My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoElm8Wew6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLmexv46JD
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFwqqcpCOi
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ujynInsY4
"Haa..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6UPt0oOA8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡII3BGJMOdI
"Are you okay?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdParuBnnRR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTLA1Prhmy
"Phew. Now I am."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuFd359b8L
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqc9l0dnF1
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRy1JWujUM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nxWM4b2FP
"W-What is it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2togF90Hdu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlc1SY73NN
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv58X0iyBQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQAZctcrG9
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXtdxIEutR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtt7XdqFZe
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVXNVIIV4G
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEg5ypD3eG
"Well..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmThqodDcou
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSm1Solxxu
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPu5mW2Eqa
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqfaMb1KT6
"Come on, tell me!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWtc5KB3hA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqLJDuo4nT
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpHzlAxoxf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8De7OgL1YL
She sighed and shrugged.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXghpFkt2Di
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwX0EgVB1Es
"Are you feeling nervous?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ270jbFQuXn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3TUwEmOUT
"Of course I am."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GTiabH3En
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhI3Ae1IRp
"You shouldn't be."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkim2Ayu29k
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClWcRPD1y5
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6GzBIFeV7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU6FIrB8b7
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILvV8y9koz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCq768J7T2
"...What's that supposed to mean?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvHRgniXoc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaAU22adsy
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2wV74RokM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuS8VD6hSp
"I think you came here a little too early."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U3ZEmAN4s
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR8hZoi38X
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVAdJOT8QY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UxyJdrnmL
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1HE9Mnqgz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwo20LzSqn
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!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrd4BuIGIm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcchKaVnqk
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqGL7CY2HK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21Jvp3Vr6B
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxkvxFTW5D
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x0XGC1g94
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50MF0aovlG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ18nkztri9
"Aren't you going to say something?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDye9ercpNc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSwgApEUVH
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUxNYskbCJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPWGvNHsW5
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNems37xDiD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIFwLqztdw
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXA2FVnvDo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu49sXj8Zu
"...I-I still don't believe you."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs724Fh0yvl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMoF2okEnW
"Are you serious!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W6sRtbkbV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgqJKf3gPy
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTJEhlEyuL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXOw3uOduW
"Can I at least have your name?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRPlNvyLrA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEXzFUPzux
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqyJY7uAvn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUW8wawR2Z
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5aSTKBfzj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5b67th7la
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFC5khzUsk
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW8yS2nw5S
"A-Alright, I won't forget."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeqjZkHaW4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VZfYpz5bn
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWln9n85clc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjqDzddjiZ
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV2TyyvRa6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkHbEImkmO
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKjZ3711Fk
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVkNY6EpmQ
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8VjaZ8z2p
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzqTTZxt47
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtKcdDIZQg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzZfBre331
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG5WknJzyJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHoIdki7gD
"She's not very nice at all."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo576mRRPC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2ELNEMPlu
"I suppose not."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CC0j0azPZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrJOFKs3wn
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw2Nn6uaXD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDQNCsooNX
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P6tKa7Srt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA8JtY9JQX
**SMASH**172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsAYIS9XAx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcdpk0nA6h
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXfAPdB0xQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa7mn2h5FS
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGAEfTiDK7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxhP8L65sJ
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeAPxtvnb3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YTqf8ciba
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgwYe1kdlh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zT2mNl3je
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Bm6ceo9LM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelyv3y1hhK
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoTdd6yTj0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoTBGQ0uL3
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal1swgm1Gz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLTT0r2enR
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGZkNiORkY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5Zs0ydXSd
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3ppsNT3ti
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdEs4RDKbN
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K3U5S1npB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA322E5pZp
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJJl73n9PK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFwIabCJrN
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxAsX0oKFf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqwKQ9usmi
"No, not at all."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHA5EuR5Xt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjszOTXyUPY
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8ryE8swpb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkIG2bdyhY
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34SzPNTtP7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3vbL977pF
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8LTBJR5Fd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceBPy8CPJu
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP0kobVSIY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu4xpcuJaU
"Is she our teammate?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAp25IKp7V
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dZoyv0AyS
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0rt9H7a6Q
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5rshdpMIL
"That so? Lemme test the waters."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpBZYgcgn3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOjtNjpDRB
"You'll regret it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis1uKRIU15
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fIFG5MtqC
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQnswVYBB2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zi7fODQY7
"...Wait."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkS52MXPIZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBmBAMAUYj
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlluUI1iScE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpkD0kxCJ9
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOlA0VLZQy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxt9toP5Us
"A little? Just a little?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrxeqL1h8M
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TW4JljhGx
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wxJg8z06v
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWj6VHoNC3E
"I met her five minutes ago!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKJFxAlw7s
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSJnKtC0vw
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8Q5XF3QY1
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q1pLNxQGN
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvxVgOrZgV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRKgl0btdK
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfneWGhpGzX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTgA5p92zr
"Really?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR2nGWvYLM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLUDfPLbDl
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bCxw1LiHR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q8Q0Sdbfu
"What do you mean 'really'?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiociHwfMg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeItY52pxy
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJBBui3MBp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfWzkjuoMF
"--!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjKbETFxKd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S9nQxrC6j
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEEq5HOygy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutaBhwgrLx
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMIO4bY2KD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiXHilYa6K
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslWclhtQxp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeuYgOUK1n
**SMASH**172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaUwJpXz80
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem8ph5fOfe
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUOkmsl5p5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4SCaOvKsP
My jaw dropped yet again.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOkRGcNW8d
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8kFCtym1T
"ROY!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXDDXFIVHL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83e11stQBK
–
–
–
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn5oUagRr6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlCQmmRN6J
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wava0ELap
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznaTW1bmFe
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhz4ws7dmd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDJpZHQIy8
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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fsi1hUqF8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNrSKYZhSq
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmhdsBGMQz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DG8RTuzDs
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRON0mr8lZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaxmXIrU1d
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7oY3khW48
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLrA2rZW4n
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSBmKUyJUL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpndswM1w06
"R-Right."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiWVS31Zik
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosm24xeWRa
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–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHS4FqaMMs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdATdxEu8s
"Ack!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC7kXefAzM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7Vg5jmLY3
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHdaknDccg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8PY1enYHS
"F-Flinty, what was–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdquJAU98pL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEliDMqj0av
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH75WUAMVh5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHHRmVLGe2
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQzOdpfz05
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOj8KbjswE
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FFT9spO1I
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIbzvgsmIK
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHBzhhX81EW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84rxHrg6QK
"No, I'm not just saying it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yKsQgEqVA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBgvbZdO1i
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFWOPX2zYI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3WZy3M6AB
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpspCohHWj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgHQNqnepo
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO28PJrvrP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNru1Fas4j
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0UOuB3NTz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLdMinLdu9
"I–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQlkhEisbP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO48ANP1TT
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pGivZDEbV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgVknONBqJ
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCZ4uAy8A8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LnvCXLqK5
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–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe542TcZZN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPzWxgwlH9
And yet...172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z9rjBGyk6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaoAjwHlKb
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwO2vKq7du
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCycQlojQf7
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujwyJ8WuvP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNkY4uOFSp
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopQ5CG9m9x
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSZHLMRmOl
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRU6GYvRlE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3Dlc93jNP
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7IYUtOfYx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE2f5kWcxL
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbJ20sJr74
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wm7ov7Qbm
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu7lBfIulE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9o3eyG69E
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCetiBtFyrY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLgCc8C9bK
"O-Okay."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObLzJbnOJc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXiyXrzdDv
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EzCzlVnXl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib9gNm5wEH
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnM7VuJNytO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjzFP7whDJ
"Okay okay, fine."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUoyZR7s6A
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlSozIOOPq
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtbBuOG4HK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aixQFnCxN
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypVyX3fDUS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1uJ6ZN0HG
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XNamSTcFB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMvNwjSNpW
–
–
–
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnFoaa7C5R
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD96RHtlvg
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYlcugu6Ul
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSz3EstgHll
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfauUqS48z
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5etC9NSmo
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Rs44UPZnQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyhxE5mR3D
"Huh...? What did you say?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rAYSrYfy2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCADJJ9GWXo
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHcu7gzN2C
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzaC4dSCJq
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCckqtOI39
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenlD3Gw0yQ
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypkmuLRKYv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFP678KA6m
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznAqEQI8lK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa8CTJIC40
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwJVdwvcoQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqlpSEmwep
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiadQb8KjdS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAzBN3BVk3
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnRRcFcjOQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN22RE87RLD
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGILF65ovCH
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrvg9uHeI2
"Note?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoOTC8JRlK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjkbF6aPaK
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVJASMO2Sc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wb6wBEJCa
"What does it say?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4Ut30sFMe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83zTYDG06T
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc3iUhHAKt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6Y0649wqx
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjJacVfCeL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMuhGtDhQd
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil2Q749ZrW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRysdoHFwMv
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZsfeBnQ7s
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ttxypT668
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCQn56ArkM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawm9EuMxm9
Juke sighed and put the paper away.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmPinmBga3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEEJfbSVa8
"So, how's about a story?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MDYUvILgI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfwb6R3Y3F
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbpD4gUui8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG187T9b6KO
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoItzYSYJf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepjHf3ljqu
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOkUO5mTBJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTgXoK50ue
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvUp117ijN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sxaeHQbez
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDWBZsPaC7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M4PhZW6jP
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUOhbRnllz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8jWVMmQa7
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G1aHGZ8D2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CNIjtCXU9
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wAabT9hxO
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn6DNkdeMD
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡws1kk9Mbfl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUcDlA2qFx
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8at5EK2nNo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3joDGDjl90
"Seriously? You have to be lying."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIwvW2h7AE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztm6wPxfCp
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl0Us1WmzN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrksPDcqx0
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVduJFEZLz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9jNizVweR
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5TqWS4Rb0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6LL2urSoz
"Like what?" I asked.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWtLZ2N3bB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg38DhSlAMe
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqf8QsQ4uo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw30iQiJU9n
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6qnsBQf5Q
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3j686UoAdT
"...Stardust?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHATexitmE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XseMwjD6n
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ6ZxeJg1e
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoaKPjZFGo
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmorgtBVeS4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXYcvSbjnL
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LhMR9OYlI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBx8efNL7n
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfYyWAT2NT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxvqlnUBg1
"...The what?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gCUO0uxr7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwErmBisi6
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfcPzk2hn8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwh0yjDYVF
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuCbsbyzLQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6x2iQ2xDUY
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3SitgYPIp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAgK4dSKLZ
"Of course I do!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7PWZ3FUe6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurVvtoA2vc
She pumped her fist.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmjP7mp5o8
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaoViv1aJ9
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduU8QgPifx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKzSTjLioT
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RtwjanlJP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM36scP49rg
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhneuuRIanu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTsdyOnFHQ
"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–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCBIEGfvpW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgj68PX7hp
"I already know this."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9jx8cL01u
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaYRVoUMz5
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zRZRUkaG0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgdFzCCzWb
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAxzgKdhGJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakNG25GDw4
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfmpECmiEp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulHZxT7UiH
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXLCaGAMrz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONzxzaMxwU
"Eh? Why?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SKf28GwKy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDCI9YnB6g
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE6QLCdd2t
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt8Vgarc8v
"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–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv5zitOEi2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXoahEj37V
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6X53KFsTL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1xUpIH9qq
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13BaGjwMNQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUhQkANb93
"That's cuz I met her."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QyktQ88XQ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzap8Ilgntm
"WHAT!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlBIOaO8fd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsGUwzuAHY
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnqrhrmaCF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ95tk8FUWd
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xqyaVAdLk
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEKjB6Wrjd
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmixqW2mS1g
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6tsFQTQHe
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodiuJq6Yq0
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwip2OmSBTj
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2skAagoVa
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHWK5c9Si1
"You're kidding."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9t5VpxUb4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSECHVNv5Lx
He shook his head no.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrNLOA0cV2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTGEjmcfuq
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkrwGeiTzT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru17wPiX7p
"You're making this up," I said.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqy4HMcPlJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLL68HdcjU
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQEd2Lg7WD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjjADzTTlv
Juke shrugged.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb7EPX8GyM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00uOWcNFQG
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqBZdzrQk2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHnuZPG5yj
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSOn7X9Y24
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQnv0WlqvR
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kxPlBLEjM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZWVx7d9CH
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCJtfikWv5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJymyftE3u
"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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatAsVSE5ct
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeu8X3yD79
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgaH1ieQr7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmJKBo4Mif
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OAdELdcio
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XPBIbZhbJ
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZOsG7w3TJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVqHb5zK5B
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGiQBWUoA6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaKhOFoX0s
She pointed a finger at him.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY7zSVVsgU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1KwrlU7Um
"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!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJhImbiU62
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCw9nP4PKOr
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6kZG3qyme
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgcIlg0MXu
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBBU2Ar7M2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrgcyNeh1X
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkviDBLssxk
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtOM2ZIuGx
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa4uDWpi2T
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyLZj4KviA
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YhJ9DsCGE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMiQUZ97El
"--Ngh! You guys...!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMeZD9Vkm5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg0sp4gfO4
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8lDnpQKRJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgmfdw9dxf
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlDq7NsRmZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0xrF8owUG
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfSRleWsLA
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTYeh8XPTT
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL7Sm2Y1lz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8suWpbXHc
"Ya look like you have something to say."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiQ5jL6sDX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEStbRjG9y
"W-Well..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGxcNbKjNm
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtqpxRi66s
She turned her head away.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhBZ7wuFVc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCgMjHgLoz
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizJre5mlYX
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpiHRLhGpB
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RoVH00f9C
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHew1PbjDr
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzsueaATMy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSI7cpOJn4
"Mhm, I told you so."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MWVOiTtYc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQONhvoFweT
–
–
–
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoeiboTxme
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24b5HRurqC
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmW84fbctd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7o3Ju024sr
"...So why am I not getting any?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaePnpUuWo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IZgm7BWkw
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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeg9dIcbFH
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklroIp3Zbn
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–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCrx5PdgpH
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzFl0i0kHC
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy1iQqrOXY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytKakShLUa
"Eh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVXa6qX4FV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86bK1cmC1t
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl84IA1mv90
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiKw1rX6QF
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg9PHPYJBJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAu5q3WXsn
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YqbMxpI02
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM7KmtcpYL
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWv0ptBnpM
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIXZFnMytM
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAlF2x6Acs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoybjYznq8
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnZUzWYOTs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfi6Frgfkb
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bgm3KDSw4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGk1oHlQpGP
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ542W6i83dl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZwAaaXST8
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3dMvHLpJU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1dYNBQXI4
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvB7Jl69ZD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNImhIB3v3n
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww1lla0uYJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WSLr6iXjI
"A jungle? What elevation?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpr9GQmDMY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeyM7wVlNm
He shrugged.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu6veOumut
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJsu8PPrYj
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmHc45TaHg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL3PQ1Q9i4
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJORBwJxCP
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP5mIUc8q2
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5X3s7UL52
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVFfmhfsm8
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7t37EfyNJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaZJSEvSzm
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ9p5cC9Wc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovvnAdKA3l
"Why?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMcKl1ZD9J
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqFp0Nol1y
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvPNiO4AxT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkUMkDKpw1
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmxaby5nrf
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCoDCgcKSL
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W26kAVY6L
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJHTWjJaUl
"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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rQkvToWKS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDStAQ4t4q
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpBqZMDnSt
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3IlpwHt5j
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzFN8QGJeJ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2j3efPa46
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqvGtEJF7q
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PUP6aBCgz
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQbGVmv7jx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd19viqQ6U
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkDZKxmt4B
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILHglBJ9e4
"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."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZUPN0NCOo
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqkrxgQ2Je
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMRoLBAZ7X
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBGbTLVSBW
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBG10SjYQZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDYNYipzLY
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsNdZiqrSr
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPITN8CYxor
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDP7zHWBB6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0r3t4TTUH6
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGC4ZPwFOKG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlaUGEsvL2
"TALBOT!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQs1tmN7db
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftBbrsIHIF
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRH995Cx0Ni
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx8UBBDxHR
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGxy55VOZx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtuuKSW66m
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDztU9MZlrv
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuA2Da2jPz
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡml4i6m65vY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02LMFxZ7zy
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MjCwXyWAe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy13wtTQQ4W
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY6Pc2sAOB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sOwWVZ7uH
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEychd7tZz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13w5ivdHSJ
"Are ya kidding me?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3cNkn1iiz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEQoQjGdQ1
"That's so lame!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYnhoHGI2B
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmETXMLl5K
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA5DadUXDb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK6X72DWTD
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmfQeINDmY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8fnl3OLRp
"What's that supposed to mean?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQcwWeKBVl
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7yEVXtOVo
"Nothing."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtKTmAztFx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYugpc7e1i
She returned to chowing down on her food.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCJmt7zycq
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8w3tI31MX
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BRIrl6iQ6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWbCx6MIse
"Well..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeQCOGQ1n5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF5Mg1RTuA
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNCVYMFGfs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl13cVqDBg2
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaiB6jjg8bK
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fopJariRK
"...No."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzwG2mbAuD
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPn44t4kkv
"Eh? Why not?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG1uZF5jq5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlumg1pk3J
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJVB057UrV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWT4FpwvHie
"Huh!? What'd you say?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJKEShwnqc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojGCVXMu9H
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqDVg4cUOh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4zjmbXuFH
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIPfVJ6Xiz
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxBMMCZoBL
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RYjvJwj2O
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpPdLSkPep
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuRaEJuZZG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGjxzWg463
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hj1EDVdQF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa2BzYBYbj
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuWtU4Rwoa
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaQdTyeU5B
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ve3mZudea
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17BWEpWvas
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91wQRUyf9y
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC01iN1hKzO
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡER7DGbwI3L
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXobBIiLEyW
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejBEbuBHzn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAeILqy6ZR
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhMPP0hmxC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk61OZumpTU
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxGgL4mYCY
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uJsrVr41I
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2MdRseUti
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxt2gb2gXRn
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcEnjeJz4A
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1H6cnzAj9
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtiDZ66M2u
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJs1IgnepB
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7X57cqqj1f
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVKouG4CJq
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaXUaIrnoE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDLW1RT7gj
"Custom design? Well..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQsZmItVz2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoFeUnJMXy
She turned her head away.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqraqi80YSx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oWwxGOR6x
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDifWuBbzKC
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVwPCLNsh2
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurY5CRF2G6
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSrOqFbj3i
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDfLxQcCve
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpqB7pPMit
"Oh, this?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO6uNGi0fa
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAwYj6Jacz
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSqdYNiDfy
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGldkCXsLS
"I stole it!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8UWyAoEl7
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6o2qDrrzs
"No surprise."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGrOZroHVn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYQh4iAFKe
"I ain't surprised."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9kRPTJtDW
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kVmCuQ98T
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZMWk1uVvh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEriSHbIdw
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VVsWGcbRS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyabsAjHL6
"No."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfzTeoMmLk
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITZ6D6TerO
"Not really."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11Azd6w61l
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTvgtCemUW
"Ah... you two are lame!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5Fh0ev58r
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjbbcZl5Lq
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IAQLLVVME
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnchtuzPrB8
"..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJNOSCE1sU
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwfC7wY8XO
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRb8UpMZQN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33HwqPM3rt
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9tz1yg33G
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtPd0A3qkn
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyhu9XB9vs
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e50AEH3jD
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHd2TcgSBR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPilbuVfakW
"I-I see... I suppose so."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmob26P2q8c
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8i4j6JkcV
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvcZEVbQxn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2OUd6YvAU
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x0CddVKK4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY21DLHRK2G
"Did you have to word it that way?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqLJqjjDbL
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzezuCk5Ze
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwftOmfn9zc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVI8W72Q0U
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhD016qbCpN
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL3xCKcAz8
"Ya got it, boss."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZxBJRzBAh
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUFeVQ4zo8
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6AwAmCIC3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcQUuuAx7G
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5OmNrT0L5
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mNcYEAwHd
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEblx7aLwV
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJQd6dr20s
"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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCyf9myoie
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEbb8JLYVT
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMleajgWSR9
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rWU1HXrCe
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd9LyKLJdn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxozJ4SUYus
"...Well, alright. What is it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nwblDDEmx
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfji7zUVUDV
"I... I wanted..."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLkbjlfV21
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7fCSYDmsD
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwq3h2xzjH
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0ElOnVNEz
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dEx7CDYrB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDfs9RSFwA
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC1cHTK076
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIIHdc4bQP
"Where's this coming from?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTmd7XeAxp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRgoK3IUgQ
"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?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6ptOMEFpp
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo3QHXq31d
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNmg4detjb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUm1dSD2hUY
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm5cLThxpw
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvudWB3DVJ
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxpLmFyjTR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5wiiM6fHM
In that light–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstagirPr4X
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOwdEIAlgy
"Alright, apology accepted."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyVGfbINdS
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21MEsirL5F
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrPl5gjArb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXAEx2fQ83
"--only on one condition."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtaoJNRkG4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWQBOyhKbd
"Eh!?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS6BqVYwdR
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5c0Q1H5GG
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzQJh9cQmE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqre05i43oq
"That's right."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8zJHYNl5t
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1THB7aRlo
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Fy1FyAlkI
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOZt6lE91M
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFfeoSnX9Z
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpLoIp7owp
"He sounds like a priss."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DQ0fkcKRB
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh3pQrsYlU
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcWuho5bap
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhd6qPnK7M
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaqZJtxTts
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4q0mthZom
"Fine, what's your condition?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMTFliuelE
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sm1W7YRWA
I pointed a finger at her.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPbTfOGJsg
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeyHNDtknw
"We need to get along from now on."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KQplZOumF
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxkmQbIDdu
"...Huh?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DtZU8AQaG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbKUTJ2GN8
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfvQmzeYE4
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxtD6GWSlC
"...Ha, that's it?"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGDKf180ex
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYMUuYnAXe
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUkL2HplBj
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jeFfFX5mp
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUv0FM2G3q
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiYRnB7NJl
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4qLMhQbVb
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ9lO0YFBT
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrSFmmua86
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdIT0dVRQm
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNExuplhHoT
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD7GbOSDcP
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GaqPmo5k3
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Km8Mun42d
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeeMcMgluZ
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJNJlKjFHH
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTIkS6hRLd
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWJctbCAB6
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgbGZorrsn
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpgvphyhaP
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQBUO0lMnG
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2IZ4TbC4K
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPypOCbdmue
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMypoQik9DQ
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYiYWNHigu
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUN37uqbjb
"What a weirdo, seriously."172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP3PBv3eBe
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeMfNouiGE
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9uM2Tvntr
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq5SLvchHB
–
–
–
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WvPY1mfox
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15vbEv67kB
"You guys! You gotta see this!"172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNu9QVZMOc
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlTWhGZ4FI
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.172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijMypA1Un2
172Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aWekAEqZ8
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.
