My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgBubiwH9d
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuEzjQheqr
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP1pPy6wMv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqhUNYaDwi
"Haa..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2uJMCU78W
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUpe7Yw1Po
"Are you okay?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kbq3EGsXJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdhYroIvMB
"Phew. Now I am."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawNcV6TKET
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxQxBOiCwU
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrkBRipA5l
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrjvtmmU8C
"W-What is it?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iBxYUDItD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRGfEHY6Hp
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZc2Yw4jQR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5w7pTY2byx
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCB8ZiQQ3X
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRho9rN574J
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eCy2LHCeJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJvPalkOCd
"Well..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFKF9uSWpO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRgUwP4Lqh
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsFv3BeBBI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PO8G31O44
"Come on, tell me!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkjs61RVbJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqEEC324bq
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BBa36vmT5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdc6ncLx5N
She sighed and shrugged.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhiOzYFNEj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28LhCMF0SQ
"Are you feeling nervous?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHaQCRnFbj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX27Z5Pw2YY
"Of course I am."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvM8lg2eCv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSnpkvfFix
"You shouldn't be."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b0U8pJqe7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozzjJdwbq2
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvNibpnZyn
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCkQumWx6K
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLQIFES3tn
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE8DujGL3P
"...What's that supposed to mean?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwC2lCzVYZC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78oN6PtPKp
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBS8KI7BDV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGkFuWlpf0
"I think you came here a little too early."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOux2d4saA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf606IxzWV
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMZDVVvE0H
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XPc9ySTWa
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJkiFujCc8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVavatXEZF
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!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h0FyrP8Mo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiCdfuEULx
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCoTXtqVQS
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaonLguADxg
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jGFbB1t6R
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITwXPV0RCo
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEnKZUEHS4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRqJJwGLNt
"Aren't you going to say something?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv78AEzPsOu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSWFudBGg6
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0jCXQvz83
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZfZihj7k0
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY5j5YartD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvRV9j5DdP
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtEEToEyEq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNO9f6jRTt
"...I-I still don't believe you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyooi1lzCaT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfOMowrCmk
"Are you serious!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRFs9wuevh
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRAwpYpVp5
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa86PpYIp1D
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iqTQbBnJW
"Can I at least have your name?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw39ZdiTjGr
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe1O0r6RfK
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6YxVRwejS
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ry2dFD3Au
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEQK6DZQqv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGN6W7rfhC
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MA2bNMjGj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXX8j1W3BIo
"A-Alright, I won't forget."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhY841AnBr
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzD7sZ9wWQ
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10gdUdKeKf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHJ6gUGi23
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5xR8BFp4L
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5SVs6vnVi
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBZ8lUQapP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocBHl7lJWB
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGhkQQiYmE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5teLRmoSjU
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjPcX4wWcG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd5XmQvdY7
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw03E4tAyi
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXOpEUOiHZ
"She's not very nice at all."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2NG5aXKpZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxaCvY6A1d
"I suppose not."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqjCS1Nmw6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1lu92RTkd
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oIf03F8Wu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVjjDMJhfV
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi88Ka2brRi
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA5KtCbdlW
**SMASH**158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgl5LVfXQA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0opIhAr9lJ
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJN8UjuR0p
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWG7a8dqFa
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCGo36Gcqg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkgFJn1Zew
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBUJrS3Wj6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34n0DQcKVO
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW02EKMMfid
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPD7nwh3as
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYJ41euFB1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqS5iZICCjZ
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjO0SMPkSB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPSLm9GvRx
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q69jVo1Bn
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyQfQ0eHcH
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1jzSw5psz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VBwhQfSXD
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQVaOOqwQQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f5OHmFleG
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6OpsDq1Gm
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL2od0UbbY
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpvyfipZAq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKB0v3v1WP
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wEkgUllFm
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjagpKEOuvF
"No, not at all."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV0FD3nVv0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmpKQG4RoU
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzuNWaq5c1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9biLH1kfEm
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyS8eQg1Jlv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIZKeVZhDK
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjG8MbIKBf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKdxFhMu9g
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi0iNB7VyQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8YCqHJxe6
"Is she our teammate?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxFwnWNi7K
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwsVfPtmhm
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6EnLZdNVw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFvYuiCJU4
"That so? Lemme test the waters."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiMtV3AC8H
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbOyOUXkPy
"You'll regret it."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpv28OwBMV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjyi8AGMZK
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68cD81YYP0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX45luiTkfH
"...Wait."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM8OBhgzeu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkddwVjCL3
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG34Aixifb
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ii84bwpSb
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9ftEg6gov
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGwzWhxTSI
"A little? Just a little?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpUiYthg7b
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9HZeyFBHS
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpoVk9hozA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfdgw8X2g4
"I met her five minutes ago!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0plm9g2rG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQO4sh3aBq
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpqxZ3VGKX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhBdtoi2Ov
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfQndeIpD8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KztKUTGb6
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV9McO9opl
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tdQqWfvpW
"Really?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJB3GRSgIv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5NHgHf8Bj
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO1Q97SuZU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX1MAtRuQZ
"What do you mean 'really'?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIvEOqQMuD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk9Ip8Aia6
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX0D0NYp6f
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA7442n5Wi
"--!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiZiRevosB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DePcr3Utt
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETwwudmorC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMfwWOmXTK
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jBbkiOlLY
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN4bd3KVgQ
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFZIgazpzf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUORnmWtcco
**SMASH**158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWda7leUHQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrFEC0KExb
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYnvdVAIDt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIP4cqg2ij
My jaw dropped yet again.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KjFlXIfAy
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7c5WVBWQY
"ROY!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNP0yzc822
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoBmcsVevH
–
–
–
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DqbIqb0NV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IzI88BYBL
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHPp1bL9AT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsMnUpgRHy
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7CZRbyX03
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PJKIPgXIS
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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97hc5kQxZ8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo03NriTizV
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOINcxHzot
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbgNSGg9rp
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkGWwatV31
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd64Je0nJER
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ap0kemBSZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k4WkhvR9b
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSVOk3prKI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XLe6UaVyl
"R-Right."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwz6v8QVi0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVALsj7DahN
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–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBiL9aHGq2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4akhkR9sek
"Ack!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMIOoyldUP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XBex7Gkzg
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIay36DFpOY
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2JkaV2yKr
"F-Flinty, what was–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvCpbAmhCu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXLCtomwQg
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhjniqsoa6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnt1bb0hZr
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2010C25rdk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgprrbgztg
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMvchKhIP7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTsRcYOKnP
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNmt9MuLg7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTB36WSDVJ
"No, I'm not just saying it."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9ZGM4PXaN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8w24fdm94
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl23jYNX2H
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU9ul5hkFI
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ga2REQbE0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAlq6CQRG2
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZYTDWweTh
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffJ2kWmivQ
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJLGeldl51
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSwqb9KWoJ
"I–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilYeo8QtzK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigtThvJS7m
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMBFeBTAmD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0W6pR6G1Tg
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjpVkGendV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1PwUkenVl
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–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7Rp86o3YO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbnh3Ykakh
And yet...158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9VAr7gnol
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhmZ94Gbvo
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡra1aWHXsHp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ITGbuC95w
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhyJOZRTGL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSlakxLji6
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQbGl07TvH
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiII1jXcyF
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ij6qv47og
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1rPkgflId
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44JEeVWvr8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIj9jKBD5u
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj5FCys75I
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY9HktLSVj
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbpTYtnkfM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzClrDCAQIV
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasvOjDLwdW
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8h9aJ2vuA
"O-Okay."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGPM2LU6f9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VB7nqX08E
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ498CTD0cKE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxPYd5crpz
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSDz2B734E
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrPdgv1kOa
"Okay okay, fine."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpag8e0SVW
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnWRjh10gl
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmILwPZ23n
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy45lhROoNs
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyddmOpq0l4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuC9F3gw0V
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAXj81SKtm
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3RVYcC2Jt
–
–
–
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi5DvjCHaM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdiveIC647
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft8LduSoxb
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgwHIvZ54i
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHzgXt1fhk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvE0DctfZAh
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7UQ5h80Oy
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAdvVzBYZ8
"Huh...? What did you say?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzlaLs1qZc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwY57GFv3U
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9XQzsRHtT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKrOCS5XJb
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKokPca5J5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdTXCc2iI5
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXixTNKJOQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkNSKwqbuF
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3moHLd48Fy
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO4YULEHVF
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc6j0jDdkF
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92IrFmq5IJ
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzREP6KPqxR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPIPPcM1aK
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJdApDoNRI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVnbyCOEtc
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqY9W7WQpO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIRh4UeAJK
"Note?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLPjPDZCnV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XUWrORx7M
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHzwzHNzyo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P6nSgYrEJ
"What does it say?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKbOGDsobX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVQtQdzDGz
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PRfFAlmV7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVM1azjwjw
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojiZd0IHzG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSnCgiFpA4
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteIY5zENJV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LhL20TOxf
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsBQ4E0pY2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs3qdQsnIL
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YDxw2SZ0m
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UmbWTPUAb
Juke sighed and put the paper away.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRiVYONxN5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrqVjjcJwk
"So, how's about a story?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxB0pJIVL1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVes0PGwoJT
"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?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeeoBRKqoG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkNRd1Qn0Y
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUKLKjGbjw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdBdWOxx6I
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk4i9S9MuW
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZjdwgXCAw
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrqdMcSYs8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6A2PwAC9d
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNEqPu2wfO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3HVdFSmQD
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHWOm7ZWo6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgSw6dPv5U
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka9subHu35
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1i8qK98Uy
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5u0lQ1fBU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2xkE99svj
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJKluyK6WM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgG22M5MNna
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4JmDuVFFY
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBNVFrAuju
"Seriously? You have to be lying."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWg7a0CAXB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDJI30oiYf
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47a0pQuxiO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxFY2V8Gwd
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPfrJPAbCf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMZAir4lls
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbTL053JrU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoY7FK4Set
"Like what?" I asked.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qhIaUDWWf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg4dRVPNxK
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghuWfNKPur
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9ak9ZS2Ey
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiJQTn97bD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupR5KOs247
"...Stardust?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFkrs29AzF
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQPCmOnJpa
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlnMJgT25B
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNmkH1DI6t
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZh7ds8YeK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadLpMoSvn0
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oC02famPY
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOrEQlacqT
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwGWQnCGZb
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYzlsrHglt
"...The what?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF4Tfb3X0v
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXCX1VowMj
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1O3BNd7j6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sjSP6aZv2
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HcWNLE5C3
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGS3EyM9Ax
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UMPj3JH5E
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEqMnan46s
"Of course I do!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeS5S69Chf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8znRbe8lM
She pumped her fist.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDrokLBAn8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJXcHxRIzc
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevMEsTFX5Z
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb01JD9gHQ
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8YdgIugsV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiVE6ehniV
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUbhfHqcGg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26KsmCEAdh
"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–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiIiYU77GE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMW6UdCb1E
"I already know this."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DAbbsWNYR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreXf3UkFYt
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9b6yLMj9U
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshiQ5eenzt
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0m549YIMn7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfalBRToC73
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOmMatRgEk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RJVXipSWR
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9aRenqEfg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlNa26WxWc
"Eh? Why?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA16Hlk5OZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt6dOoI08F
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6sJkBaufo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApcXKc3M2C
"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–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaQAuSPZBt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVPB1LlRph
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggJH4hQpu0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsXlZMWgFn
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7hGqYEQQV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj3jstMbNT
"That's cuz I met her."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqFJ0UDpTL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeccfTR007t
"WHAT!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUzueyAUdH
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjslvzhyjFc
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZduJ3cxP7F
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwuydX8u82
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvUEBiITYW
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OApybOSRi
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tyiD23Cjj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyvoCyBA9r
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXueIjIzDqY
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N88doChMd
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3evh283q7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcVwH8xg4s
"You're kidding."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8EhEaZJgt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJVCaXLSty
He shook his head no.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeD32lXDeS
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtKY9cdhZm
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJJCP2RLIp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTadUG0zN9q
"You're making this up," I said.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDakxdT3jk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoCusP1ntY
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDsQkWZ28l
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgsW2cgouG
Juke shrugged.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbPFu4WlQf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8zGdNxjWk
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZSFtCaaVe
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQkKE1X9q7
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXySAuY3J1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq1EBjlmSK
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms7yqToQDy
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAd59HABJe
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P9Nj6c7VJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYGMnYu81A
"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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViF3nM4LOQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSih42Emv26
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlmSyBeNzE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKNcWQ0oF9
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wrnINsMb8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyMNhSx7hF
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnq2HGkeHKg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyRnVhboO8
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAMdW01Fi2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKmKXTczm4
She pointed a finger at him.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8HMDKX1YO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKS1wNSD83Y
"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!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cOtwIIpRh
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKrI4ALpvR
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwApp7pIsJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqAy6wxthX
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmoWRVRqfh
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFHjyBo8BY
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtzAWzJimP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQmGmNXU7S
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEPsaqaV3L
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGzVJrfISt
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzJKGlmev2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkXRaOpXcK
"--Ngh! You guys...!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudVY7oarlE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGIfI3lcr2
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU85ZQ3pRy
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefd6gfDlBd
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoc6EXGUfEo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBD5x1TrhYC
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiXmWozJjw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpzyiosQ89
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoRZ14SVJ3
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhUZVJJLta
"Ya look like you have something to say."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHsaahOUie
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2otFsdHvI
"W-Well..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHiiHUJLgP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDtx5uHVK6
She turned her head away.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P15vGbTMP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP14UDozgK5
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1979fQK273
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMUaiLhqos
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q4QDxwYf6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVqNNG9z3P
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCbXrR3zy8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXmFB42NeD
"Mhm, I told you so."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyw2ibgjUlr
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDLRRd1XS1
–
–
–
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DVDKi6aBC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKqSBAe9xD
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRLWFS5pJK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN03qtlyEzS
"...So why am I not getting any?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikTq7owbKT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO4iPFtvgs
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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhkCq9hnbp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr0RBKFBpv
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–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOPOkpfQJw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mxV2Z0JPj
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxOA4LTs6G
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl6d7w8op1
"Eh?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG47q2dOkn
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kBSSYQHtN
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXoMEFqQVo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJLUzx7Gvo
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar5Pti7Cyu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTn4tt04Ph
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp3zLTeRAG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8F1yblyovW
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6YJyDJ5gM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS1yYrW3xr
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeUzisYiJD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGGYugxtPL
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkGakH5x60
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9jME9hZLz
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeS4L86YiA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUEZqJB4bc
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ0vaPnobJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzczoEXaev
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9liPpaL7H
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZUXp7Dre6
"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?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzYFJvhBxq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpZfp8zb04
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1ACGxGZaX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz41NEuEW4n
"A jungle? What elevation?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeTC1HB8Fc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DqFpam1R5
He shrugged.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7StdX34cCz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxnpL0BgRz
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByILbcW5Le
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SBJsanLjK
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW67JHlAep
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVIQL2owFG
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqhhyAprjt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPRkWHLWCJ
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsPjAgpA6n
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcfQEsAsRI
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhKaXZPsHe
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CUCUKRuzB
"Why?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbIponQ8P5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuadfvcTz6
"..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nHqDwAq3N
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftWHg0GBsQ
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwWgx0Cp4E
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOEaOiQeiQ
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VIdAFgaZo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPCutdrI0C
"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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8DEy5wxOB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTZep2g6H8
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgq3nfUcMc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySzVhVAFMD
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzr59tNrm8D
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC7goiplQX
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCMQMmIJPK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9gVveqlzk
"..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXtAq6HYM1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwEP0QEgxU
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uL6nCf8ly
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKjlEc1Zdd
"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."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7e4pH1aQD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHpp0FmTiw
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WHmWdeKzj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVIOUlStpr
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnG4i3PSo8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmecFbB0mk
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RJkuXmWkS
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KXeC9Pz8Q
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatsEDhVGBA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB7NmqAm97
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucdUTobzir
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S93GVn3Sg
"TALBOT!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBibtnuZV6r
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1LHpKn3cu
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU01U8UbIc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj4Ix9oDYY
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV8x1vlCH6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVF8mFKh1d0
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPsdoP8GB6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F4Afyfa7X
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXaCOGvaFt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aiMIpDLPK
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk8wIyj1Uk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMB4YNzBpa
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ifXOcoyMJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJOwp1ygBw
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiFpxIqwZh
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ycPRDsK8W
"Are ya kidding me?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9JIwqQQ1j
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DosdSc99P
"That's so lame!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc4oBxgbj2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVwJ6SKmxQ
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQQlCaNDud
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0Zxkqni7y
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUYPVn0pZH
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZkLrlQ6Js
"What's that supposed to mean?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUMplPDEGo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJVBM64L05
"Nothing."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkRdoQt97I
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuboUYJl6Qv
She returned to chowing down on her food.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXFMvRx33G
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe0IhjMebH
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu3eYOR99W
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs74g3zpadx
"Well..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjbnuimkli
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLZqjXbBaP
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldAgkBk8tm
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYdMGpmjUk
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3woUFAIbT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YesrtvShP
"...No."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhUcgrpeh3
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0qTsP9Swz
"Eh? Why not?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6eodIPSQ7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQ0IJd4mQP
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwp1T4X8rf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfzSzHDN2A
"Huh!? What'd you say?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILO1r8XaQE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu4Wv5ddad
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyyIJybOJa
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM6hmuvswS
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREHMPVJKds
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNDPBxWsOP
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3yDXci9dT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr1rsLEnvl
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgPHnioA9o
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpBeYz3NlC
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh4JZ4robc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCtQCd3QcX
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl301xdoiAa
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bJpmTD0ar
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIv81McM9k
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoiWBAJOAX
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTI97poAIr
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0PCpgxaF4
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXixUsAPRm
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKrEsDfFwl
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXFNGlgbLD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vnzFfmv7G
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpAVvin9nu
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxl9ArhdZw
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa5DN9m0OJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9A2QOzk70
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KXSJaiBVA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbv7CF63gU7
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANrYH20njz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2l1RkFuzS
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhLasUGFRB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbsXdb4ElS
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFWUBIUpsK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvUnlrnnZP
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynFzF4XlkN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeZjoq3yJ3
"Custom design? Well..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RjfwGsvpx
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki0RJXChhl
She turned her head away.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjNLT0H3cT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42XAIlvJ3h
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrxjlNiQaG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5cZu6El2h
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNviOMFbW04
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiG3gMCYtU
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvZBE43xOT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78ZkeNuUIv
"Oh, this?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhpYUBoeIv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5ia6FQnEx
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1C2LuWNa5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNLq2CwFnx
"I stole it!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqdH9HJ2bo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SmdNv23Re
"No surprise."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstqRAgQO5S
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiopmpXFaz
"I ain't surprised."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsS6hfpMq2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfI6Bs2tlv
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiHWwFwVco
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJhWsp7oMB
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgrmmic82r
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHaoyRIVzc
"No."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fwtKmyeRY
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CJY4FzKdo
"Not really."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8UcdWfsjT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyOW8DYrg1
"Ah... you two are lame!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKvNRujDrE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGKgSYHSGU
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjL7nIjLUp2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCjjLLPfty
"..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK9PfagqBL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPjPUZ2TnV
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMzSYdBqo4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ql2l3QFK6
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mPkwBQdGE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv9B9SABY5
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeimDTXjoVa
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3Kitygyp5
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUomQrqGkq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCWv8ct3oE
"I-I see... I suppose so."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDimAPxYBST
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo4bXnKgp0
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawUND3LIGE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3DQXkUNVo
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8ErQiIfxz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQl4d3RKaU
"Did you have to word it that way?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15ke2zspFP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8WOASgoGQ
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0wHh7OHhp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCk6wKnlHq
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR4y9enXSs
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooAPyLapD4
"Ya got it, boss."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCX2vVwY7SW
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1mkLyLaSV
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE0j4s1QxE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszWm9YfauW
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLCxlVKwSi
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N4MU1V4c6
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVIXOfwjdg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULtHVe72Fv
"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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE16JVwATd
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJVe4SxUnf
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOSWcXZicT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtx0PQPnvq
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRSg2VqkPt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNEJxx7MP0
"...Well, alright. What is it?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegPFyUMH40
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7K5paUyzO
"I... I wanted..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4OfmsOJ4L
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOflWw1FyH3
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIY9wCFmMkl
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6BBkzsSFB
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn5Si98S3c
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcW5Kat30o
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGJrkDgfgS
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsWTzFVraW
"Where's this coming from?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusp4ctk72M
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CGWV0N7yS
"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?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDh1pdPybz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2lxwCFOqO
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vLKtgaAZ9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFldUbzQtr
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6px9VBvyjM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kM7odAgi9
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks6K3sZJih
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dZhX1TfPD
In that light–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvebMeDqtQ0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY568SEqepf
"Alright, apology accepted."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlvmY2UkUK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju5Rn8VzTH
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNN7w1Copjb
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95hOKo7aBA
"--only on one condition."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1JkarqpfR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJnxl5j59G
"Eh!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHHCgKMlbF
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP13VwoJid9
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHCf5XzHxP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyygG1yafY
"That's right."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7HUoePE4x
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjYgnkFTyJ
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWoVnhTrxBI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTaq2aYQY9
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqY5RwBHdM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprWGlZiTR3
"He sounds like a priss."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0op4r3wz3j
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhx3dGJ4zn
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4urcDRtwn
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6urVINQlo
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE6zJZV70B
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU0te4RZoo
"Fine, what's your condition?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrntPGwalG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK0zjnuDTI
I pointed a finger at her.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv16OHy39eJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlsjzEc25T
"We need to get along from now on."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCVp1wje63
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWFpwGM6VZ
"...Huh?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99BBtgrbHV
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQHa2pwKR2
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpUZkqW5H9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3T067YEHv
"...Ha, that's it?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0VsawdsxA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QevAC18p4
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmtzyrqGh1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTftprZGIj
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IFhkFVC7Y
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP0VlqEroK
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxSnUIT4sQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRaXUurUOw
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKHSyZV0QL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44954frakW
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVLQKCdVsj
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfooszQs1k
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9PyKlW6mp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7IhLjnQUF
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopvHqHmp3M
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaMkWruwFI
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj8Y5p3heX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmCKdrN7Ku
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBrWbT8Sty
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49Tst0WHr4
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2Db0ra4HN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLoyN5DvsM
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXw2OqzfiA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd3djPZJko
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFSUBDNIZz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEwspQdCBa
"What a weirdo, seriously."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxbS1z6MX1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhOr720AoR
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3BqG5hFWM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQefniy9WP
–
–
–
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qjiUU0JKe
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxybuoq7G7F
"You guys! You gotta see this!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeOr3WmJrM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXcbCeSKMd
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.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX9SPEo3nB
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnoPudwbAm
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.
