GeDL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2URZRzHPOW
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjNcuqPiEh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GzBfrNWyb
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZvcA5p61D
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRIpE8ZQnd
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb77KNWaSCs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VdIe8JP3X
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcOzGGdrW9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejxAR5zD0J
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvvGdGY0Fq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRxJT9RK6N
"She's not very nice at all."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlROiVZ65mm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmAnaatStY
"I suppose not."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliWXydqo9B
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEBAHR05Ea
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyYF9AR8B0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxph5WU5nQ
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHNfMQY517
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z7bBozXSh
**SMASH**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglq3lkVOMh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuqcXSUymX
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JbG6zFYxE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuofLxizHM
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7fyMUrMDg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U6bos3OHz
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD7BA5s3pX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhxggrUkia
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SJH7ZEy41
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdDwroOdPE
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRt885GRF4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqo37uRZoW
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJWzkancHE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dc9QBqD4Y
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlRqPoPEWj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdCe03kETH
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8YZK4Xnbn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30Zg8pSyDi
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wst8xsq4n
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM5qQNLndV
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLitRzhDlhA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tGk7BsJp4
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVav4Y1vDj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtL2zmTin5
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbgfZEFH3K
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQppTShBUm
"No, not at all."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtI959TzSV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOpuXb4j2l
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6j7lsvEH5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yMSsYZe6s
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8aUsUwcry
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2b97YQbTn
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX9EosdbDb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbGWYFvcrr
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhWJWxVYVb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXcEeDtkLl
"Is she our teammate?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeA8gGNF5o
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVR7NOz9zq
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0FUlfghn5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrvuJJ8V6X
"That so? Lemme test the waters."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWWku2xalz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIeHDNUX9k
"You'll regret it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ6hHjglpa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf8sE9F2HA
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv8wmuMqbm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRD14vQZda
"...Wait."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ23CPRyiV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L8Cgh5pTj
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUexheM06V
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawGeVnkMhO
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTMEYs1VYC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeyR3q7Rbz
"A little? Just a little?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwH7oFfe9P
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsjqCRuulZ
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9bftoQQd8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeWOHefdgu
"I met her five minutes ago!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtHgMbtk9A
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6Rm9Ledv6
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC0Hu9syVw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMOyzmHJ3Z
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YmN0tzcPD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYR0mvJQWzC
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNVXQytPdJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZzytnU0Ul
"Really?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcz1WBX5x4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNUI6ZLOuq
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5a6FALFXPa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLUCkKYGN3
"What do you mean 'really'?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LB89lt4UZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBevuOOP3D
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjk6LIDXVzv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ65pTgMSSI
"--!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtHcxfT3om
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOt1sohpJrG
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL8oxbBkkp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5aUvxMWKZ
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbeG08JJuz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDTacUKxWz
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwWuFVRwsr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD99bFXcY1
**SMASH**190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hoghsDnc0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwGkygdelx
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07zqNH0qDb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH3XYU5DtV
My jaw dropped yet again.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0UBSTtnna
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kpmLai6b6
"ROY!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBx9SvNPWt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViwYRRqZYV
–
–
–
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFEH4ee215
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0K1cVqsLuo
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqRy5vX6Ag
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvODnlMvV6
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmp8uf0qkc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoE1iyePHS
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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRUCX2LRkK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLXeqAMl4t
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVO4obecPa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrckOgbV0Jh
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡml54DKlQg6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20pHq3iOYr
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNkTWCedYA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi5wTgDWBJ
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HWfvfFm8o
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzGygXhQeL
"R-Right."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8x3nbays9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2090GwVIbD
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo1l7gQym5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFBW4B1m0G
"Ack!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xMk1BIeRw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmpUcji1Tt
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8lN5Bs7ED
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5kgKciOyG
"F-Flinty, what was–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgm0RwGvJW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBcLosIRJj
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFeE9wHBd1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybXFfwSjTZ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuMv3GNEma
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODenFLuqCi
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjy0bbDOZg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ08vgocJ8q
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZ2bpD1bhm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoAeMi5Ixs
"No, I'm not just saying it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCXVBj5JkT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdPwLQ5gXW
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuOsJP4600
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B5Tb0SHcF
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvZP0hCGnH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3K4Ma4Cte
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA3dSLFYeB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07MhaOZUa5
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡch7VNuHQxa
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sdUOh4Gqr
"I–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JwlQ6pSjg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ANPqMrnpw
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3qtthO45R
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtFQf0UHLw
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8iPNAQGC0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefWYdaVve2
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0MUcfc2K2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mP9Lfjsuo
And yet...190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIa3B4nIP4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xn6dqb3bt
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PdQgElxMV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy5yg2RBoG
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblZmk652WE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c9pL85mjI
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20NS2Nghwf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWY03MUo9w
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvviqzrWK0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JK91QzUsu
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ12gQFcxPp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXwTuc7b1o
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi8rXGTPfT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRKZdrZW9O
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcLMri3ilq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr2otriF64
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jFVFFLNqJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2OsaaIJJE
"O-Okay."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHKi7595lN
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcclhdhEgiQ
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdefNIXAuU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMu3yr2Q3ci
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPBtBTeUx0
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPzRxPMsDg
"Okay okay, fine."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAFHCtPWiE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaEIUun3OS
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtYKOnqhGF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTtK95IA1r
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVfOnbmMMn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO36EfiKEt
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3lssEtWE6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIfHjjSScP
–
–
–
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA31YSvDiA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUGo9C6FVH
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdyfhqRsCP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJoN8o04jf
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiiNVbI88p
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid0Q0G8ZoO
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9WRbDGkjf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS6y5ug87A
"Huh...? What did you say?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7MY0YijZY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz163l8fD6
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEM7UTxXEoq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq6v5evsXp
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1QBafemWZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAmUXoM2FM
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQmkbvl4G4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiVNMQYiMB
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡer0UpWGaD6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEDVSj7hfV
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpTCFdGI8H
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmquBnzeC9W
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJv9LyAh7tX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBQ1qpOhe4
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSdiT8NfAZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSinLM8CIJL
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbCrbZ6wrw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZNGX7HIsV
"Note?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJdERMSmEi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiQOYgV5i6
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFsi4wp67f
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt2Oqktcau
"What does it say?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPL5P0vBLj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1CMIpltWH
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP1M28p7SX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBznlYP4Fw
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVutq7mFlP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AeGhApJkL
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gHRJQpf2b
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFq4Q9OcQyx
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrNjBut0tC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7FTbvAVhE
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaV4tjo9I7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh1rBHNRer
Juke sighed and put the paper away.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzCkqI93s7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97mkHuF5PV
"So, how's about a story?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKlN60nmXG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5USdguZkz
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIp16xmylt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j1Y2MMFev
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S5bfStzfy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSH4RPWh6QY
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprFyd78DlI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K6hhk5xCG
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwQnxLb793
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPQ1haFSf3
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCQ4pZ6KkV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bG82W2FGy
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkwjyrWAap
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVu9T39Rsy
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsKPEEDLGb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w79tmb38w
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvEZWmf1LA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hdyh1ckUw
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2iNmjshWt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbST0VtAfaE
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDN7ejQgZ6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OztxbIVMh
"Seriously? You have to be lying."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo74Xw4rdWL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tb5ndc6x5
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGTqVYngD9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYO7A4FsKJ8
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZV0HDUutfX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKEHpn9gBZ
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKGPgjQRG7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaTpRRg6dP
"Like what?" I asked.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh5oLvcr9v
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1rmOFSCjk
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVhiUZCzIT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr4Y3XBmfT
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtw8UzZYB6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvz60ys8vU
"...Stardust?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWgiU1p07r
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp60f25bFK
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlG0Jjucyy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQnZeDkS9f
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGmxDS7HrP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNvp8N6ybw
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wO6LJWq3p
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDlMhvHf3i
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGVWVxJIjy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xGkxMMikc
"...The what?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoS3fy9Fva
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ6cbXrIN4
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gjArzKEez
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aLj9JeRw9
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj9N8Sdu6N
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfRnvjg9dd
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsYYzKZDgE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgeTaprLjM
"Of course I do!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj2M9sQN04
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nfcV6BRef
She pumped her fist.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH27EnHrnb3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJuKGIGbmz
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazTnQ6M79l
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTogsUTV5A
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqiuonNyA3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTtHigMIuD
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPWlpZmhmM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdMAFtsAG4
"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–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsEj4rFqiC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2Hhvkj5Mx
"I already know this."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9PyT8nD1R
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kmdzIo67v
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFvtMacmai
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcINgPeMmg
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRX22V1aJ9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt631mV4Ob
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpXg2pDOAR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1V5o099hB
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJHka3jzdu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0w5pM5AlA
"Eh? Why?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbn0ekfI4u
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs8sre0GMU
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9Jpug89Nz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5VfrXEeI3
"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–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeC6n3GESZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7auNAtqJyw
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixLE0AWDX8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE2KP76rOU
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULGPdrP3ho
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28GZIwK5pL
"That's cuz I met her."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCkjKSr5YT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN772WjvMRH
"WHAT!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRmTbLDupB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J3TFwA2XU
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzbjTYyvnM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9ySxn7San
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLIndmkPjM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbyK60ARXQ
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK1gHn8gej
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ROpc79WaO
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SVvo0rHwT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxn5Ime7pO
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWroKKmw0hY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlrvaHoUjt
"You're kidding."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBitezLujO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtOINVGpAe
He shook his head no.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVYTowKoew
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9huQDaZ4F
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFAJ036Qct
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0l3jzmEbm
"You're making this up," I said.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHt4Q2ROqw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTUgq4jQIg
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFEnKLt9ON
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKekJMC02e
Juke shrugged.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CvVnI4qjh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSkT7IBdes
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CWt9nL9x8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejB8dIvy5K
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMI9ZPKaes
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOg8dq5ZyX
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQykFQE8TiV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmy8iMcxgM
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg3RrxCugv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUgX8RTp3y
"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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu02vQz1cM9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLjqNGBxNy
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZXyEHCdbH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHE0WZTTm3U
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICKh31uLS9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ0hoTf6kw
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDBIQauf1W
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFj1VftBls
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFHEP4BMUD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpbjgiSfrE
She pointed a finger at him.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJqqCkE0wg
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8VQJMi0Dp
"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!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuJzZqPYv7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF3vgbr9tG
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9MQlK9Boi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ijpEQdFMg
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2pCCv3yhb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfHAzxypKN
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkeUeeXrdU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YwoDGRRnn
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrN27pjrEP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjSfhn01Xp
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8Zn8xqERJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sMeBrddce
"--Ngh! You guys...!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjgfvV7KL3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0IBFS4XoY
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhk4SHwZwV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnyBE5xKqW
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNiHya7s6s
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVHR56RVto
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMM6AQKGFY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG7AiB8aWZ
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQLdMWD5Z2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy2nea3Oei
"Ya look like you have something to say."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyeXtB2RY5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPYNBc5jNG
"W-Well..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFM0wpoTcI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtSXeMFJMx
She turned her head away.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct5Vj8cwPP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0dz7AUM3r
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTOtZGYjXl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQsUhFssOG
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl6PN24sLm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF41iSF5vs4
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMFty2qUTe
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyk8Oq1Rhc
"Mhm, I told you so."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObGkR8fEvK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMsDBJ4IsS
–
–
–
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE4KmBZGki
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUWb3Q8qbf
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWbQUSBpPE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ2R7KtXXH
"...So why am I not getting any?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U9Ky9GVLW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6BYvPnsBt
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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XmWSOKkJ8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogoNXdiAsv
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–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5jQPH627O
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87xMChnuKY
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx62yJNB3uO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv14Jpw83n
"Eh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eWuXzcAso
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3aQ6qydOD
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1qAMHMLDL
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWlz4uPDF8
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwABLa0Usy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonmMZGmnxM
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE0EBBrGih
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicDPjlir8X
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3nKI9znjv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpalMGkUko
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQ3GOd38Lp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJ2A83AOdB
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOloz30YGAV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZi16R5uYs
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dzRQjXVhJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBj0fxe8ol
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPBinJ6CPk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8lXW9cuFN
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwRPKdMD3x
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo5qfw8273
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhlNUFwBwl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8qUOPRAHt
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R66Evzsen
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlepLH1VE7Q
"A jungle? What elevation?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVZtqnxqTp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTXhhz6KmP
He shrugged.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdEHPVawlP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBEL3YvY5Y
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BVLFBmJq9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT04qJAF8B
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJvw2zVGq3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavUv1qzMQ1
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxd1gWMSL98
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwXdN5JxsE
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gVYEMd4dx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbUxqkxdfm
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8HzK9WZEU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5wklPZajI
"Why?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJYGJ1TWl6
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh81Kp52tVQ
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXICDE8nZW
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W8aB5zc2Y
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiDtG0Um5k
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53nFVMB8t0
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKCQAv7Jg9
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiNxItm1UP
"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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnany3Kn8X
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETWxmxYGsy
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADWWCsZzNq
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBmHWUREMa
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQPBVwUUfE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFPg3VdUxS
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI7HOBffqD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvyjb1hqTG
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGJ2ZQtzIw
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOyXBLNQIi
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C4JTgLpR8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTKPOWlmdc
"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."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPRdOMp4MK
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdujWPYFs8c
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TKbvGqQz7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLaKjJ8pQX
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLQGRAiEoC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTLAhjyIVU
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0UPq0whlv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmRJfeJt6J
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfCSk8fVPm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvOaxFRr90
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43pfdr2jCU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJujAgAQbBD
"TALBOT!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiakQR1MnY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH16NEJesY
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ySIsvg0bs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLblOJiwMQ
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V3xDpiF78
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbF73dLHjXQ
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqKo7Ruji2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmiVXuU8U7
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q15QmFCqD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fInPNGUGK
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpbS0bSpPv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexCzOFhAVZ
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wGB0aZfVA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk7xWp1rfs
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7l96bdfaF
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUpBEU5q6F
"Are ya kidding me?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKYAMczUyo
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89UZh1McoQ
"That's so lame!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDrmTPca8b
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiURjBqC6AN
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleiv2awcml
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHVWnDwcSj
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUI2Meb9v3
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeu3kJkpAo
"What's that supposed to mean?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQOtx9OR4X
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0koDJjaCo
"Nothing."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuw4zI8ZEd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXcPpCVXtL
She returned to chowing down on her food.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeazX3AQMh
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27SgMX2oRJ
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlNd9oWPYB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbU95QVeJI
"Well..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj9M4JznKZ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlvlkZCxFv
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODIgclNQ5p
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3Mlv1voWF
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkzCmhHVca
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkGENCLp1V
"...No."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFqoELieH2
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZdtQ4uQPO
"Eh? Why not?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg30LUPACCr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrcziFwKRN
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqbJvk0Vho
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL16qtcqbSJ
"Huh!? What'd you say?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H9mP4AsES
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeX7KOptb9
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyCguV1OGR
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVp2cdvchc
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyVLNoSJKi
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NrDqsyPwV
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1nMqAWwLD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1quXJxl08
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVYyQsCEwA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3xNnOoXwA
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mhY0hXE7n
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOumX7xw8ut
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXsDrvaz5U
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pH60ASNOG
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjpu0VA5Ge
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31Th4wOtR5
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcHPQ9yX3R
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmocghnj0V
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ReaATl6s5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB73Joz9fbS
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrySyV7ENGp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFwdEFRU5Z
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZE425TTNC
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqxnUgoQXm
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0rMH6KH6w
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxt0pG7qA2
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGaC1R78WT
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47WsTlA1Zm
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblBzAhK78N
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEpKkO293r
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr3jDQSe5y
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79SlI2esSX
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXwoXJgE94
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX48dcIjU57
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUR48F1m2a
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztiLj2DoUU
"Custom design? Well..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7HHQYCNCb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23Zqk57yKN
She turned her head away.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f9hCA4QaB
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOP3KBX8dO
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nzXBdE7JG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvmYg3ojjF
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBF168QWCs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8mSm2hQ0B
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sp5OmNJqf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J5Y9NdWMW
"Oh, this?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja8VLIDYvV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkul593wyNf
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGePGhzHvnz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFs47t5en8
"I stole it!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBvLyRzJF4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjSKfEa64n
"No surprise."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdJIQPu3Dk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNHIilWt4x
"I ain't surprised."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9wmgsaguc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7owNoGLM6
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSccZsZr3Is
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fXIenhgrD
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNJCbTLUvl
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgdQXftmR0
"No."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiehK5rsO6T
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72sNrsi9pi
"Not really."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzpXjQwlju
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwTtWftisY
"Ah... you two are lame!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhXGj261HY
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xYnHABMml
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNgJBLOmvr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzU2AQNwsc
"..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXGJEWhQF1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmApEaukm6
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00JLW1DDGS
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRm7uVWBwFj
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Zm3QTz6SQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn0G21qZaj
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIO6V4HHY5
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Gb5mMWLP3
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8ad87av6m
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTXCVGhfjQ
"I-I see... I suppose so."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR1dEmJKCV
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMz21oQPlM
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ILYfwmde8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCl0w1ZZXn
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKAPbIJ4bt
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFV3wpH8ae
"Did you have to word it that way?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDur3yKhZyn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhuCOfFi4v
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOdCyCrlVp
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5lX5VWLKP
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFYpBDITSf
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSohL7OQU4
"Ya got it, boss."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu0hZzGgVb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFb9pRi6cu
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAe4yWlafI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIkiMFUzm4
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIo5PyCNF1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULrrcvqZhm
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrrNQkglqJ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqVOoUjN8f
"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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqktkKr1gGc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtv9G6E4MID
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBMBDh9nQs
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeJllRMVvb
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthpt5c4JmI
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uXy366RIY
"...Well, alright. What is it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lqT5m8eiu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTmMPZGGf4
"I... I wanted..."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVWpUb01Ng
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qSzDIUuA4
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAMHi5GhSv
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW1hZpq36U
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD75LQwB9hn
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQShjJHh79
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDywf9cUwQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzIQYhuV2R
"Where's this coming from?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF2yPZcIYc
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9erpwYx3G
"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?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjj1zsyHVIj
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYgP2VMTDN
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gI2A1FwgM
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDvdfyKsQ5
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlmoJrC0cH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiJnZ1qw9z
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfiGjbtXqlX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiyd4FVXSx
In that light–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZyGezaDOP
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI3kpONRqh
"Alright, apology accepted."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfgb8Jqamz
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEa0OFAUoq
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRfB798REA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPu8c74VBw5
"--only on one condition."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwqD33Q4pA
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKGHWYSndc
"Eh!?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm75IApKJCD
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbwAmPNHwb
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD0vXUd3zQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3BfLOVzkr
"That's right."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Q4v17foX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCycwviKhC8
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFl3RCLGyb
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiQpwCZRPx
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCvvcWyHxk
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisGaAqQT8Q
"He sounds like a priss."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGT50qWQeX
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrE2y0Y9EV
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9Us4tEgr7
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUII9iis2u
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4p75UNiVy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjhK9eVMNo
"Fine, what's your condition?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVegU9edk8g
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByN6W5UpwX
I pointed a finger at her.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgdRDZOXA4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXOGUAi0KG
"We need to get along from now on."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVWRaXw5jH
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50MQobURwk
"...Huh?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4Elf3k7Cm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p0k9QZgRR
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0wG0N8fDu
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD6pV8Blz0
"...Ha, that's it?"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPSTvYQIRQ
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVeLvNVZYr
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK8dQ2jmRy
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVQ4gICHN0
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy5iMeRmkm
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5anUsNNMWy
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvziy8bc57L
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdSed0GwhJ
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy5G6W8kuU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrjdrJ4spz
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvfgvVvxpG
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRPni6JGPn
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKi4S8EDF18
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQXye3xoxm
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxCYPbFIpO
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a58nRnDzI
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAmnYEfwx4
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio9NYBnMCP
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNfazGAmng
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWDbV8bTCj
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYWMUIHkpx
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuob8bylWB
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pnNn5LUdU
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZcl6bSg8H
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp4Vb6j1l8
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vBxuko6Fm
"What a weirdo, seriously."190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7nc3EP7Gr
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbJpW0O8kk
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeIyQxZOSd
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQsTkiD7i6
–
–
–
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrYOgUWkap
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx1SgSDyfH
"You guys! You gotta see this!"190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmGLIqoDS1
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP4bvOlx1a
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.190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVwQvYJdFE
190Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLcnoAbQY7
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.
