My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92MA5iOwWt
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChsr9QDp7h
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKD5fVqu4U
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7QoM3eEjD
"Haa..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiadUIQAaW
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmIoobUC0M
"Are you okay?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKJiI6QLHT
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XFjUGCLwQ
"Phew. Now I am."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCHZhSh0am
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQu2VHo4v3i
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KFP6loXSz
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex8MmMX5nU
"W-What is it?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyQx3Y48Ee
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Cu2KZ6sud
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaeHq297bs
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQKDcrm7xy
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg8lBwFK3o
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxrPA3D5Cm
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gbN1sHCAm
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrJW1faG94
"Well..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNaYtTloqO
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqBxXftNfu
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5cVOSigGY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZWww3rBwQ
"Come on, tell me!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXsRctsYvB
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIojRfS5Rl
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLHTjMkMwQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU55zte0Vl
She sighed and shrugged.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrjz9WqLUj
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnvIS90zPi
"Are you feeling nervous?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurbgwjQCLS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdjthfkBTN
"Of course I am."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKoTqzCZCS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgBKC9OakV
"You shouldn't be."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftFZpbRPQb
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUitQTWEt3
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv9zRaCv49
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVy1jmrH35
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8xuQDPZuk
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmKyCyTkBV
"...What's that supposed to mean?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyHuseKJNZ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbJkTH1IJo
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv4vOxU4Dc
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp9boGzoMG
"I think you came here a little too early."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNFrCfSsOo
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vY5Lh3RB8
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBgnajGCCl
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNAVNPyfGy
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYRLdVFIE7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VLf04ncl5
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!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdcj962woS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCRn4Ut5du
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJLpwTfbI5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9l14WWiri
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TWvvisllC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zD8zeUMk6
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzt527Zu9Q
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0uUEHx5Wh
"Aren't you going to say something?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAXzuPTSXi
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhnpI0HCYq
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrDo1MMWCn
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKK4mIi9MC
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6VVlRYgMg
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkYEFPbpgO
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVHWexiO07
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgivO2vvdwC
"...I-I still don't believe you."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pLNWEzsnl
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf1mqq5VYc
"Are you serious!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3svLwoKczD
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGhqqImhfR
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDNZwPQrAS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8O3tmS4MW
"Can I at least have your name?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV2kpaMA9e
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAF3bGjpyrF
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgp1AlXFRn
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMu7CUwidc
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZrSd3E4L7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr0EOQXgPd
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q3yOczqoX
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7FlCmIeNL
"A-Alright, I won't forget."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RR9LKJ1g3
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7lMCuTBR5
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoaEyrtQgW
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCppGjLh1Ep
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQrbcGUIHY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrspoKc99io
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLlVZhQ77B
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIsRZBqgZy
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zKmxA9r3I
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGG529ieKsZ
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ANzuvTicY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLNb5waJcX
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmB3uChzFGu
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH2WPDTM9i
"She's not very nice at all."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaJc6Y0G21
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrdm8iEqoI
"I suppose not."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp4G2SIMZf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0J0kbN4qT
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NTD3ns8SI
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoiQqRS3uL
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34Lm9nyeG6
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzESc14NYnz
**SMASH**228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE9rX8jxpV
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlvBEVuXVV
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vk9VnTHWO
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLz7jJdoqNs
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO5974kTmw
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD1ufLJMGU
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XyMwTWN1l
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGv4zios2az
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2adOv83gUO
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDibIOm1Ois
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5igTg4cH1m
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo9hFihEN4
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzrb6rgvWH
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfktWvS57dy
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk6lwRaIeq
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfyeRymYwj
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQmJHYNnb4
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERIwJRXu2T
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVvB3cIuYa
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71PsQAMsny
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju7duidcAY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFu1NxJymP
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xatF3iO2l
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0gJtv4RnJ
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONTkn3mRRu
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWIQTZ955o
"No, not at all."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMPQ2K2evh
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLIwVE5Sii
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdl1CipuyB
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4OZDjOJUM
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1axe0vWVq3
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxHA5ma70A
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDePkOY8YPv
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH7SbWwL4Z
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmskudJCmO
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAYlwmdPlp
"Is she our teammate?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pLoC6OK7d
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqybudyXhp
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZpCR7BGXd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJbGiYzy4k
"That so? Lemme test the waters."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGuSiLlMGM
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNgUXrm9CS
"You'll regret it."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6utZCqx3WM
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5Z48B0svC
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaxeWysHGy
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UL5zIpE6g
"...Wait."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWq5fXqHu0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvqeYjcKEL
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVv06C356ZQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOyqk9dDWw
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNh33YxJcc
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjm5NR93sEo
"A little? Just a little?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBURAkLTtrt
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQpIYJxrHM
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVXjr1X1bX
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNon35ihF5
"I met her five minutes ago!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vNmCagRPH
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePCCIVipbx
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXDP177rto
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT7FLQOw1X
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bv4pTyMWx
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNAn33hN03
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5vIP8tFjy
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdByfFrjei
"Really?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZcM8dRRoM
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfViqNl2Wkv
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz7sopnYtp
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCTdhqajkx
"What do you mean 'really'?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFiG5pm23Y
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXBF7FfRRz
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ636NOGgWlh
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvo2ukHJqqG
"--!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmKHc3HJpV
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1v23d8KQC
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXoKNpUxyu
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG24VZlmdkC
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8MoOozwli
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92bmO9pYxS
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84qQHEjP01
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT2H5s6XXY
**SMASH**228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM9NvdX8ZL
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQb4RZ1lBhw
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItcnOBfg6u
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYQtaGV8Ve
My jaw dropped yet again.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx039OTZiZm
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVEzaHUpPS
"ROY!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdMorFBNKX
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrQvNF5X5p
–
–
–
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpxRuOawdP
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt46pXZfzAb
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXDKbH0X7R
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFltRsXAv94
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttjyteKrQy
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnej8c546J3
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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa47vBvxneK
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKpY6tBQXF
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCjUZI1Tve
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRddJ3CITaO
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM9l6HA0a1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGce6H8MW9
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtf7qa4r8C
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL79mjA9Q9w
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19Tl0knRkn
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrhHoa5iqE
"R-Right."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM0DPiXCtr
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOyZMxyJUU
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–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZpGs4oDCj
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX5jztKxCq
"Ack!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CKoIv6y3q
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeXSbJjesd
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoXKzzRJXc
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJythASj2Ve
"F-Flinty, what was–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmpP40j8Hz
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb9M5ZzgjgT
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44D2T7udFN
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7bK75Qkyf
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa384swUhza
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuZ9jliLox
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTEYqEwoKz
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWlHr07gec
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3ktJljbyI
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBcc38isIK
"No, I'm not just saying it."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEpj2Sz6gv
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡle1EfHe0wv
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggDJPR8bt5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsqcB7IS1k
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP7TS5sPEU
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYs4edSDLP
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPmdp3tfta
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJfZDmz88E
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80aAHlOYrY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFJRx95SMR
"I–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4G11505Yf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7b7UJwipzZ
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVEAiXTsBe
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC9dthq6Oe
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi8H3mCIlX
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zDotAwvxp
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–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhqTutXHl0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SEtrgu25y
And yet...228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX1n2lt5hP
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZunTsG1DJ
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPcmuXUM5g
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8NuDp4ox4
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvJa2psZpI
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhFArigpTi
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZeBuILQcC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaeY6IdCbB
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijAjTmYHhs
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL9szlW6sy
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQj5BJmTxA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjIzJhC2FK
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg1jsZWMnH
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKREtCHv0vd
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH4OJbyzZ7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74P2DHn8l1
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSfRlJ5bQK
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoqvE0wjrx
"O-Okay."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh5y5pMaf1
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I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozKNiVaDu1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvRFgVWSuY
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwvp4pQr7c
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"Okay okay, fine."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XL6kEROJm
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2lCjJ8we0
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mFJUgr1o5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVSclQFB2Q
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Uzf9cxcrL
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwCQZMP7Hy
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTqQBvaU2L
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8y5LzdNUn
–
–
–
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlGnO03SRE
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywAMu1uffm
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z9tlAUV5Z
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EfdJZlmob
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSx3D97Atg
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t7V4eDfiB
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qNxuAWQgu
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lJltFhb52
"Huh...? What did you say?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGgh7CVA9L
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uFtd7K29P
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR029DVkuM
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipz897hzHm
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnk33xYVJx
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QKKmpSE6E
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhS0FWVoOk
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZqN25tIOx
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqhzjC7ixI
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw05Pdmdkc4
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg2YqApLlf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV63LhllNs
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9ZtNs8ct6
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1d9ZGrjjiH
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGjxeRJsgx
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mQgzAhOHF
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW3fgmL3Yl
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Yyi34Sch2
"Note?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMxlujAkV1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ023MTOcTA1
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKDtQJrHZb
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgJGntC66M
"What does it say?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xMmLwvYAZ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbky0kx9W4
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIDenX6wiC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJbDdu1aPy
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡge0IxRbxqK
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpNwDyunQG
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeeCqbPLfS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Kigr7yOgE
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvEHjdgj6E
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubeuDO1Z5v
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡondbvmU7U6
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMl4Bh5g4jQ
Juke sighed and put the paper away.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJJJa45Wxa
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcuqti2r5u
"So, how's about a story?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7QgAMz7X7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnACqDQrvjN
"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?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dbvMrGPu5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOzo1wDtUT
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXyoU7GDEi
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP4g579wLB
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5qQaZZbjw
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzO5eIiyTh
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxealXGhrQa
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0KlhkScye
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrvxQShAMD
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvNczTRgKx
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZg58BijG4
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN0eQoHFbP
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBrJ3Np3Qd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbWxy3JU1F
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1Q6OlinOV
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpTU68zEqk
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNdnpT9EBg
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdteab4tQW4
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLS0PeWQAe
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe9oxofyGO
"Seriously? You have to be lying."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gTr8gATaG
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4Sl57xcNE
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJ9G8hABou
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEp8if8iR1
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOoBTKaHI2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5DlNefMp2
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yjUfLyae6
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HmlyRKRIw
"Like what?" I asked.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCf3qX1T5I
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgK1FA0ZdU
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzAFKmiAWf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQLDErhyDb
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lZanCs9v8
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwodyar4dZD
"...Stardust?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96QPaoT34D
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNRB3nmMkG
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpReJkPpvuV
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpamd8pjiJ
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyzyjF1xTo
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1T8iJO8Dr
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpSWO0KeXS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMvhzL89NR
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkaOxNpW8Q
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYBeiHERwK
"...The what?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLFg1uLFSf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeku3WnB9GD
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52eREGjQNS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvy6UQ9YJy
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64Zw8GfLQk
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcHBrBpys2
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhJD1Tbz34
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"Of course I do!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEiu6kd5pj
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She pumped her fist.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBClfSCEio
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"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f9VX5WFZ6
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXZMNfWJgJ
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSD8BLeg6R
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1HwlcfCv3
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHO08Ej7u2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplk0ggJy2E
"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–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT9pw5ofMx
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"I already know this."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLdHdLqY7v
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WYnnb0bW6
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY4EVMZi6m
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnjBxZSDHt
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTMOYRw1Eu
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTFAEFi21o
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstOeo1pJC1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJdLFCgebl
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEhF9dFozE
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"Eh? Why?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpCSXJ6Uho
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I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8aermGRmY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF1bQ7DegO
"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–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iyeepEauX
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aF9Yn1cDq
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxVZOyFDVO
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"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bAvwIB9cA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5vX3EPXuR
"That's cuz I met her."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrtR7MXK3o
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"WHAT!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbxqxdDID8
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnE1BB6Els
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijoynlIuoJ
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatcFyq4MhD
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWYx66EEO3
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK8NtkFbdM
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBtkGtoaBe
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPGkaYA0kf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO17pI6wDB
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukIhyxijqB
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"You're kidding."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGhQffGBOq
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He shook his head no.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf164SauCQ
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"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMIJJqRkGd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezTGfen8Fz
"You're making this up," I said.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMipKWXnwCG
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEXJmV5MtG
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1kN2fpUpA
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzLXFpqls0
Juke shrugged.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5msmLci31t
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3B8GzXZZ6
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JgxYdcu0n
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3n3sVNZP9
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16PfARowUY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G01RUPX6q
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wyER8FwHa
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2Zdskz46P
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDhmCmTIrK
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOX8dzF6wa8
"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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIbGAy6CP8
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Sv3td1pW2
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOucjgdcNd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGZ9BlnZJe
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyEelw29Q3
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JgF3Vg3mL
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3C02qHZza
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3diw3kSsDX
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMnm5FeEN5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqFpNaqccD
She pointed a finger at him.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebLoz6aFpR
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmxlRMpjeH
"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!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaBqE3Wf4I
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk0TCSk3xe
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMvYzHkrGj
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yEa3dFjNs
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6qG5qna5M
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lUDZMwxEC
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITgzLyaUZF
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvImDMnQRnl
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7rqytTpz8
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgznHfYzCU
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OXT6OeWmk
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2uwWNfxco
"--Ngh! You guys...!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs54Avo13Bq
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFfUPBvLQD
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGFcGwiuw2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLs6izc9VJ
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaMRw0AYgj
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3TAowZ1V4
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6QVeXxBWN
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHXmbLnXmx
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ITz9gwyJc
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaDH3LZ0k0
"Ya look like you have something to say."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ce9id0GY0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTdsC6KR6T
"W-Well..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDz6yGAPNg
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxEv54sqVf
She turned her head away.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZCVUtNwZR
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvabcex0Kx
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2qbrkE2Y6
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5poA6rLhx
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfV2Mx8T5VH
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnkK8YNmNX
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaP5AYMtfF
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGInGJMVxgz
"Mhm, I told you so."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQb2DvbwVi
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN3OZSsnZd
–
–
–
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSj2B6dval
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9fU1syCIe
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFMmQoDEFP
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8mUv4E1cr
"...So why am I not getting any?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Naf0hVb3E
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡephd5nGnDh
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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLb6aPNODQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1hXbWaR1b
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–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y2FRVFPjj
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgGue35av1
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLoy0a7WfR
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4qlo0EoMH
"Eh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFDrwH6oov
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDuwW2HJR1
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcom5rb1XY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaakZyg1uPa
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjer9iJhoQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d0CVj6HgS
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGdlbI8QbK
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTXFHAEEPp
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeWJMQa8DR
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24MGRCOaL6
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy3ibNRvO8
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorAb6jlFt2
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAj24U2M8A
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVK7Q5v86B
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8axPeW9Svd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVE7Cw2KdiB
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16NG5OFTyf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BOLPpqBv7
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNKySIpxFw
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7UwdKt7DD
"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?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSaZWCvWiC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5yzQmpxGl
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdzrnv3siY
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAuCTEtHzR
"A jungle? What elevation?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2xSadO9Ii
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlXWfbRSjx
He shrugged.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeU0FE6MdpS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKn2C5DfgK
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HjMylfloE
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jt618uHaI
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRV9y4x8Jd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCEOfjV1Y9
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM18SSeaE0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIzIUpXUEx
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSlPi9TdWL
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpOwOPztxP
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0acvvlibq
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bRt1JH2Rf
"Why?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL91XiDdOuE
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdo16Mxdc0
"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfssv3tM9o
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BBO5LUByN
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIHrY4HYM4
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8EZKeDKGZ
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡySwIXu5qyP
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrBwMb4n3o
"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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWzmYKPkF7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw5ScHzvm9
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3u8bFBVm7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67eJMmSaEx
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAtQLJkvhW
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ti8WzTzvy
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PYPPCQgLZ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzJh4iL7dm
"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C6WimBalw
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyspKJqFGvH
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJQsnUaH63
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl62xsktQkA
"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."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3riMQSHyK
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf836lKproP
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYg0GebfVB
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3qwfpzOCy
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbfOolHw1v
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGWP1JwXb5
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5wAUWDfiL
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxZx2KWery
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oBPqJPD6a
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15NIWbdzkV
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KVuQDrJXc
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9FVJ2Fyy9
"TALBOT!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6Ih1SQxz5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAitcG7JVa
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7FnRtj1SQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GkqsMm22q
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0JClv6Lwm3
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvJny68YAm
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cXtzEDQfL
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCB6hLPOlw
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABIlc1tYns
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYeI0YnHcP
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQapqg97Gwa
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWY3HWVD4C
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pZ0x3c2cl
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRPryK0L7y
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIcylVH5Rr
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZnloMT4BP
"Are ya kidding me?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlLRt9Phvt
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1PybmS5a2
"That's so lame!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoAvK3dWrG
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1LJ0guzvd
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsRj5Q1If2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MprTXlLU8
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uA6QkayMp
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtBdexxjvW
"What's that supposed to mean?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HivmVQNEM
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKrBxLUVg6
"Nothing."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eko2fQZV9
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq46wP2osV2
She returned to chowing down on her food.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1LGQhvDwQ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlF7RhjGlc
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyd4FbWfK5
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRaNBg3yIU
"Well..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUyXmZcVIN
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHpF2MD471
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE60RPgMTg1
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJi238zp8J
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6Z4lSN436
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhfzdG3vig
"...No."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjwQYZ6KqV
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDPbjiPuFA
"Eh? Why not?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNektUSAum
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckw8p9nzXU
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwJGjxh4PF
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDUPAW23Dv
"Huh!? What'd you say?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LkmUQzjut
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZeLcnct5L
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JzhQlRwR6
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZYVa4e9Jf
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYR05jMXsr
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A4mffejP8
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4e9f543Dh
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gZXUwBVda
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S0pUzHb3k
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2L1gPcW9J
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qyqUtKglq
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIemx5tJ3s
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItQrhndRKc
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFHwttcNUO
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMeaQl2I6R
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhQI0pN6UV
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0cwFmzWzW
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5aQwlt7Yj
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqnkmklhjZ
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYRnLEUXRU
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HpgH8sgIg
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtwKp0QsgY
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa4j2vDB2U
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TmdX7nXLD
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8rb4phPSV
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1DLn6Kuea
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEWniJi5i3
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"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66CwVeeQNs
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeRjLtvb5P
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Lb5O2FOw
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"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWtqz0JOT0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9bav8mNs7
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnuMlAXRSD
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW99ec31sF
"Custom design? Well..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAA0dL7gWL
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She turned her head away.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOAabh7Nq0
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"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlgpGBwwGv
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Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgj3W9eDHf
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru95xXfJch
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeckqiYMdgt
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"Oh, this?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NSzG3jrnI
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A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nHoT30Cpd
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTyu01Jq5r
"I stole it!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyh5nvESB4I
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNu20B6ljlp
"No surprise."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1MchDWzX0
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"I ain't surprised."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MTLgP2lVE
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcdv1oYOe1
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFfI8dxJxk
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEckc3XaXL
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIraKAZNE13
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohmairByRi
"No."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZOn9d9uWL
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"Not really."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewRi9exshA
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"Ah... you two are lame!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuq5r10Lrx
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkUBVKTdEQ
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj53WKH2CS
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"..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAXEUE8wza
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsQTLPClgP
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqKaW7oB10
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRfEV3dCvh
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jln3YJ0zj
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpu0iokK8Y
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1u5oxW7BM
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqvdExCf4g
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy0SXdgV0f
"I-I see... I suppose so."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3LAo2sOhP
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnnfBXnv2k
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O790hQNj9
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I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGl1nJeitV
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"Did you have to word it that way?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh57kb7ERv4
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSWO0x4kti
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE0ZwsMRrI
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zOO3Rl12p
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LBce76pFk
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUTlP82qoy
"Ya got it, boss."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmdwmbTSAx
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgTlN43GID
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oSqRtPoTX
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT7xTEMyIG
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvScqDJyF8
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi474A3Ono
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdJxm8Tm7Q
"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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAqnx6SGT0
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VbmLr2YwH
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnFyr9U398
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OraeteI64
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡManaMBcxbG
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMb4MborT3
"...Well, alright. What is it?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1QQGPu1rH
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKJ1NREQk9
"I... I wanted..."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBJnEg83Y3
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlDkxEzw7k
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuZ4Gy6ju0
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYLpp7sEnO
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLfUwUhj3x
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd9HfCOO2c
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"Where's this coming from?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazcWcqIyz7
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJty6C9m21P
"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?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DKjM0O8i3
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPxkipCIUs
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRVZXvVBE2
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftpYJQenzi
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqluLiffCC3
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnANrUHgFd
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In that light–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP10MgzCaR
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"Alright, apology accepted."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M240gpQw2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNdkD1JCHS
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDbU6h4XXH
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxS39p7W6N
"--only on one condition."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8ijJ7qWTt
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"Eh!?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQB7HBELID
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Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMLXZlkJDm
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuh3qMFdC1
"That's right."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibyAy6Etdk
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4qVEOWAzN
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPNb3RwTbc
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1gFjKGb11
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLYiQZ1MGI
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxe2Qg1kh7
"He sounds like a priss."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGou1FtU9D
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52tbUZARz1
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClFLUVxhZj
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She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AjRxF098L
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"Fine, what's your condition?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso2yNpSEwa
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I pointed a finger at her.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hR5OogBU7
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"We need to get along from now on."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4htIpYyGxS
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL09SZXmThi
"...Huh?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag5LIfMV2q
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma5Q8i1DRm
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6udA5nLGM
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkICVOYY8cN
"...Ha, that's it?"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8uCDPFiDJ
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I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbarlmFi42U
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"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaZ6buWmhI
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She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwhlqeOb0m
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcK6XVWq0K
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmbxDf1lnS
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe79ZlmFYC
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOjV6rIr0R
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT3VfaU0yH
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"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndXpBua5kF
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She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG2iwvSO1C
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"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdI36W2c3r
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"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrx3pGMQb2
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2bh7MOyhc
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaawqzzxhu
228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSqEfXYkus
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ8OuIvce2
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"What a weirdo, seriously."228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9rSaoqzKQ
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqrVoF5Lzh
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–
–
–
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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrV8tdtZlgV
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"You guys! You gotta see this!"228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0RNuu588i
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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.228Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ75fZ20tq
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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.
