My finger, covered in saliva, was pulsing in pain, and yet I struggled to keep it away from my teeth.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡri5ItF6OZr
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU6XtXLh5S
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXySDFHFyrD
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SEOVz6z0K
"Haa..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxawgMlqiVx
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7fo8LPbwx
"Are you okay?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5TIZ89Tza
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBj1jCNneV
"Phew. Now I am."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWBsHhragp
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaHu7Ziwda
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27NbEPk2NF
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2rZdnLS8g
"W-What is it?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHwnazEdHL
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDvr3g6WyF
"Stop biting your fingers, it's gross."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPZ28nNUhO
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK912eoFQs7
"You're right. But, I can't help myself."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjDrdnzr0m
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4CoQjAT9p
"Why'd you start doing it anyway?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRB7SQugvH
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3L7hb8bjEs
"Well..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oynXskT5U
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG4Yb561Xi
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7555FGCCp
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOKNx4XKov
"Come on, tell me!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡha0k2528ll
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXJPrev3hn
"...It's just something that makes me feel at ease."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEwMV1zT9M
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMTxyY9DpB
She sighed and shrugged.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXMybm3SD8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwBX6R2SPG
"Are you feeling nervous?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrmj6PQAIg
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC71XjtXsQj
"Of course I am."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecmRTvYasH
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L1IxxfgbN
"You shouldn't be."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1CCGCy2gn
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xzkxs8lKc
"Easier said than done. This is a really important mission, Flinty."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRC77EZwlv
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0kOd1hwJO
"But you're Kenny, aren't you? I'm sure you'll be fine."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfruKbnqnC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHDboYkUwC
"...What's that supposed to mean?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IlAkKSYdW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2aMeMekgg
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde2LZWE4Po
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9AatWSN8E
"I think you came here a little too early."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgp1LOJ6UY
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7FjuRwn5W
"You're probably correct. Sorry for wasting your time."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1XAnJPXRk
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHe4Wfqfhi
"It's okay. I wanted to see you off, remember?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXzlJLvqTg
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIoktnHV8s
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!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KsSUK2h4S
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Pqo9F8atJ
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQon9X2ikkO
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69f1pBfVjJ
"I believe we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Kenny. I look forward to working with you."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyQ2TlSmQ4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wUHkf3nki
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCqneljZR3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh7oD5iGsG
"Aren't you going to say something?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiCDRAEfvq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UnMQieH5z
"Hmph. Not until I'm sure you're my teammate."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDw46zYPoj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxuFyVd95n
"Do you need me to cross-check our Combatant License? We have the same mission!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukaqdO3jyZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvLd0oZplH
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeEzB1fUR0
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qvLVLCRw4
"...I-I still don't believe you."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXwHH0Alhl
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk1lsMdWzU
"Are you serious!?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmL8gwx2tIo
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPPGdttIVO
I stomped the ground. I was sure a blood vessel was going to burst, but I quickly recollected myself with a deep breath.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86yzFTDpuD
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwWjVymzNY
"Can I at least have your name?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2XUn8abPx
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWzr9b8V1b
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFVHhOOlQh
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwPDqZNVec
"F-Fine, I'll at least give you that. My name's Rover. Remember it!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIsVZONM0G
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aZvxu6MPK
She jumped off her seat and pointed at me upon that declaration. I took a step back.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq60sQmSfRU
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgUzGsjLOA
"A-Alright, I won't forget."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wFNVoYjp3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX8rG2wo29
"...Why are you still here? You got my name, didn't you?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSGohmOtdQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZyoi9mRhs
"Well, I was thinking you could at least apologize for being so rude. Especially since you were proven to be blatantly wrong."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kj2AWrUE8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcyAbEC7cn
She put a hand on the hilt of her rapier and narrowed her eyes.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbLi6PIJSR
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSj16sub7S0
"You... y-you're pushing your luck!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8vxlsGVXc
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJR8IyDJpmL
"I'm asking for something completely reasonable here!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2np7kscU0a
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSefnqDwjMa
She turned her head away and sat back down. I rolled my eyes and returned to the stool. Flinty gave me a sympathetic look.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUKpKK0W3l
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlJemmg5Uc
"She's not very nice at all."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJ9Qq1krYG
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPr9enTxeNV
"I suppose not."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R38QfdG2O
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouPn5nXiFN
"I'm sure it'll work out fine, though."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIEvbhOqKn
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFihsjt2YvC
"You have too much faith in me, I really don't understand it–"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtiFiK3WIU
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzcfTAWMlZ
**SMASH**129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9kloQxeqN
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETZspiqE9W
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx2c6fV8EV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGINTmkMkj
My jaw dropped once I saw the thing covering his head.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr7W4OkP1t
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllRlbkmBcG
"Ah, hey kid! Bet ya didn't expect me!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVKsm1KswM
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBnWzXOWv4
It was Juke. He was waving his hand as he walked to the stools.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmNAwLBss7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiLi8gK4RD
"What's that face for? It ain't that surprising that it's me, is it?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanYvZPJtXs
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY2wL50SmN
"...When I think about it now, it isn't."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA07kqHQg4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf8VMK6UeR
Still, I couldn't pretend like I didn't experience a great deal of shock.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdkdUuhQIV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoto81kEbnu
"It's nice to see you in good health, Juke."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE0UOmhhMB
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuu4y83CE6
"Yep! Ya look in a pretty bad mood, though. And who's this girl?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTwjXyUFDV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopWz1Aa1jh
He directed his tilted head at her, and Flitny returned a bright smile.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0uXZ3HIMl
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qu29pgOy2
"Hi! I'm Flinty! Are you one of Kenny's friends?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaYDMPIMt8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlWAoFNdQS
"Something like that. Nice to meet ya. Ya aren't on the mission, are you?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjie6ZG6Dc8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpz7VSmyz70
"No, not at all."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzk0rgtQDT
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQKDn4qmRG
"Good, I don't wanna babysit two people! Haha!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gm5xewhdZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4rarv3xnR
I smiled at his joke, and Flinty looked amused by it. Though, I found his choice of words rather pitiful.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2IwNqyLnf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZyjAra84D
"If that's the case, Juke, then I have some unfortunate news for you."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldvNHtusQm
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrsPvhvXJJ
I pointed at Rover. Juke followed the direction and turned his head back to me.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8xPaX53xg
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5Pjrv9Rw9
"Is she our teammate?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2KvkRdyxL
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg7bM9kk6o
"Yes. She isn't very pleasant."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoOMqgri6u
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuNEBo4LNe
"That so? Lemme test the waters."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEqn5Nxgwi
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoZciB7zGl
"You'll regret it."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYE77MTtk3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7D0T0PT7T
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwPOZgmsj9
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPIPgkkBXv
"...Wait."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62Skgg0ETB
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bZNgGqnPX
It wasn't supposed to happen like that at all!129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu4HIV0mVg
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyoYC1h9xS
"She seems nice enough, just a little hotheaded."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZQ8iuubRi
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpMU7Eb1cq
"A little? Just a little?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIkSPuFw5Z
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO08mSlyDh
"Ya must've just caught her on a bad day."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcKicZNNCI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGoHnOQax2
"I met her five minutes ago!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEV0TIpbMCI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfk7CqFqrPB
He merely shrugged and sat on the stool to my right. I pinched my nose and looked at the floor.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIG1b2zDCn
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44NgZbElj6
"...You have some weird teammates, Kenny."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CNznlC4FS
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nJJTbZQtM
"You're unfortunately right. I'm dreading this mission."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUpuPa6Tq1
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk11DX5k0g
"Really?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllslIb6Svh
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vtAp0XrA9
I turned my head at her. She had a look of slight confusion, which only made me puzzled.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFZAOUidNO
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPyyWeWkVn
"What do you mean 'really'?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae5Hs3fZUh
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8PEsY8IGw
"Well, when I look at you, you stopped biting your finger, haven't you?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGzdIqMHjE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JZ4amd9O8
"--!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDJAFmtbsL
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEq3Mnaigc7
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qxXCBAKyO
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lL967Ox3q
"...I guess so. But I can't say I'm looking forward to it anyway."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6s1DsALCF
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lLYjHodoa
"Come on, Kenny. You'll be fine, I know you will."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoPwtP3sZj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYZYAKp9fR
**SMASH**129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qycYuPJtI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDi9oNESRld
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJc0j5EqXd
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNHzqDm1V9
My jaw dropped yet again.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPND63gjVC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPEuQZFOBW
"ROY!?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9VWhGbLrV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzervMEnphW
–
–
–
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFhatXZHWc
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiafxjm2JV
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sjJTJ3wWy
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQRGtaYPxl
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEN9HGSNUO
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7qzieJQuf
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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyjxFNiHuZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3vxqeMavk
"Phew, that's good to hear. So, are we boarding or not?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmsYG3TgjE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu1mpFINMP
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuptuBlG9R
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9alHFhCdzE
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8LpQHau4e
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F1WjoWlHq
"I'm gonna climb aboard too. Jump hop in when yer ready. Don't take too long, though."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9BT0DBW1H
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH6lUb8oGz
"R-Right."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsby4yA9GNe
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0X2hRt6ZPd
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–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjA9bn77sy
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49JFyYVI6V
"Ack!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KhK5gOBCC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzZVBk11uQ
And then, someone smacked my shoulder.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXvpHnryb4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHSM9jYsEO
"F-Flinty, what was–"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfJXj5MrFk
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sdT7DYnmh
"Good luck, Kenny! Come home safe! I know you'll do great!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJZmOCteYT
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHaQonyzcG
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLdQDVHeoc
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzNrNC4oKK
"Kenny, come on, you'll be fine."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFp4k09fGK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PCcaIgHdr
"...It's easy for you to say, but–"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4POuct5nTg
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNozL5CeioB
"No, I'm not just saying it."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBExtceRSx
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAM0XCePwDv
She put a hand on my shoulder, then quickly removed it and rubbed her head.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEGoIYjwV7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWR8Sy29PU
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2wTlnUzpC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUsrvci8NJ
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDclxZdSmF
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb8NserELO
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyV2pnWNHi
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWmuHVSseM
"I–"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRVMgY8KpW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB43VcFqeY9
"So, come on, cheer up, don't be so nervous. I mean it! You'll do great!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0R46CNdJa
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs96eGrAoa0
"...Tough, and a good person, huh?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIa42IFsec9
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGpfMss7yW
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–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhG5Hopw4hr
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7xLkti9zZ
And yet...129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanckHNAV73
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNqlcLfOti
"...I don't know what type of Kenny lives in your head, Flinty, but thank you. I feel a lot better now."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVVF7an5HW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfstwXWIODd
She looked baffled at my words but then gave me a giddy smile.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECx3mpDts5
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHgMSiJy8g
"Yes! Good luck, Kenny! I'll miss you!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxJuOSljsJ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ343zYWDKdf
And then, she wrapped her arms around me, leaving me paralyzed.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV32s8u4r7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtppkeknOF6
"W-Whaa? W-W-What is this?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ql1yuOEiV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5eoJtIV8L
"A goodbye hug. Come on, return it."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGAdZWzvaw
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDllfbQ0V6F
"A-Are you sure? I mean, this h-hardly seems appropriate–"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpLo8xMFWz
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88WIEyjfGj
"Yes, I'm sure! It's supposed to be a good-luck sendoff, and you're ruining it!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlwx2yRmhE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYtSFApqbG
"O-Okay."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8P3GWE4e0h
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEWzJTMAMk
I returned the gesture. She squeezed me tighter, stopping after about fifteen seconds.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAN0PQllkp
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2FJLnFuGP
"Now come on, go. Seriously, go."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmSoOBf7sN
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iJw4oBUis
"Okay okay, fine."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXdhoq4x7Z
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcPdgI0W7Z
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgIYyP8uth
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTsMqnbUfq
"She's making it look like I'm going on a pilgrimage, that Flinty."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGyuAjJygs
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzNUIEqXTs
I might have been seeing things, but I was sure that her eyes were wet.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVyciL0uci
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTgNLKZtTY
–
–
–
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2SuE5GxCL
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWr4CmzWDaO
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF25q07LYH
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjc2chGbGQ
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIZesdORAW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDHUofHs6e
"This carriage is extraordinarily boring. Kenny, keep me entertaining, why don't ya?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiTdgKgjkj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL2lYmRhPw
"Huh...? What did you say?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSYUoalS19
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASK2lxjTzF
I had to rub my eyes before properly facing Juke.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtVRjcC0kp
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLKVN4aHOZ
"Let's chat. Ya got any interesting stories?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4iQPrEA4N
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fnVPebeAb
"Well, no stories, but there is something I've been meaning to ask."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNWxLEVIeD
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0tCAxLiBB
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnC3XUmLEdz
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiADSh6Z9Vt
"Do you know what's in that package exactly? Is it some kind of letter?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkEURwgZcd
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1RqJqYzdQ
"I dunno. That's my best guess too, but it's too fat for it to just be a letter."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq2ESUo53y
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf3rpgQsFw
"...Well, I suppose you aren't wrong."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriaT8OePzt
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzebIeK3mX
"This stupid note that crazy mage gave me ain't much help either."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7hr6lCJrI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuQHanTCBQ
"Note?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGEQsbIR6r
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vb9ueuC3z
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXgqUciovC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo1NciBc0V
"What does it say?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9En9l9Qt5
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmKmrQVJee
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UbZMdUvZz
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41eyqIPERh
"That's useful. I'm surprised Roy didn't leave us to figure it out on our own."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgPC3C6Tle
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeXieEKqiX
"Ya really don't like this Roy guy, do ya?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXD9HFcMr2d
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeobKbq7Qh
"It's not that I dislike him, we just have that kind of relationship."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ze35rbLRR
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeYpQ4mcmJ
"...Ya strong folk are crazy, I tell ya."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgIkgIpxtC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlCzHArUG1
Juke sighed and put the paper away.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEXz1j7f5K
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPIN8saO83
"So, how's about a story?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDI4659s2gf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQrFTrBCFS
"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?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NRlf9J8de
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMcdAja7Qc
"Ack! In my forties? Holy shit, kid, yer cruel."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BpWBYfFy0
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97VOsFOdF9
I rolled my eyes and did a brushing motion with my hand.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhggmqTXRSq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNvRC37zD7
"Even if you're younger than you look, my point still stands."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYTruAmdzA
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO54NqZe3nv
"Yeah yeah, ya got a point, wizkid, yata yata. Fine, I'll tell ya a story."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22NpPNu8RN
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXtJfg1slN
"--A story? You're telling a story!?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rDK5M0ZiZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFTuF63JVM
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFSR95WNje
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqn1vB4AT7
"Ah, the girl's interested too? Ya two are putting pressure on me! I gotta come up with something good..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZeyTKaQNZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xFPXYeDTn
"Don't come up with something," she said, "tell us one of your war stories!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUnHrReDs9
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRciDTaNPoD
"...I dunno who ya take me for, but I ain't got one of these 'war stories.'"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrbUOYYMLj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51YSquhhGB
"Seriously? You have to be lying."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIYb4aS39r
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29vpNlJkoy
"Even I'm surprised," I butted in, "I took you as a person with a bellicose past."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cOoWvztv7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclN6J3w72E
"Yeah, bellicose, whatever that means."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1mjzb7cVG
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BCN9FARVj
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uTnu3lGq8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYs3V6vnbA
"Like what?" I asked.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7It0XiuwY
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4dVBMNh2j
"Well... Ya ever heard of Stardust?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8TmY0wy0V
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpC5OLVoEE
Rover's jaw dropped to the floor, but my face was inquisitive.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE93NQjqKU
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq4Hf0nfcT
"...Stardust?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiAex0gyPR
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF4c7TzXSx
"You haven't heard of Stardust!?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzptpg4zoF3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoe6XomJm7
Rover stomped the ground incredulously. By her reaction, it was as if I stated I haven't ever heard of the Flatlands.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRo91ReIRAB
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekVtH6NMaI
"No, I can't say I have. Were they a legendary hero of some kind?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJizCUCANvT
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PwbX8ipYB
"Stardust was one of the twelve founders!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkqIAOJsNy
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPxscSpHdM
"...The what?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOHhhWlfJp
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZILOyRpxb
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGAiFvA1Uv
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42fHLmvxNn
"The twelve founders. It's folklore and history that almost anybody should know."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0dOk0ZySM
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6cfZ8vbaR
"Well, I don't. Do you care to explain it?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWW3KQz3Zr
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3DMJdmpcj
"Of course I do!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOT2XoZqLy
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXrSuFmo7x
She pumped her fist.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFet97hsWu
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡby33Xxz7iu
"Hey, I thought I was telling the stories? What are ya doing, stealing my thunder?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlOHJShbOX
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYHydefmjt
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s4Rv8nv2V
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYgfUu2kIX
"You really need to choose your words better," I replied with repressed ire.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbzLguPLmU
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6NxJUP2Bf
"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–"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkIqRBXP3v
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtUOwxzqlw
"I already know this."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFly1YvHMqq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPR9EP1nB3
"Shut up! I'm trying to set the scene!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzzPhK9d4J
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDK1etVBUa
"But I already know this. Just get to the point."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddgLoew8Rl
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpJN3OXcZY
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEDfFJbUO2
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0YMl1aKD0
"...I'd expect someone like you to hate pacifists."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXmQ8sg56k
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9FNmCVw7i
"Eh? Why?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR07FQzHU6
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEoQzRGJrd
I shrugged. Though I knew my reason, I didn't want to give her one.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdP7Kx7Vdk
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0jPUOmS91
"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–"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL4P9i22vE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfemSes6sC9
She turned her gaze and pointed at the man of the hour.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOExb2hw01
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIZXbKMeET
"Why are you mentioning Stardust here and now?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFvn5LfEMr
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwIdbHl0ge
"That's cuz I met her."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs0Ufusxit
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhPQxW0r91
"WHAT!?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9aqOSZtJ8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCukcq4aX9
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhZMd5uFzT
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FfMyYHMJm
"How did you meet her? Wasn't King's Peak inhabited nearly four-hundred years ago?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GwW0PUVEj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PXctntJzT
"Eh, don't you know, Kenny?" Rover interrupted again, "The twelve captains were all granted eternal life by The King himself!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTSI8wF7ti
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy1j79yaH4
"...This is turning from folklore into myths. Eternal life? That's not possible."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mxaRncCjj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHkwTTAprL
"Well, eternal life or some other magical do-hickey, I did meet her, Kenny."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6GvEA5eKE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvFP4rx92C
"You're kidding."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0x6sabQmP
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9PmRjxog2
He shook his head no.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcnjjw5hqK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6gIQzecoe
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9725X4O4a
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvQB2UocVu
"You're making this up," I said.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpTTGi3imx
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFIM0APBvT
"Yeah, that's completely unrealistic. How could Stardust be beaten up?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBZJKX0Nmt
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCCiQ3BbQn
Juke shrugged.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQjkooTqMW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4SZI3WU0W
"I dunno, but it happened. I helped her down, gave her some treatment, chatted a bit, and we went our merry ways."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1Fba7tK5b
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDp0ZOr2Us
A story about encountering a legend being this brief left me bitter and disappointed, and I already wasn't expecting anything.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3VcpbBrbI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIxtcBxYiH
"I can't tell if you're really bad at lying or at telling stories."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMA65IdSEq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbyRb8hbOQ
"Hey, I didn't say it was gonna be a good story, just a true one."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkKSSru3bM
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5thn0dX5mC
"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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwa3B3l6ej
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDvzBKdMa1
But, I was unable to even start, because the bearer of a furious foot stomped on the carriage floor.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyyTgcwzVw
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nWGs7MwGV
"Are you serious!? All you did was just chat!?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDItbuO7mq3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S8bEpg1pQ
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv4dLnW9lS
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpKs3p44ct
"W-Woah, lady, what's so bad about just chatting?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk2nrRH2Qd
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddMWaPII2E
She pointed a finger at him.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjLOgModq7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWaxKsjtoHZ
"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!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdROcvv0nBY
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2syuCRqEIB
"Sorry to disappoint ya, but that's really all that happened."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvvVm4QKvG
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2GcnMmwPF
"Y-You, you're... you're kidding, you have to be kidding!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4PvjUU1ll
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6UUWaEkn8
At this point, I was more bewildered than cautious.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoVphqrGda
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe4p8K6TC4
"I ain't kidding. Why are ya getting so pissed off at me anyway? It was just a story."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWS8zOIY9MR
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFqVnjZEsM
"I agree with Juke. It was disappointing and mundane, sure, but you're acting like he just attacked your whole world."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzpRyjpPaf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQcqP7EAHi
"--Ngh! You guys...!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnIHZV27oX
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7stJgrQpA
She was fidgeting like a searing kettle, ready to burst any second.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu4LOyTArh
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHszFsZPftj
"You guys just don't get it! You just, don't get it..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0zoenWXz2
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8e0iIUCjV
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4M67iIGVRz
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTni42q1ia
"...W-Why are you two looking at me like that?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmjABzk9Me
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiycUp4ByK
"Ya look like you have something to say."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJgmsxYt3Q
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50V7xAmKx0
"W-Well..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4morv5Ppfo
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCbVaehXbO
She turned her head away.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJdLUZ2WN6
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODpzcr2lSo
"Sorry for getting so rowdy, I guess. You two wouldn't know, it's not fair of me to get so mad."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4qHEgPywk
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpQMlWDdW9
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYdIIvxLKU
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbP5I9V7djt
"Ya were right, this girl's crazy."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA25l7gM1p1
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJLBQiekmY
"Mhm, I told you so."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqtqkjmG80
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEgUO1NT25
–
–
–
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3w8aryt4X
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwhl1lW0iP
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpo3lzi0gz
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Qy251rX8x
"...So why am I not getting any?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQWFBxeRXt
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oOaTVAkF0
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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwXjDLHI3T
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYy8Aj5N77V
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–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtKMxEzlyb
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uvIhkPyZV
"Seriously, why didn't I get any?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡit5C5vZm5O
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEQGIkwUFD
"Eh?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAW6eiIKgC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR8bZ6LH46
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcCkeGGRXH
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPfdF0HsxI
"If you want fish, go get some yourself. The creek's not too far down.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKtSc6zGPj
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNw8t9ifcQ
"I've been providing you water the whole day, and this is the treatment I receive?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHoIMJIy8z
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGlSBomMAF
I sighed. I didn't really consider it such a big deal, but I was upset nonetheless.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIgVuw13tu
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW8pCUyK3x
"Well, your water tastes better than creek water, but it doesn't make up for a whole fish!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDc00ahlFc1
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbnBWkOZRe
"Your logic is twisted and strange. I don't follow."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpRUVymnKa
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FUmqdaiNp
"Ya gotta relax, kid. Try some of these rations, they ain't half bad at all."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvabDSsb1o0
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJKTQy7ysG
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLZZJs7cLW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoYdsO8cou
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zkBGylu9K
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAjbZUjD9F
"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?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVIuVoddzN
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S4tsGMC74
"It only gets weirder as ya ascend King's Peak. The worst I had to cross was a jungle."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjkO4YzUAf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop7lsGdfE3
"A jungle? What elevation?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov1iUGGFup
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFEeNMrFrj
He shrugged.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDNmMpzmoH
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTk5jPibkN
"It was somewhere in the Sultry Ring, though I dunno where."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHegyTgwIhZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzoQm8Mfut
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNelfexen9j
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHeGqoMSevx
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4RHDiqkkK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc31emqxXh
"Hey... when did you visit the Sultry Ring?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6m6Z1Am87j
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQMnAd8Ijn
"Ah, it was a long time ago. I was traveling a lot in my younger days, ya see."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPwmuLhH8l
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSmFDJkawM
"Why?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrKep3xKPM
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mb03jOwS7
"..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVigqNQpSw
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMPWPoXzni
He gazed into the horizon, lost in thought. Rover began obnoxiously crunching on her fish.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yjoz3pXu5
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9plrsmhCX
"Can you tone that down? You eat like an animal."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsJVEoJKZF
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxKtgPVgRK
"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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy0zdPi1Ls
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFUVCJDv9X
"If yer asking why I did it, then I guess I don't have an answer for ya."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF94geYFqs
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbxpSPc4t5
"...You don't have an answer? Do you mean you don't want to share?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdZakTLTAa
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBizbnS7yA
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJBlagIYgm
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLJo1OqdH1
"..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1OcVbTOcK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M89OWZ4fI
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGrqtMFJna
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUrsSskqIR
"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."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ9ZK9nBjC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iP7mNeJ1i
Still unable to find any good words, and not wanting to exacerbate the situation, I said something simple and innocuous.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWY4YwLuSby
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHx5Abm0fIo
"Well, I hope you find an answer soon."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcPKMxh028
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdvTgZiZ3O
"Thanks, kid. How about ya, Kenny? How'd ya wind up in the capital and on all this mission business at yer age?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOvEVPaAmT
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvoN3odevm
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClZXXZfkzG
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6km7LN7WE
"It started when I got a letter from Talbot University–"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83Krey48Jv
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc23wCm0WL
"TALBOT!?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuBVgfdNi3
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9yv1vK6Sn
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LdS0zliCu
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT1aHa9fKB
"Why does everyone react that way when I mention Talbot? I get it's prestigious and everything, but it feels like its too much."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEwqnw0xrZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb2FH9jiwO
"Kid... Ya got accepted into that school at yer age, and ya don't even know how big of a deal it is?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl2Myv1egE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2cV6OdSWN
"Yeah, I'm struggling to even believe you," Rover said, "Do you have any proof?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2rZmn2UHt
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91AZnSw2ng
"All my 'proof' is at home. That is unless you don't mind me making a potion here and now."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOc9iRJjON
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s0BynxIOO
Juke and Rover exchanged glances, mulling over my proposal before nodding at me.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Kixtw0SKA
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyBTCkONUR
"Well, too bad, I don't have any proper equipment."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqQulrQYoZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSa5pEEcx5
"Are ya kidding me?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1AG8T6la1
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2wR4FdDMd
"That's so lame!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZyHlrCWqf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FnlQOvYO0
I smirked and shrugged. Juke planted his helmet in his palms while Rover narrowed her eyes at me while129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc5ZbEkAeQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HV6VNRCPJ
"...For some reason, I don't think you're lying."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHQmB7A2Zl
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zk3gmQK0h
"What's that supposed to mean?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVo1khi9zJ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOL5UewalR
"Nothing."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzC5En78SRV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZb5edG13w6
She returned to chowing down on her food.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2W9rnotSc
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQuqiR4Hsg
"Alright, so ya got an invite from the university. What about after?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEkEI4YZvs
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2csEkx4eGK
"Well..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5zVAkzOpU
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJr99zveTg
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtCmOBlfn4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9djdMlAiy
"That's kinda cool," she said with the fish in her mouth, "can I see the tendril you were talking about?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5rBoNdrTb
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7C7aESES45
"...No."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN2x7yaWlG
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupNxc4wSG4
"Eh? Why not?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SI9IBw4NK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRZhYfDR5F
"Because I don't feel like it. Besides, you're rude and ill-mannered, so why should I listen to you?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB31cYlM4f
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aievX501h
"Huh!? What'd you say?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYd4tTzxqeN
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL6ofU7ujj
She almost spat her food out. She quickly realized that she lost her temper and returned to eating while mumbling something.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMfoVeBo6Q
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqa5XR8NyR
"Say, Kenny, this Flinty girl... is she yer girlfriend?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnztEALp8V
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICkdc7Z8Gu
"G-G-Girlfriend!?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA73E867nB
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD4PePesgo
I felt a sudden rush of blood on my face. I was sure that Juke was grinning deviously underneath his helmet.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDRGGUsVSX
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLAw31ccOi
"Nah, I ain't gonna tease ya, that'd be cruel of me."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjSdfGYoK7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6cpuGk8Rr
"S-She isn't my girlfriend! Just, a close friend is all."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAZXMbjrr6
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRBMWeDmmi
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0sP1YGGYE
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rDXkeSUBJ
"...Y'know, I kinda wanna tell a story, too."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQE16MeFu7
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JEBn8LA6L
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC26R0rqPFi
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZuQBTarlh
"I didn't take ya as the teller type, more as a recipient. Well, ya better blow us away, girly."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzVAftltLO
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOfbG4ZeXj
She momentarily furrowed her brows at Juke.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGMfruUjCb
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHuuBEoB4Y
"Hmph, of course I will! So..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TJQDBIBNL
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxFTlm8nHy
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD6aWLX8hS
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz05gf1oEzv
"I guess I'll just talk about one of my missions. So, listen up! It's going to get really intense!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡninlXFVTz8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DCE6vki1S
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmmTOlzj4T
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYByrrA6ho5
"These things are deceptively effective. I even caught a few greatswords with this thing, that's how strong it is!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy9lklOucc
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK31qJ0spV2
"Is it a custom design? I doubt ya stopped a greatsword with a run-of-the-mill one."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJa6vDxo56
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfZm9BFQ69
"Custom design? Well..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfhGKmVyLq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxWZXM88ZY
She turned her head away.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVKHBJ9nOP
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡru6aCjzw2y
"It was specially made for someone, but not for me. I got it as a gift."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tHFCt7ZST
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjtUuQ9OO7
Noticing how timid she grew when she spoke, I decided not to question her further. Instead, I inquired about her other weapon.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFIyS70ycr
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpy8zXbvzWM
"What about the rapier? It looks too posh for an ordinary one."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvigYibpONf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloC1Ix2wPE
"Oh, this?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7nHQWtS2k
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroSeeRnXek
A shameless smirk found itself on her face as she lost all meekness.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRwQURwYw8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpCvuLfYLT
"I stole it!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkCSFfSyI8
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui04S4B5xa
"No surprise."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRdAYVeXPO
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizPik4kEUq
"I ain't surprised."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlCnYaVaV0
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwSi51hUEd
Juke and I crossed our arms in unison. Rover looked troubled.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOVQiB0T6J
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFxi4SqcaV
"Huh? Don't you two want to find out how I got it?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NhLfH1g2N
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjYxq7ay3L
"No."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OuEpVKH3H
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡes4j8v2hfG
"Not really."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAHV256W2l
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYpx6ExK3g
"Ah... you two are lame!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGNndsd4IR
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0datv8kRt
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlBfSm1CXb
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM6E6qGRX6
"..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4salzCFrTU
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0ZB0O9TP8
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPxpQQz1O9
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLUnxZsdRb
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUeGltkabf
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ydx7n9EGh
"I have a feeling that I won't be sleeping very well tonight."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOMwwY31UP
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaVpzbeXXT
"Ya serious? Equipment like this is a blessing. Otherwise, ya'd be sleeping against rocks and trees."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXe69aYA6fG
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikbkuJyr7t
"I-I see... I suppose so."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkB0pUJFMy
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXgiDMsCz2
"I guess this is ya first time going on such a long adventure? Not much of an excursion now, is it?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWilli8g08
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A7UB0u2n2
I frowned, letting my eyebrows fall in dismay.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwra6uN3PYt
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCCOGAM3xx
"Did you have to word it that way?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0tfCyLjLk
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4ZmEocWj4
"Haha, sorry, I guess I do like teasing young brats."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvBZaTk7Av
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkhaCBK1HV
"Yeah yeah. Go to sleep so I don't have to deal with you anymore."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjbBcMsqpV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Nwar7LIxQ
"Ya got it, boss."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymRpUzkknC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4g5RpI7ozO
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjW8eL614q
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMBRko3GZf
"It doesn't matter anyway, I suppose I should call it a night myself."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgxyxNV2Vu
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBgLuYF60T
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZatRLs0xhC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDzTfWu2CT
"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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMO3e8Nyzo6
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEfmffDZ8T
"Do you mind if we chat for a little? T-There's something that I need to tell you."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRf02leBpzq
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPffSjEvsve
I was immediately struck with crippling foreboding, but I knew running away would do me no good, so I obliged.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMSGK54CSC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ16L5eYfUj
"...Well, alright. What is it?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5sQ0j5lpK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPgWZ2jU2Q
"I... I wanted..."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcO1pczdlt
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCiQIOqxs4T
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF434d6L8x
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcfJHHtZhp
"I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry! There, ha!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDZaYExkx6
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48qmXXQZPt
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CIKn3zPGQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiIt13ulCC
"Where's this coming from?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5k5hyygJI
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdBbDMJZzE
"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?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTNItK0Q5t
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTye6ZqWTP
"O-Oh. Yeah, I did."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkqlTIfFQK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo03z2mbueb
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfP0UiX5jK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioGxmdcTq9
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugdvO1TDqY
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98ky1KeaFh
In that light–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2rcvRtvew
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZAnHX7VlL
"Alright, apology accepted."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrRfP2Y4fZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0oLiWRhv7
"Phew, thank you. Do you have any idea how hard–129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9AQCI5y4n
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Nplqp370c
"--only on one condition."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKft9PJFpZ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsKAY4NAYS
"Eh!?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4p6lCO4nV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UTGtsUpG9
Taken aback, she widened her eyes in abject horror.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44BkcSiUOv
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbR5svt3jR
"That's right."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8TLSRTr0f
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqXaztouDa
"But I apologized! Isn't that enough?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DXe7ZvyU6
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSJ154WGYB
"No, you need to make amends, too. Some guy with a bowl cut told me that once."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcI8EGJoJB
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyBcpLEyI4
"He sounds like a priss."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtZWdFkkE2
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbc58VeXCg
"I don't know what that means, which is surprising since you said it."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AqodMfdaW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJKAnS2yMB
She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIOB24rmsD
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP8mFwxkvq
"Fine, what's your condition?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdEy8MvLDy
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN8WlmuEch
I pointed a finger at her.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Caew1RFtV
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp7L1lH3E5
"We need to get along from now on."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGB4FkNKyO
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dJsnBjfiK
"...Huh?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKIL2FOxbK
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcSJhmLIMU
"That's my condition. We need to get along from now on. How else are we supposed to work together, right?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaHq1EWnTr
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWSLmcSqZu
"...Ha, that's it?"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1mXn1onHT
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgdFlEUkHe
I nodded my head in the face of her cackling. She stopped after a few seconds when she realized I was being serious.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79KgzKI9LA
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGawYmRIDUW
"Ah, well alright, I accept your condition!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkFkVO3MjW
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqT0qy1LV4
She stuck her hand out, and I readily shook it.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbwEbuCgPl
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7e1ZIaqpj
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbr3lMrSBM
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXaSQe5Pj1
"Getting along... that's gonna be hard.," she muttered under her breath.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLD4dBScgd
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAqKJ8RAiC
"It's necessary, though. I'm sure it's possible."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4arvh0K77
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1rLDmJ1sn
"'Course it is! My mother used to say the same thing is all, so I just think it's funny."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWAkWnJh87
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiOfrxtcoF
She stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDaMqGgj7M
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCRCoyASJw
"Goodnight. Don't let the demons bite."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9meiHpwGET
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyfRuUGV1u
"You're only intimidating when you don't try to be, Kenny."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcWzLj1aP4
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsQUhJL0Sr
"H-Huh? I said that as a joke, for the record!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cNqV5ZINs
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8HTpJVyXF
She walked away,, but to her bed. Instead, she walked to a lone tree nearby and leaned against it.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Zf4TU2oC
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lFQbEfYal
"What a weirdo, seriously."129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvX5uFkygVQ
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxuFEqxOnL
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUc7bZ7PmH
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUDcQe9249
–
–
–
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg5xHiJ57J
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmuKn5vMhv
"You guys! You gotta see this!"129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSJxQrxUie
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2hkxaXsHc
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.129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uPQBKQ01h
129Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCDYm7zbSZ
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.
