My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzmkyPjX0U
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qiq6fpMww
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vRGnarVIP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvmR0dvFaU
"Haa..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BrhmmgJ07
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D5BvkdG2G
"Are you okay?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6c2n1WXYt
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRgNdlWkr5
"Phew. Now I am."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuecZt1c5gR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u6Qtz6uCc
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0frhfFYtBH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne4bYsR644
"W-What is it?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffgkibigjO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScLY60LJqc
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9rmCnGpqK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB2xyFEBLk
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB2wDklMk9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N5tCvalUy
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMw31PiTX0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OZPZq989F
"Well..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMUcf0VTlF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfBqxZeBsR
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTs2K70yMi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIpswHQJu0
"Come on, tell me!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJnpegKZZ2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJMFSPhcBc
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWInUxn3NLm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUGTBQs5yN
She sighed and shrugged.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J8MrZPFBa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKmU2OqBGi
"Are you feeling nervous?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYw8bSQZtTP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6GRD9dg4D
"Of course I am."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsjrp212U8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BMcXKXEEC
"You shouldn't be."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnBzErkEKw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlYJEGDTYW
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmdXsvm9sw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V2taIGwMq
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hg3JK0lGF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgR6tXkKFH0
"...What's that supposed to mean?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikQ0Ktn1I6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFGEvibJrE
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssNOJyHFaw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YoGu2JGUX
"I think you came here a little too early."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzUkIgw4Xe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgRSvYzxXf
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DbOfwbiNT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXVwx1FXGN
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Va4eSjOCN
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj8J733jAp
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!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIGRnvClft
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BEy02qA7j
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO12aIRp1y
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxRheRsfOs
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZZkAmtHjD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpT9pQSnEv
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSlrvnV48O
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KrOdvvlik
"Aren't you going to say something?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZd4P0Jnwy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvmVZuf8qk
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShrBaR57ZK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh4o0bG1BI
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3ueMZhAdR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqGHsYjiny
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfY3tZ5SJ6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jOCKrlbGQ
"...I-I still don't believe you."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbNi3ly1Rn
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmRzVixbrw
"Are you serious!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs4TlK1nph
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnBaNxwplv
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyAfexLfmj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kZdRfDmG1
"Can I at least have your name?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy65oYjQ6Sf
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYz6jFDyVRM
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13cHb6Nkvv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwbA9FOXfX
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaQ1q8A6eO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR99drjSWAg
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WMXynyxug
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JLUpkptuW
"A-Alright, I won't forget."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2pTv3HSfg
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD8wDcNn6Q
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcsMWCxxSM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSB6czcj0x
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSavPhp0iD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMhaNPFiBQ
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUxEa9zWg1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEewgdrPit
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI4bbW3Krq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC7keKwBda
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RREPJu0Yq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzDeeasLgU
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAkGLceKPF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT34PY4x3BO
"She's not very nice at all."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqezZ3KxfI0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtG1innOPS
"I suppose not."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED8WXNpNqd
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7eIT75Khp
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97BRsgEE2k
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zEUkm6gt3
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosHPx9pmK0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLTpBOfwNK
**SMASH**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsy68HvYzUG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5flI8uilc
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu0SoQDle3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyzGu4wlTy
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtmvkmdgSu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYWNfvfMA1
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAH2mxlEjZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3kvuFZp5c
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOrKAr82Gk
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHpNTvL5Oc
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrzEZbjtJO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX9aytvviQ
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFSS5ePnqJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLiGUR9Yal
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd51ONlT5Az
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaavvRH7Oa
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2f0XVP0U6E
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf04R2kjteX
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbOaxm875i
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDcvzkVL92
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6LRQWNHPr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD2xkAR4g6
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJohyuDOY0s
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAmJvesDl7
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnaPp4xsrT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jWTOkGpd7
"No, not at all."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9hk6NHHkI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZo6UG5eaV
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYWm1mPGnd
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFx7it4OH6
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe16iA5ipf
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghinImRQoY
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxFUt47faE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSm7GDRF7p
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbcjPdJZQM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NRdyON5Ui
"Is she our teammate?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bTFIOQDBr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5kD7LEyU0
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfFaKuutba
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI68QeoY8l
"That so? Lemme test the waters."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33acxgCeCC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciBoYTXO2o
"You'll regret it."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqLmmx9WoE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPyJUNHG8Y
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYtWs1nvpA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3H0fw8olB
"...Wait."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWooovUNi6V
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty2SMpInuu
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkYfwIS2Jw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu3oNnsZKK
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4ttmahY36
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6JFgx0cyz
"A little? Just a little?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VomcIrA6P
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GuyV9MIKd
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVWD05EJHN
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yvd88NJEZ
"I met her five minutes ago!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumIcNbCOQB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDc3aw9BPGa
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIR33UKNxI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTrPRKSt3Z
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2okmANbfPA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i2J5hVoPB
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQ7sCK7rH9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4kbE9SmFY
"Really?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7a3Vd26s1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs6p43EZaW
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlG2JNMk0f
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIrl9wLYte
"What do you mean 'really'?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpLHleIm09
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mLSefys5B
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRFJxQ6KD7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiUI683pkG
"--!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeczuyVKlO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsw3Yfnv9H
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlNwhS1lgi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64gMiT9AkM
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SuOOZXYVH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSPEQmnA9u
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3dVUzOu2A
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpjRrlcUWN
**SMASH**175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gpZex7CTv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCfxMPz5tg
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMHtmpiyWU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5BioXQWO7
My jaw dropped yet again.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldVVevQULy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcg77arygx
"ROY!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV7nSdWorq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDBzwRQiPF
–
–
–
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQmWGceQ35
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRa6SvjBJh
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8pc7QihlC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FJWLdTlH9
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43WXbkxZ24
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4puaZxiWN
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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCPOAJXIyw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkPsrpIou5
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgwqd4DhR6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpgdZIcJ9T
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtX9pbWeenl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLTHilnQO3
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ443UL7tYbA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO32w4bbUj4
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXC8gWqoxr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMLR0kUBIC
"R-Right."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvWQbZZCTe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2Ok7Ws5GZ
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–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTi6bbXfdy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPnkYhiD0S
"Ack!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoSN8BN4VF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDRCtiRsQ5
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhZvC23NYa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8EYmpNIrQ
"F-Flinty, what was–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTPnOQIgMK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2H6Q4MbGz
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaqUIVoYlB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy3ppPFgrx
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HpyAWNmE4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaxe5pTvWP
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekHA8bTVcR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQryffB9nT
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBal3pAmaGP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVl25bhUds
"No, I'm not just saying it."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeljsQVRVFx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCwixxW1jd
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYZ8NdAvHA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwnmot3TTW
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv2gQNGnPt
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xRJggKs8V
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaT0FdGKJR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tC0u9GKlF
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqKxnmpqHq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuu8tvK9KX
"I–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptEkJSzPYy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSC7FHXkpN
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY46OcJsV7g
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaosnsvk91
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpizyoacMxM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnI6bM2TGWm
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–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iybYRVOor
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoQ0lAUCHt
And yet...175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRNnM8DMEZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEn7N7dpks
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4p5eN5rSZZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1ryQqXFif
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohXwDS00iq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhKtxDTBHV
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5dMhSGVrs
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS6qdE9JU6
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BjfV7XgBB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D8mevZtuh
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxH8OfQjiA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcecweZAWR
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIexZqbgebm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAnEjX6Dmf
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEJ3da4WQb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn9RBsnTbj
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCUpOog7in
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcxoRLfo2Z
"O-Okay."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITnfyXnpdJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5xIVLhpGO
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbZPHBLYIm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ksypkqZRV
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tdi0xMU1r
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tm8NmMfCz
"Okay okay, fine."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhO81q2lKs
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXqqQfJ7k7
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKMsuJv4IE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHal8TpCOMA
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFCd43HJ9m
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcTidLKLrg
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRQoDEshpw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk1AAVIGbT
–
–
–
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89LquuD2li
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FM1GGMdcO
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAFhh3M8Vq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRxJql8HFi
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHDno0hDFH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOArE6LSXUa
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCiRJAYKVr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFPM1z82k0
"Huh...? What did you say?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jfwOeX8s0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHK63psRU3e
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ004o5XC1ZQ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfOiS2wvtq
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83g3Y454mI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ndB0GugsI
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0T9fHhCwIJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaAmhHI5jP
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgTG49v4iw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxIClR4sQ2
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOce6s9CWR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HcSPPX00P
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV7VDgYmoz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGEaCK2Vcm
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2hYhUgPEf
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAx7YLACLQ
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDYk5g7Lpj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvZMn6qg4a
"Note?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiZAftqP8c
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNaHzz5oMu
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxikVatWQ8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaG8ECbxzr
"What does it say?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKIvWjClDE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyEhL2djoj
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SHbnP435v
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6crvgicZq
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpejNSFHbu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPArhhWk8x
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfhEBopPUB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dTKbAakz1
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkS8jjbkTOV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKQbtNKpVT
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUihW97C7z
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwdVCM5OH9
Juke sighed and put the paper away.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiZilO84FO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDSqToagfO
"So, how's about a story?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQO6rz1kc1h
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7VHCUSZyF
"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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRo3WJHCY2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbB5jpwUqg
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaspznMQBYc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q3DbZYtYY
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61wejjg4qp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAOQ0rIZYn
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzY8nicobBu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHR99ETYAj
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2ksuiUtNB
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nJ5ESiiKB
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwkkqyPCxZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtU6f3hYtL
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgBGbQqA5E
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMts1v45Xta
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O9RW0nsNC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAyVndutia
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanVtiZTUhX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvqilQRcQV
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjRpnfRxvY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsBhM10Wia
"Seriously? You have to be lying."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlYzACkHOi
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC87w0tettc
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0WCiFsm97
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR5U3Xonqa
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbES7w8Z86t
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh7QLnX9WT
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0NuInLLpe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwufsSme4lD
"Like what?" I asked.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3txwFQofEL
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPbktw6Frb
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHeYoGnWs9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcqSKVg8d1
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4xPRNphPG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpnanfKjvh
"...Stardust?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwjwsZBNkt
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiohf8RFaDD
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOq8n2n7ksh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXmsF5l8oW
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3xaGHJuUR
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvMmyaD1p5
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡconWoCuQQI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwI9yGKSbt
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9p8D4SQ0S
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrosynqujU
"...The what?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk8SYvELHy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3s4VJSBiV
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XMKGIE2MM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgxQ2MsXaX
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPsStlrKKU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXhxm5gkbb
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Wml0z2YL
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2dunjY0ps
"Of course I do!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbh8ZNRiva
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd596G4pWyg
She pumped her fist.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMw656GfeiS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJGeKWRn15
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cK23mR0wo
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebA63beqCW
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ0lKJd4lT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLSqIVTs8p
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdidwucjLL
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oPzTtNv0Q
"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–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsgnfOagJA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5DIqFUlyB
"I already know this."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4wPsKWMWz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZymysPITyJ
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgb2hTMLCs
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vj7uTZ1Ch
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2THUrzucDv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6O4zTecp5
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ex4zzkWKl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5C2yLsGw6
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaqduLzD35
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPX6HeGZ2M
"Eh? Why?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatIR38SCQG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAmrk4mtQ7
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN3CxlojiM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60Tj8Bd3Dh
"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–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrImoJk8Ir
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CodMdYY9Z
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rWTDOMRQw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBV7KpaokG
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeHtOxbMmb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthfEVmdr0r
"That's cuz I met her."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbs1O19CT5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvQqtQtQl3
"WHAT!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedpNJBELl2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG3A3Q9JXl
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgilWxf7dw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnDDjvXXxh
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKfLvWqgG1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd6LzG5r8Y
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sCQBi2xmc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdok22lg053
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3APN4BwYc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YCp826Uwj
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rn68sE20h
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4wFqixoZE
"You're kidding."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotLQhKsY4e
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KpH5sD7qM
He shook his head no.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHlOQPzHQ4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8Wwp3p8pG
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5EaD3WKZd
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprpjqIpXL4
"You're making this up," I said.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hFJMsvHnJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKHuR2rf7J
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLUqI7nShE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27fE1Xsu9H
Juke shrugged.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi8XcGvQDj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG1EbI7rO9
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOjIYNzpOA
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqMHdoeorT
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzPYZQkjWl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0j9hdnUxk
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUCfvM6MNx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83jOCndUPw
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aC5i3kjVN
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumnBwKGqTS
"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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFhvOyC0ay
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTT5KAiUbh
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcqUYStPym
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRNvNvx7Gu
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNIPbwzgWv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LkTCdDT2T
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYOAN3R14F
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIq3bMY6Ws
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGHI0zaOuz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PQNe9IgSQ
She pointed a finger at him.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoricLjzMs6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuZvJBn1qp
"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!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPazUqoTAa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAgG2wZa2q
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkufBwyq9iS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbUns2VcXD
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FDNO4RUmg
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrDH1rbtoB
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9kgD7j5s8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wGjawUMYm
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj7ltObEJ6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1PzqIUK5c
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif2ZPiH6v6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxrHwwM3lz
"--Ngh! You guys...!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VNNaWoZqL
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldnskT3OCG
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXaYq5RuMw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJHNgKHi7f
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk6c0czk4T
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2PF4X2Qs4
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLa7ibvGmf
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuydZqLNfZI
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk10nafafm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVVJ6v9Ehn
"Ya look like you have something to say."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkEtkjukm4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNVm9Dyizg
"W-Well..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9tgd7p3zU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdFFCvUtze
She turned her head away.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHhWtofrIX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxqIrKk3kS
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE2X76ZiVd
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbgXmfD6Xn
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnsLeoKaX4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKcu4B4Hxw
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDhfC2AV33
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsVGjdvOuD
"Mhm, I told you so."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpchUbMyRGt
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKK7lRMlNS
–
–
–
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NW4PCKCWg
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8aNm4Q4En
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdgLw0fNsU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrTtqR0aOm
"...So why am I not getting any?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtv3KJnv3Z
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklfdkUriMe
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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQSiW4OuFr
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbdh0dUbYu
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–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOil9NqSFe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB524q6hnB
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4brsfibBIY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcIhmqCklP
"Eh?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aOhGp9oQl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA47ejVB1m
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWprYhCvrkh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObCLiuQwl6
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ4qqxtAgy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJS6ZLavgq
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtLPK49svm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTeISvntAR
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbwRk6XpCa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D3gb0sOU8
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbSZy7UI6t
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKStpgx4Oq
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7oiPy6ms3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFRcsmHjLW
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4yK2CEsVL
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYM3WDxGVM
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHzwh7x4lD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBvVRRMGsP
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSadIoiwO7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtOBk82mDu
"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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4TTpBUdZ9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiAdlHAlhX
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkHwXX97RK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu7ccItGBG
"A jungle? What elevation?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5TcL1Q3i1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGjtdIUXuj
He shrugged.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVTRxDxmLD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNPbZDAHBm
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT0tOusLvq
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4NiNL5B7C
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXozNwiGRxW
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe1SPUasa9
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8XgcVhJLu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H3otGBx9C
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6qGTYO9JX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheYsWbtHCM
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEmOjOlYxh
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcin4ANFsz
"Why?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvehKaVWrKw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JcFy4rRGJ
"..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71WHGa2CyF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MOsfYP99Q
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuo440RhnWy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvr9KrF4f0
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i2SMcfUI9
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNfTAHQtNn
"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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpnjnE0ybv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIx9eoD3mP
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabI9c1KKk6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0ctQGHcfK
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2AvEDh2HF
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTCNvNGr6d
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrbgvJBzm8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwPkksTHUk
"..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHxcG73x6M
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegOJSoRQ9w
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nqbRCDDhe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlg6tjCJ1ec
"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."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00nsOi8XGm
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn5VbsReWo
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQxoy4USMD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2c8K5lhFj
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlpsSgLVsG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DA2f5yL6w
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXeEoHN5wx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjeMsGGxRV
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2kqTJBPjG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObTY6ynNTW
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDunDwaE5u
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNnPBLndkm
"TALBOT!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvFZzYpkA5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2AV5DAC24
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR3vO1zD0J
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR245zM7XhE
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK9ERiUpT4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3GO6zVWFe
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjFBZPp3Fa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoGcCY8WZE
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyojD2nfww
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Qvn4kBvwU
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ovQPdp1AI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A3tBUAFxd
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxoWzcWu56
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPh0gjOFSj
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvbeleALFJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqYGg1ahwp
"Are ya kidding me?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8lKF1Zn9Z
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OBCMb97X5
"That's so lame!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uLuwZXzh7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmP28uwIG7
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvf73l1vv13
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17DvWFsIfN
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J0Z2uVQk1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl72K1LiHJ
"What's that supposed to mean?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UVgLDiIpt
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeU4N61685
"Nothing."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUcQ9CMQoY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rZt0VXNh3
She returned to chowing down on her food.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmehwZStVmO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe8GVa6cmJ
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6jz2IdqTy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZAoWTx3Dj
"Well..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZSQNUBJXN
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsIV2q3PUs
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDj4vTnStmv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT6O5anFFu
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MmxVsOqdu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9icxGoYSh
"...No."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5U0ezCcy0
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h7vp0mZPS
"Eh? Why not?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96XpXw3nF4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP6tZvqxu2
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHeywYiaUK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH6XwQG5QS
"Huh!? What'd you say?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvtC6yzTzj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn5GtP4sj0
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58XfzFqYD5
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJyVa2vvdG
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuccizK8epz
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwstfHA6fV
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWxRPhSt10
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenBaLQfOqk
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTs1wXUbJD
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom6F2qxml3
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuUrbxg5AC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5Jgn0WMIH
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoNqLvhZpv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb75nA4waOe
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqZpt8hcVa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTF0fdDg1G
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbBOs7XYLG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRwhbmUB0i
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF15ZUuV7Ih
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsSN84t9wS
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGUeAisjHx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5y4tTchZ9m
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusCgvguJYw
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPEPwCIBDE
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroV47zaduL
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2JpmUHVjW
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgsZnfyeel
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrhoL7UhBQ
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2tsANpNq3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNxHoPc8EI
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumUscuQORU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYtHZv9Efx
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn816rs062
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRUEbN2LVV
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckmm3hk57M
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9C2P66FSd
"Custom design? Well..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNd8hIU49X
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiNXGKLJTP
She turned her head away.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGsjRUsPub
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4Hn3lK1QC
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdF49Luz51
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFLNiY1osA
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWzG8j1MBx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y2rDdr6Hf
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OD7siNfEX
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4QZuuuWrD
"Oh, this?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRI5FGDUb7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbCAzYiuhQ
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPsKzKWwiJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIFDhA6iW6
"I stole it!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHhqH0qMAy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkCvPWr7NP
"No surprise."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGlJvS6OvU
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwV0iSDdfQ
"I ain't surprised."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IglBGeZXC
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMWiyqCoGB
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkrCyAX65a
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGcnfmx68n
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkWq21FOtO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx6WSeuvEZ
"No."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcxnxQRXjy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0n5Idx8Td
"Not really."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tV3M7gi7B
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrmzesje79
"Ah... you two are lame!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQLW6FY6D4
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cI10FZNkx
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sQviGnBK1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGbmJpwiY6
"..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ezywmVDCg
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizUMMMFBZT
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIyBMrzdWl
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbPctSfcdb
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnP1iN0L1F
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstwV1XxHlm
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboPWGoDSce
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEGcntVboP
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIn3s13Dpc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dfvmeJwKM
"I-I see... I suppose so."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKgfeMtxLu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0XsuuxAGk
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDvVWwZaP6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs9RbY6ZkZ
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxFzSpkpJf
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0rNk03nwU
"Did you have to word it that way?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1L3MCB4aM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStFoHBoBqk
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD91s02jCG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWUDdkYNeu
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSryjCZQAah
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCenRnj6Bh
"Ya got it, boss."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9uvEWxuNc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXGH8j3qaz
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUoBUtifUS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFiUtDqk3Q
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC3DUNgu2A
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGEcvV4n0x
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7rIQuUBKv
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaac8tS8Aw
"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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8psAak9Yg6
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P3QJVIxtV
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW6QBf8TBa
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10EbhtNDxO
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1kUBIFMlZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0m7uml2Ct
"...Well, alright. What is it?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrHAUQqEjT
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8yHS2e2WU
"I... I wanted..."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzIvXDJr6J
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuscZALfl3
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZG04SS0ye
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45cgfDK47n
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKbBiXe1SO
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHQTIQqhMD
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuXoA4BIDy
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3bbnlA0Ic
"Where's this coming from?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a47jm46vP
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DyfNbAUET
"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?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85GtFdnnYj
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XIxczsyHJ
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmKRRLCfxc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMTQV8kJZH
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZEY0wOiwu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX0Seli5VW
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDn739ZN4Wb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRZgbys1Bl
In that light–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3ZdRExs5g
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t9T6mVc9j
"Alright, apology accepted."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1flvbAzuJM
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFn4zhlKuTu
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHHoMI4i16
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJqaCIgU1j
"--only on one condition."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHlYBZ9a0U
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvvtiIJPjj
"Eh!?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ubWUrmilS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1CXe7pPmU
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNa4OZAV93J
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pynjRTRUO
"That's right."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQe5jJZlNg
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11iC4WRKch
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhskgWlNHS
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0Qxrnc6yi
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZwOUPV0tZ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXlzElTeuL
"He sounds like a priss."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuV8iA8FmsH
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb88IPwPiqA
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOU8YbBOMG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ObkVb83Mp
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9izyDqtBJ
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qED1soUxS
"Fine, what's your condition?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB23sO6yiu
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s00toHbmU
I pointed a finger at her.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeISYF8r7zV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFicn7qJ26t
"We need to get along from now on."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbRZddlStI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9MCis4Yoo
"...Huh?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxDc0Jq52d
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfr0vBmy1O
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9ti8UNNkx
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYwsy9inoA
"...Ha, that's it?"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OCZp7TqKG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzr44rJetY
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWazqHKVqv1
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgNuJwMgaE
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqI2B4sZlhc
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUv5anoBAJ1
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaQEpC6kKp
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTr0wRCiWu
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtMlISGaYE
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8JpMB4VWR
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJeavtqNuV
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPNAfl2bxo
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5Lr1lZKXb
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3uD4OXwH4
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYJHjLR2W7
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3Tz2cqwJO
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB638SD08PK
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeBg09XA3m
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlaCUN8MEI
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXXAYNTKCy
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLa4IqrVgFe
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrTmPFEcQX
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIg17bTJwY
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TuxFRsEHu
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaRaALdEq2
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBXbAWkyUc
"What a weirdo, seriously."175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvArCiroFt8
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdZIh5Qqty
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcDDw9EJNW
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oLlc8GGce
–
–
–
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLmLtpUlaG
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAqLvVxNTX
"You guys! You gotta see this!"175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM60IV2HMWd
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7lNBNzt2A
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.175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhpVGp7og3
175Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC1J9U8td0
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.
