My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWX20o7N7k
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3HYkrnfqB
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQxMhyP1A8
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB47mlBaTw
"Haa..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjluiFmmiXl
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWZN3jCIKj
"Are you okay?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySEvQxHpqW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvhWXh33JM
"Phew. Now I am."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu05uUPfJ7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fd9XwK4Rl
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScHLYwLGgK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehRECgetMJ
"W-What is it?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoJkXKSPlm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ApI7GdTKn
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKpnuICFTM
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbvyHPa45r
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo62mI9sCW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHSqarV3JJ
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUULBbX5eE
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYnX6aAzyu
"Well..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n7sZKMwSZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZEfC7Xnhn
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxIRJgoRuG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKUXDEwoAZ
"Come on, tell me!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4D3KJW8pZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPzvcpexbN
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAQyXeLdp5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPTwxJXWi6
She sighed and shrugged.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ757uANF76m
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wzs6J5b6b
"Are you feeling nervous?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqwBGJcJCv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnqkHALwic
"Of course I am."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23qoRcNVVf
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp34YribYTl
"You shouldn't be."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAlFXQV8Nd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZalxZ6WM1
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2mhrZgojB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf45vR9ssZ
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4b70tQ4PZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrZw1UkUpz
"...What's that supposed to mean?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctnoNh8TLc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFlyVwyPjW
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHaqM6JQyW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJqP7AsaIy
"I think you came here a little too early."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuDBADeEhJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNJNSeFtTB
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvckX45BOtS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrk43rUiKF
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3ivQAZ9IX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwbMT4tpJf
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!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OTpCWuONo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEui7Px0DFY
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkZsJgOgMu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6C2CHRdHn
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXkbzwvYLe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRWNdOERWm
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC5z0XPRg9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMhvbX95Vl
"Aren't you going to say something?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4uyzWfYlz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiiLUTyJ01
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXEKzjQusG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2G58EWW8b1
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgaZpWtMsO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWeI0NgMKK
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAng5AymQhv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIBjxYSt0E
"...I-I still don't believe you."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz80rVwDnyI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEEJJ5lSor
"Are you serious!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2AP2R6JWl
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDnrYawQTp
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgnFWqtuRC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyf8Cdj1s2
"Can I at least have your name?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKxgHB1vVU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5gKrwwUqI
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ86006y9o7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmwIvuN9Nl
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0vtIAI8me
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OPRfCXFdJ
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm6yK7MmBq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdmcPnWJjs
"A-Alright, I won't forget."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qxyyc04Xn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWWzncVxrB
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6PgjM1vwz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZuxwQjZgt
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6pHRAO9Dc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92Nh2haqwl
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65xfabxxDW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyq9M9m3QUL
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vvSgmboGo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWohQBZme6
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYoti7IQ7q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJFpJPOAHR
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbe9CnSUpy
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM2NtGC9YZ
"She's not very nice at all."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysa1fg5mxX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABvYbyeuu2
"I suppose not."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIerPPcfUc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgjuP0uH2z
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJad9OdeT2V
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9VA04so4d
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyVU9tfre1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9BW2shM8r
**SMASH**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPBIxHEA5C
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglxlhbc63Y
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLIMHC5GrY
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM9uouasd8
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6bN9SslV0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCGMI53jI4
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvGCUlgmcX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZj8iMGRLp
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKC8hEPswU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFINc44b5I
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5XBgf61Eh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVahBPSIoAw
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkNBvSmiHC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlS16FuPxs
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r1HYwEWhe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FvJp8keFC
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBQfNalahD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhZ6pUVQyd
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mVNZYjsCI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyiWOQNAUI
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQEvk9LV9z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdugc2seEZ
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmX3o1byh8y
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e2EFIO5NF
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucpGb269HD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sx7NPXVTG
"No, not at all."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15565FDb7y
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlXYfjDHNF
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZaAk0WwoZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeavlZB1SrR
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VD5YSst2m
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QwSIpa8g4
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuF9G6KwSn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA5qHe9KQ0
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu5ACjDfiX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkBbHiRGci
"Is she our teammate?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZPUcmkOHA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGJsnbjvNd
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoPXSvSsC2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HUvBeKAd0
"That so? Lemme test the waters."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdR8Silpuc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJilxFNeHd
"You'll regret it."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkRFU82r4A
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWqeneyPV6
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO5EAgpu9n
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFX2J8qmJW
"...Wait."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjRaveh406
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S7yuFT0Le
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbuAteu7DJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXZSxCTj0I
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgFu9G9BLm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cmMNb9SoB
"A little? Just a little?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1vHQKPA9b
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvWlJMudY6
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeSm93FYVQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDR1usL4MO
"I met her five minutes ago!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbBIYsFzlL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3HPZdRdy5
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC05U8u4bj
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDfzpAo9Uw
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZpDYp8ooL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVVoh4u8KQ
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3frUJFSfES
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYqLUNtu56
"Really?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbvHJeJIIt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18ziAMVTTE
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyTUdLfWHd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZp1nWSTRZw
"What do you mean 'really'?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHNgjWwwji
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayYrm6rskN
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jOZbuoSYh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDRkC9KMRr
"--!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL09UF0Qm2J
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CsbOUXEVn
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUXlhxbeMB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXZSEofwyE
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6IcialQaK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjLPErXAzs
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0KhC2Ap3b
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFilQSozlZ
**SMASH**189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoCuIkXZyU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEbHszZidg
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qIOQCSAs7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmtaIq559i
My jaw dropped yet again.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7bHQAx7bI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C4CBEtgId
"ROY!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuEgGAdIvB
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYli5VlcQt
–
–
–
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSjhoLOuvH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8do0Pxr1M
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgkbPfZiVe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGjAzqKjJd
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyy0TXpEXo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1jZNQHtc6
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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb1ck8yYy2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8bNqyZqPq
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIVnQSbydj
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiwZnkPKRH
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5AsVxwD2Z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJceNRGOGtO
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkbG7h1Cbx
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDdlzCNtPJ
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqBkkqjpvn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdmqosvWon
"R-Right."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcHLf5pAjS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEWnQ6zepo
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmF4Cu0LAh
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTsVT2lXAs
"Ack!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU2gQOKcFT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8yP1HHwE6
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAovlEnbQ9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirOeDk54jT
"F-Flinty, what was–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWchjBQRRt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAONwvB5yXf
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTfo2W5yML
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoqafWs3Px
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxJiH8op8g
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk76aM83kUi
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxd8lQBpmVe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNyPeWr4jZ
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELiDOJfoGC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlPDqZQhY5
"No, I'm not just saying it."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuKXftOd13
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ529nTbAslu
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8ej9oE52s
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x9t4pbJSB
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcHyxhsxp1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1xQpvnrMO
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKmxsPzupT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERRNav4XXf
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgZmIgiLsv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUD1VC1oRK
"I–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5V3g2yhBK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3S8QpxyBZ
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUrFqKeW7P
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDV4GGa79m
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7SL9K2YCV
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqwHvb4BXp
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcW8Ovz36f
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhmD8y1V4w
And yet...189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6mAPqpVfa
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jto3P2GrO
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMAHxrfYII
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfweHt3y0RZ
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA84sQ1fAju
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdw0busGyu
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFL0dfnVfK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEsMf7EarR
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4TPHqG2mP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzi8OLod1Y2
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Nm3fLQSve
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VyafFjRM8
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEXTfxoHbC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIiSUEDGoI
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kkSPCH11b
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYhYXjmX73
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYxpMgAKa2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5qJur0Flu
"O-Okay."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm8WsnRmaj
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS9iXbySvx
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAVLSZXu2g
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYBoPMe8aa
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2cRCA9w19
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmajaWPu0j
"Okay okay, fine."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKpFw7tT97
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyg7lGjPZx
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvC3iHEoPw
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdP73YSdRW
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZGGUuxKhS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhswWsaueaN
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXItICnehF0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXCfGcMSJ3
–
–
–
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PusixiPTl
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMOX9c0H11
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlvrVAR0Zx
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNY1lYpScdT
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVFpNskbr7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt0HSfVc1M
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJlRcVBSDF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFkjlzNunR
"Huh...? What did you say?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMz2e1rXOS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74H9G35nca
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qR2idRyn7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDKF9nhREp
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmczp8MJQ0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SvKhbhsDf
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZUnsDvglC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthK1CVMgOV
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFj7aRrHxaC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35iXDfP0iM
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ99a2pBGOm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDccMxfjB74
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrkrGF2kUJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCtw93hOWC
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PTZXgbgXz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpPAjE3Gv3
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdArILqqies
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh27N68zGL1
"Note?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01k0eKJm2c
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDWP9JejVc
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNHNFk5irY
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJWJFN0K1H
"What does it say?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIJRwIpANb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcpuW7WqJL
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmueuGhe0K
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB9IkWNF4P
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAg6UsX2qN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVpsHFH8QZ
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgSCBjOe3e
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU40C7SY6vK
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n9fILcOGm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0r7PoiVR2
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcKuZuPz29
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QwNQ4n3FA
Juke sighed and put the paper away.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P40VjPb5I
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlz3KyN0WPj
"So, how's about a story?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy3LJe4bma
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJqjW3T1oy
"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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58bSYHbFe5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kfqjx7RiD
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkHw0P9UsC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI5WB7Y2wX
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUThnoiW6W5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoR8lmD9TU
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI81ODgBh01
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUkBx0sVCB
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcde5TUij0K
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFh0z3ity1
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSntAwNCge2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYH5SpUwSQ
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3ohZtQhTR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIteUkmlM5s
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmJkex7ERD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQs90ECqdR
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7k5XunS3z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4KgbTmamn
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IinfQgwTy
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBhw3nZ3HY
"Seriously? You have to be lying."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf48qFxi2s
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8e4ycklrV
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtasPQ2KAYC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrp2g6XLpe
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeNU9yWqIV
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaI4ZTsO4R
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlyb97hlq1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbZFD09J1v
"Like what?" I asked.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88DqsY4WRe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8p3eljOIw
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNwixHxm50
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWtV7kElXB
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4Cfgwl0SC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPz7NduHrED
"...Stardust?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6NXtturVc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEtHUJvxyb
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY38bknM9n3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99qs6TnO1N
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1fQ7tR9lU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLtm2gg4Et
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVPfZOel06
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNQzdUNkhS
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0g2vOyyzl
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalROzaPXFq
"...The what?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOtmzbHfkd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX782rsn2q9
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSQKJLy9K0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNUQFLiDjE
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2uMCuzxeR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKaj4kywA5
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxvQAUhJsy
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRAcV8YMlt
"Of course I do!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvNDIOblK9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHywgCjB1BY
She pumped her fist.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl0eBD8IVO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2HdKb0Vt4
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lLJItKNLr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsATEtvxKM
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBR7tO4QfJo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGTtSHjNo7
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ2CMqJzsJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RnU2DTV1u
"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–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsoukRDdXN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMY6ZQh3zbf
"I already know this."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Sv64jZ1RT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNodHY2NKXx
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOAGBDrDlg
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi05KpX57XI
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnMDN3DlTV
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6of0xlr6E
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5deEWA4Z3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqedC3b4smb
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35bPGcGrOD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzljmjnFcm
"Eh? Why?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g3Qa1AbD5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fdLe6KM4H
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rwiMraKbu
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU26M2ndm0
"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–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HGcHayHk3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9YL2Py44j
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu89TLG2PYt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwff3KaaEfn
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHI6ib1JWD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUfSCts3X4
"That's cuz I met her."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDrQlY8vs4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIhMZ3Q6cw
"WHAT!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH9KlpL4qi
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOYQ1KinJw
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4QdnhzR8K
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOv1IOsxHoH
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9km3BjAjm1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvsNeG04dx
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiEmEiwYWm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZdTMuewWn
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhH3PprOa9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieyTK2rw8C
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VmY7byj4n
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByhG1MyWVY
"You're kidding."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6i41Q51HA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cQIFYHY57
He shook his head no.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ar9P5B9u6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lEh9eCzK4
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdsFcw8jUm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3Kzh6DMzv
"You're making this up," I said.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfGUEzGrWG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VHmL9TfHL
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT1eN8fw7q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoCFpnCzo9
Juke shrugged.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCp2472pRO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnTkoAhh25
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0svHRqG7n
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEafdI1VKcC
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCkgiMseEt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ak2G1WMUK
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8f9TAxxdSL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYRJQK8wHU
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShLLwIW5wL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLm78DcXg8
"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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AiQ8q7lM8
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkPclCTCSx
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9cB5OFG1Q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX21RLQpjg9
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilQuiL8jvG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmWMxwWtvN
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDsXpItMC7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28UUEHndhr
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGUf6vKbqd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSlppGbIQP
She pointed a finger at him.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z376fRv3z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cDgOq6hSj
"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!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIzW7yQws6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHSwz6auLY
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9698N6Ty28
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZuDPTTeV6Q
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uKIdxlAe7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpYcuI9A7e
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1iLaEc8lm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2ezpAeC0E
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUiJxlX3hD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOwtSlHsTc
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXXEtZtUE2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39SIZkPW0g
"--Ngh! You guys...!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbC6rfuS3N
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjrMK6EWid
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmYqiBtZT9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZd3G2I8Wv
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1kbzwXH2c
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZFb00k02S
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmQYxW4vqW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ001f2mbWb
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStoiMwTgKj
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiIGy20HwG
"Ya look like you have something to say."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fPkGNMsuf
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJK7VgLSFR
"W-Well..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWBU9AHukz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVolA9nVtWP
She turned her head away.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMoE053KAq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Q4Ge8ddlL
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0sO6fegbU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAkM35PyN8
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSEKE0bySa
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMgIijzvX6
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tmsDYcfAi
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5IW63ZnOD
"Mhm, I told you so."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5E7QadKyK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB9fAH4meo
–
–
–
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3hPIfDGlT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIzkHqHuTe
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmOU9ezwc6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xTh644Ws2
"...So why am I not getting any?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjmcUUA7qs
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVvL5ByTMB
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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10RxlH6Xcc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4Toyu2kxk
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–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtn5yfQegU
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxry5OgFC4k
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9XRmtA7lN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZg82i4OtCL
"Eh?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfuNFjSVKm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0Prrsz0hR
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPKprIadzJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Qa7rKAvp0
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0C3ONVEPm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarNeKUkIUL
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdAQX3Wfi9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnk6du9Hdae
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6CHhesA9F
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtjoqS1xKC
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPsUAjdvIZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU0oIr4Yv8
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiUvrD91e5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntg45onvQL
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGQebbuWn7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDOnpfdX88
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMb3vkAL12
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Oie50fm3E
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcxdXfcUA0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfKvWV734r
"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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1M3eITg6i
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnIEUvkbgK
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb88ITkGNbO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpKOIIvn2O
"A jungle? What elevation?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZMgzJP7zG
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5EVBIWGmJ
He shrugged.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp5gY6HQuo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeRXFhiRGR
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IVR9BMaXN
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXseM7Qh0uR
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgDjco9vxs
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ug9XxKvHV
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxHxPJBrnz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFdWeCVKqp
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqUOLpBcMv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0XWXpwn1r
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHp7TIsTN8w
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF8PEQu2GR
"Why?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1cLxUQgL4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1K1U73yrN
"..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPZSWo5mUr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsfsgS6mmr
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIzrwvijhm
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWCt2OpDtT
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF16LQgiKnn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANZSoo8v6I
"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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xUSLj1ReC
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWd51kRON1
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBaTd9FjGY
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85fhnCs3HA
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiHk8i4ptK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rait0KIWq
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBC9lgKwbb8
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq23schzXet
"..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgVtMmJlVo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1AtvQVI6N
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLL7SlpyeZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAz1zKHYhuf
"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."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jEuKRXuxq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEmyKpxPh7
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIMOOgiqnd
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDTleUPc5u
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyo1rN5G8W
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1SLw5XMGa
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VcDlvpliA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMa6LpNvkf
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NxesMZ81e
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeBu8kh7X7
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCN0A0zhMe
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4XWOZYGKQ
"TALBOT!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HtXRC7yFA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9alB28La5
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JDk7TpOa8
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xCKObWcjB
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNmV9UNbG4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RsSCIr2c0
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHx4uZ0GDb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDPVFqo0N6
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXm7749a8z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcrZq3FqNX
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVr1vaMOd0t
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYyB9YuSK3
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p2ilxpmuM
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjo47TOkDn
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAIbR8Ri2l
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMCoWNaJGb
"Are ya kidding me?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzODl4lrJs
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30bEr8lNH1
"That's so lame!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAfsrEVgsJ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIloOUkkZ7
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGDG2VsWTS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOFoDzeuMn
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtIICIfciw
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEdIYU9U2M
"What's that supposed to mean?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdMtuyz6Nt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeeOTTfp9L
"Nothing."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDmntvRkN9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwsKlY6UDX
She returned to chowing down on her food.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbYEoM33uc
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuG6zLwwzK
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkx0joUjhZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡya7xFHUNzG
"Well..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lzpNI5yu7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSvAELHFbG
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgl25xkt0r
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC49Mt1Cu5d
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOEyQlNxQl
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8ycu0jLCc
"...No."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwgd2Bj0wZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqft6GyeUB
"Eh? Why not?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTUlOwqvhR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3HJCPzjj7
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOopNGzsdxT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1Dq8CFZll
"Huh!? What'd you say?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCZ4P033d6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsH1f0kZ0FR
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGksXFf4j6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4O4sI5TDs
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzJgKCuG0M
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5y1gxprEB
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtq4CW5AeE
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qZTs526By
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMdSZMc9dq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1tIsAb3MV
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKgZnw4TOo
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKt9W5y9cW
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgSNFOsaAR
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAmdQq1iM0
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59LWpPAsmp
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7oDz3ZgMr
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbG59UDgZaq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhb5HS4pnc
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEeIHxyruW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobnrlSjhc0
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQzgLM50BW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdp2lSlC9o
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgotWpZBvD
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC6jiBuQS5
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FnqTPqveF
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76zIVEe6Yk
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXRNRVIkrS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPQ6GkZ2KO
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF3RpqoxZr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnVm0sxCz8
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMpsZ95WSA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnJ0ewE03u
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVeRHz6QfX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNenLjxSq8V
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Kxsru2zqg
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5giK0FVZH
"Custom design? Well..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ObBKcJrxP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwunMyADmL
She turned her head away.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqjkgrcwFX
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxALtiighqn
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAu5l4A81BW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uFKYWDKqt
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLvbfB2ttK
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jm2t7H44X
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWV5SRugX6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtofXrpVRZ
"Oh, this?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixfg9iYevW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZdgDXQ2Ji
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8HF82soaM
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWwBSonYYr
"I stole it!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbZcf5ehl2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mPIWriAjC
"No surprise."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaDWtmYlqt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0tqLJbRtJ
"I ain't surprised."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjQbQhaQBl
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAsVrZZT9k
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZXguK4Wn5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2mcMjoj74
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xrdP0a7x6
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4gUFlHll4
"No."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69OLR0pj1k
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7R0kzi3xQ
"Not really."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sRyMOJiYO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ6I1YjsJO
"Ah... you two are lame!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5WfarDu2Q
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTdH3TyxPq
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9kuMl8cvW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBSyvAZKQi
"..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWGr8pdWJP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfSl77dwms
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxmQZJPMUE
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR9fPyY0t4
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Is2FzxpQO
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIoU1RnJvo
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjas1AGrEL7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QXilEgtH8
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDhrHE0r4Z
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22pKKdiKdT
"I-I see... I suppose so."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDLs9t3IsS
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTD9M6rgtuk
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMqz0zTC0C
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2hEpZFEiy
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsIn56bfF2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhSwnTLtiR
"Did you have to word it that way?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeBHSptx1v
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bMa9EoVO2
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeODoqie9ug
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV7qlIhLXw
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3rBS9LjTn
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11HxU3N0wf
"Ya got it, boss."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjYlgB7O8H
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHq4jFTm8k
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu35psMA0Q7
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjY4Bhg6xf
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77bOuRori2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGnYxCct2Q
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghypvcHbCb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCPpZJlAfZ
"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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1ALt3ABZv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcrLYpe10T
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2Jyo8QkNz
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3peddeUiIg
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobVeUVza51
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17IBvyz8EL
"...Well, alright. What is it?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHOY8vkpmA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90QT9w8nrg
"I... I wanted..."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYMGfYkiAZ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznIQT1T94B
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Rr070SqIa
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEfZKfsuuQ
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEruadKHcr
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vtRjlcQOa
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDe5k6LTNQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZEevOREan
"Where's this coming from?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxO7lQUqFt
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmqbU4TP4U
"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?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dePAKEw4e
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa3qJDH7yE
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkhFmJoBTq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViC3MMnwGG
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3TzE6uSaL
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqp1rnhvjU
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HHzINToY0
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPw0AMj3T2
In that light–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8QdZdOHHT
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDDcwzoRJa
"Alright, apology accepted."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSMOsytdeQ
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAapnupInjt
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSuZSP4wlP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rGiEK7PMP
"--only on one condition."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMOhTOlkSE
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdTfP1r0wH
"Eh!?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69aoZsHkR9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzptfaRoubt
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzIbuDgF5S
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFOzu6UvNJ
"That's right."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XEae5cmQA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7N7Lf76RPj
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ235KRw9Bwa
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzIJADuvLn
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnRNsiomd3
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vv1tFDllb
"He sounds like a priss."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl7kNHYypW
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNSj08b6hw
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvriEvb0nwH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NWO8n20fA
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaNGMaD31g
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUhMZ8KWgm
"Fine, what's your condition?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlSC4QBOho
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gTNP7fxoc
I pointed a finger at her.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq5BJYdkol
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriHt0gjfgk
"We need to get along from now on."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkdoSj2Q5v
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXIA5J6q43
"...Huh?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4bOKdvZ2i
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0o9xOUy8A
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSZirWots4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqTjld2yK7
"...Ha, that's it?"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH1ygS2PzA
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5vYENKD4V
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi90vFZYWNq
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmCH8869Ay
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDLMFVh0y9
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2I2dKkFeQ
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zI8p6rUfP
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8c6O8CQfx
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN6ltB1hWw
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksrhqYStZM
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iCzHq1pli
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCNCI5wbPC
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FiQwNcRm4
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceAGdk0VC5
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaH2QsrFKH
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XE1XoXDlz
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOqeJjdCu5
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNtuZAMVuU
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtbTQyGOnY
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFKdPRBaWP
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM85MZgp0Nv
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EoYbLPsbg
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasSlNs5jpI
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOFIDE53kz
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMDgWPHmxb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi2FElqiOf
"What a weirdo, seriously."189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeibYtuvI6j
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTxNC79rZQ
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDE6J4pHlb
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3f202Fx8r
–
–
–
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCf5Sl90On
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaXcfiWkPV
"You guys! You gotta see this!"189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm4zL0N2g1
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAZ4kLbz2v
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.189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYise4tSH2
189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pCzP8lsWl
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.
