My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNq224NPXlP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXqnaYFyF1
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpryyAkz2T
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKlo6Q4YZP
"Haa..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK6c2k28CC
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPndYOUJVDO
"Are you okay?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8C4Fj2dyE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMilAuY8jlF
"Phew. Now I am."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmLy0Re5sW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9uAz3Yjse
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd5LQfk2Uk
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2K5F4wpJk
"W-What is it?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3rYuDeIEP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHjbcLfVRp
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlr3yQJFL2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3aq3r7yXt
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z2Be4DW9x
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYALHNFFDSZ
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO7vA6UjW0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83sAZq0k7d
"Well..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB2NnaLfGN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8KAf5jJTX
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyZ2JsraCZ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtQhGxL7qA
"Come on, tell me!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbjcHC0mI5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CMlcOzqzj
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKld91BFdV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86fZNV6UcQ
She sighed and shrugged.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWhgKGB9mj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCSSyNm5an
"Are you feeling nervous?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh06SWvenu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2PWLdTvvx
"Of course I am."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TmZG1GsvE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQnuLY1aPg
"You shouldn't be."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6XUXgHbr6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9Dm91gD1v
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaVJNTUsLF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKtvOeZNXp
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVkiCkUAGg
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefGRjRPVs5
"...What's that supposed to mean?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRCIvflIEM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylsFOcVWJp
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnooS5X1Y6b
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4l1H4NH1c
"I think you came here a little too early."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPNrNjShV9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TBORgrVHr
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2yaOFAs2E
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZoD3lpjtH
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1baRrzyLVL
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH5HiILuNI
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!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfl9KNCYDr
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuDuxhcXwp
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNZcGp8uBc
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWSgEVQhBK
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBs37ILS23
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJzRKALBqH
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUp6nNwx8l9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKW2Q7wcdfT
"Aren't you going to say something?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2OEp7WKSx
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDqzvGQ4xS
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zZ5XtHL3Y
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8SSxIpdTS
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSxfJxBL8t
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh4hBirjDB
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVBANGIDZM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl7Ofennj4
"...I-I still don't believe you."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ti2MiGGSE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvpYfmdBdi
"Are you serious!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYApA2z06CZ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwI3BLpcoq
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHQD6lBOxY
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH5M54w8Cy
"Can I at least have your name?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNIP8V7kR5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nR04K6dC5
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9ImYkKR2e
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemcQgZ7NSn
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDwOyrOkRW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF72xIoMWx
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeiX5QcsjN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMo5g6qV9I
"A-Alright, I won't forget."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z7tsuxsyF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHsmQM0zPG
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡac8fmgCzxJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DtAqj3Uo9
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN52Ki0YEx
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WrUuSrfp4
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CrQIm0W6p
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8bhKeSbeP
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXIx3wCAAF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4HbX89R1C
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8zWHGwbCh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeezePJdlvQ
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopPaygwuUE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14rbaRcI3G
"She's not very nice at all."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg6MXi8Ykv
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYfO1PcpGk
"I suppose not."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBB42GLde5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrN40jt57q
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu7g1R0Igd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0B6ihJy92
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSyp4fNXY3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhK9LWfbB21
**SMASH**192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQenDOFTE55
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoTjien8OP
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69V7cH6I0m
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRurrItFGk
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjhtL1Xzf3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiorom4JUW
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfyiLZmwgQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrNmZX43HV
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfHuEprqg3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kJI9HsHxV
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLRlwvgf6O
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SuYmfLOlf
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKXMvj1AHI
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOu9L0NX9d
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37LYO545fM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshNzWTDvVl
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQMKYSlUCr
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5pRsqe9Zr
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vSCEbLUGz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrXwkmM1fu
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjbzzujVtJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1AQy6wnKr
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFtZKslvYq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSe5sDQghhu
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDCPhhvpmJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQkAJdTrth
"No, not at all."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64XF9D4GfJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSHqoNhRU0
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAooApr8C8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO8qydNYnO
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1G6EnSp0T
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHFZff3e3o
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSoiFx3FoW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4OOf60Bgm
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVMECt9Yvt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8GE1P2msZ
"Is she our teammate?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt9NvZu23Z
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKeVdcj4Pb
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcR8IRgCQS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT0ZnwD5GI
"That so? Lemme test the waters."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkGZBgEvjD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvj6ULxKGC
"You'll regret it."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZngM0lhzjn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XmjC2D1n9
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtO3M5JCOZ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCreD9CScl
"...Wait."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdwGVv1xgH
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f4n1CZPzp
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yl6FpdODd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR9Rvb5A44
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxSVo2qNs6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVfBzCVH68
"A little? Just a little?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZByGzN7v8S
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLtZLrKM8a
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5GiDaZlyt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dPcCiUijl
"I met her five minutes ago!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvV3BRFwZy
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbklXmPmcQ
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Lu7UK11y5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nAXmW3O2Q
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuph5j62mwj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfePN3Pdk4x
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTw2frjrlE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYHRlSUD6C
"Really?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjbz3qPQ3g
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6AQsICATH
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7HBJyrO8j
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFlKLxGyjQ
"What do you mean 'really'?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6UWbnP79x
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9v8yH6st8d
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f0qXhF5Cf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavKpCb98RM
"--!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVWSCzyf70
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrN6f2Lvrv
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpuvAAYNFV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2ERCdws19
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX5BaP5iX0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLXkzER1sa
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjmCYsaizA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5p3Emfudu
**SMASH**192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKtdqJuCCX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbijWcAyKU4
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6FNVJJ7Z6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCOZffD3VG
My jaw dropped yet again.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlLMIPEHeW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX7WCiprqq
"ROY!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCSWCzusQw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKv9UmyYbz
–
–
–
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfWhVcvNN3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQRBleHX4x
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBcCT3lgSF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH185DR3jR
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7E4tZUHEn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5pFfbCRJW
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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ079VnAumQT
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4L8fekR7h
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV2rSNAuC9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK795NvUVo
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCCp7jlO14
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQr7h6UT2J
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFP8OSaYmG
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cvhZ0ERtP
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDBkMJNObp
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHJPBrTEXh
"R-Right."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhq7WYT0mJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8qmheGgzJ
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–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60Y4wnPiet
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNu4hFLOHS
"Ack!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZVOS3avxm
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQGkXvSfEI
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhERohTZM3O
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn4pmcQvQB
"F-Flinty, what was–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZAn4letMS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡove29MkH5d
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6BHjXCBnp
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ozE0ZROy3
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rJWkrOAvs
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTotGBdr95
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlQeBj33Ll
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE1Q33BStE
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF6kAJkrpd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoqjN85viL
"No, I'm not just saying it."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Izd9hSkA3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuL0NOHIK8
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtQjEbZGcq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpf5WMxmD6
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmqmmmjmyt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOPZHFdVsJ
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3LzKeZb1c
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOkVBiZRVf
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2q1CV8Wqw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdTc4Gq9FK
"I–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFeai6cOy3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GwHBwlx1K
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQNY9FGU5R
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaswXOZrdSG
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIhXaFEtIA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQwhSvIciI
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–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi2nISwuVn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOS6dVGtrcY
And yet...192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaS2rXrUa4
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPrqamEs5j
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3yXr8YqAs
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOZl5SvJu6
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlBVNwWhLo
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqbDsiNqt2
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRndFuX6xDJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLGAtXv7SC
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4eEPN139t
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMDWTlPXWC
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZhHxelnLe
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR865eHzqEg
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMxFjPdsYT
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkap9rBJayq
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVdcVtTjhA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzFwr7f7Zv
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp9JD6d2vU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISoYsUuBgz
"O-Okay."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WNAlO7chI
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBAC5qvvLN
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3adaiFUTpU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB1110ktBD
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEHLtl2ORh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaijVBDdxTd
"Okay okay, fine."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aDL9h1QBL
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNvvcL13kB
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTZNhBlRtJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFWT7TRW1l
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSya2Ey6do
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xSLywKpaX
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFq9IoLHP6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjtpLwDwHi
–
–
–
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljnTWExmE3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PCHPL3A71
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwcS3J55pe
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx50aWsJHuY
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nVECG7U3F
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1w0ZdnD9s
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CGM1XQC97
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWniDZ6Dj6b
"Huh...? What did you say?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31ngPpcUk8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgfmrJ4b5i
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOFofjyzVr
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrISgKbioAX
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh8giOM0Ap
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTgcQQb2d2
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyTXbRsGst
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyckfFpGkFL
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDhzS4zgaV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsRguZovj2
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDFBXTTAoJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah3VAsOgAR
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRS4Nl6krs
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNf3iArXuQ
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFiAM7AYd8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o4p0vptTW
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq4urRNxVY
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiO9MMdekH
"Note?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNchBGG3mth
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3F6TxiOCN
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxY5ywIvL0N
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLVdFEe61g
"What does it say?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQUA3cRSAM
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6ZqHJORm5
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbTHn4JBDS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRWFMOVA61
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdJ748Q9lo
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1sVNgtobR
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglLthvihDD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwjv2OQfJa
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYHLxx4q7e
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYTdUu2kBy
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsCkjldY3S
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ae0eSEYEe
Juke sighed and put the paper away.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzHX4e2WAA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllmqMhY4uV
"So, how's about a story?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYlOoBpwt8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM33mlldeH
"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?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9o6Q53V9ti
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttgy1mSVMe
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKxyVr7oW6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlmzNDm9DS
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ng7Zq4E06
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEqUjYKLdC
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dm0TLTD2B
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ662MkPHbdn
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZPF7c7eBC
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fEBLIu81v
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeo6kjsGx1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hnCNJqoB6
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZH06WyCjd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4wD0LMJlu
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnIC9CRc2u
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpETZc6zbw
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14k2amJGir
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmvNfF0jn9
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg0aEsignQ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlTKkTN5rF
"Seriously? You have to be lying."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vPTP0N1YH
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg03wRbHVnJ
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb3B2nZ8mb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78TKCbrNzy
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N16yfKAwm
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMwUyRvn1d
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmEoV1dKhMa
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXlakVTlMj
"Like what?" I asked.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlyEYkomUc
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ChqbyXWan
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZDlqFnMNV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9tWtTugNi
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIzF4VLbPu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0xJYWdUcj
"...Stardust?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jAHtkjnDB
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr5L0NJDHh
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4zLVI1Muv
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ283Y8uIVlw
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEKt0ZtYu9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6KFuLEuSU
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzto2incgmt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAyRULGCTz
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXtMgb8zHa
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTKjhEWs7q
"...The what?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsZHDQc75C
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxMAzLNxLK
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡja30sP3SKB
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbNk8P4Q6V
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQBldx2Ysb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKn9CtBQnU
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiB8eit2qU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUByHeUsYh9
"Of course I do!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0jAtAI7cP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5v3domU7vy
She pumped her fist.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQaqBybcUz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEZANufVvI
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdJtBp5mB4
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEUOwTks67
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11qNYvrmWV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkKeOR94uw
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBtySNhB5g
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTpPT3yo3y
"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–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2sEuP8Kca
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqORKNoYNms
"I already know this."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn21jvSPaQS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6gNgpcvs7
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApnhrAjhet
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpU4fZua6b
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yzVQI0dZ7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdT5mgqGVQC
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc7cbtlOiG
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwFNYl7B8C
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnhGfShKuL
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVMYnMVpPq
"Eh? Why?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tEuvos3xN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gcVbgRBh0
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM7BOC1q74
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3wzekY3cW
"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–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6h8gHtYDQ3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GSpIuPnEV
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNlZpJ0K5w
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuO3qn6VP6
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuXrLEfjXk
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUphaQ2L5OO
"That's cuz I met her."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYscfP6uvLW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q1vaK3wk9
"WHAT!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztgmUjgPDw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUVpK53oyF
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd2t2tiAmi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq7bvi6tGs
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRqE38eoSj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhzpS2NW48
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkAn1kOaKU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CQZjTbRBQ
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBupZRt5GX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMBjJV4HnD
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vk2Oo2SHw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDYkErYvl3
"You're kidding."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjst4vOWeup
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAwwBWnL88
He shook his head no.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4mjVnmRBG
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNhzBXqk2W
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BKO64BVLm
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5CsN1cGXX
"You're making this up," I said.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyekm4hffqS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FNVKjSJTp
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeBUT8TJIP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygNJKjKZnh
Juke shrugged.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoXoDkrxPN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPOsBivBbw
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0pFVKwPCP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDVOALocPO
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVjwZXmtfg
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJpdwzofii
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9NOqqBLxK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGj0WQjfZi
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZR2L2qLXm
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAT7S0jNao
"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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeDQuNN8RC
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyOtiRp0z4
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lYgBSkB7L
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb37bfE0rB
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28DvETf3Nq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLvrHK9jZ4
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhV8x9HGeD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNHq9cWllS
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nvDEoBrFB
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnGy0PIfCw
She pointed a finger at him.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z9nw0dK4B
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue26Dbvuam
"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!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lvgBdz98s
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDeWREsVTR
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJEN9r6OBb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcwrNGXpez
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw5JGeacc1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxlsP0FVD3
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFY23OMdWq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrsfNFpN7Z
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEbVzEyatT
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaIoIZIRXI
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJWGQWAhF0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRiUK1nNXT
"--Ngh! You guys...!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOhAdiQkIX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqL04MaAKoU
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4NLmGlwuk
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrd0pobmmk
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaHQJDQ4TB
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9bcNoX9it
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocU4jcEIYh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUwg9JBb4i
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmmOc7z55Z
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhuiVZ2Qod
"Ya look like you have something to say."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHk081fmNh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuYoq0RdnK
"W-Well..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD1A9HMFXf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUnpiX14h6
She turned her head away.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxqYlBvMd0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwNimP7sZc
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMxA3a7Rgn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tUALwzxjS
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2trmsi00I
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitqmLLpEa2
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgksBTVeR4D
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQdDPV1gYE
"Mhm, I told you so."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4GVk9R8fF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07LpaSH4lA
–
–
–
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lMXHVakht
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzy3az8a0f
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhDvxV9mJD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuspU1RWD5P
"...So why am I not getting any?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtMU97KR8Q
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvJeRC6noi
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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBndGaY7HG4
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAAkW5kc76
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–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXq1abRNb9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkerVh93iqB
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusTHesVliE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbP9LQVGmH
"Eh?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkUVIstBy6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifYAc6wYFG
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC98kHPMbj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlBMJJSi46
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcccCvq9Jw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNx4Nd045XN
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLIbjA7ikN
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM3FyqQWNj
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57tPqowgxO
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ0RfkB9ze
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxJ3AkZbgq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDcguGYxe6
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLm6A6R1w8
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtrknkNIL9
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0NAydulpy
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLxTXJ7TwW
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0wD8BlIad
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6j0dKjn38
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZtaR8RU6f
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuMQGp2pOw
"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?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2XT5RFphD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBncNp0CTZc
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayHD270mg2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqzTw0Nbg2
"A jungle? What elevation?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7xwKCKU3R
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9ebXYs05n
He shrugged.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFT6sACwIX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GJ3089DR2
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U9DCcn8Mi
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuFZSXY6qA
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PTHnAVk2Q
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UFGZrKriF
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQYJUGdbFPP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J7UjP1uh5
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCeVrBhDG0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc5yvs49fl
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5RZEudkkY
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTbcMhGDte
"Why?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOc6OiexYR
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm0jcRXDTV
"..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rzF1ydoty
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hznDzZpfu
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYnRatLdFr
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp03ae16Ig
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsV8AuJQAg
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUOFZomVqO
"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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdzgWcbLTA
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUaXUuliGC
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a6pzBAET9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqmaToNFqI
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrd7Vxd3fD
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB6bbQxLac
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhUfYWMBcj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16yLCF7q23
"..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYi7hiO6tL
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgscaXlSRPj
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xb6MfuMMl
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZJ5b0ex5b
"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."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxAWIfnY36
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlHM1Zrfcn
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nZ2xUWtQO
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFPdRZqf9J
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo68ArLZxI
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mAajJakCf
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoedkAOTtRV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyprA6auCV
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCwoJAHVu7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmaxrbNFIr
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tHHUd7CuJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu9QTQZthm
"TALBOT!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXysTn8ae9
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKMkT1wOXb
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cfXUzyztO
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1CfML1m3h
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3AAJeVELI
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYeHqkZIWZ
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2g5eUmgaKR
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJCyPfvNsu
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nYbeMdO8U
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6nhKYf45R
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkaasp7GaK
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi4VRq7vMy
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1vhMDzHc3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsYH2ZSH1P
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA22hmShxFj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j0e9a0Lyl
"Are ya kidding me?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYM0OjuL81
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwhpiRZPI2
"That's so lame!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5fB795s5h
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSGsMJxePb
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZdI2XcXLg
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyqd1qWXBd
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0RHZ9Hvli
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiRdAU2LLD
"What's that supposed to mean?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQh1tzpLsm
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt50NaTYYlo
"Nothing."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nBvY6ctsZ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxBI5ZwYjp
She returned to chowing down on her food.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0dgCz6xkkF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcqYCWicBa
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMg2tmMQbx
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YPNg55ZN0
"Well..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0ifA1zZmS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZzEnV6JpH
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0P24ifOhn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSM2B7AOrz
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQFli4yuWz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7ztgcP5UA
"...No."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y9B6bOXA5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSdBJXgESx
"Eh? Why not?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDZUMS3xnd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2e8qiaWeUO
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgaWgFPx71
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0vqp9K3vF
"Huh!? What'd you say?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9wfxuej2Q
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8s4BJAQMz
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFg8egCGWq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffzpKbdKkF
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwoBUfMHmz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsbYKFHR0u
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0VHsdGu78
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWNmIU50CL
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8QTguPTFg
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTdzYuUYNL
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykxSP1ckc0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2OHhfNvAh
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDxZugXBSb
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9ticEPfdk
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHQIFF49O3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlT8icfd0Tj
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIkQQcwwSB
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQUq3wR8FK
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCf6804gFu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViT5C9wePe
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRZ1HARNKn
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2YIzCGiXC
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZycd8wnBt
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSkl3XGV5w
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUoF9YwxWW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavD3Ggfil9
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjVbH5sLsX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8boq7LKtRC
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZWG5LXigT
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm2dsPvYzP
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3MfCTcQGm
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKI6XjhXu9
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgc7ZgEbfB
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrytLtaWV3R
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gjJFfD3Ac
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmTF7CnVhE
"Custom design? Well..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPPHF9Tcdx
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK9wJvZu8X
She turned her head away.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s3pawONnc
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOXf19p9SS
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VbndxhXuy
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7XbA2JTTP
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DlVmCTIvH
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJG3LoYgkEE
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSFL9iH3Ay
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH1cGf4mWY
"Oh, this?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPWfHdE19B
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErqI7XKeHe
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4jQ7fbzOw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH25jIRNyI
"I stole it!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMlb4IkSH0
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepduMenGUD
"No surprise."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6vxsLhuYe
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7FBUIhjjR
"I ain't surprised."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2daIuvgAd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4q4PPHuYP
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgUL0F7A5x
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdEnyPpxuG
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1BShi8TSs
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGopANBzos
"No."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7Bzzu1xuY
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGkyNQsUt3
"Not really."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLBkcRCgHS
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMf6awAgam
"Ah... you two are lame!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUib6K1AcRJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOF7TnZbbo
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvCwP5IStp
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfpDFulIMr
"..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuaUeimnlj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcM24XrKtQ
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2k1Xnii1w
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIKEtfvpOO
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw7VoN91BR
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpInCFH42Z
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzXmMmui55
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhcXxlHEkL
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqaAUz0qY7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Si6eUBaVd
"I-I see... I suppose so."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7sKFQPEpz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSAsHOQ2Xs
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKUkn5Z45g
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCPtfR9M23
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36mwq3aEUF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD7p9mK0nL
"Did you have to word it that way?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡda3iMZLUUX
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9EM1DlHK8
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQumLzOBX4
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO83Pa61An
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZFVkTpABl
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7lgQyuZHv
"Ya got it, boss."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZqgMqGwcd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLNgj1drhW
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUiQ5Eg43z
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXWobhiDWT
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVRzJhlrvO
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetDSHxhVEM
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN2ZBOIWHI
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiTDru2WhQ
"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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H4Yg68Uqw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5mAwEHUM8
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZK9PE7REJ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFxijivvcR
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZma8X9sYIq
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCPaEdw4J9
"...Well, alright. What is it?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6Ra0UM0Uu
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmNMaazqdE
"I... I wanted..."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHlUusD4LU
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNz1ivKwqR
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVygEJS29Qm
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXUnIRSutC
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzbNMV4Zkj
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUP2O0bsxE
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHCKQ3VHb6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU19UXd2et
"Where's this coming from?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBKs0ahHg2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTHEYI3TE8
"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?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRxJPSeUtW
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqRgvZX9y2
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjKkDQj2rc
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzuX9qMGDz
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKGCkpLywE
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStrOkvUpd8
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVgdGZHUcm
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY91ILLSRu
In that light–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAylCJrlea
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJm95Z3rRLt
"Alright, apology accepted."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRbq98fWO3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWtbWvzQbc
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLNqKM4Rqm
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOMq1U1PHs
"--only on one condition."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UaNDmPXO3
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBDLqTH0t9
"Eh!?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyOASW8uc1
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGiDcp6yV9
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIG2zPI51b
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN35T7a6Wx3
"That's right."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlCM6hI8I6
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3t8l3LvVMn
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxw6yQJbXc
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4zI0eROhr
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcK6D2yOFP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu1iXX9vzN
"He sounds like a priss."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwArYCmdXua
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGskJvRptkM
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsWGwzytNF
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8L5ckKiN0
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdLyNjNOsG
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcz21PRZt6
"Fine, what's your condition?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4yCYKn2xo
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCpDSV6ExX
I pointed a finger at her.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhm9Ep9rvP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU87fgOzdSR
"We need to get along from now on."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqUFeTrq9p
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLEh9YU7bH
"...Huh?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqUBSwOXf2
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsNET2kL3n
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1UE6hT8mV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH0VM1lm6V
"...Ha, that's it?"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtqi9ShMWp
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9b2PR7Tl0
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3JODqEX6Q
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebOpYeTHEu
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r6jNtIwdz
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIokHcWZaU
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqtQLxBoNe
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNdzTfBwYZ
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQLG3uYQGw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhOjnnH2SD
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgqVPnxRlh
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmzwtgElvg
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzyqyC8Za7
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1G19tVdZ8
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDUiwngY23
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Wmag0svCl
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjy5BakmMf
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKjTm2DnUg
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCeRmuPxgd
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkH73n7nxX0
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OqLVS3HFI
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnV1Mw8fuL
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3vGtqB2mr
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffsiLJ0F1h
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86C1wuHzUZ
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABPUJibODg
"What a weirdo, seriously."192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHK5K37YM5
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIr8WEySU3
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrZPMvjJMk
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIFWtweRfQ
–
–
–
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGa98BU3eP
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMWYmOAtnC
"You guys! You gotta see this!"192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbB4Ygsndw
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU74kIWAbt
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.192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxljEnBSqkV
192Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxR7tgI0Eo7
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.
