My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2ySPDpvoq
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtGpJv6JWw
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0majzyGXM
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMBaVW4FYQ
"Haa..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJpVbrqDAL
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrU5r1l4Wl
"Are you okay?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyKzQPVDgm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed2zSkB9zG
"Phew. Now I am."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I37TBGO3t
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJDtuMGbku
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSCBTBTp82
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDzMYFEZbq
"W-What is it?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58GYbAjAFr
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgw6FXDOCu
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsqL2TjLs5
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipsb2RUYXi
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWEOeAByqG
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdBVVFE46G
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvjX9Ii6W0
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5orCCk0lNP
"Well..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O4nfifXjF
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWiiwkT4eDD
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv2PmeV1HX
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLT2sectoaR
"Come on, tell me!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXfwRRt6qx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy84L3aMbv
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe19ZPhdOlZ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnedUniGKt
She sighed and shrugged.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoLMX6xlvY
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fCBX0ufoh
"Are you feeling nervous?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedxisTsttu
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKZrILnOPe
"Of course I am."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUALB1pWJ3I
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwqRR0evvx
"You shouldn't be."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqj8DaRIhi
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPC9veqjkM
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSYTy0Z97d
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruU2c0Fuxt
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgTR7e7LMM
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QhOkDNYek
"...What's that supposed to mean?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72nwt9KAPq
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1LrDWuF4c
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhVXTEVMWx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu62Uq0gLmR
"I think you came here a little too early."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuqXCIVh4d
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVcvfQ1Dmh
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbim26FnT2k
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zBs7CBfYs
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H75cPLSGo
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb9QaMoNmy
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!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtb1sIsgY4i
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSROcXcjeq
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA6rYvmzul
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ4YSegEfi
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIduPFXz3I
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7221MMxtp9
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65onxWCixZ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uvOf3XsGd
"Aren't you going to say something?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZGHL6EJoZ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQqOXvhbut
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVzN2KvGeE
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8zRrlnhRC
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4SuRSd5ul
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIHUF1Mf9p
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAC9tjoYpZr
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU9kaXs13l
"...I-I still don't believe you."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡku00Kqa4qN
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJPkhuBKp3
"Are you serious!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uwpu1Xwys
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKS0X6TDYC
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgmV011U97
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZnN6WxxXH
"Can I at least have your name?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4oPk4Mmbh
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMlrc1LLWC
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2DFTsM49q
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcYwv0hleH
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS6UfeUfA4
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtPsi3xPXM
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWoMOgXuyz
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3RIn6o9y6
"A-Alright, I won't forget."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxV1k4hbUdT
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmyiDKyZTp
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz7fi8ad2t
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT1NJBzAeu
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3sdDjI6M2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHaiqOVDvb
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUx8JJGfrf
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxchD32UrBj
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5m9qJyOsb
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNC9mbLQa6
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SNW2PRkYC
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a4yTK9gkg
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjKeokRPFD
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrmO9tDA5M
"She's not very nice at all."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopRg6VHjPQ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsqCr4TLfb
"I suppose not."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP9kqqxVdd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpRkzGq9LJ
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbhusF7Vf7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ0NVOW37z
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AqKvmi4Oe
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SbSDGmZnL
**SMASH**131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JnvoIZzMn
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILqNhO5bNL
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHlWtLwkc1
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06b2m6Oll2
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDo8ormNUy
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSUhNshwqi
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTzQksr8ri
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT8bpfw9TH
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuRMCzXy6t
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryuRKbkvbS
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4M8yYWeES
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzD2HZjvwvN
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKmHpWyYX0
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1Iax2OooJ
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG42aeJt6Z
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp8dyoGetr
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lkuzZq59p
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4EIpp72Mv
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrISICCk4Cr
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMSWlwpR8I
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSab7UC4d4F
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6J2YPhhSm
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjaR49DDuF
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93cdQkzGfe
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEjQ3uNpCd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMNczEjb0p
"No, not at all."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqk8mgbNfp
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnK52jMCZe
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgCpLmbj86
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquMw5vROuy
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8242xdywp
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnX3lFusKb
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BUzNd0yw1
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaI9fhzqER
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVwRq22udB
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrvQ71opqg
"Is she our teammate?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxsAfGrs3B
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25ORKsIcMs
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueTCeGyvLg
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU2srTWieq
"That so? Lemme test the waters."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsdIXi6ucW
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgZYKs19cv
"You'll regret it."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzSsPHrACh
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46qiSIR2Ng
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSr035COvZ7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PtKRPaQEf
"...Wait."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNazMbjdZM
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcq7aMZGY6h
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoZBOkQVUc
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDyD6MGcrU
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazktpRQL8n
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf5AHKDDnR
"A little? Just a little?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsf5w8fqPZ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrBTrCuji9
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxaLGtlEi0
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VuW94UFDf
"I met her five minutes ago!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn0OfOnlMb
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQTsFWcDnc
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHL8yvVVd0
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBHeUYLpcD
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoBdldtobm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRGMl3Ro2J
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkSUjSYw7f
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qu943jPHN
"Really?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7nyr8PAqt
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOALAS1xO46
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFf7mY6JGW
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqiRASqveO
"What do you mean 'really'?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfX8g2O6wuT
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpyPFcmktX
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJg2F7CCnJS
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxTn7HFNRl
"--!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGy0nrYKzL
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN6q6LoDDB
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcPZ9oGefK
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEQvzWS1Tu
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCyHfEfEHY
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhRekMEDRF
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1Nl1hUZXD
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GgY8t0u42
**SMASH**131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUFsRazyEe
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGTgYBIFf0
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeicPDO2zt
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrNaKcJLoT
My jaw dropped yet again.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2PzrvCfSz
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHinfW4qkx
"ROY!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKLqvdc75E
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgPySqolFx
–
–
–
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs657hDHgvk
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNpKjbLQ85
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOu5HxlgTr
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIv8qOMRw5
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9pyV7qwJd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e37j5kKvj
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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDS7vaUIaQ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oYnonCXr5
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj3FJDo9zZ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fkyRVgWd4
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr49WqcFQse
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw73gaTN5k
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgm8n1Rtdy
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dy3byWOiw
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDl3xDNLLXi
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh7yxcnilV
"R-Right."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzuVFynvpU
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXNFpycjDa
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–131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HrcO5Ggn4
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWrvnKVmfQ
"Ack!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqhfeMudu3
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVjKxXHaFl
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5qfTukDbb
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2I9E7APVYV
"F-Flinty, what was–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZzn3iPzkd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9l2YWbVjTt
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTsqpmF9Jx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiHICWA5PA
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkE2VXakEQN
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPJ24MWtSG
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkYMWmasJs
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgPOjermZx
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedL5pILsRt
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBa2IJ1LU2a
"No, I'm not just saying it."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj86WPPzJF5
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85FWMGiH3y
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4e8ld3y43
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkGBHk49OC
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB80EHItaQo
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknWhNzOKH7
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6odxLZslu
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb1EHza8Qg
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmqet0bQ2H
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7LZSPjfET
"I–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM6O327Qil
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92t6uX9Wt3
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyNIo4DZdm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEPmjCDFcr
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6dsROeqPR
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznMQKEu7Nn
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–131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbOEgfZGJN
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc5Sc5AMV5
And yet...131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4OuWgDP2X
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsSarJMwgq
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV3phPc1Uq
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFS29zUxc7
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4MXcE1cgv
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EiN1LABg1
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIi0OJVkB7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiQrfdPO9R
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvil6Wi1e57
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJJ5wXty0s
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDekYisBCCz
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ0Lmsya2a
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNW0xnbxs6
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf6Cmq6TGz
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb10wWT03pn
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsBDgElcV9
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz07sv5XfH
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6HhrAEcTu
"O-Okay."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlPc3dCvZO
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPGYaIP4qA
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhVkAxnaoo
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMJn99VDKD
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKYzev5wTi
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVtaRfQKSm
"Okay okay, fine."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4B9mXTRyg
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRsM9Qj4z5
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJxdCqolEd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQOMhXlWGF
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD8M9h8NFk
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4idRxR93E
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgZGbJ8kLU
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSil7vrb0q
–
–
–
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQC6zcUD1Q
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw70jZPmkwI
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN7X49Qk2u
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9UPsrN0eC
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy25WiuSbe
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLw41zkzr3
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uiXffvYfx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1arGxVLUW
"Huh...? What did you say?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe29MpcooLD
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiffIS4Pxk6
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyopTNV3SZJ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg92E59nA9
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYM5EGmJx3
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvRoo6wA46
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnrwkpfPk5
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5FWtxvkPX
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq3WGN5izR
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrGb0m8K2a
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzavDDJ1Wh
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE0IEn9K49
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqxFbT88jj
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOMVMBpMLa
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6DGs77pDz
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtU7bmKvBG
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkHUhG8nH2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKIuQwQW2h
"Note?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO6cj9b4Eo
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGYXJWUoY3
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsdCsC8o6t
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tIIT2nq5N
"What does it say?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h0rvsHDqp
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCcEXqLzga
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNQDgaNLfX
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuFuaEHuCI
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZzd6ADAES
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iUu1hAWzj
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNjQJWhxGH
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5feMAMBH6T
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7bMWI38Cz
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1qaXlaKYD
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDFio2It1J
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFSJf3aSCY
Juke sighed and put the paper away.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59W5JNTiPh
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6TJ8LFJTk
"So, how's about a story?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL2UVu9tpK
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52Mw7wcL3w
"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?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6wwriNAbt
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B55Xid3YJ
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtovwbogtX
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfa3SuGBUN
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe3uPIsNki
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN3JVK8mKL
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlE6ynczNl
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKjyOtv2rq
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7s9f9Pao9
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEdpj7TonI
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkvVhg7XDb
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MRrw5pt2t
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIPd0qC8m2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLNQPmxakF
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWFviD76QG
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGm6JBXxAQ
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlo0fDZqX4
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gDj9qryVe
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTVWVWqGL7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCWhVbskrM
"Seriously? You have to be lying."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZNK8bX8y8
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczHmeBvtjI
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSlmAYFIS6
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1u4O2jSAs
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R3VKlIO6w
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4M70CiX4W
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHE5WfED0M
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAM7kHOc57
"Like what?" I asked.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmju5GU0T4
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8s2pQXzUJ
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP9FlVBvC8
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfhATk0Kzt
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUW1tpvZTY
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHenJyy4C5F
"...Stardust?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MaUaxjYlP
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfC8k5reMq
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLOl0C73c3
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRqXscUbeR
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKVbh0xV43
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGS89VDFeD
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3mH7Csxdx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vCnDXz7ul
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOsWllUq9Q
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInYmdozdgf
"...The what?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvLaIuTAtd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncoFU6j0yw
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Uu8m7hyIi
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWkaffWjQB
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xcSS9MEIE
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAS53V6k0P
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpNCSeTfth
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf5o4nLYq2
"Of course I do!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YXJkDGfoV
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8DMEigoNF
She pumped her fist.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbStQJyCOx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEaL8BGQJK
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXT2QcWK6S
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPTzLffUiu
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyYPvhYK3M
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxV4e2QBXu
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9adidkZ5n
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2N9WGqT0k
"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–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdW8LSnink
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOvQksPcwt
"I already know this."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0JmWoHfZY
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTHh2Vim4M
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qxGyQ9ivm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsqqQvwpQl
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL91MlR0zDK
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK161XCVkGg
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcg93rYJoh
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx80UijfrQY
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k9ieVLlxY
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4aZyWP25m
"Eh? Why?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gWtmEVqco
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VgeFTCTs5
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktkYnclmEl
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5wXhjL0lz
"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–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2K6YBWwAV
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGrHFX9t16
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbrfiAosA7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi52eUqya5
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEvz7SBLiz
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN27rQcDoNZ
"That's cuz I met her."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssV7IievTu
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgYWuJPKpc
"WHAT!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCDJAAsKoz
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RwoCB6Mm3
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBpAxkhrNq
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVbd9MEAPb
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9rKRfyICk
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpWXrlccYO
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpqZL9s18B
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyB82QAdHG
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTDQRQ9ZjV
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0RwXej5JE
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehWUVzobZd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeQdeSgsjr
"You're kidding."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmgIAd71ns
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJDCd685gQ
He shook his head no.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWiOekLcxw
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9ZX6wYlIx
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9ZKtZBhSD
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09b1EGFLD4
"You're making this up," I said.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSE5K8ejEw8
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkx7m6foz3
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK9sWoDa2z
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9bC4f5BRa
Juke shrugged.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbhoW0zgk39
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV9A4prgjk
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi074L7dG4I
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1F6nTBBAiD
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkPzWqqODv
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrCpdgLJEW
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9k7ObjSc0z
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B1dR3TbSw
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt7XjkiYBS
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTcXZj6gV3
"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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr1Ba5WuaD
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkmk7cMwTv
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxApe4FFBcn
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsGwYLBLWQ
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyQompajyi
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLfkU0R0Iw
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkXhMhwUbM
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2HnXR9cCh
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKzVMzTiVp
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA5gxiz8fz
She pointed a finger at him.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWgxNsRsSt
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡansHDrCSPZ
"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!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJAoTvlNZr
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WyDeFNq4P
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOWnEbNh0E
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XzXq9ahKR
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt254A10lSG
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZW2niM0WN
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJJkK4MILe
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyn4eJY6Ag
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7p6WV9vFC
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGjsh4EegL
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyAxMA5ThH
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEdpOKNh4P
"--Ngh! You guys...!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfM4oWN4rR
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yzFMg1vcv
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM6tIgwBBh
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOorKDdklx
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA9ucMw5nK
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaEamUdlZ6
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bfbLIJcRg
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjEgKYnxjR
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfivO8x0PX
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81Xm3NflzC
"Ya look like you have something to say."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU79EQHGBm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyf90MsurTD
"W-Well..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mKauH6j11
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0k88qeUe8
She turned her head away.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9hZiIkPzp
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzKfU1eaFJ
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3tNUBEG4S
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflE6vf1jH6
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcc8Z5KWMf
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5k3UX8BVG
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJuE4Ci2pv
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsfkkXoMFG
"Mhm, I told you so."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQGWX1vF9o
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbui1GT5nef
–
–
–
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusVZIc1Hod
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGcsvFE9Qb
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowuYxNH4Wr
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq45G8C7Uqd
"...So why am I not getting any?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGDjpxgqFl
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryn1bvNz4A
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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeONndwOUnc
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbdTdOdrAq
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–131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D9TwUpKNU
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0asymLKiKX
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8C6bckTgQ6
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRH5OHE5bO
"Eh?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6BZDYmDHV
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTYmFfkGmt
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvIMaRlKjC
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICSyJ1B5G5
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOcVJyuJs6
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNhdyEwGEs
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlQZmv2O3h
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBorjFgrP2
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86l2LiW8Z8
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOapYrzg7qV
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUdHf71pXl
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyskLwJnn3
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mW4KWIPRk
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbfs2gYz9C
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3mPpyBQOV
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEiHbN0CPV
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IzrmBA19Q
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumwxXHunfY
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdV2YtciZN
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvmlxJw87H
"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?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxy6RKHX86x
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNwI5Hv9L8
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk49BsdJqND
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSdiqovmZS
"A jungle? What elevation?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPXCYSQrfk
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD8IEibFmB
He shrugged.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S2elaH6Lo
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ux4qHboMr
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxperRQuIlG
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGYRyVgEde
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MTAsTvFBK
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAzyPMc5b6
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3mOFAynG7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxU9eh1Foy
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEI2L5Dl5mS
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wieH6r94O
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGf2e01xGL
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAqgCulbQR
"Why?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgZrOCLGnR
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡronxF3jhJY
"..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPtDh6QWCV
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh9BgPc8go
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIFfECYrFY
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO57a44Btwm
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ReRXw6uYm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UUxeh4DsV
"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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPp7b8muNB
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKEfG5LD2K
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP0khYC2lh
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgzcdBG7Xz
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4hsi7VHDH
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUei86QfhXD
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIFXl21Iol
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SOg0tpidI
"..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJtN528psG
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJybRVNpFM
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYXGkRI16s
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigVp0akiTR
"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."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGyXcglOGn
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IDjoNUjEt
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaCuncHDz2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8snK7l58M
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeI6ArH4LEe
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9OfP9fAci
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS3hXcnFCw
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfsnNtwGwk
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw33ZQGgsaA
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1muaKWrgL
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynck0mFymm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7zveN9ZtZ
"TALBOT!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cW9IOKb87
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZDsskSbXF
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3ZFq5Olzx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhBWIzvUHL
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegnS8Yll3u
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjBJ5oitY2
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVbu8UmDGr
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECGH3omj5N
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNgZbTKs6N
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX2nabs5Gw
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh4y57Mkg4
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDYMORDlPI
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9M8AFSrf4
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJS9uEHJ2N
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Kv2ctHx4B
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymI4eaUmsS
"Are ya kidding me?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IvagkZ0fz
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMFSelMKoi
"That's so lame!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48YL3dMnRK
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FnbAbvySW
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLomPnK6Ibg
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjuv61XHjC
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC7Ytzr1sN
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAPmPo3cAP
"What's that supposed to mean?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7b2PnheUB
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8wVlKUyuk
"Nothing."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACy70mtugk
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbZF1btnVh
She returned to chowing down on her food.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bqNkxpzmM
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjqf6E2424
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97SUMeB9ce
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEg8u6G50WO
"Well..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SviyWErIl
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1QXqKlESu
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIqrk833cb
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAlwoWkpLS
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX20yTvs0Hy
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBFUxSTNk0
"...No."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVNEOBM0cU
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHylmM7upeS
"Eh? Why not?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxrgAcLXaz
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsIpCXpt7h
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPZdDKFvpE
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxht1VPf9s
"Huh!? What'd you say?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWguyRJ5Yte
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZTWpFYxib
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAukEGUxQd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5HG2MyTOt
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDMIBzEMGM
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkydDBCkHYu
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoTNbyXA7B
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmQLc5aUrv
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68Gx9a102Z
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoB0AijANc
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgF1ZsSet8
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRp5ttgh9E
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LoIZib11l
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2Zsu6PD3c
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPK7plD5y8
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpnkFwbaqU
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0xEsy8M6l
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9HS6PcDup
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnSOWqVUVf
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQlTf8XR3K
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznh72DxYDq
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AHG0LBWuh
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V9WIMLKzY
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwPLv8JlFm
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFNy3jrGHU
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYRCOZGDHD
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsg6ChwgZe
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QJWuiBO8I
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6YodVr5ZF
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN5WEFObpE
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1A8V44ZFIx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OOzSbAi8g
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHY4XVgDaQ2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ECtPh4l1g
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgP5U98xpQe
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZeiyAgQrx
"Custom design? Well..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TrqEf9WrL
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQoawCVtqX
She turned her head away.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6wOOboLc2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrXcib14kL
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5i5bAlBcD
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfpEnRdLgh
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XaAYblljy
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE5TTyHKLd
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoSzMEw74i
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuvqoEPuZd
"Oh, this?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLAQjUTY6O
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJBieZqeOA
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GCAgZBuBn
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtSPbYNkgk
"I stole it!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Tr7VdSVn2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVyGORQgzg
"No surprise."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwQ9SLEinJ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ5Wm0WXv3
"I ain't surprised."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30C9PpjYGn
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37M9ai04GE
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk1gZ124rA
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyE9uyHNgh
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7gdjX4Nb4
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYQ5SUT0dE
"No."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yWirNkdwZ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscOguLW4To
"Not really."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNPOTrl2AP
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbAvJXWP0y
"Ah... you two are lame!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3wKjKVB4w
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWXfzDb8Cx
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPwKxmeny3
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoojEBEdutH
"..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GCV5iAkyJ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkJME8O6KP
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjRJjXey93
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYAXRWA7KT
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG7zDcrJq7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdH6Q7fgQo
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd48t8GFO1F
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhdRLrwqac
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe43GZrfhHn
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgFt9TDzZw
"I-I see... I suppose so."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm9ApOIokc
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTbLLj0pQt
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYcdTs4akF
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pECspZgLL
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAjiu3HesC
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEs3DalIZN8
"Did you have to word it that way?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFbITzAy5h
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMuXr0BDm8
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIPYwa7P8X
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVYX1B51Ii
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0UgdhPwZm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01J3CL5HQj
"Ya got it, boss."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2Cajd1v6K
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPKoSMsOfA
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx47T1HIiH
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KMX9ybWBp
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21iueBplif
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVflqklJd6
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JIIHILMCt
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueDAnPNM9d
"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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63vuGudadx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxbvXbl1AF
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGJceO2zcd
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxNXpFOrtk
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI80LWloFw2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdEwX7yhYK
"...Well, alright. What is it?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK1OhvIu6L
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUusq2sp4G
"I... I wanted..."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV3Ti4qbO5
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeQz3AU6ve
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkZwkypnBJ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdASapsjm1
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEJvjAXyFD
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5s9UbmFep
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ3CqQya5V
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOyEyWrDlY
"Where's this coming from?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweq0RKG1Y1
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4pDogGavH
"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?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAI8Obs6zq
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9BQLqeNWo
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7UOAEumyo
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6Za6A3soJ
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAom6EFJrx
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HjVxh5RMj
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HYOmZJdUu
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxpDZARMlA
In that light–131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbpRlOJ1IT
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK8B6jBb6S
"Alright, apology accepted."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDPGqKIhgS
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDdjch17Sg
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy8eAX06YU
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknAUt3ZaAd
"--only on one condition."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVpoS2uPtK
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCHQxKK6RU
"Eh!?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEj7yfRJW1
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnUPkoslkO
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVzWyVxmzW
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9YfEvpVRy
"That's right."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqeimTiAcf
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayI1zwYeQG
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE35BMASXR
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByKJgnBCGh
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMeVxf8878
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2jXHdeMIj
"He sounds like a priss."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9b1xWeNql
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKLuu5zt9Q
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaaPvbbvlb
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6s9VefpFR
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6is9q52qUk
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAxm03Uera
"Fine, what's your condition?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfSp7yUR0B
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx64aLYgbGR
I pointed a finger at her.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SbfIcuG9S
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSiwnoH4aU
"We need to get along from now on."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9DWXwLDhH
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucen2Q1jF1
"...Huh?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAGwXxcxB6
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPg5suCvgv
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVISHBqI8l7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjSR0ve5Pp
"...Ha, that's it?"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi1F5ZbDIp
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ4YOQsU3t
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hcesepXOw
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsRxOEOFYh
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPE7RMCgSg
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLTc2SzgdW
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8haeuy1PdJ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWS0X6FsvN
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIhQjaUwIQ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sOcces66X
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YrS3n9QK2
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDINIt9P2cK
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOrGCzQ2Gf
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrYGFTBrV9
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlbyGdPiMW
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHLrxiSlP7
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6YIOq6PFH
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEnux3HeB3
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Sp3p5wOP7
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82jOOHSXAm
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo7jisqaM5
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYReivJbuN
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZltUAqwGTm
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwDlWcKe8j
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAylvE6DYQ
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1UG1AwMJJ
"What a weirdo, seriously."131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmHmX3VzN3
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfRMxQGIAg
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVqYD3xPd0
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOy8uMKcYF
–
–
–
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfgeCzlNZO
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldy6EmhTs6
"You guys! You gotta see this!"131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3nqYgFN5w
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3IKeezCYr
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.131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qX6xwwz9A
131Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71bnuwdpvT
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.
