Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.233Please respect copyright.PENANAcL7J57ckQZ
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"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"233Please respect copyright.PENANA27vdfiVJ5T
233Please respect copyright.PENANAj5f6h7ngmy
She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.233Please respect copyright.PENANAv76l8dPT8C
233Please respect copyright.PENANAWRStMvVKFK
"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.233Please respect copyright.PENANAM2D2A0Sj9t
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.233Please respect copyright.PENANAOzS9Wr6Vum
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"233Please respect copyright.PENANA3bXgft1GyV
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Flinty shrugged.233Please respect copyright.PENANA874PiAAYLl
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAg8Evww0qUM
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...233Please respect copyright.PENANAnMCgGnChQY
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."233Please respect copyright.PENANA9oZPApVnOl
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"Why don't we ask them?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAq7D1h8ND7K
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"Not a bad idea."233Please respect copyright.PENANAFZXGRNlG5P
233Please respect copyright.PENANA1nfjX9QqyS
Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?233Please respect copyright.PENANAC18Zs4oh9H
233Please respect copyright.PENANAQVYh3v6yET
My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.233Please respect copyright.PENANAXRj4PEw1av
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"Wow, is this a farm?"233Please respect copyright.PENANA47zVnSihoc
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."233Please respect copyright.PENANA8w9dNPiP5v
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All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.233Please respect copyright.PENANAMwPCTQi66W
233Please respect copyright.PENANAZBeiWGCK4G
As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.233Please respect copyright.PENANArvvQvEx4kM
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.233Please respect copyright.PENANAUleFHIEPBz
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"Uh, Flinty?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAleJKcJHEfj
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.233Please respect copyright.PENANA7siG3jIFqC
233Please respect copyright.PENANAO7XD9ZJLNK
"Kenny!"233Please respect copyright.PENANAX2Rezcr9My
233Please respect copyright.PENANAasBsWbwiZe
Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?233Please respect copyright.PENANAs85NU6PQcx
233Please respect copyright.PENANAGwKLR03OJ3
"That dog's name is Kenny?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAozeixZXZEU
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.233Please respect copyright.PENANA0PaahUNVR9
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.233Please respect copyright.PENANAWKuMJTirDQ
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."233Please respect copyright.PENANATTkefsfzpA
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"Okay."233Please respect copyright.PENANAJyBuS4SlPc
233Please respect copyright.PENANAITRtIgMKbp
I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.233Please respect copyright.PENANA8kk1lJbFlM
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."233Please respect copyright.PENANArhvKh5uyE8
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Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.233Please respect copyright.PENANA5vLbafZS0V
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.233Please respect copyright.PENANAcpMG9v9oiX
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAxGTSEgIWg2
233Please respect copyright.PENANACWz3kegZZl
Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.233Please respect copyright.PENANAQT7q6vIdaX
233Please respect copyright.PENANAaWxEBrpb39
"Vikky!"233Please respect copyright.PENANAh3z9UDQNVY
233Please respect copyright.PENANAF7dSyfrmnj
Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.233Please respect copyright.PENANAfqBWyd2gEw
233Please respect copyright.PENANAWnSvHPR3kT
Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.233Please respect copyright.PENANAXawM28jCms
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."233Please respect copyright.PENANAO9RJ7hwWZ7
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She looked strangely amused.233Please respect copyright.PENANA4Pvt2oWy6t
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"Full name? Alright."233Please respect copyright.PENANAX0hknkOHLR
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.233Please respect copyright.PENANANrilXtwG6a
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"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAOjplT9HJqU
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"Yes."233Please respect copyright.PENANArg9KYQQml5
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"Then let's get along."233Please respect copyright.PENANAGjcbuR9gFJ
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.233Please respect copyright.PENANAkNRUSOHRFT
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."233Please respect copyright.PENANAVifGK2CpCz
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.233Please respect copyright.PENANA3Be17eXTYV
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"233Please respect copyright.PENANASwo1ladbOP
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"233Please respect copyright.PENANAL6PmdVVV2I
233Please respect copyright.PENANAOOPV6KWb4e
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"233Please respect copyright.PENANAG0Q6ZkPFqX
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.233Please respect copyright.PENANAasmVLLeMBE
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAM20S5rve9b
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"What, why?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAx7tzpC2Bhd
233Please respect copyright.PENANAEoaOUECMdZ
Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.233Please respect copyright.PENANA2YFnAoHL8Z
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"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."233Please respect copyright.PENANAJewYfFooeH
233Please respect copyright.PENANAJieIdLevte
Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.233Please respect copyright.PENANAQKvRlBFlFX
233Please respect copyright.PENANA7STfwqWKag
"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."233Please respect copyright.PENANAAETuvVOzLd
233Please respect copyright.PENANAKc5IVSpQRt
So that was what the lady from before was doing.233Please respect copyright.PENANAagBK0iPoDU
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"233Please respect copyright.PENANAvRfC0dlhcl
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."233Please respect copyright.PENANAWToIDRVofj
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The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.233Please respect copyright.PENANAnuqIVhmBds
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"233Please respect copyright.PENANAcUjy6Qyxvl
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."233Please respect copyright.PENANACxjHjFR29p
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"233Please respect copyright.PENANA9EeRYR7LHv
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."233Please respect copyright.PENANAFc0eNDsKfI
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I made a grumpy face.233Please respect copyright.PENANAdQhKxTpbFR
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."233Please respect copyright.PENANAWlxr3voXlZ
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That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.233Please respect copyright.PENANAdjzv58Jhbd
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.233Please respect copyright.PENANA4Z3owjxiIu
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Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.233Please respect copyright.PENANAWONFDeLT1N
233Please respect copyright.PENANAeUiyQrIRvd
I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.233Please respect copyright.PENANAJkpLJND1dn
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It's worth a try if nothing else.233Please respect copyright.PENANAqEftsnkGJj
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAdZln2Q2azb
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.233Please respect copyright.PENANA3y6WfJiJNq
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."233Please respect copyright.PENANABB3d0kOhWm
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.233Please respect copyright.PENANAYkxCURGgY1
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"Yes."233Please respect copyright.PENANAugbtkvqzVL
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"Can I see the crops?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAlfg4IqopNk
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"Uh, you can."233Please respect copyright.PENANAv0W4Ke8hZk
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.233Please respect copyright.PENANAMs8p9i7sKE
233Please respect copyright.PENANAZEpQFczdAv
–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.233Please respect copyright.PENANABLsX3itJpk
233Please respect copyright.PENANAFp5VBypILO
Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.233Please respect copyright.PENANAPtz7WuxiSX
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.233Please respect copyright.PENANA1x373odsxw
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"W-What the hell is that!?"233Please respect copyright.PENANANDq6ENCbTn
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"233Please respect copyright.PENANAnx1qmQkWIb
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"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"233Please respect copyright.PENANABckrtEBbaj
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I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.233Please respect copyright.PENANA2zugtibDb8
233Please respect copyright.PENANA5FuTWBWzWq
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."233Please respect copyright.PENANAWN0VgIxAur
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It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.233Please respect copyright.PENANAr9RrxUzLJM
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But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.233Please respect copyright.PENANABYLEvHJbaY
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"What are you doing?"233Please respect copyright.PENANA4ZuRzq6qEg
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"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."233Please respect copyright.PENANAYjjIklUQIi
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She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.233Please respect copyright.PENANAkpbBwNCt9c
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"You're an angel."233Please respect copyright.PENANAnNmbtmc6Yn
233Please respect copyright.PENANAnQaNn6eLK4
"..."233Please respect copyright.PENANA6yiOCbivQr
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I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.233Please respect copyright.PENANAIL5ac9OsQx
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Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.233Please respect copyright.PENANA2MeoNVWzq3
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There were very strange people in this city.233Please respect copyright.PENANAValyLVpmat
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"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."233Please respect copyright.PENANA8jH4fduaiM
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"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"233Please respect copyright.PENANA3W7joLMuzk
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Victoria's face returned to being concerned.233Please respect copyright.PENANA2eWnltEobW
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"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."233Please respect copyright.PENANAmlYqNYohXB
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"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"233Please respect copyright.PENANAV9UwDANu42
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"Really?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAtWf02MjeRP
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She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.233Please respect copyright.PENANABcP6MvRulq
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"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."233Please respect copyright.PENANAYUlpn1HvRF
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"Yes! Let's do it!"233Please respect copyright.PENANA2jH9Ft1nc6
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"Fine by me."233Please respect copyright.PENANATHmpIJjULN
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Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.233Please respect copyright.PENANAZvfX6CGf99
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I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.233Please respect copyright.PENANAdsriGfbg8B
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"Is something wrong?" I asked.233Please respect copyright.PENANAQXWRwCNNps
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"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."233Please respect copyright.PENANAgRV3HBsm7k
233Please respect copyright.PENANAhAy3r8GxK4
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."233Please respect copyright.PENANAS53Ui8yPea
233Please respect copyright.PENANAjwhu6Ne2uW
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."233Please respect copyright.PENANAw5V8gLp7yM
233Please respect copyright.PENANAOTQ3nsNUwK
"Is that so?"233Please respect copyright.PENANADWYKa2Nq9F
233Please respect copyright.PENANAwjwi7svzO8
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.233Please respect copyright.PENANA59fuhbneh3
233Please respect copyright.PENANAaLYgaGSEDq
"Please, enter right here."233Please respect copyright.PENANAzGPmgAt8Xi
233Please respect copyright.PENANAK4xSNg9Te2
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.233Please respect copyright.PENANAePdOuGbjuq
233Please respect copyright.PENANAwzl86Pclk5
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."233Please respect copyright.PENANAOmfFW1E51u
233Please respect copyright.PENANA3abNddXDma
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.233Please respect copyright.PENANA6ES55Nzt5U
233Please respect copyright.PENANAcEjMkPvijE
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."233Please respect copyright.PENANAZkc68JulY9
233Please respect copyright.PENANAwNFxNMdxUI
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."233Please respect copyright.PENANA6qencAyAEE
233Please respect copyright.PENANA9rcvEeKuL0
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.233Please respect copyright.PENANACKcbNt8hGp
233Please respect copyright.PENANAhQhFs5Lr7w
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."233Please respect copyright.PENANA9O7KBe5jo6
233Please respect copyright.PENANA84RHX2LdOD
"R-Right."233Please respect copyright.PENANA7tCXLaSzsI
233Please respect copyright.PENANACZfAxXxE5m
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."233Please respect copyright.PENANAnjI5J3fDLB
233Please respect copyright.PENANA2o9jfQTa5R
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.233Please respect copyright.PENANATsXgZ5f6at
233Please respect copyright.PENANA4jCxLHz0du
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."233Please respect copyright.PENANAUhmWxSOcF6
233Please respect copyright.PENANAE1hCKEc71S
I nodded.233Please respect copyright.PENANAFZgAIqwsik
233Please respect copyright.PENANAYbyrcNKoR4
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."233Please respect copyright.PENANAXmI2Ma0s01
233Please respect copyright.PENANApl9ZwJMsNM
I raised my hand.233Please respect copyright.PENANArIam3d49Ul
233Please respect copyright.PENANAy9me6mNOcv
"Yes, Kenny?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAhX0snwJWXd
233Please respect copyright.PENANAKLnVV2ggAO
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAOy2Ck6cuH3
233Please respect copyright.PENANA69E40RemgW
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.233Please respect copyright.PENANAmnN7i79oVX
233Please respect copyright.PENANAzHlhZeC1vz
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."233Please respect copyright.PENANA0sncCwOHYZ
233Please respect copyright.PENANA3IcYvTbcHz
"Allowed to brew?"233Please respect copyright.PENANABlloMryGOA
233Please respect copyright.PENANAVJLdOpOlI4
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."233Please respect copyright.PENANAwP1NOWp06J
233Please respect copyright.PENANASw5qZGm6zh
"I see."233Please respect copyright.PENANAj9rvUQ1Zx5
233Please respect copyright.PENANA7FCe2EV5YL
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–233Please respect copyright.PENANAXcPtTUKaUp
233Please respect copyright.PENANAUTOAGHSxHg
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAt6JmTfFBF1
233Please respect copyright.PENANAiDEG0Eia1Y
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."233Please respect copyright.PENANAFbUf0PktNH
233Please respect copyright.PENANAckuDHN62bU
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.233Please respect copyright.PENANAS4Kdtqp1S7
233Please respect copyright.PENANACaqCxhA2ey
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAUDQTFCmCvt
233Please respect copyright.PENANAnV3ovdWr4U
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.233Please respect copyright.PENANAqyjoRz8Cef
233Please respect copyright.PENANAfdNkAWnmoc
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."233Please respect copyright.PENANADegjCmhPmO
233Please respect copyright.PENANA6N9qJRA2RU
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.233Please respect copyright.PENANAUxDcs7U3Jc
233Please respect copyright.PENANANG9NSJqewd
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."233Please respect copyright.PENANAWQJTte0n53
233Please respect copyright.PENANAVz3C46Us5V
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.233Please respect copyright.PENANANk0n4q50a8
233Please respect copyright.PENANATGMi4hqeiX
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.233Please respect copyright.PENANAWlMEkITmRQ
233Please respect copyright.PENANAQSbBr2rwuc
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.233Please respect copyright.PENANA61b7FpwmnE
233Please respect copyright.PENANAxQpPLlCvwM
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.233Please respect copyright.PENANAhJUCpyvHqc
233Please respect copyright.PENANAhljfFjdXUS
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.233Please respect copyright.PENANA0Z74NF3zmW
233Please respect copyright.PENANADkvdumoCNJ
"...Wow, this plan sucks."233Please respect copyright.PENANAoz2bLmnjIM
233Please respect copyright.PENANAnofN1t7ER0
"Kenny!"233Please respect copyright.PENANA7B3oQrWCBy
233Please respect copyright.PENANAvU0vGq9wXF
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.233Please respect copyright.PENANAfBptg08wJq
233Please respect copyright.PENANAf1wM4GSiHc
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.233Please respect copyright.PENANAE5ItiNBNKS
233Please respect copyright.PENANARDnAVv2Yl3
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.233Please respect copyright.PENANA3X9TA2k0yc
233Please respect copyright.PENANASELTxHea4f
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.233Please respect copyright.PENANAl3V5aqISQN
233Please respect copyright.PENANAXAMre54h5G
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."233Please respect copyright.PENANAFE6kMPgrMx
233Please respect copyright.PENANAAPiSwDuT98
I nodded, but something was bothering me.233Please respect copyright.PENANACcaqFg652F
233Please respect copyright.PENANAXJgodefnMs
"Will the people really all come together?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAXjyVH52cnS
233Please respect copyright.PENANAeuRiL8zetf
Linda stepped in.233Please respect copyright.PENANAd1ClUuJ2Er
233Please respect copyright.PENANAsbtIhdbFaS
"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."233Please respect copyright.PENANAwZwnWybDfj
233Please respect copyright.PENANAEzobhgKnJq
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.233Please respect copyright.PENANAMsdFCgodTI
233Please respect copyright.PENANAYJpHbH3IO0
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."233Please respect copyright.PENANAFSOy7vtlZ2
233Please respect copyright.PENANAKXM3zDadUC
"Mhm!"233Please respect copyright.PENANABTkbTKvXQ2
233Please respect copyright.PENANAYRLZ2brxJX
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.233Please respect copyright.PENANAqcHjTJIkMt
233Please respect copyright.PENANAWknPXvWuhS
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.233Please respect copyright.PENANAfme00CbhuB
233Please respect copyright.PENANA6dJ1EWxioL
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.233Please respect copyright.PENANANXRnio8MaM
233Please respect copyright.PENANARlICnWY6zv
I was having second thoughts.233Please respect copyright.PENANA6zU976hqzB
233Please respect copyright.PENANAJvEuBG5bi3
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.233Please respect copyright.PENANALcMi1QmxOU
233Please respect copyright.PENANAy9DAjf175H
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?233Please respect copyright.PENANApIgFYdQpPn
233Please respect copyright.PENANAvnNwzEYrhB
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."233Please respect copyright.PENANAolYs4hmtir
233Please respect copyright.PENANAXg6q0oqqvf
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.233Please respect copyright.PENANAaQOez8Yymv
233Please respect copyright.PENANA2JaL4DC0x3
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.233Please respect copyright.PENANAAyJcQzOjJI
233Please respect copyright.PENANAc0XTrvT0yz
"..."233Please respect copyright.PENANAYHgcdaa2hX
233Please respect copyright.PENANAIJbvfONswq
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.233Please respect copyright.PENANA0gZu3vicOZ
233Please respect copyright.PENANAkVCyhPb09x
Phew.233Please respect copyright.PENANAGQF0b9MJLr
233Please respect copyright.PENANAIBAB3Rtpfj
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.233Please respect copyright.PENANAPcFTEi2NwI
233Please respect copyright.PENANADiORLSU5GO
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.233Please respect copyright.PENANAisY7ilrzu6
233Please respect copyright.PENANAevHIKhVdfk
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAUrjH1M7DWi
233Please respect copyright.PENANAZ04xN0X3Q1
"Huh?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAgh61K4mKlL
233Please respect copyright.PENANAJnTySU9Wmg
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.233Please respect copyright.PENANAp9eedqJF23
233Please respect copyright.PENANA5mrYLUTZEf
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAvjrBrsK5FO
233Please respect copyright.PENANAyejcqOe4ik
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.233Please respect copyright.PENANAS3fkX0uIJM
233Please respect copyright.PENANA3RYNiRcyWB
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAvB7qw45cmt
233Please respect copyright.PENANAtOLFPqbelY
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."233Please respect copyright.PENANACJu5jbe4Tn
233Please respect copyright.PENANA12HyqXxOPR
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.233Please respect copyright.PENANA8dkaMULPpB
233Please respect copyright.PENANAuoPdsNm4B3
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.233Please respect copyright.PENANAHDlnYsdkpB
233Please respect copyright.PENANA593mNxdU3l
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."233Please respect copyright.PENANAVLSgwDTg9y
233Please respect copyright.PENANAlf4bjMAou6
She looked suspicious of it.233Please respect copyright.PENANAwPGBeo578k
233Please respect copyright.PENANAst6k1O0KQp
"How do I know it's safe?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAXBu9MEY3KV
233Please respect copyright.PENANAYod4CmMrAh
"I can drink it right now and prove it."233Please respect copyright.PENANA5VuMlpwnRI
233Please respect copyright.PENANA0u5a1GRxcL
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.233Please respect copyright.PENANAELQoB9Hmdj
233Please respect copyright.PENANAiRa3OPtF4X
"Fine. I'll try it."233Please respect copyright.PENANAS4av34EvUi
233Please respect copyright.PENANAXaY7zDOHuu
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.233Please respect copyright.PENANAxKOnqgYywU
233Please respect copyright.PENANAixs2YQj2ND
"...Okay, fine. It's good."233Please respect copyright.PENANA2VcITh86sq
233Please respect copyright.PENANAo2ICkBddpX
Yes!233Please respect copyright.PENANAvvAFCAKDY3
233Please respect copyright.PENANAYOKOXXLNXw
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.233Please respect copyright.PENANACJj7attdoX
233Please respect copyright.PENANAVa6GFxKsSP
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."233Please respect copyright.PENANAy4cnzopt1j
233Please respect copyright.PENANApNaTXQNSPq
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"233Please respect copyright.PENANA2fh2Ja7kne
233Please respect copyright.PENANAEsqVJQoi4e
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."233Please respect copyright.PENANA3VU5xUKiUm
233Please respect copyright.PENANA4IO2Pu3eq1
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.233Please respect copyright.PENANAw7fzKcKyNi
233Please respect copyright.PENANAw3ZIwkxJG5
"What are you doing?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAcDlN779KKk
233Please respect copyright.PENANAkGgZgPtYmd
"Passing the time."233Please respect copyright.PENANAxw7qvRBh4e
233Please respect copyright.PENANA8164pUUsjM
"By making fun of my face?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAAbKtMjDzSq
233Please respect copyright.PENANAeScQM6jtbR
"I'm not making fun of you."233Please respect copyright.PENANAFcZ7QOMM6G
233Please respect copyright.PENANAvQy7dvJr0t
She laughed a little.233Please respect copyright.PENANAUxn0VWRZ6i
233Please respect copyright.PENANAoNActwH9LS
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."233Please respect copyright.PENANAfhG0ZzBoE8
233Please respect copyright.PENANAvFtGriB0qw
"Of course."233Please respect copyright.PENANA9L2iMMYDU2
233Please respect copyright.PENANAESOiaXIVtQ
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.233Please respect copyright.PENANACvwnIf5wiD
233Please respect copyright.PENANAdYjwfb3fkU
"How'd you two meet?"233Please respect copyright.PENANAlt8KqaWHnV
233Please respect copyright.PENANAia6J1rVSiu
"..."233Please respect copyright.PENANA076f2uOmAL
233Please respect copyright.PENANAgFAIMvm6TX
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.