My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbR6dA79ul
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ4tGE30cu
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2DeM3fVNv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviEiZ0Smwg
"Haa..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHMKaX8Bs1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlxLAXG5vv
"Are you okay?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxDkuVjAfP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAksAq0YYl
"Phew. Now I am."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXCZzav3ko
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGCd7qXW5C
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11aDjeH8Mo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKshrHimpIp
"W-What is it?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsHVR3u6HA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGYYh8hzPm
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlTP7FzOlr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWvn5hoLlY
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68CRLVhWoV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYRtpwJc4O
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AhYqXbz9q
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9o0W9v4iE
"Well..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgGfIH1Zxx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYd4TX9PTV
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a6ccDPz16
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj3Irw2Fy5
"Come on, tell me!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp2PX18MIk
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkRALGOGZf
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCv9VIOiVG
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqqd8QdPxG
She sighed and shrugged.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtG2RH13ozk
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqemvGzVCF
"Are you feeling nervous?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwyBIo2ZKa
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPMRWKXlNd
"Of course I am."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcBV5snzGG
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeR6KMm4XB
"You shouldn't be."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfGCpwTUhj
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5hIzSJtco
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkcVHOkgNC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YCdYtolH7
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZhOI2UM4J
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgWkQQ6CB9
"...What's that supposed to mean?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzMLd2AL0S
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fGotwXxGn
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbNRcjcz9d
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JNbQuXe9l
"I think you came here a little too early."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1FMRFE62T
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G2qKP09Ii
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypmSb3s2C2
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KV9KAIVsK
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZE2yfgD6xG
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYeGFX2zqM
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!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQlkAKzXhC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87hfnPigPH
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTpUBaefmp
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ5bbPL1qs
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRUHcuakMb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF718z0QM39
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcO66v9dtoX
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yNP74fEhh
"Aren't you going to say something?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzkUcZty4u
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBJOMpmSYp
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcrajf5kDK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYfA1j6kyw
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAVBLGxowx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbGWWekljU
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkRuta0Z7a
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYTzZUSrtP
"...I-I still don't believe you."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEZ6VVJyZa
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBBPI7tSSu
"Are you serious!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleZ0X9sU6C
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7QQQXo7PX
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmS15LJ6gSO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDaWGfX7uq
"Can I at least have your name?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG8moqpPhJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70BKd54aUK
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lrBildipE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAkPCmhMRh
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcYra9wwWB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i2ML3i3NN
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNSMWCSiKr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EGlO8981w
"A-Alright, I won't forget."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ85fcjRv9
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3sY0p2nHC
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKNBX6705x
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnoBL705NG
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JUNbNIZcU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgK0rQXM3eq
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23XgIgZVv6
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAme98dBe1
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHlgSTykTb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOf49FPTEB
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u71bFmP0J
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZHSOJmtPQ
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukhZqTZoIb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd17A3TrxK
"She's not very nice at all."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS9WFdNpmc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu5xxa1SOM
"I suppose not."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8B1poarly
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUogLcraay7
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gzSg3LeS9
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mUk3WW3jB
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsw9nJ7EjT
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO39GiKi8ci
**SMASH**217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpO3OyZ9Qa
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zeMe35WqA
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhsbuJ6GE6
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszo2DieQzw
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpOgu8mBua
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8arFrDMgmL
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLCW31PH2l
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eNxqQsRAj
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9YOJpXtHI
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2pcVaMNb1
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92eCkVXb3o
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTUXtyxRQv
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSNUy8QBGF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebIjUhdprc
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv8soupGy2
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkHQKYqDml
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0ouNWjRuU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpBI4mZDf8
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkM9Dkn9sNp
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBg7LGZDLx
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWN2vqgh6ev
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6HliZRz6e
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmgXl545Wy
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz5PHDzBjK
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JOFpiNb7C
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0fKFIiRwT
"No, not at all."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cDY8zWORY
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1ZVaQsawZ
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHpV0PXRU5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFxzfx10E2
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9SkRkCKig
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJ1a7IJgzV
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp2VWgAOCH
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1E9DA2zhCY
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszt6yxMELB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhWsFR2M3u
"Is she our teammate?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSrDPXMEEt
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOttRBaY2D
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O8RqxmsRY
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AI9gkW2J2
"That so? Lemme test the waters."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU93ulL1Gf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgpMEMfG22
"You'll regret it."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTbfw9tikh
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbSLzRksyz
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuRIHtoqlv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnWg3v1Rm5
"...Wait."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99oz2P3Htx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKKzVL9Geo
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK2T6J3nMJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbJ8OKZTdS
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNeNW5aGRP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByUQL4X45q
"A little? Just a little?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs139C4S4SA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H7kC5tYCa
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3hv1phsjb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBNtT8SPGU
"I met her five minutes ago!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRMH5UnkaJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIU2C9RUXW
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMgLl63MEI
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBQeLc6u34
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiQNKSvmWs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d1HneFc1S
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxI0g8TctU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEoY0DKkOx
"Really?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8kLGrm60B
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2onz1lzpW4
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhZbmyQxLm
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5B7QXkAqR5
"What do you mean 'really'?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF9BMn3MRF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXcscBfDTt
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxQChoJYOR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIC2R1Ybjc5
"--!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKbM6sgi75
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEXZLvstKJ
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDXsUIijE5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizAu8jdfo1
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8whgoKeI3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeiw2Afxj4
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhbjm4lxWy
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXcdo7g96T
**SMASH**217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLuih58u6H
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy1JMdKhha
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy8xIw0w4n
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzntyXJrEV
My jaw dropped yet again.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfIqojOprI
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pxWAisuVZ
"ROY!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OhkcCWRzV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4yIGMYWCA
–
–
–
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYIj6x2SJc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjug6JLJHNR
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ275c6OzzZ3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLfFzD7pF3
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW482Q0cdZD
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRIb4OWX2F
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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilhAU4qQ5t
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74BzvUBBy6
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YObkmC05r
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdjfF6CTx0
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKTpG5rZxZ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DhOXTr2MP
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeEo9Kqfux
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPAHXrXB75
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bFwJnN3Dw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXcKjqWEVA
"R-Right."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlkaEiTHvO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVXnLDBAGj
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–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgo4JV28uW
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQwXO4MZ1n
"Ack!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVratM1dQ4D
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmd0l79kTQ
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQUiWVtP4D
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV3MnfSZqa
"F-Flinty, what was–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg7AaH2jDC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjHLKZzHR9
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoOFW6fsqJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyePQQdRbP
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FQkA0opl5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6n9vCqx4X
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSLPqrHk0O
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMeNI9xdHr
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjP1HcwrNdi
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlI3vrs9bk
"No, I'm not just saying it."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwx94uX82b
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7laYZyLvxL
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQwIr1KMsk
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuldlz6d0B5
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6gXf7CSue
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXlHqj58lJ
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt8hQwvQPhg
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2szcSOIIrc
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ082lC4r5jn
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfM4ooOElk
"I–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCkbq2h7pp
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc03o9KO69s
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkQZ5cIj8t
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmX9V3DFra
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWaTvbWUQn
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffKomKvWDo
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–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33DbCCAAkl
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhbFwWVqxu
And yet...217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrELzepJAx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu5q1mlPU1
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeao1CDuXhp
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7m3AmTELn1
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoVu7sJ1f9
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0Oj9COzNv
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSANlV6bQOs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLv5UqOgxL
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ChcJYVoAB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nIRdIGWM2
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkOiRX9cd1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27Kh99GVTs
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUrB1Kv137
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K9teJrVP5
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyApTU1hAZF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyJecuJiuc
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBg57eLUAk
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZR0Wbt3vyU
"O-Okay."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fhvlMamkw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuEz9DBUDe
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoxr7L2Nvd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRw8XLqWjBG
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPMONjotQw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmeWa0Y5Hi
"Okay okay, fine."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ891lRj8qJx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj6Z8sozx2
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRktCllOESO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IR5DYJqHq
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwhdaMxHhx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifrzBxBRWp
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdsOd3z6rh
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAZxshL9T7
–
–
–
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVVLv7ssyd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4tBykAFQs
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLHX7mAVGa
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaihw5Ke4Y5
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xtXXLkpE7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95aIplZnTB
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHnGgvScAV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0b0AFdKTsr
"Huh...? What did you say?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5KsE8jxJC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UnFRgOPYK
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiSLy0a9Zd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PIIS5cNxt
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmCqfvzxlq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgGATy3qux
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTXislpAG6
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf4TDpHW7c
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZO5GVz5ot
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhq0tNEOOj0
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWxLUBboIp
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB3mPOGxWe
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJKbScWgnX
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe8bqw94Vh
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR1fVjXrfZ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq6sJNcta9
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yM8fG7bpV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEv1kBa4Eb
"Note?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3bnlhcgnq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiHgn9ftXh
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwG58WK2C1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRncM16vEI
"What does it say?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA94FTS7J4m
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmZxE40f8b
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i0jA23o2x
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k7fC1ZtYq
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZgJpH4uNy
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj7MABgjTS
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXFA3KEvtz
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIt5QD6x4ix
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2RaalTew4
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4z2OVboK2A
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0VROC7fWJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UvXqcKdr4
Juke sighed and put the paper away.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVkJZZpgPP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CusQ8gBxu
"So, how's about a story?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfLjVPKSOb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizVGPWA5fx
"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?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCgfEKAfxS
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkdJYkKtsa
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9XtiI4OAD
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ppA3sxM7S
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡan9Ycb2n2j
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKI1gB1MI8
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTMzC37e6u
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeik4DjwTTg
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNihb8fgLwc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4uaSHP9nv
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuQoc4x5VP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbJxVZEjia
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF7fKvE6KF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRTooMBK6R
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjnJvf6q6Y
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiE6yisr9Q
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ijEuCTk5s
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaoGVPpqnT
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDGI2E7qfs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhO4W68uGk
"Seriously? You have to be lying."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyvPZgLU2C
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tEHN2g2VD
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9Qd9sbq9C
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzmQKHVkOp
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yYOnH3hXv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CQ7RF4qnp
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iNAqQEycA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl399kLPxa
"Like what?" I asked.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoua51Ik92
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6sFO9IdOE
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2jKu0v8tO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYbwY3e5Dw
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrvKkzGlvr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj63ZIbFHgu
"...Stardust?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyyueqQeJX
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm22TL1FBHu
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMBH9UqiOL
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZp2PBCBQa
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QJVgNf1DF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i1sKbMThh
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCDLawhbiP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK8eedt9WA
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi155mzMXrR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FdlbchAGq
"...The what?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVdY1Tk9fK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsyoLTsVim
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yFywJ9uOx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9lcziIeIl
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6MvgN5y9o
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLe14MyDij
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwmoGreRLs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHdCzLsREo
"Of course I do!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaoipyAq8i
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk9Y8X1TQU
She pumped her fist.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vDG6Onr45
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVYOfQnHtG
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasjbjEsufu
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81CCTUh6Ev
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyp8KddIPbz
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwahiKbUwf9
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5kVNZfgta
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1c8VjAYGMV
"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–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkgmjwkr38
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWLVg0cVsR
"I already know this."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z0JGNxoIj
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Cbnhc6mPN
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZo4YoGwK1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGSJ7SHR4F
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ9Uy83qPt
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4MJButHnz
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOkphssvPi
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvl48nNoRh
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGkjPKinVu
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQurqYhjZVp
"Eh? Why?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl26DuScVwW
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CQdeY8G6G
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HBMuVfX3X
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVzrDKfwGr
"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–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTlPDJGSOn
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNSbYKPwVU
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c3rCo5xbE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH981SGckjw
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzQyORxJiF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3o3iuPZRa
"That's cuz I met her."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBgGMppY03
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl6MrOVOqP
"WHAT!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ9sKVxqio
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLykyYSdd6o
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimnaArx4zn
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwFRGRVaya
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwsJrI4yv6
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1Uk9zlaqP
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5YV6vfgxS
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoFBg6oIDZ
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoDzaime09
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXvkldg6YB
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8l1v5aUp8X
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVxDjCEw2D
"You're kidding."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArW8S80htE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF32JzsqkFM
He shook his head no.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfuuLlEGHo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplvHXfeIem
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPPSOfRBUB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPA3Pxe0Ec
"You're making this up," I said.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4ZCtjUXOm
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNndiHrTVY
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL42AYBcqs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtYNLDBMhx
Juke shrugged.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKb9yV0Ho1u
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ap4z3DZzj
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstYELvp6WJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcf3h3psRI
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDjnFEns7n
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTYUHBP6Hc
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVZ4I23tnw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCydLDp5N9
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkCgz8rlHR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkW5Keke2b
"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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLxRuiaMaF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb8SWBuaEy
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjbKiYFd07
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyTlsYewq5
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlK2rWX3YL1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiT2x3AANHj
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMAnfCi5Kx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj46TNjfNAS
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHBq08SNbr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGadRs0eUI6
She pointed a finger at him.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYMGWz6Rjo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4MMbVY6WM
"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!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI29xKkcu8w
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIDgQikF6B
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfmcGrZVel
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmVmdsqbNC
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdLs3eEstL
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqPZ4PLZLn
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCHhnh9Bv7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPViQ8E3mI
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcJ46PDyP7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yMK59FozT
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuq1VkLGGD
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hGrDKs1C4
"--Ngh! You guys...!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUB3OiqQZc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUU85u3Bhs
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfPyuz0Wo7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHyGF678D5
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStY8f1oSCv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf8XM0gPYr
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmh2KoOwMj
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYFCG3bcXk
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjhzVLWsGP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61Rczcl1qR
"Ya look like you have something to say."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDYeOGutUK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2blJP1n04
"W-Well..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaj79pnUw4t
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfiamg7pAY
She turned her head away.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZPHjb1I5v
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS8PtKjtbw
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjat4xFRKpT
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xg09odX4r
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2GNjc6wD6
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrGd1BElAz
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP6r3dQ8vK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksryDcSH4A
"Mhm, I told you so."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFjzmDSwwK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca63qL2DAB
–
–
–
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKNeTHW9wJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooonMR9Y1w
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21tIKKmODg
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwASZDEdoPa
"...So why am I not getting any?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28BFc7i8sr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxCqnkbtLh
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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxymRYRZEtB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x5whmAkcm
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–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplRdHXo8Fo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ22o8uiQv1
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AWaYrIBGl
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BvCYnPrdv
"Eh?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3lpG1K2tE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQD9H6KfrF
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PtcOiYqSZ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N3eV9TVJv
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8pgupnn3f
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXk3jhX0gP
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FPqC4iSVn
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhMK1zkxW2
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdClDsTllw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFraVTsNDQ
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZnHwYKRJR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrrh4EgDOD
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWERDKEIm8p
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzsvIBHyom
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcBfI62Xzm
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW3XD8SCUg
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtmVrAhOl0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3Y3UoS6OR
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEPVmRaMrJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO06n8SLtIU
"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?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQpS0mVcfr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsT0s87dsLo
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3eLkylvHo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTMEv3qw9Y
"A jungle? What elevation?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPQUo4ekkI
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6ViCI5dcy
He shrugged.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WZhrWpEdC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT61p9YnXmz
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae5eY9McVt
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWlMtxwaol
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96NBTupul1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkExlY4YVN
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNObGTlr3m2
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEOG6V4UEm
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pC1vkjWDW
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB1kBdb31K
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5K1DcXAwIR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQh9fuAXK8
"Why?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78yCu5hboh
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriApj4mNyX
"..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJDh5Ez055
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkTIliyy3g
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cus0LpRmG
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuEFli90eX
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqk0hjguavA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwY19KMNjXM
"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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieAaOe5j5D
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYx8DUFEDnO
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo60EwOkyLQ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj95OYV8r6p
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7y1SkkxSf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ844MEWMA8s
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOMKuKcDwR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa2eV5wA2w
"..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3PNXlGpP7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RZlPgEcpx
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDeN3Qq2VU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KORNDNrtP
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0mDxrHW68
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7twTKfQzCx
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfEs9PHCWM
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokhyiau9uq
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIgpXDx1Pr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaZZKXyPZy
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TqWYrMXB3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrZflCze3i
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rrgBPWdOF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexxmUw9Rsv
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiDNKHdtNJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRtdBXT46M
"TALBOT!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzgaJRN1Ge
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYwP3I9T7W
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd6eMr35LR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkKm60PPq2
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI9PN3rX5S
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NGDZAG9IR
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqBeONyYNz
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR7YPi56Cp
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3rZnObwHc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorHBzVQsKe
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f5N6W7OU1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzHy0iRCDE
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8pipmoUxu
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg02lrRZwJ
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCFW0F35F6
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN6Te2kT2Q
"Are ya kidding me?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdRiVMClUX
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD6ekL0pcg
"That's so lame!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdJrfXfewN
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJD3R3xtma
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxQW30sqNy
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65pLdKn4zl
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWp7AumAy3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvxCHkEfm6
"What's that supposed to mean?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCDItSRzHU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0pUB5NFuD
"Nothing."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiZsbOjJ1B
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjQ8C6Pwrg
She returned to chowing down on her food.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVt7zyFgpc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZoavWKQpM
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcg8AGkExU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡff5uNrBCS9
"Well..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBA7rHuVAO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqzLgIPSiL
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AAmLNZpAE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHcZ6PKqMy
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE8pIgxwbE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe9BsbGsGA
"...No."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBC6pJrpUK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRu3SjDM2lv
"Eh? Why not?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuJIfOrFTM
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVAscXhM0h
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPib3i2ZSx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyGkSGhMHu
"Huh!? What'd you say?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLOdwes08I
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpVy6JZPxJ
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkbivDtUJf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKkc4WQqFW
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoaCPTNEqi
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmS0WUOES6
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCrlTAFLeE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezPtUmvcGp
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8pkEtS8Pl
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDokitpEha
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9K61vcFPb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQpXVtgAiW
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYeSSbnlxE
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xRDzXdNhe
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizUx9Vyfvx
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1eqfkEsZC
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRFPAw04iq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeNBtTyHCB
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd39vSDM9Um
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO8OgeEtgK
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZWrxBtW4Z
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5IMAzE7SK
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOXkNdGDkD
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX116pcsp92
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLP8vlcA2lV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDLPDZpgPj
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFSb1YnIml
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4TvA1DHDK
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BK6V4ORKo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMr1fBQvle
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIusdykrYj8
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjodyhadqw
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcihtH14we
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaasdgqeF11
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIpgH3J1d8
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4xdnGUmnt
"Custom design? Well..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCynQW1d22
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefJwrRFnrk
She turned her head away.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXW1u0ZO4B
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJOm9RAajU
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvD8DsvXqe
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2r8paC0MQ
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwIcC5dhYR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY7kX1djGt
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMATIPG8E8
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4e8XHSfyqf
"Oh, this?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfyQAlrrxV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh80oZFWww
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr8LqCIfAK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAXbO3sH8W
"I stole it!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0LuamWuBm
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7TObx1Ebc
"No surprise."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94WmcTufVC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC2Ipewyt0
"I ain't surprised."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQwZprbyiR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgBoieWYgt
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1nzFcFMX1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCdN9QvSVQ
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3BFp7rtUQ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM2v42PuAz
"No."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkGr1wvnlC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrMitgZ9Ka
"Not really."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4FFbSiWNM
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fOFFk5AYU
"Ah... you two are lame!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7E9AqU6ehf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh58lX2UOz
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLTWAXWk3A
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMjOGiWDMa
"..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93lTHXr3Yz
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9r1gM1d1c
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqcWSHRcNX
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibQPBpqV13
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKunTKTloJP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9LG0mM7Vv
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg827LDAgcY
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5MwYflt44
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMEREunG6H
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1QCSVKNgC
"I-I see... I suppose so."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Zm4fZvOOv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpwFUOpcop
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupJs5YTN4D
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GAzIMkReJ
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1ieYrB1xs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ807zFDMfMH
"Did you have to word it that way?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8BVwtCTr2
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvZZoMZKzM
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEgJRxA2S5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCT2KU9e6VQ
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAssnRkBZDb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnKwi9V0bV
"Ya got it, boss."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtpQ1iMWsi
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolhgszWqDt
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOcEjoxHyD
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7yc8HvDCq
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujToeXkVCi
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqOa5eMCcf
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbnFjeXSQS
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03BVQTJgIv
"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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnELq2PhKL
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4OyQFWDpy
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDiA6VTMSm
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFZlKFHQxF
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBVn6uNs50
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4wyHgJTbL
"...Well, alright. What is it?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitrNuJptiZ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iajmFzjVQ
"I... I wanted..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiTmHwXWGt
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9QgYIU7pv
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5wVRUPhf2
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXDSuF8GdT
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZJEosIXfF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MZa4YKRRF
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLR7WMvSTb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6zE7dbR4I
"Where's this coming from?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gZG5KKR7K
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5reTfylyHq
"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?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl9SvS1Sjf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVQhiJ6kMt
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hTb4YIeg8
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3j3Hz0cuk
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5y0b4kx72
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSEPnjnUdD
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJBbdWkXBM
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUCnF2vYFy
In that light–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdU3lUscqpF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlbZk7tiJF
"Alright, apology accepted."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwuGBq4j3x
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPt5Pi0r467
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGyjE5uMpP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmGRNrxf6O
"--only on one condition."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcSTe5PP4U
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFPk30yLnG
"Eh!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmoDPjRwjA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7xOMznEjS
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyXkldrcON
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO4mcpph9Z
"That's right."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zVIqvabGO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9esNviCQPu
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJbzLh1FMQ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf2LyU5kKm
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJ3VgqFoLd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVinTrnJz4
"He sounds like a priss."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZybEfEMGN
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4HXijiZNq
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeUOJXHXZQ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPg7FOtClY
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VhaJgyDvt
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhwlsRzAkg
"Fine, what's your condition?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWEi9M2NC8
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zrhgcInY5
I pointed a finger at her.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz4Y35dCEZ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsIQ9qsrna
"We need to get along from now on."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SvBnwqtAB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHWWkhBtZa
"...Huh?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfEGRaetTX
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbENJJIDfPU
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxugXq8qdLP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1ebqswcNL
"...Ha, that's it?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IRh6QfBEl
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoKyyFuHd3
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAjjmPIERe
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtj9JZDVVYA
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoLLbm2b9y
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDP5RmDeACG
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJnRdm9UtD
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sdYhgi3DU
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSoVXG5ghN
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67yZGAnKKR
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7vP96mlLU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DcHPQ7GB7
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ40VM6rYk
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZc7ox1h9W
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuW2MfAWuA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtpbKWh8MY
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR8C8ntdFo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHdTrmhfXO
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcudLj50jW4
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyUBcKYGPp
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlK2NdR9cU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrTGgf9CZM
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5HmwIYPW7P
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kO7URltgl
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGTLXkyHlr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStg57EgdJU
"What a weirdo, seriously."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOYJwfqKyv
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMbeY3XbQZ
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyApN6RSO3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4nXu068sI
–
–
–
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ927wULLCn0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk7zutTKhj
"You guys! You gotta see this!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpP6hJR85d
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3shRgy4Qbc
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqVlrS9IQi
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweB11IOcn8
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.
