My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr90vZSMFgh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBZi2pW8Xb
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5T2yYe4Yk
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgCAQVlVNX
"Haa..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bPwhape4w
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0exBB0Fcde
"Are you okay?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwAeqecmnF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvsUjSwAPC
"Phew. Now I am."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZUKXOELha
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXiptDxExX
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76gRoYwKTj
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0mDRtkgON
"W-What is it?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegLE31N9tt
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlF0z37yrPA
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzML6nRaZod
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6YIF1CVmT
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19E2DbIVJu
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFqAZZUsYR
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK950YcJVDf
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AA8iBm8Kd
"Well..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVe1syGqKI
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO0WyDwsBW
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP3azGOWG2
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPwKn9DToc
"Come on, tell me!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwmHif1cKy
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVQy5wr5yh
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rXl9I0cmx
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7HjOxPNnR
She sighed and shrugged.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z6aXhw0NX
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSfIDtzNOi
"Are you feeling nervous?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLLzds4Hho
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUVfWbFgMA
"Of course I am."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSUrwYGcmb
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuj7QaQUhmM
"You shouldn't be."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZd5gZvtmt
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZPt4JrCZU
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9p7dVNVeln
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DUwHGIWMQ
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uLiAq1V0x
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg5QrNPpFr
"...What's that supposed to mean?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvu2dhatFM
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXM9QNYkIgV
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZU4JwLTSKp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD95rB9FLSh
"I think you came here a little too early."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcG4fr9ZDX
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEb7sk7TGK
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolJIbZoo3I
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZvaHv4yGM
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKj6ixVPGG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehKjtvRmPY
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!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rtVIA3wpd
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLp9gZFGfl
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjELBmIcGKM
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGAuUYudxQ
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WCANbRX4n
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaITMS6tsOo
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ewu9AYcfl
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMjNRJa7n3
"Aren't you going to say something?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTRcwZ0PTx
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ69MsSXw8
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQUl6ifEzc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApTHbdmJ7K
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19W97Cyjkv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEKZcrIvd6
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2woRy0wEmZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26LLgzV1X0
"...I-I still don't believe you."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeoncAYb9x
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9eYKeQxPh
"Are you serious!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79LHBQkOHC
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wYF7bhfSt
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwafzquOZaQ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxe3SoLtzFz
"Can I at least have your name?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBe7KIMRSp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HLjd18ygB
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4wv18fHlD
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LyhnkK0PS
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRWZzOh4B0
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwcXdQxsK8
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcWbmlAYA9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfk4ZhG4DV
"A-Alright, I won't forget."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUlYN6NTxu
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspKHF3Xiod
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs6hvfUmuv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdw6bu7RxQ
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxthJHSQ4j
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKApaeqT1I
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W0vrCbJCF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HsE3X603a
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQb2CvVXnR
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6q91Wjl3ST
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQn1pTGxshv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XXPIGEgsv
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qd0pqFKI0
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinTmYZglxY
"She's not very nice at all."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIXkOsc2q3
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7wGZZxb0C
"I suppose not."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5t8Mb491k
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGP82fkf6v
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLfVfuWOIT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxkTcNP78s
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jjPe4MKro
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZE9lv1uqW
**SMASH**130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpOZzWnO6N
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGxlTuyMMK
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmUtZrZteE
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7wd2BBK8Q
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKIcnZh0r1
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmLxEbVTIt
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqWuBWyxlR
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tgVRwBOuH
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRizWqAvjIo
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDwoPu3DXH
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlLNV2dHUX
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XE1i2Qe5f
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScTiEvxpd7
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XI5tpp2D2
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxuxg51Yc1
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FKZs5PaNc
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFY10C1F2j
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWCzfDadn0
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaTHrK2lMq
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEuyTYosiA
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDkYkwkHZL
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBLioe5cfB
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWQKT3zz1u
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpC0eWY1VC
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeP5gN8j2P
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQQBJg6xqV
"No, not at all."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JXHH8TfBz
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1wcAlvAQ3
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvM01Pbwuk
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOj0yAxTko
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqFmaVp17O
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZkYbz5hqJ
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnzePOoQPD
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR8NwD3rof
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNINkGWA9t2
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GiJrxmSRU
"Is she our teammate?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeojEz3urow
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KszgtxZtP
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2JVVH08fh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MKUUn6qzX
"That so? Lemme test the waters."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61BOEQUJNS
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAzWpNa7jD
"You'll regret it."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5mTbp9tzh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfpKAkyyLo
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzj6KalFeu
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZeFi0sGPs
"...Wait."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkD1ZXBdXO
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE4aiOTKld
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O4XEvH2C8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZw3fD8EFBm
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiRcCYCKsq
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTcWZBpJiB
"A little? Just a little?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QCMxxoygJ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgrA3606Bj
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgC1SS8utdH
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAmP2tSbKk
"I met her five minutes ago!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PLhhirWL3
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoCQq9vH3f
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpDnK9Gyxo
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4rGfGvt2A
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpH0fk1wqz
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFvzeQ0v7y
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhLD1baOQY
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A77lklGTx
"Really?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yKiuVrKWX
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA81oP4n51z
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBazMmy85D
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvqqFfCNxC
"What do you mean 'really'?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW1l7XYPgw
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMVQcEHnlI
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRqTIIzhzF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDRJvxWoe7
"--!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26RuKyl1ZF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgUAMZzZ86
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0eXGmH2Hl
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj1UtTti34
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd04PbqJOKe
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eMjrsonEk
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaQBmOJNGL
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8fHmUo9Uq
**SMASH**130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzUKAosvTS
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtHRhrBLkh
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw1EAivmZg
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDuyaGCZuJ
My jaw dropped yet again.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzbFfovB1t
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblXRw2fopp
"ROY!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eO42VWZKA
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mTOv12ZLm
–
–
–
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eCI64BJ7y
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblGDjdBV7s
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO6nCgRZbN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHGIYExVJD
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmeiOn0JFb
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELN3SSQBW4
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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmsWSJuyCl
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvQpyDBT2U
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLOPcugagl
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3v7sYtOee
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOaD56HqKz
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYUvfMtTHU
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguuQWCfJE5
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5FsKBIYdf
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vG2TThfco
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuxIxrdI30
"R-Right."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYes3xdqhs
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGmwLlOESy
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–130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcS5K4HXF4y
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr9OFIhYKP
"Ack!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIa6hqHsvZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsJZkKWodG
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0PiOdr7v2
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWS6LAWX8h
"F-Flinty, what was–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeYz5SWwXx
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHZfzjwr79
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMYICmfeuT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CpyoToxo0
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNxxrX0kmo
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCoU6YAQdc
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnepoKgVCf4
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLhPLAE90m
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAH3iuCVMW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNdN2ZzExa
"No, I'm not just saying it."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW19Y0RXon
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuBlpyBVwy
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKoWt9BbAb
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOb3AKKrl0m
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1MSAnDlkG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l0inddGIb
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8UVBJTxU9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLKrTovwcx
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9XHckUzBe
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgboTwkj9np
"I–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeiJQCNu3s
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv2Udq6KZQ
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC6FM2Kt6s
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrrF0Ey5An
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrw7vQ3EqK
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAkUmz2brL
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–130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBa03QeJ56
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3YUYZcCPl
And yet...130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQByBTs4dd
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8mknwJqFP
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehOAM9fGoG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiczPhwFA4
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeTtJkl9xI
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLXADKShz9
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuNkPZHEaF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl7d2PupTk
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbIXPa6apg
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4MhCJ2qml
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5NbN8moTD
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH047vvdlv8
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iIl8xhOF0
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOnmPCUsCD
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmDOLoHoUj
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntY8Fd1IW3
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXVXB37Ra9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDuhonxo2T
"O-Okay."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFkSNeEuYa
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocs1zQ6IPU
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoj6SmWrC7
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2RP4e99gX
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJijJTXHdb
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z6yFjq2rK
"Okay okay, fine."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9PtTKjFoI
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ypHR0MWqM
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotMtlvomsE
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RkDrG3iIV
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWX2aHoo3o
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCIimYuzVH
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr28Cfm5bIi
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bUaK10NSI
–
–
–
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcq3unaucF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLlJmmstfs
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdKjLH23Ib
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cXtzf1GmU
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLb088enPP
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXNN4Igoqf
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAqwiSRukT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v17XyKfXH
"Huh...? What did you say?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKjqxQ2yHM
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DuEvINWT5
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZ3v8W4d3Q
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzlM5WHVcA
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CsicYURiu
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZln0FFrctY
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYBdooIHpT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGhR6uEX7S
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGEF95WP8u
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTjvkkp7Lf
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl1GJP2WaH
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4ZEXAG2Cg
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUe3EA1316
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq3Nw3fFoA
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9YCdrUPp2
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fa86pCFGr
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0znkGmpZtx
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2JPcrwGYH
"Note?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ730urQKf1z
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFgHxYJdTM
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLZksjJYpW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbjy82mqOv
"What does it say?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡescpOKDcBd
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhllHy1q6O0
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ694sWqqAqU
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntX3UG11zz
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb0aok20Gh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb39H8VubBl
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1njdKIU08E
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1C5qzSNeD
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa05szLrpWQ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlM5cQjn67
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNFrsYbCTR
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5r9lU4ahx
Juke sighed and put the paper away.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmdfGFjG31
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AtrUxkCsK
"So, how's about a story?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPMss1sfmh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1gnWKXbW0
"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?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0U2hTUzdL
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0XDDqyIlg
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGutRIub0l
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqEpMYbqVI
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETSghKm8M7
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstdVRQNhcl
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCPsPQslef
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvWXzjWurY
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbpAqM7BuT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5PdmMldeF
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXVn5m9q4Q
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHcUXokh1c
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJysrLyFRR
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiBS1CeiCK
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Jk82h1CNB
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgmkCorjNG
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KUAGuHpEj
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveeNouxyzh
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡml7POzy6iY
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzrWgYYE8o
"Seriously? You have to be lying."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6GnaXw3lC
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeOizcug4r
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDwWCIwwi5
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLo7EWPsOd
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqQdScGnc1
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8E1CkjJkD
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhio4DTwQVJ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtKNyQ7Ird
"Like what?" I asked.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLkWp0CpHF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoRqDWnrC1
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fjMp7GoTC
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi1iMCGYa8
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYiHXTV6Vc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnBGL57Y5J
"...Stardust?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYuHxi5oYk
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaiuTQxs1J
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomSuQRu26B
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwMx3oQzwU
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8erPyqSyx
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmfhon2uqK
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBl6tybujmf
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOeyICmf2V
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mhI0Etm32
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk76f7WZjz0
"...The what?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkZtwnrTPj
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACz8SKfOPO
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTyfEfuxpq
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaiXcYU4Mf
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQtfRMAYKZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYuxgGr2eX
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqn4AFbPr1
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnom28SiGS
"Of course I do!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUmVWOjFR8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJtZlKtNpg
She pumped her fist.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpevGYhnG4D
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBuO1oTcsM
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22JwiAPTX3
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYxn4Nyeql
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYchmPuphlq
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYi7xUtyNQ
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO92VDYtfwo
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1UdN7II8f
"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–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAM4i6GoFS
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbd5naEFXw
"I already know this."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmj3tHr3Be
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH0s2R4mq5
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DY9VoPKWZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNPePdymUe
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN5yA3YXwK
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxNdXpvRLj
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1QseF8WCi
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbB49gVF57
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTbM1E8vLi
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV3zXQYmoT
"Eh? Why?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoHuAvFtk6
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN8G3zPdEO
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEUmT2ri3d
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyXiLIRLvV
"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–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSvmDoDgMR
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FOvOMvr8F
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ429bXdVlLs
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYu5JReLZ2
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVyTSr3viD
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIxZp8uly6
"That's cuz I met her."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryWFKUyiUW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u8og5Qgde
"WHAT!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqpzu2KjNw
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z22IltRU9
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYDIs2n5Hv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhgObNYBxP
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM4wSAdF1K
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tllMpsUhF
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuBWFMKEg8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkr56EDEUz
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjIHxmbz0I
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYx5Ig78r4
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyPjhvjVYu
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoa5Rl3BUR4
"You're kidding."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUmnu61hOt
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1fA4WU5Ke
He shook his head no.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV9ASiWrCc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg52dKPctuH
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7iUEmyMIz
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILUjYZoFZD
"You're making this up," I said.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtiTXYQV2a
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDC0i7Eb1a
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGN3GUVLmN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GdNbrBSpe
Juke shrugged.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUdCRtmICp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKO0iEoGt7I
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngRrKTXv0T
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjlLUZek3M
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03B29yDMbf
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiWTKFCJTc
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT7rHX2Kh8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTOxMJqfTJ
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3KtMHyEIF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDgqx2NY5n
"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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcLAPOePXp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s3ebrMJIo
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99kxQZLG2y
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0jT667BgY
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8v5W1ygvZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolcsmNSLXA
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRdVNbNxcL
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22LshxWeJl
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyArg0YNTS
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZNHSeh3qA
She pointed a finger at him.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8j3n6oLnXQ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rNkOjvqkm
"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!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wyW9PKw1v
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJL7BMqUfZ
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69vXxQ2vTv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGerxedYhd
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn6k9aEiH9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Cd8sVXsu
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DhRf1LYpw
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vy2OiWDqH
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAumXyh3dB
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU1pL4P4Af
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1du05FX7Z
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscZgfptuL4
"--Ngh! You guys...!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNC3KBQTXYE
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpelrNj1UN
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1VTzCzOKa
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqgKrlyFry
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6BwBIq3cd
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYQ7eRYx7y
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGScd9lGCV
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVGrXLG2B1
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95fDjZCeOB
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiXclJXObW
"Ya look like you have something to say."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DjXp3sh2X
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrkdRBXnRS
"W-Well..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzghG8VGh9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU60trzdvYb
She turned her head away.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO27Dkzqap
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OQ4VUQena
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqve75yj2bY
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrtdm3FXh4
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYdz92R90b
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeG3MPrWGP
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccCi82sIQr
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5IUKSKntw
"Mhm, I told you so."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML4ugUyqrp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7CTXHdXFv
–
–
–
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAmeg0ISpR
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6auc9Hx13
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkRy2vQqlj
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3xpY6BEjW
"...So why am I not getting any?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDN8Od5EZLV
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDXgYbSIM4
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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUG2HZmaY45
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TLgrUs0JW
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–130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnvMSZ1iEG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BFDuzRIr3
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARRelTZWCv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGBghp2Pnw
"Eh?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGLWojBez3
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1WBVGxz5u
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5tUqtG6HC
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5X4Vsjwenm
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zynyp1o7Y
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfis08zSSf
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMAAy7hOfc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5PV8BRYdr
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvGhT5MQz4
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHwwtBGiw5
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBUGzO2iGZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF61pyJDql
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILNa6RqktY
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYGz3uK8Ni
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85WjymCHTq
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3L9sKoRvQ
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IrceZteiE
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1It48XhJY
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHfEatEtTk
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHxAyHjZfO
"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?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGi8Gpff0Q
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWCJBwwFIM
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UqhSYSDl8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhY3XB5VpC
"A jungle? What elevation?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYQ6bwZOXt
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tPW5MgJv4
He shrugged.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubUKBjFWVN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNJx5DTEAE
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR9WKYCkI9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHig3QqzGSk
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJz4QGu12CG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecNBAmLhqJ
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXskCLMZQWn
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ089iVXcTn
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ndVAcu1lf
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVAveqQD6F
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HaBNpLLHI
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZB9QC1lSD
"Why?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGXgY2JAsh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YCn7RlFZo
"..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeebGJcbJOt
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4w9UNvQRZa
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rluRTreP0
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvK0JQ1TEj
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizS2krCfhI
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuXQDF5r1j
"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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOheboSAJN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfYn2717SJ
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99O8MBT5mI
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwHblwDPOv
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7e7Rb9IIQs
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNZfjSbZwq
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne0qwXjxqd
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmw3IsjfPb
"..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsAMRMR2UT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WMtyG8BER
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgUXF9CQlD
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8GGeVrwYW
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm26n0bNcOe
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNMyGqFHLJ
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5WI80RzcZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpyhKq2zNd
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjLk9i1yRW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwbjCDB73H
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9tUGrTZTx
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm93eJJArgP
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO18ftw43D
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9PM2AwMOd
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jQ0prThep
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqmn4MUfwB
"TALBOT!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxq04V3fnU4
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7m27BVO0xN
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ3b2LT7PE
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7NVYUZ9b7
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMWvOiU9RA
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYunUtONus
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfTCUhgxJd
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0szO2L5VG
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTQa2ZJgdP
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfguq3NIxmJ
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkh6RzN5OMG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlZFf4DU7z
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJEv0uO5bc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyRkxpHEXW
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCGdyP3OZy
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhX9e7NB0i
"Are ya kidding me?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYYVVqbOMp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMBrgD1BgR
"That's so lame!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXURMAGYyqm
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIIUeBZOBH
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTBUn3Jj89
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yHCA4dRBJ
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlwyck6Ay7
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheSdjbZIrG
"What's that supposed to mean?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iyH8GxR0s
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4eRslMPX7
"Nothing."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VihmuQWKc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoP0NTq5QL
She returned to chowing down on her food.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zPmdpz9mX
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0sjcY9XAS
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V6GyZUzqc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71ZB9aTn9N
"Well..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM76yHNRuF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrjMfSohlY
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYTl9kHXu8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEh2UiieES
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlukcHgban
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5CJoYFinv
"...No."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1ip9PftS9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3AbQC89ix
"Eh? Why not?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6ZpYrK389
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyg0O5q0fz
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpIvLGTe0o
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n9voboULQ
"Huh!? What'd you say?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VcL0dzOpN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4UjDUh1jw
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyBGHPSq21
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjiDKhH4UL
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyWrmyiHlv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZNLeYZBvb
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvHOZ4rMnB
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u2HWdBuo8
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9JKPLOw8V
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBOCmnVQaf
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7mds2EOl0
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgWWOecT5v
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GC5BPhHPy
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKqvmHYuDU
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9sIBonXuk
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlx1V0JlLOl
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSWrGTfRxM
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvkljb9yF7
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzURMnDA1HO
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqEUAgs4KT
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUItShsdxo
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYy7M9oXIE
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRku0dD5A8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVzYj1uyae
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQBA4Ph0Xb
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWErarDexuj
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qWku759es
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0diG1Avrd
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkjoKckFNr
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ0IYZLGnT
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc79VoM5Qpk
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NyhXXzw3a
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgX2PmmZQN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENjltoZZDB
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFJfJbJIgn
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbPmJJGXqn
"Custom design? Well..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ136Ky7j8Ze
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RGtvnoZJd
She turned her head away.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Sp2uZqws4
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37Zo6EDcoW
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsEGvDgP5W
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2U2ZAt8RR
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVH6jafQMT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxT8DTb2P4J
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDO1i4LkRi
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTp6v6tEwNu
"Oh, this?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT3h8tZSaz
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvch8ySc72
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvFl7yKUTW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF37aEM5Q5Q
"I stole it!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fw9wlcPir
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEZrzBCq4p
"No surprise."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTqMd9ucXG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVXpOZW0m9
"I ain't surprised."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8hs2IgmZY
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhRFh57sZP
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9NzXhVKyc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHDba653h2
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0ropUHNQh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfm8RVmF4Z
"No."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL4EvOwXI2
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlUDuEZTJG
"Not really."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52bEp6VLDZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vVTc4EgsY
"Ah... you two are lame!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKZowtvwgX
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFRlPUix0t
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9Wm0lQSoM
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZlwnM2bx2
"..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTVbpmpbFj
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJQFrfXVYQ
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAboZYxPmen
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBhG8u7Ms8
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw5CgkQ8Ef
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TKJi0UD1a
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN1McZOCFF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIRBYtPyfs
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzjlaM96zm
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVrhQoTnMJ
"I-I see... I suppose so."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF93NhR7TX
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZf2HWYyhH
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvjpu7CBLW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qBuaoSWsy
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSzBWb1ymP
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8H1PkTED5
"Did you have to word it that way?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLIg2Xr0Iv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZQmbgMSB0
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK7qDzrsdz
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy8WjVKjKs
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ikmsuFjnB
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R0Mc7mqAd
"Ya got it, boss."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgy9yd7NOi4
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qM7kbAHam
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8F2bjgERe
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUXHjHQBJ8
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PIUKfVo2q
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyL5uoXTLI
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9yNbG6o2X
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZsK0bXFC2
"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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1xF37z9wQ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1fqpie3ht
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡso3iRG79xu
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e2t5w5Eot
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgMclAZ0Ww
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylmP8mdDvm
"...Well, alright. What is it?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtfuRYSFwL
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJgIWlFym0
"I... I wanted..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyEOYfJhRv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡir5aHaissW
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS41WulQO9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6g6wSTgbU
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOooNNc9QyD
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK5xlJ7BJh
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwCOdtabTV
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmPCgjryid
"Where's this coming from?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLNw53ii8C
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Xl4Mbxxqk
"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?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUzT9HpcH2
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡly4tDVvsZ8
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7SO4Xo0Me
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFRAAfHlvH
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGXZvcm7BO
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanxVQs0I05
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXFEotUkwN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtInZSNwCL7
In that light–130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBCdPF7O50
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhevrwYmUH
"Alright, apology accepted."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOIG50eftO
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweWBDACkb8
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKzcXMnD4u
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLtGsMwoEX
"--only on one condition."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1HtYJRZ9P
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHXvZuMEp5
"Eh!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXZFB66V3X
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkX7gZvPp3
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2SolelWDm
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqNCUn7Xfs
"That's right."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc0Sa9blSG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr93TUe2HJ
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm7puqhGPQ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkedYBzGT4
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfqQ3rwSRG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48iKuJ742Z
"He sounds like a priss."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahNe5DBJP7
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEK4usl653
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr38NDZCuJ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZT3drx4ZIR
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpZuUKSVxd
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMcPZjKYcS
"Fine, what's your condition?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluGaR6uQZI
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86jTdm0cKP
I pointed a finger at her.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9yZG74KfW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5lgyB8V0e
"We need to get along from now on."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVqFLp929X
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQB5AeuzKr
"...Huh?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf6QlvxNNB
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj5wruQtzK
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos1xYJhb3U
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m9v2RdCSM
"...Ha, that's it?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpYHIRi8Bt
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EGMvcZbRm
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2grcfLFIc7
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE3LMSYDhv
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdDnR3ozEu
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwu9y0LDzA
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWAv9znNLO
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRbRHGdX7Y
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspvAQhVCrd
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1q3dSQvPl
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIstWJ8RNW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcrkVn0fqa
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMMmK5Uzho
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQoZgxrR5E
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxU4LBh3Nl
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4zlb5FAMg
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLgSH8o6r9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOedEOfgEgP
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2TF8gXR0y
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcPod2v0DK
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzZzwtuZDA
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0k2HUbAgGw
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78Ny9mXNcj
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRJPTYP514
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0htuTA3a81
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9enxmo1HVR
"What a weirdo, seriously."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrgs4qBfuB
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7CEsA9GYR
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3xBzpw5ei
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgu9DOoxI6
–
–
–
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBNAb7wmIs
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TUevhQ0Ux
"You guys! You gotta see this!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtEmoyvevU
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogKaHUarSg
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY1JjaFPP9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVZ3zJopmj
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.
